WHEEL of Fortune is welcoming back some past favorite contestants for another chance at big bucks and prizes.

But many fans, who dream of being contestants their own one day, have slammed the game show for taking up valuable spots.

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Cynthia King from Warren, Michigan, aced the bonus puzzle during her first appearance – which just came in February – winning over $83,000.

On Monday, she helped kick off Fan Favorite Week, squaring off against two other returning players.

Again, Cynthia was victorious, and though she failed to solve the bonus puzzle, still took home nearly $20,000 in additional winnings.

After the show, Cynthia spoke with Pat Sajak‘s daughter, Maggie, where she shared what it was like to come back.

“It’s so crazy. I didn’t even believe it. Like, this can’t be true,” Cynthia gleefully shared, noting that she had been trying for 20 years to get chosen.

“Just being on the show once is unreal, but being on here twice? It’s like, oh wow, okay, I’m walking. I’m a celebrity. You don’t want my signature, you want my autograph.”

However, not everyone shared her elation, with many commenting on Instagram that she should have been won and done.

“How are these people getting on a SECOND time when other people are trying for a chance!” one person slammed. “This is very unfair! I’m over this.”

“Yay! Can’t wait for redemption week for us one-time players,” another snarked.

While a third lamented, “I’ve been trying to get on Wheel Forever!!” and added a broken heart emoji.

REPLAY

One contestant on a recent episode was thankful to get a second chance as well – especially after he claimed Pat nearly cost him the game.

Michael Bystrzycki, a master electrician from Drummonds, Tennessee, was working his way through a Crossword round, where contestants are asked to solve a series of interconnected words with the same lead-in.

In this case, the four words all had “fire” as the first part.

Wheel of Fortune host timeline

Premiering in 1975, the beloved game show has had a few different iconic hosts in its nearly 50 seasons.

1975 – 1981 : Chuck Woolery was the original host of Wheel of Fortune until he departed in 1981.

1981 – June 2024: Pat Sajak took over and became a beloved Wheel of Fortune host for over 40 years.

September 2024: Ryan Seacrest was declared the newest host as Sajak announced his retirement.

Michael looked to be about to solve the puzzle when he suddenly changed course and decided to spin the wheel one more time.

He landed on Bankrupt – losing everything.

REDEMPTION

Luckily for him, his turn eventually came again, and after making a comeback correctly solved Fire – “works, wood, department, and pit.”

After celebrating his win, Pat wanted to know what had stumped him before.

“Which one were you shaky on the first time?” he asked, opening a can of worms.

“None. I just looked at you instead of looking at the puzzle, and ‘works’ went out my head,” Michael immediately shot back. “I was like, ‘ah, he said spin, so I’m spinning’. Let’s go”.

A depressed Pat simply threw his arms up, looked directly at the camera, and snapped back a sarcastic, “It’s always my fault.”

Michael had the last laugh, however, winning the game – and then the bonus round – leaving the show with a new Infinity car and an overall total of $111,160 in cash and prizes.

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