Fans of Wheel of Fortune were just as baffled as the contestants during the February 25 episode when the game kicked off with a puzzling Toss-Up round.
Right from the start, confusion filled the air, leaving both viewers and players scratching their heads.
The category was “Occupation,” and as letters started to appear on the board, the uncertainty grew.
That’s when Paulomi Dholakia, a contestant from Orlando, Florida, buzzed in hesitantly.
“Chief Happiness Officer?” she said, her sound making it clear she was unsure of her answer.
Host Ryan Seacrest confirmed it was correct, but even he seemed a bit skeptical.
Show hostess Vanna White in a ‘Wheel of Fortune’ episode
“That is it. Yeah. Correct,” he said, prompting laughter from the contestants.
“I wasn’t aware that was a thing either, but every company should have one. Don’t you think?” Seacrest asked.
“I agree,” Dholakia responded with a nod.
The moment quickly went viral, sparking plenty of reactions online. Fans on Reddit were just as perplexed as those in the studio.
Ryan Seacrest and Celina Alvarado in a ‘Wheel of Fortune’ episode, “That read lolol. Paulomi’s read of the first Toss-Up was the right read. Wtf is that?!? Lol,” one user wrote.
“I guessed the words but then I was like nope, can’t be that… and then it was lol,” another fan replied.
“If they are going to say something as an occupation, it should have to be a legit occupation. Stupidest puzzle ever,” a frustrated user added.
Despite the bizarre start, Dholakia proved to be a strong competitor.
She shared an interesting fact about herself, explaining that she has a unique talent she calls “taroapy”—a combination of tarot card reading and therapy.
Show hostess Vanna White in a ‘Wheel of Fortune’ episode
“Can’t wait to spend time with you during the commercial break,” Seacrest teased. Dholakia reassured him that it was all about bringing happy tears.
She faced off against J. Mark Smith, a self-declared “workaholic” from Decaturville, Tennessee, and Celina Alvarado from Gilbert, Arizona, who described herself as a first-time trier in many aspects of life.
By the first commercial break, Dholakia was dominating with $10,200 and continued her streak, reaching $17,750 by the next break. Meanwhile, Alvarado had $2,000, and Smith had yet to score.
However, things took a turn when Alvarado solved a puzzle in the “Things” category with the phrase “Life’s simple pleasures.” Using her Wild Card, she not only took the lead with $18,350 but also won an incredible trip to Costa Rica, pushing her total winnings to $30,350.
Dholakia fought back in the Triple Toss-Up, securing $4,000 by solving two puzzles.
Smith finally got on the board, winning $2,000 with the last one.
Ryan Seacrest and Celina Alvarado in a ‘Wheel of Fortune’ episode
Despite strong efforts from all contestants, Alvarado’s lead was too much to overcome.
Smith finished in third place with $7,100, while Dholakia ended with an impressive $21,750.
However, it wasn’t enough to catch Alvarado, who moved on to the Bonus Round with $30,350 and a vacation in the bag.
Seacrest assured Dholakia that her winnings and experience were “more than okay.” After all, walking away with a significant cash prize and a trip isn’t a bad way to finish a game.
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