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A recent episode of Wheel of Fortune put contestant Steve Knapp, a driver’s education teacher from Hampshire, Illinois, in the spotlight after his Bonus Round victory became a talking point among viewers. Knapp, who teaches at Larkin High School in Elgin, appeared on the episode that aired Tuesday, January 20, 2026, and walked away with $65,800 in cash and prizes. (Daily Herald)
Source: Daily Herald
The game did not begin smoothly for Knapp. Another contestant won the first three puzzles, while Knapp dealt with early setbacks, including a “Lose a Turn” and a failed mystery wedge gamble. But he eventually found his rhythm and solved the “Before & After” puzzle “Words of Wisdom Tooth,” earning $2,750 and giving himself a chance to build momentum. (Daily Herald)
His comeback continued in the Prize Puzzle round, where he solved “Luxurious Getaway” and won a trip to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic worth $11,500. After another successful solve later in the game, he entered the Bonus Round with $20,400 and selected the category “What Are You Doing?” (Daily Herald)
Source: Market Realist
In the Bonus Round, Knapp was given the standard letters R, S, T, L, N, and E before choosing G, C, M, and A as his additional letters. Those choices revealed enough of the puzzle for him to work out the answer: “Giving an autograph.” Within seconds, he solved it correctly and won a Nissan Z Sport valued at $45,400, bringing his final total to $65,800. (Market Realist)