On a recent episode of Wheel of Fortune, host Ryan Seacrest didn’t hesitate to wrap contestant Daniel Goodman in a celebratory hug after the Virginia contestant dominated the Bonus Round and walked away with more than $73,000 in winnings — including a brand-new Ford Bronco.
Goodman, who is from Arlington, Virginia, brought plenty of energy into the February 4 episode. Fresh from his recent wedding, he shared that he received the news about appearing on the show while on his honeymoon — a surprise that turned an already joyful time into something even more unforgettable.
Off-camera, Goodman spends his free hours competing in Rubik’s Cube tournaments. With more than 90 competitions under his belt, his quick-thinking skills and pattern recognition had become second nature — traits that ultimately helped him shine under the bright game-show lights.
He competed against Heather Elam of Mt. Auburn, Illinois, and Khadijah Johnson of Houston, Texas. Elam set the pace early, solving the opening Toss-Up puzzle and taking home $1,000. Goodman responded immediately by solving the second Toss-Up, earning $2,000 and gaining control of the first full round.
Elam secured another strong moment by solving “National Play Outside Day,” raising her total to $5,650. Goodman countered during the Crossword round in the category “New,” identifying “Age, England, Year, York” to add $4,000 to his score.
Momentum then swung heavily in Goodman’s direction. He solved “Pristine Wilderness,” capturing the highly sought-after Prize Puzzle. The victory earned him a trip to Patagonia and boosted his total to $21,090. In his excitement, Goodman celebrated with an enthusiastic side bump into Seacrest — a lighthearted preview of the heartfelt hugs that would come later.
During the Triple Toss-Up round, Goodman solved two of the three puzzles, adding $4,000 to his growing total. Johnson captured the final puzzle in the set, securing $2,000. The last puzzle of the main game ended with a dramatic finish as Elam buzzed in just in time with “Never Have I Ever: Gotten a Tattoo,” ending the night at $15,150. Johnson finished with $2,000.
Goodman secured the overall win with $25,090 and advanced to the Bonus Round, ready to take on the final challenge of the night.
In the audience were his wife, Hien, and his friend Clayton, both cheering loudly. Before the final puzzle began, Hien called out encouragement: “You’ve got this!” Seacrest teased her with a smile, asking whether she meant the game or the marriage. “Everything,” she replied warmly, drawing laughter from the studio.
For his Bonus Round category, Goodman selected “What Are You Doing?” After receiving the standard letters — R, S, T, L, N, and E — he added D, G, P, and I to the board. The remaining puzzle stood before him, the final moment separating him from one of the biggest wins of his life.
With determination and focus sharpened from years of Rubik’s Cube practice, Goodman studied the board carefully. The audience fell silent, tension building as he pieced together the final solution.
The moment that followed brought the studio to life — and eventually led to the joyful hug that viewers have been talking about ever since.