Note: we are republishing this story, which originally made the news in January 2025.
In a jaw-dropping moment on Friday night’s episode of Wheel of Fortune, contestant Traci Demus-Gamble left host Ryan Seacrest and viewers speechless with a bonus round solve that seemed nearly impossible. The English teacher from Dallas, Texas, demonstrated both quick thinking and uncanny puzzle-solving skills, securing a massive payday in record time.
Traci faced off against two competitors: T.R. Campbell, an aspiring game show announcer from Lutz, Florida, and Brittany McCauley, a triathlon enthusiast from Fauquier County, Virginia. By the time the bonus round arrived, Traci had already established herself as the frontrunner. But when presented with her final challenge—a four-word phrase with minimal clues—it seemed her streak might come to an end.
After selecting the letters M, C, D, and O, the puzzle read: “T _ E _ / _ O / _ _ _ / _ _ C _.”
As the clock started, Seacrest appeared doubtful, but Traci wasted no time. “They Go Way Back,” she confidently declared, nailing the answer on her first try. The room erupted in applause as Seacrest, visibly amazed, playfully circled her, pretending to search for hidden gadgets that might explain her incredible solve.
“Unbelievable! How in the world did you figure that out?” Seacrest asked, still stunned.
“I just dug deep,” Traci replied with a smile.
Contestant Traci Demus-Gamble trying to guess a puzzle, Photo Credit: Wheel of Fortune/Youtube
Contestant Traci Demus-Gamble trying to guess a puzzle, Photo Credit: Wheel of Fortune/Youtube
Her quick wit paid off handsomely, earning her an additional $50,000 and bringing her total winnings to $78,000, plus two luxury cruises.
Fans on social media were equally in awe. One viewer commented on YouTube, “I couldn’t solve that one to save my life, but Traci got it like it was nothing. Congratulations!” Another commented, “That was one of the most impressive solves I’ve ever seen.”
Some fans even speculated that Traci had a strategy all along. “It’s like she knew the answer but picked letters strategically just in case she was wrong,” one user theorized.
Host Ryan Seacrest standing next to a celebratory Traci Demus-Gamble, Photo Credit: Wheel of Fortune/Youtube
Host Ryan Seacrest standing next to a celebratory Traci Demus-Gamble, Photo Credit: Wheel of Fortune/Youtube
After the episode, Wheel of Fortune social media correspondent Maggie Sajak interviewed Traci, who revealed her simple but effective approach. “I just looked for the missing letters, filled in the blanks, and powered through,” she explained.
Reflecting on her time on the iconic game show, Traci said, “I grew up watching Wheel of Fortune. I love solving puzzles, and being here was just perfect.”
