Being a contestant on Wheel of Fortune is often associated with exciting prizes such as cash, luxury cars, and unforgettable vacations. Yet, there are moments when the rewards behind those coveted wedges can be surprisingly underwhelming. Throughout the show’s rich history, some Wheel of Fortune winners have found themselves with prizes that felt less like a dream come true and more like a quirky misfire. These occasional flops in prize offerings not only contribute to the show’s unique charm but have also left many winners baffled, questioning the value of what they received.
What factors contribute to a prize feeling less like a fortune and more like a disappointment? In some cases, it’s extravagant items that carry hefty tax burdens or unusual gifts like a massive Toblerone bar. Fans on Reddit have even shared tales of acquaintances winning a lifetime supply of WD-40, which many consider to be one of the most disappointing prizes imaginable. Overall, Wheel of Fortune has seen its fair share of less-than-stellar prizes that winners might have preferred to skip altogether or swap out for something more appealing. Below, we will explore and rank the top 10 most perplexing prizes ever awarded on the show.
10
A Trip to South Dakota
Season 41
Winning a trip to South Dakota on Wheel of Fortune can be a bewildering experience for contestants who might have envisioned a glamorous getaway to a tropical beach or an exotic island. In Wheel of Fortune Season 41, contestant Tom Stadnicki successfully solved a puzzle from the Living Things category, only to find that his prize was a trip to South Dakota. Jim Thorton narrated a promotional video that highlighted the trip, showcasing “iconic landmarks” such as Mount Rushmore. However, many viewers quickly chimed in, noting that the prize didn’t quite live up to the hype and that it was not as “fantastic” as Pat Sajak made it out to be.
Another noteworthy element pointed out by fans was the inclusion of Devil’s Tower in the promotional video. This famous landmark is actually located in Wyoming, not South Dakota, which only added to the confusion surrounding this already lackluster reward. The trip to South Dakota serves as a classic illustration of how some prizes can fall short of the excitement and grandeur that viewers and contestants expect from a beloved game show like Wheel of Fortune.
9
All-Inclusive Vacation Trip to Atlantic City
Season 42
While the term “all-inclusive vacation” often brings to mind thrilling adventures, a trip to Atlantic City, New Jersey, can leave contestants feeling somewhat puzzled. Although Atlantic City is famed for its boardwalk and beaches, it doesn’t quite match the luxury destinations that many contestants dream of when they spin the wheel for their prizes. In an episode that aired on October 4 during Season 42, Cody Hunger emerged victorious in the BetMGM Big Winners Tournament.
Instead of a glamorous trip to Europe or a serene island escape, he found himself awarded a trip to Atlantic City. While it may be an entertaining destination, it might not align with what many envision as their ultimate vacation. Fans expressed their discontent after watching Ryan Seacrest announce these less-than-ideal trips during a sneak peek segment aired on Good Morning America, which promised “plenty of new prizes,” including NFL game tickets and concert passes. Many viewers felt let down and one even remarked that he would feel “kinda salty” about receiving a trip to Atlantic City as his prize.
8
Trip to Miami During Hurricane Season
Season 42
The trip to Miami, awarded during the Girlfriend Getaways episode, raised eyebrows among fans due to its unfortunate timing. On October 7, contestants Cathy Roth and Jane Schwartz found themselves winning a stay at The Elser Hotel & Residences in Miami. However, this prize was awarded during hurricane season, which spans from June 1 to November 30 according to The City of North Miami. October is particularly notorious for hurricanes, and viewers were quick to point out the irony of winning a trip to a hurricane-prone area.
Fans expressed their concerns on social media, criticizing the show for offering such a prize during a time when storms could disrupt travel plans. Some viewers even speculated whether Wheel of Fortune was cutting back on its prize quality since Pat Sajak‘s departure. One fan questioned if the show was unable to “afford any nice prize puzzles now that Pat has retired,” showcasing the growing discontent and scrutiny from loyal fans of the long-standing game show.
7
Household Appliances That Disappoint
Season 5, Season 6
One of the more frustrating prize categories on Wheel of Fortune has been the bundle of household appliances — seemingly a jackpot for homebodies, until reality set in with the additional shipping fees and taxes. A Canadian Reddit user shared a disheartening experience after winning several small appliances in 1995, including a Dirt Devil vacuum, a facial cleanser, and amusingly, two loaves of Sunbeam bread instead of a bread maker, which was what they had anticipated.
Adding insult to injury, each item arrived separately, which resulted in mounting shipping costs, brokerage fees, and cross-border charges. For example, the contestant ended up paying over $65 just for a Dustbuster, which could have been easily purchased locally for half the price. Furthermore, as a non-U.S. resident, the winner faced IRS withholding and additional state taxes, significantly eating into their prize earnings. These prizes from Wheel of Fortune proved to be more of a financial burden than a rewarding bonus, showcasing how certain prizes can turn into inconvenient financial headaches for contestants.
6
The Infamous Ceramic Dalmatian Statue
Season 1, Season 2
One of the most notorious prizes in Wheel of Fortune history is undoubtedly the Ceramic Dalmatian Statue, which became an unwanted collectible for many contestants. Intended to add a whimsical flair to the show, this life-sized porcelain dog often left winners scratching their heads about where to place such an odd item. It’s safe to say that this prize did not cater to everyone’s tastes or home décor styles. The statue was featured in the shopping segment and was originally priced at $146, later raised to $154, and many contestants used their winnings to take it home.
