Published on: October 1, 2025, at 10:46 AM.
Updated on: October 1, 2025, at 11:26 AM.
- A remarkable record was established on “Wheel of Fortune” this week, as a female contestant won over $1 million.
- The “Wheel of Fortune” slot machines rank as some of the most sought-after games in casinos.
On Wednesday, a woman from Connecticut made television game show history by winning over $1 million on “Wheel of Fortune.”
Christina Derevjanik, hailing from Stamford, Connecticut, captured the “One Million Dollars” wedge early in the episode. She advanced to the Bonus Round, holding onto the $1 million wedge after accumulating $35,155 in cash and trips to Montana and Japan by solving multiple puzzles accurately.
The $1 million reward was introduced in 2008, substituting the previous $100K envelope on the smaller Bonus Round wheel. Players must spin the wheel to land on that envelope out of 24 possibilities and successfully answer the concluding puzzle to win it.
After selecting “Living Things” as her category and opting for the letters R, S, T, L, N, and E, followed by M, C, F, A, Derevjanik quickly solved, “Pack of Coyotes.” Host Ryan Seacrest then revealed her astounding $1 million win, bringing her total winnings to $1,035,155 — setting a new record for the game.
“You’re my first million-dollar winner,” Seacrest remarked, who took over hosting duties from Pat Sajak in September 2024.
It has not been disclosed whether Derevjanik opted for the full $1 million distributed over 20 years in $50,000 payments or a one-time lump sum of approximately $660,000. Both options are subject to federal and state taxes.
Employed in marketing at Con Edison, Derevjanik currently plans to allocate a portion of her winnings towards purchasing a home and relocating from her one-bedroom apartment.
Wheel Slots Frequently Deliver Life-Changing Wins
The “Wheel of Fortune” slot machines are counted among the most beloved gaming options in casinos nationwide. Produced by IGT, these machines are renowned for providing life-altering payouts.
Notably, a player hit a staggering progressive jackpot exceeding $4.5 million while playing a “Wheel of Fortune” slot on January 28, 2014. More recently, a player at Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts won a progressive jackpot totaling $2,995,532. This lucky New Yorker was playing “Wheel of Fortune” Triple Stars.
Known as the “Millionaire Maker” by IGT, the selection of “Wheel of Fortune” games has graced casino floors for over thirty years. The brand spans various gaming segments, from slot machines to video lottery terminals, video poker, electronic table games, and live online dealer game shows.
IGT’s “Wheel of Fortune” Trio is particularly eye-catching wherever it’s deployed. This feature combines three Wheel terminal cabinets with an impressive 76-inch digital wheel display.
While Wheel slot games create numerous millionaires annually, Derevjanik stands out as only the fourth contestant in television history without celebrity status to win at least $1 million on “America’s Game.”
Seacrest’s Casino Sweepstakes Promotion
When not engaged in his daytime role or hosting “American Idol,” Seacrest actively promotes the online sweepstakes casino platform known as Chumba.
Seacrest joins a lineup of celebrities who have associated their personas with Chumba, including NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace, country star Cole Swindell, actress-singer Janel Parrish, and slots influencer Brian Christopher.