A high-stakes episode of Wheel of Fortune ended in heartbreak for one contestant whose lifelong dream slipped away in the final moments of the show — all after some spirited trash talk with her fellow players.

During the May 14 episode, Wheel of Fortune continued its “Bragging Rights Week,” where friends, family members, and coworkers face off for some good-natured rivalry. This time, the contestants were all proud members of the U.S. military community.

Courtney White, a Marine Corps veteran based in San Diego, faced off against Tess Lee of Spring Valley and active-duty Navy Chief Joe Vargas from El Cajon, California. For White, the moment had been years in the making — her dream of appearing on the show dated back to seventh grade. She even came prepared with the exact letters she planned to use in the Bonus Round.

Throughout the episode, the tone was competitive but playful. “I’m just ready to prove I’m taking home the Bragging Rights,” Vargas confidently declared early on. Host Ryan Seacrest responded with a smirk, “Yeah, I figured you’d say that.”

However, the friendly banter took a turn when Lee hit the Bankrupt wedge, costing the team a chance at the coveted $1 million prize. “Thanks a lot, Tess!” Vargas joked, though later admitted he had no hard feelings. In an interview with Maggie Sajak, Vargas said he was proud of White for advancing to the final round. “It’s been her dream forever — just happy to be a part of it.”

White ultimately won the main game with $15,200, beating Lee’s $10,050 and Vargas’ $8,000. Lee also walked away with a trip to Mexico.

When it came time for the Bonus Round, White selected the “Place” category and confidently gave her carefully prepared letters: C, D, H, and A. The puzzle board revealed: “A-_AC_ED CA_E.”

White offered guesses like “cave,” “faced,” and “map,” but the correct answer — “Jam-Packed Cafe” — eluded her. As the buzzer sounded, she missed out on an additional $40,000. The loss marked the 13th consecutive Bonus Round miss for the show.

Ryan Seacrest praised her effort, noting her journey from Okeeheelee Middle School in Florida to the national stage. “Told you I’d get here,” White said proudly before her final spin.

After the show, Vargas jokingly claimed he had figured out the correct answer. “Bragger!” Seacrest shot back, smiling.

Off camera, the trio shared laughs. According to Sajak, they were all smiles behind the scenes and far more supportive than their on-air jabs suggested.