There’s something special about watching Wheel of Fortune from home. Viewers love solving puzzles before the contestants, shouting out answers from the couch, and wondering how someone could miss a phrase that seems so obvious. But standing on the stage with a countdown clock running and thousands of dollars at stake is a very different experience.
That difference became a major talking point after contestant Stephen Sporer reached the Bonus Round during the March 28, 2025, episode of Wheel of Fortune. After an impressive performance in the main game, he had already secured $35,000 in winnings. Then came one final puzzle—and the chance to win an additional $40,000.
The answer was a familiar phrase: “ON OUR WAY.”
Sporer couldn’t solve it before time expired, leaving the bonus prize unclaimed. The moment prompted viewers to debate whether the puzzle was genuinely difficult or whether the pressure of the final round made an otherwise simple phrase harder to recognize.
Stephen Sporer Builds an Impressive Lead
Before the Bonus Round, Sporer had plenty of reasons to celebrate. He competed against Christina White and Megan Russell in an episode that featured several changes in momentum.
One of his strongest moments came during the Triple Toss-Up rounds, when he solved all three puzzles and added $10,000 to his winnings. He also solved the final puzzle of the regular game, earning his place in the Bonus Round.
By the end of the main competition, Sporer had accumulated $35,000.
That was already a substantial result, but the final challenge offered an opportunity to increase his total. With the main game behind him, the focus shifted to one last puzzle, a short countdown, and the possibility of another $40,000.
For viewers at home, it was an exciting setup. For the contestant, it meant having to produce the right answer under pressure.
The Bonus Round Puzzle: “ON OUR WAY”
Sporer selected the category “Phrase” for the Bonus Round.
As part of the show’s standard format, the board revealed the letters R, S, T, L, N, and E. Sporer then chose C, M, G, and O as his additional letters.
