‘Wheel of Fortune’ Viewers Blast Big Mistake & ‘Disappointing’ Prize
Wheel of Fortune is known for giving away some incredible prizes, including trips to faraway places like Antigua, the Bahamas, Paris, and… South Dakota?
That’s right, on Monday’s (March 25) episode, contestant Tom Stadnicki, a married father of two from Watkins Glen, New York, nailed a puzzle in the “Living Things” category and won himself a trip. It’s safe to say he was more than a little surprised that his trip would be to the Mount Rushmore State.
“You know, this is a really great trip you haven’t been on; we’re taking you on a tour of South Dakota!” host Pat Sajak said.
Announcer Jim Thorton then narrated a video showing off the prize, stating, “Here’s a wild getaway where Coyotes howl,” before highlighting “iconic sights” such as Mount Rushmore.
“Dude just won a trip to South Dakota on Wheel of Fortune. He couldn’t look more excited,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter).
“Wow. Guy on wheel of fortune won a trip!!! To South Dakota. He and the rest of America couldn’t be more disappointed,” added another.
“Dude on Wheel of Fortune just won a vacation to South Dakota. LMAOOOO, I’d be heated,” said one commenter.
Other viewers noticed a glaring mistake in the prize package video, pointing out how one of the “iconic sights” it showed was Devil’s Tower, a national monument at Devil’s Gate National Park in Crook County, Wyoming.
Wheel of Fortune/YouTube
“Did they really just show Devil’s tower when describing the tour of South Dakota? Time to break out a map, and apologize to the people of Wyoming,” one fan wrote on social media.
“Wheel of Fortune needs to work on their geography! The trip giveaway for the prize puzzle was a trip to Western South Dakota, and the first image they showed was of Devil’s Tower in Wyoming! Lol,” another added.
One viewer commented, “#wheeloffortune just gave away a trip to South Dakota and showed a picture of Devil’s Tower, which is in Wyoming!”
Overall, it was a memorable night for Stadnicki, as he also impressed Sajak and viewers at home by solving a puzzle with just one letter on the board. The category was “On the Map,” and with just an S, Stadnicki solved it as “Glacier Bay Alaska.”
“Of course,” Sajak said. “How’d you do that?”
“I looked a lot at maps before this game,” Stadnicki replied.
With a total of $33,048, the New York native advanced to the Bonus Round but was unable to solve the final puzzle. Still, he walked away with over $30,000, a lot of kudos, and a once in a lifetime trip to South Dakota (and/or possibly Wyoming?).
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R
Guess what? When you visit the black hills and mt rushmore In South Dakota, the devils tower while obviously is part of wyoming, is considered part of the tour when you are in that part of South Dakota. Chill out keyboard warriors!
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O
Exactly. It's like having a heart attack in showing Horseshoe Falls (Canada) when describing Niagara Falls as part of a New York trip
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R
I think more people should vacation to SD, one of the most beautiful states in the US. As long as you are in SD, you should visit Devils Tower in Wyoming, a fun site to see.
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The dinosaurs in and around Rapid City are cool too.
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G
I think a trip to South Dakota would be a great prize. I happen to live in Minnesota so have been to Mt. Rushmore many times. When I watch this show with my dad, we joke about getting a trip to Duluth or Rochester, Minnesota or maybe the biggest twin ball road side attraction located in Darwin, Minnesota
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Thank you, KarKar! I just blew coffee out of my nose. Your reply reminded me of the old double entendre about inviting someone over to my joint, right next to the Twin Ball Drive-In...
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I could not read this article for the stupid pop-up, trying to get me to buy some rotten ass juice
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P
When we visted Mt Rushmore, we visited Devils Tower as it is only about 90 miles away. Worth the trip.
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O
Devils Tower is NOT in South Dakota. It's in Wyoming
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G
An indictment if the American Educational System.
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P
If the American Educational System what?
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O
I believe that's typo for of.
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O
Great state to visit and alot to see and do.
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I'm not surprised. I recently caught a clue on Master Minds that had a wrong author attribution, Ralph Ellison for The Invisible Man. Ralph Ellison's work has no "The" . The Invisible Man was a 1033 work by Preston Sturgis etal. I've also noticed various game shows using the same clues slightly rephrased.
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Meant 1933, oops!
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G
I have visited Mt. Rushmore a few times. From there, I have visited Devil's Tower, also. That's what I like about Mt. Rushmore; it's not just a very nice place to visit, but it is also a great staging place for day trips.
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G
I think it’s a great trip and why not keep it in the USA.
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