The Wheel of Fortune BetMGM Big Winners Tournament ended recently with Cody Hunger as the winner. Cody went home with $94,000 after attempting the bonus round with $27,150 and a trip to Atlantic City guaranteed.
Although fans were happy about Cody’s win, they critiqued show host Ryan Seacrest heavily on social media for his conduct during the episode. In a bid to create some suspense, Ryan delayed announcing the winner’s feat, leaving him to doubt himself for a few seconds.
What did Ryan Seacrest do?
After spinning the wheel to reveal the potential prize for a lucky viewer, Cody chose the letters of his name for the revealed four-word puzzle. Once Cody stated his answer, letter-turner Vanna White did a little celebration and began clapping at the puzzle board; however, Ryan did not declare him the winner immediately.
The TV personality delayed for a bit, causing Cody to panic and attempt to change his answer, while Vanna looked awkward in the corner for her premature celebration. A few seconds later, Ryan confirmed Cody’s answer, and the contestant’s instant relief was clear to all.
Fans react to Ryan Seacrest’s first blooper
The night ended with confetti all over Cody as he jubilated on stage with his wins displayed on screen, including the lucky viewer’s $40,000. Soon after the episode, fans took to social media to discuss Ryan’s failed attempt at creating suspense, noting that it must have been a nightmare for Cody to be kept waiting like that.
They also compared him to former host Pat Sajak, saying he would have never pulled such a move. A few people came to Ryan’s defense, saying Vanna’s immediate reaction must have made the scenario awkward and not that Ryan tried to create tension. The 45-year-old is currently working hard to please Wheel Of Fortune viewers, which has been no easy task since his debut.