Skip to content 
A Wheel of Fortune player missed out on a $40,000 bonus prize—which would have brought his grand total to $62,790—after failing to solve a remarkably straightforward puzzle in the final round.
What Happened
During the Bonus Round in the “What Are You Wearing?” category, contestant Joey Moorman selected the letters C, B, D, and O. His picks paid off extremely well, leaving the puzzle board looking nearly complete:
B E __ E_ O O L C O _ T
With only four missing letters, the solution was right in front of him: BEIGE WOOL COAT.
The Missed Opportunity
As the 10-second clock ticked down, Joey struggled to decipher the first word. He blurted out several guesses, including:
“Something Wool Coat”
“Berry Wool Coat”
“Cool Coats”
Despite having the B and both Es in place, the word “beige” never came to him before time ran out.
Host Ryan Seacrest sympathized with the contestant, noting that “beige is one of those words that doesn’t like pop into your head under pressure.” However, when Seacrest revealed the card containing $40,000, Joey was left disappointed, missing out on adding to his initial $22,790 in cash and trip prizes.
Fan Reactions
Viewers at home were vocal on social media, expressing disbelief that the puzzle went unsolved:
Frustrated Fans: Many claimed to have solved it almost immediately and were shouting the answer at their screens, calling it one of the easiest layouts of the season.
Sympathetic Viewers: Others defended Joey, acknowledging how easy it is to freeze up under the bright studio lights and ticking clock.