The 12 Most Shocking Wheel Of Fortune Gaffes Of 2024 (and The All-Time Worst Missolves)

The pressure cooker of live television and the glare of the bright lights can turn even the simplest word puzzle into a mental trap. This phenomenon is never clearer than on the iconic game show *Wheel of Fortune*, where highly-anticipated solves often turn into viral, cringe-worthy gaffes. As of December 2025, the show continues to generate shocking moments, with 2024 proving to be a landmark year for contestant blunders, including some of the most risqué and hilarious missolves in the show's history, alongside a major transition with new host Ryan Seacrest. The following list compiles the most recent, shocking, and outright unbelievable *Wheel of Fortune* fails, showcasing why "America's Game" remains must-watch TV. We'll dive into the viral 2024 moments and revisit the classic gaffes that have defined the show's blooper reel for decades.

The 2024 Hall of Fame: Recent Viral Gaffes and New Host Blunders

The year 2024 marked a significant shift for the show with the retirement of legendary host Pat Sajak and the introduction of Ryan Seacrest. This transition, combined with a fresh batch of contestants, led to a new wave of unforgettable, viral puzzle fails.

1. "Right In The Butt!" (The Risqué Toss-Up)

One of the most talked-about gaffes of 2024 was delivered by contestant Tavaris Williams in May. During a toss-up puzzle in the "Phrase" category, with only a few letters revealed, Williams confidently buzzed in with the astonishing guess: "Right In The Butt!"

The correct answer, which the board was clearly spelling out, was "This Is The Best." The sheer shock and hilarity of the guess, which was also wrong due to an incorrect letter count, immediately sent the clip viral, cementing Williams' place in *Wheel of Fortune* infamy.

2. The "Round of Sausages" Disaster

In November 2024, contestant Will Jordan, a police officer from Connecticut, made a guess that left both the audience and new host Ryan Seacrest baffled. The puzzle, a "Phrase," had most of the letters revealed:

_ I _ E / Y O U R S E L F / A / R O U N D / O F / A P P L A U S E

Despite the obvious solution, Jordan guessed, "Treat yourself a round of sausages." The actual answer was "Give yourself a round of applause." Seacrest’s reaction and the contestant’s immediate look of regret made the clip an instant classic, with Seacrest even joking that he "kind of like[d]" Will’s answer.

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3. Ryan Seacrest’s First On-Air Mistake

The transition to a new host is always scrutinized, and Ryan Seacrest had his own minor, but noticeable, blunder in 2024. After contestant Cody correctly solved the bonus round puzzle, Seacrest appeared confused and didn't immediately move to the results, causing a slight on-air awkwardness before Vanna White clapped and the show continued. This demonstrated that the pressure of the show can affect everyone, even the host.

4. The "What The Duck?" Puzzle Fail

Another memorable fail from the 2024 season occurred with the "What the Duck?" missolve, which was ranked as one of the year's most shocking puzzle failures. While the specific puzzle details are less clear than the "sausages" or "butt" gaffes, the contestant's bizarre and nonsensical guess in a high-stakes moment became a viral clip, highlighting the intense mental block contestants can experience.

5. The "That's a Firm No" Moment

The 2024 season also featured a contestant who made a bewildering guess that was quickly dubbed "That's a Firm No" by viewers. This failure, along with the "Creed it & Weep" missolve, demonstrated a pattern of contestants cracking under the pressure of the timed round, often guessing words that don't fit the category or the available letters.

The All-Time Hall of Shame: Classic and Unforgettable Blunders

While the 2024 season delivered fresh content, the history of *Wheel of Fortune* is filled with legendary gaffes that have stood the test of time, often involving mispronunciations or contestants failing to solve puzzles with nearly every letter revealed. These classic blunders continue to define the show’s blooper legacy.

6. The Infamous "Self-Portrait" Missolve

The "Self-Portrait" fail is arguably the greatest *Wheel of Fortune* blunder of all time. A contestant named Lolita had the puzzle board completely filled out, with only the letter 'S' missing from the first word:

S E L F - P O R T R A I T

Despite the clear answer, Lolita was unable to solve the puzzle, leaving the audience groaning in disbelief. This moment is frequently cited as the ultimate example of game show panic and is a staple in any "worst fails" compilation.

7. The "I Love Going to Eksclusive Nightclubs" Blunder

The classic "I Love Going To Eksclusive Nightclubs" gaffe is a perfect example of a major missolve due to a single, critical mispronunciation. The contestant had the entire puzzle board solved except for one letter, but incorrectly guessed the word "Exclusive" with a 'K' sound, costing them a significant cash prize. This illustrates how the pressure can make contestants overthink simple phonetic rules.

8. The "Puentin Tarantino" Mispronunciation

Mispronunciation is a common theme in *Wheel of Fortune* gaffes, but few are as memorable as the contestant who attempted to solve a "Person" puzzle that was clearly "Quentin Tarantino." The contestant pronounced the name as "Puentin Tarantino," a phonetic error that was deemed incorrect by the judges, costing them the round and a prize. This type of blunder highlights the strict rules of the game show environment.

9. The Regis and Kelly Ripa Botch

In a "Celebrity" category puzzle, a contestant named George had the letters for the names of two famous talk show hosts. He correctly identified the pair as "Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa" but botched the pronunciation of "Ripa," which led to the answer being rejected. The small error cost him the solve, reminding contestants that spelling and pronunciation must be perfect.

The Psychology Behind the Puzzle Fails

Why do seemingly intelligent people, who have passed a rigorous audition process, make such fundamental mistakes under the lights? The answer lies in the intense psychology of a high-pressure game show environment. This phenomenon is why the show has such incredible topical authority.

• The Spotlight Effect: Contestants are aware that millions of people are watching, which can trigger an acute form of performance anxiety, leading to temporary cognitive impairment, often referred to as "choking."
• Cognitive Tunneling: When stressed, the brain can fixate on a single word or interpretation, making it difficult to shift perspective. This explains why a contestant sees "butt" instead of "best" or "sausages" instead of "applause."
• Phonetic Errors: The brain often tries to solve the puzzle based on how the letters sound, leading to mispronunciations like "Eksclusive" or "Puentin." The visual cues on the board can override the contestant's internal vocabulary.
• The Speed Factor: While not a strict time limit like on other shows, the expectation to solve quickly when only a few letters remain adds immense pressure, often leading to a premature or incorrect guess.

These factors combine to create the perfect storm for a missolve, turning an easy puzzle into a viral moment. The *Wheel of Fortune* gaffe is not just a mistake; it's a fascinating look at the human mind under extreme pressure.

The Lasting Legacy of *Wheel* Blunders

From the viral, crude gaffes of 2024 like Tavaris Williams' infamous guess and Will Jordan's food-focused missolve, to the classic "Self-Portrait" fail, *Wheel of Fortune* blunders are an essential part of the show's entertainment value. They provide a relatable, human element to the game, reminding viewers that even in the pursuit of wealth, everyone is susceptible to a moment of mental panic. The show's ability to consistently generate these shocking moments, year after year, ensures its continued relevance and topical authority in the world of game shows.