A Minnesota contestant captured national attention during a recent episode of Wheel of Fortune after solving a $65,650 puzzle with remarkable speed. Delinda Rood of Rosemount quickly became the standout player of the November 4 episode, impressing both viewers and host Ryan Seacrest with her poised and confident performance in the Bonus Round. Her quick thinking transformed what began as a slow start into one of the most memorable wins of the night.
Rood’s game opened on a challenging note when she missed the first toss-up puzzle, “My Game Face.” She regained momentum almost immediately, correctly buzzing in on the second toss-up, “Practical Joker,” earning $2,000 and settling into the rhythm of the game. Her competitors, Justin Zamora from California and Shateria Smith of Tennessee, also made strong showings — Zamora picked up a trip to Norway, while Smith secured the coveted One Million Dollar Wedge, adding extra excitement to the episode.
As the game progressed, Rood’s confidence grew. She solved puzzles like “Spoil Yourself at the Spa” and made a strong sweep in the triple toss-up round, steadily increasing her score. By the time the final puzzle was revealed, she had earned her place in the Bonus Round with $20,650. Her calm strategy and focused choices gave her an undeniable edge moving into the final challenge.
In the Bonus Round, Rood selected the “Around the House” category. With a few letters on the board and only a moment of consideration, she delivered the correct answer — “Warm Quilt.” The audience erupted in cheers as Seacrest celebrated her win, adding an extra $45,000 to her total. With $65,650 in final winnings, Rood created a standout moment for the season, showing how preparation, composure, and a bit of intuition can lead to an unforgettable victory.