However, the Ceramic Dalmatian Statue was far from the dream prize that contestants envisioned when they stepped onto the Wheel of Fortune stage. Although the shopping segment was discontinued in 1989, this peculiar statue remained a permanent fixture on the set. Some have even dubbed it the unofficial mascot of the show, but it is still regarded as an impractical and eccentric prize. As a bulky and fragile item, it presents challenges for transport and display, making it clear that cash and versatile prizes are generally more appreciated by winners.
5
Underwhelming Cheesecakes on a Game Show
Season 2
In an episode that aired on December 19, 1984, contestant Connie celebrated her success after solving the puzzle “Silent Night Holy Night,” earning $2,650. She opted to spend $300 of her winnings on a Baby Watson cheesecake as a prize. While cheesecakes can generally be crowd-pleasers, this prize felt rather uninspired when considering the competitive nature of the game and the overall excitement expected from high-stakes game shows.
Many prizes in the shopping segments were quirky and did not meet the expectations typically associated with a popular game show. For instance, in another episode on November 19, 1984, contestant Rhea spent $236 to win the Dessert of the Month. This segment was often considered slow-paced, leading to its eventual phase-out. While culinary prizes can be delightful for celebrations, winning them on a high-stakes game show can feel like a missed chance for something more exhilarating, such as a luxurious trip or a brand-new car.
4
Outdated Programmable Tomy Toy Robots
Season 2
Programmable Tomy Toy robots, particularly the Omnibots, were once the pinnacle of excitement during the 1980s, yet they proved to be less than stellar as prizes on Wheel of Fortune. These robots came equipped with cumbersome remotes, complicated programming, and limited functionalities such as moving, playing cassettes, or awkwardly lifting objects. After only a handful of uses, most owners discovered that the programming limitations required constant reconfiguration every time the toy was powered on. As a result, many of these toys ended up gathering dust in storage.
These robots were featured prominently in the high-tech section of the show’s shopping segment, and contestants sometimes opted to spend their hard-won cash on them. One notable instance occurred in 1984 when contestant Brett successfully solved a puzzle for Leonard Nimoy and spent $375 on these robots. Unlike the sleek technological advancements seen today, these bulky toys quickly yellowed with age, and their plastic parts became fragile. They also produced loud noises and moved at a sluggish pace, making them one of the least favorable prizes in a competitive game show environment like Wheel of Fortune.
3
The Unusual Gucci Mini Calculator
Season 1
The Gucci Mini Calculator is a truly peculiar item among the array of prizes offered on Wheel of Fortune. While Gucci is synonymous with high fashion, this calculator provided little more than a designer label for basic arithmetic tasks. Unlike the toy robots, this Gucci calculator was placed in the TV room of the shopping segment. Contestant Evangelina had the chance to spend her winnings on this item during a December 29, 1982 episode. After successfully solving the puzzle “Easier Said Than Done,” she won $3,500 and decided to splurge $85 on the mini Gucci calculator.
Although high-end brands often add a touch of glamour, the decision to award a designer calculator as a luxury prize felt absurdly out of place given the stakes and excitement of the game. It’s safe to say that the Gucci name did not enhance the thrill of mathematics! This prize stands out as one of the most confusing and disappointing rewards on the show due to its lack of practicality and financial significance — qualities that contestants typically seek in their winnings.
2
French Accent Ceramic Canisters
Season 1
One of the more surprising items offered as a prize on Wheel of Fortune was a set of ceramic canisters labeled as having a French accent. During a classic episode in 1979, contestant Nancy solved the puzzle “Tic-Tac-Toe” and chose to spend $75 out of her $1,850 winnings on these somewhat quaint canisters presented in the Cook’s Corner of the shopping segment. While canisters can serve a practical purpose for storing dry goods, they did not possess the glamour or excitement that most contestants anticipate from game show prizes.
In the 1980s, contestants on Wheel of Fortune were given a catalog of available items, and basic household items like canisters were commonplace, though not particularly thrilling. Despite their “French accent” branding, these canisters represented a modest kitchen item that felt somewhat out of place amidst the high-stakes atmosphere of a game show. Even for those who enjoy cooking and home organization, these canisters fell short of being a dream prize, especially when compared to extravagant trips or high-value items featured in other episodes. Their low price and limited appeal serve as a stark reminder of how unpredictable Wheel of Fortune prizes can be.
1
A Comically Oversized Toblerone Bar
Season 2
At times, Wheel of Fortune has left fans scratching their heads over certain prizes. A giant Toblerone Bar is a prime example of such a perplexing reward. On November 26, 1984, contestant Miranda successfully solved the puzzle “You Have The Right To Remain Silent,” accumulating $4,250 in winnings. During the shopping segment, she opted to spend $125 of her winnings on a giant Toblerone chocolate bar.
While this choice was humorous and quirky at the time, viewers were left questioning whether it was truly worth the expense. Other items in her shopping spree, such as china sets and flatware, seemed more fitting for a typical game show prize, making the colossal Toblerone bar stand out as an odd choice. At $125, this Toblerone was both comically oversized and disproportionately expensive. Although it might have brought joy to Miranda in the moment, it can be argued that it ranks among the most impractical and bizarre prizes ever offered on Wheel of Fortune.
