Delinda Rood of Rosemount, Minnesota, delivered a standout performance on the November 4 episode of Wheel of Fortune, astonishing viewers with a lightning-fast Bonus Round solve worth $65,650. Although the episode began modestly, Rood quickly became “the clear star of the game,” impressing both the studio audience and host Ryan Seacrest.
Early on, Rood missed the first toss-up puzzle, “My Game Face,” creating some uncertainty. She bounced back immediately, solving the second toss-up, “Practical Joker,” for $2,000. Her opponents, Justin Zamora of California and Shateria Smith of Tennessee, also shined, with Zamora winning a trip to Norway and Smith claiming the One Million Dollar Wedge.
Rood steadily gained ground, solving key puzzles like “Spoil Yourself At The Spa” and demonstrating a sharp eye for word patterns. Her consistency in the triple toss-up round positioned her well for the final puzzle, with $20,650 already banked. Her calm demeanor and strategic play gave her an advantage heading into the Bonus Round.
Choosing the category “Around the House,” Rood immediately solved the Bonus Round puzzle: “Warm Quilt.” This earned her an additional $45,000, bringing her total winnings to $65,650. The studio erupted in applause as Seacrest celebrated the moment.
Rood’s performance stands out in recent Wheel of Fortune episodes, showing how “preparation, focus, and composure can propel contestants to impressive victories.”