Ryan Seacrest’s surprise gesture leaves $74,000 winner stunned on Wheel of Fortune!
By
Aubrey Razon
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Wheel of Fortune has always delivered excitement, but a recent episode took things to a whole new level. Ryan Seacrest surprised a contestant in a way no one saw coming.
How did this heartwarming moment leave everyone speechless?
Charles Tapacio, an email marketer from Hoffman Estates, Illinois, stepped onto the Wheel of Fortune stage with hopes and dreams like many before him.
Little did he know that his life was about to take a thrilling turn. With a substantial $34,650 already in his cash pot, Charles faced the final puzzle in the “What Are You Doing?” category.
The stakes were high, the studio audience was hushed, and the tension was palpable.
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As the letters “C, P, M, and A” were revealed on the board, the puzzle read: "_ R _ T _ N _ / A / M E M _."
With the ten-second timer ticking away, Charles' confidence shone through as he correctly guessed “Writing A Memo.”
The studio erupted in applause, and Ryan Seacrest's excitement was unmistakable. “Congratulations, you got it!” he exclaimed, before enveloping Charles in a warm, congratulatory hug.
The surprises didn't end there.
With a beaming smile, Seacrest revealed that Charles had just added a whopping $40,000 to his winnings, bringing his total to an impressive $74,650, along with a trip to the picturesque state of Vermont.
The joy on Charles' face was a sight to behold, and in a moment of endearing hesitation, he seemed to wonder if it was appropriate to go in for a second hug.
Source: Wheel of Fortune/Youtube.
Seacrest, ever the gracious host, pulled him in for another embrace, playfully saying, “You can squeeze me.”
The episode was filled with memorable moments, including Charles' revelation of his weekend alter ego, DJ Wildcat.
“During the week, I'm in email marketing as Charles. On the weekend, I'm DJ Wildcat… Wiki Wiki Wildcat,” he shared, explaining his gigs at weddings, birthday parties, and even Wheel of Fortune afterparties.
His vibrant personality and DJ moniker made him an instant hit with the audience and viewers at home, who took to social media to express their delight over his victory.
Fans of the show also praised Charles' strategic approach to the game.
One viewer noted, “I had 'writing a' before the letter choices. The M was crucial here.”
Another commented on his risky yet rewarding decision to choose the “What Are You Doing?” category over “THING” and “PLACE,” highlighting the importance of his selection of the letter “M.”
Charles' win continued a recent trend of high-stakes victories on Wheel of Fortune, with several contestants taking home significant cash prizes and lavish rewards in preceding episodes.
This streak of good fortune has not only been exciting for the winners but has also contributed to the show's enduring appeal and ratings success.
While some long-time fans have been slow to adjust to Ryan Seacrest as the new host, his addition to Wheel of Fortune has proven to be a ratings boon.
During Seacrest's first month, the show averaged 7.99 million viewers and was named “the most-watched entertainment series across broadcast, cable, and syndication,” according to Nielsen data reported by Newsweek.
As we celebrate Charles Tapacio's incredible win and the touching moments shared with Ryan Seacrest, it's clear that Wheel of Fortune continues to be more than just a game show—it's a place where dreams can come true, and where the warmth of human connection shines through the bright lights of the stage.
Have you ever witnessed a game show victory that moved you? Do you have a favorite Wheel of Fortune moment? Share your thoughts on this heartwarming story in the comments below.
How did this heartwarming moment leave everyone speechless?
Charles Tapacio, an email marketer from Hoffman Estates, Illinois, stepped onto the Wheel of Fortune stage with hopes and dreams like many before him.
Little did he know that his life was about to take a thrilling turn. With a substantial $34,650 already in his cash pot, Charles faced the final puzzle in the “What Are You Doing?” category.
The stakes were high, the studio audience was hushed, and the tension was palpable.

Viewers and fans celebrated Charles's bubbly personality and his alter ego DJ Wildcat. Image source: Wheel of Fortune/Youtube.
As the letters “C, P, M, and A” were revealed on the board, the puzzle read: "_ R _ T _ N _ / A / M E M _."
With the ten-second timer ticking away, Charles' confidence shone through as he correctly guessed “Writing A Memo.”
The studio erupted in applause, and Ryan Seacrest's excitement was unmistakable. “Congratulations, you got it!” he exclaimed, before enveloping Charles in a warm, congratulatory hug.
The surprises didn't end there.
With a beaming smile, Seacrest revealed that Charles had just added a whopping $40,000 to his winnings, bringing his total to an impressive $74,650, along with a trip to the picturesque state of Vermont.
The joy on Charles' face was a sight to behold, and in a moment of endearing hesitation, he seemed to wonder if it was appropriate to go in for a second hug.
Source: Wheel of Fortune/Youtube.
Seacrest, ever the gracious host, pulled him in for another embrace, playfully saying, “You can squeeze me.”
The episode was filled with memorable moments, including Charles' revelation of his weekend alter ego, DJ Wildcat.
“During the week, I'm in email marketing as Charles. On the weekend, I'm DJ Wildcat… Wiki Wiki Wildcat,” he shared, explaining his gigs at weddings, birthday parties, and even Wheel of Fortune afterparties.
His vibrant personality and DJ moniker made him an instant hit with the audience and viewers at home, who took to social media to express their delight over his victory.
Fans of the show also praised Charles' strategic approach to the game.
One viewer noted, “I had 'writing a' before the letter choices. The M was crucial here.”
Another commented on his risky yet rewarding decision to choose the “What Are You Doing?” category over “THING” and “PLACE,” highlighting the importance of his selection of the letter “M.”
Charles' win continued a recent trend of high-stakes victories on Wheel of Fortune, with several contestants taking home significant cash prizes and lavish rewards in preceding episodes.
This streak of good fortune has not only been exciting for the winners but has also contributed to the show's enduring appeal and ratings success.
While some long-time fans have been slow to adjust to Ryan Seacrest as the new host, his addition to Wheel of Fortune has proven to be a ratings boon.
During Seacrest's first month, the show averaged 7.99 million viewers and was named “the most-watched entertainment series across broadcast, cable, and syndication,” according to Nielsen data reported by Newsweek.
As we celebrate Charles Tapacio's incredible win and the touching moments shared with Ryan Seacrest, it's clear that Wheel of Fortune continues to be more than just a game show—it's a place where dreams can come true, and where the warmth of human connection shines through the bright lights of the stage.
Key Takeaways
- Wheel of Fortune host Ryan Seacrest surprised contestant Charles Tapacio with a warm hug after his $74,000 win.
- The contestant from Illinois won the cash after correctly solving a “What Are You Doing?” puzzle with the answer “Writing A Memo.”
- Viewers and fans celebrated Charles's bubbly personality and his alter ego DJ Wildcat, as well as his smart play during the game.
- Despite some initial reluctance from fans, Ryan Seacrest's addition to the show has positively impacted Wheel of Fortune's viewership ratings.