Inside a ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Audition: Could You Pass the 30-Second Test?
Every weeknight, more than 100 million people tune in to Wheel of Fortune, the longest-running syndicated game show. The popular game show, with its simple format, fun banter and the chance to win cash prizes, is like comfort food: familiar, fun and oddly calming.
My friend, Kristen Fisher, 51, of Newburgh, New York, is one of the show’s biggest fans: She’s been watching for as long as she can remember. “Growing up, we would watch it after dinner almost every night,” she recalls. “I remember back in the 80s when the promo was, ‘What will Vanna wear tonight?'”
This year, Kristen made a resolution that she would apply to be a contestant on the show. She texted our group chat in February, writing, “I am really going to do something in 2026 that I have wanted to do FOREVER!” We threw out funny and over-the-top guesses (Botox? Skydive? Go to Ireland?) before we eventually figured it out.
We started googling, “How do you get on Wheel of Fortune?” Then Kristen found out the show was hosting a live audition in New York City on April 11 and 12, and she just had to go. I tagged along to the contestant search to see what all the fuss was about.
Behind the scenes of a ‘Wheel of Fortune’ contestant search
The crowd went wild when Maggie Sajak, daughter of beloved former host Pat Sajak, popped up on the stage, where she advised, “Be yourself. Don’t be nervous. They just want to see who you really are. We know how much you love the show. We just want to hear about you. This is just fun. This is low-stress, and no matter what, you’re going to have such a fun story to tell your friends later!”
How to audition for ‘Wheel of Fortune’
Within moments, it was go time. Hopeful contestants approached a producer in groups of five and each had 30 seconds to step up and do their best to wow.
Kristen, who had been practicing for this moment for days (or, if we’re being honest, years), nailed it, following Sajak’s advice and talking not about her love of the show, but about herself: her twin brother with special needs, her husband (who also has a twin brother), her 30-year career as a social worker (inspired by her brother), her sense of humor and the fact that people are always complimenting her for her positive energy, which was on full display for her audition. She even worked in a joke and ended with a nod to the Wheel of Fortune “Express train” (the rapid-fire round which allows players to keep guessing letters without spinning the wheel, risking bankruptcy if they guess wrong). Nicely done, I thought.
We were finished before 11:30 a.m. So we compared notes with some fellow hopefuls, snapped photos in front of a mock Wheel Puzzle Board and made our way back outside, where we saw a line three times as long as the one we had first entered. We later learned that some 2,000 people had auditioned in person in New York that weekend.
Kristen left the convention center glowing. “It was much simpler than I expected, and I was surprised by how ‘ordinary’ everyone auditioning was. I’m proud of myself for just going for it,” she said. “Even if nothing comes of it, I did the thing I’ve been talking about forever.”
What happens after the audition?
While Kristen and I headed to lunch, we replayed every detail, speculated about her chances, her competition and debated whether she’d submit a video audition as well (more on that below!).
When I reached out to the people behind the show to find out what happens next, Alexandra Black, contestant producer for Wheel of Fortune, explained, “The Contestant Department will reach out to the people chosen from the event to move on to the next step in the audition process.”
But it can take some time. “If you do not hear anything from us within a year, you can try out again,” she explained, adding that many people try out for the show several times before they make it on.
That’s what Kristen is doing. “I find myself browsing my emails excitedly, hoping for an email with the subject line: ‘Congrats Wheel Watcher, you’re moving on to the second round!’ But have no fear: If I don’t hear anything, I will be sure to apply again.”
How to apply online for ‘Wheel of Fortune’
If you don’t go to an in-person audition, you can apply online (or you can do both!). Simply head to the website, fill out the application and submit a photo and, for the best shot, a 60-second (or less) video explaining why you’d be a great contestant. If your video stands out and you move on to the next round, you’ll take part in a virtual audition from your home. Then, you’ll solve five Toss-Up Wheel of Fortune puzzles.
Every year, some 10,000 people audition to be a contestant on the show and get their chance to spin the wheel, buy a vowel and solve the puzzle, and about 650 appear on the show. Kristen is gearing up for her next chance: “I already have the best idea for my video, and let me assure you: It won’t be ordinary! I’ll be sure to stand out.”
‘Wheel of Fortune’ producers reveal the biggest mistake applicants make
At the in-person audition, Wheel of Fortune staff repeated Maggie Sajak’s advice several times, and it’s also listed on the website: Don’t waste your audition time talking about your love for the show—they know people auditioning are fans.
“We are always looking for contestants with natural enthusiasm who can stay focused under pressure, know the game and are ready to have fun,” says Black, adding, “The biggest mistake an applicant can make is not being themselves. We want to get to know you.”
They also want to know what makes you stand out. “We know you love Wheel of Fortune or else you wouldn’t be here; so, tell us something we don’t know and wouldn’t expect about you. Telling us what makes you unique is a definite ‘do!’”
Where is ‘Wheel of Fortune’ filmed?
The popular game show is filmed at Sony Studios in Culver City, California, in front of a live audience, and you can get free tickets to see Wheel of Fortune live, currently scheduled for May 18, 19 and 20. Kids are allowed, as long as they’re at least 8 years old, and people in the Wheel Watchers Club get the best seats!
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This story was originally published April 29, 2026 at 7:30 PM.