‘Wheel of Fortune’ Player Turns Heads After Solving This Tough $73k Puzzle

Talk about a winning embrace.

“Wheel of Fortune” host Ryan Seacrest didn’t hesitate to wrap up contestant Daniel Goodman in a celebratory hug after the Virginia native crushed the Bonus Round and walked away with more than $73,000 in prizes — including a brand-new Ford Bronco.

Goodman, who hails from Arlington, Virginia, brought plenty of momentum into the February 4 episode. Fresh off his wedding, he revealed that he found out he’d be appearing on the long-running game show while on his honeymoon — a surprise email that turned his newlywed bliss into an even bigger adventure.

When he’s not solving word puzzles, Goodman competes in Rubik’s Cube tournaments and has participated in more than 90 competitions, sharpening the quick-thinking skills that would soon pay off under the bright studio lights.

He faced off against Heather Elam of Mt. Auburn, Illinois, and Khadijah Johnson of Houston, Texas. Elam struck first, solving the opening Toss-Up to pocket $1,000. Goodman answered right back by nailing the second Toss-Up, giving him $2,000 and early control of the board.

Elam later solved “National Play Outside Day,” boosting her total to $5,650. Goodman responded during the Crossword round in the category “New,” correctly identifying “Age, England, Year, York” to collect $4,000.

The momentum shifted decisively in Goodman’s favor when he solved “Pristine Wilderness,” landing the coveted Prize Puzzle. The solve earned him a trip to Patagonia and pushed his total to $21,090. In his excitement, he celebrated with an energetic side bump into Seacrest — a preview of the hugs still to come.

During the Triple Toss-Up round, Goodman added another $4,000 by solving two of the three puzzles. Johnson claimed the remaining one, earning $2,000. In the final puzzle of the main game, Elam made a dramatic buzzer-beating solve with “Never Have I Ever: Gotten a Tattoo,” finishing with $15,150. Johnson ended the night with $2,000.

Goodman secured the win with $25,090 and advanced to the Bonus Round.

Cheering him on were his wife, Hien, and his friend Clayton. Before the final puzzle, Hien confidently told him, “You’ve got this!” Seacrest couldn’t resist joking, asking whether she meant the game or the marriage. “Everything,” she replied with a smile.

For his Bonus Round category, Goodman selected “What Are You Doing?” After receiving the standard letters R, S, T, L, N and E, he chose D, G, P and I.

The puzzle board filled in to read:

GI_ING _ _ _ _ _E_R _ _G

Almost instantly — barely a second into the 10-second countdown — Goodman delivered the correct answer: “Giving You a Bear Hug.”

The crowd erupted.

Seacrest immediately acted out the phrase, pulling Goodman into a big embrace as the contestant laughed in disbelief. When the envelope was opened, the prize inside was revealed to be a Ford Bronco, sending the total value of his winnings soaring to $73,455.

Fans online praised his quick solve and infectious enthusiasm. Many pointed out how rapidly he pieced the puzzle together, crediting his composure and pattern-recognition skills.

For Goodman, the night was filled with victories — from puzzle dominance to a celebratory hug that turned into a car. And if his honeymoon surprise wasn’t memorable enough, his “bear hug” moment on national television certainly sealed it.