Steve Knapp’s appearance this past week on “Wheel of Fortune,” where he won a new car, cash and a trip to Punta Cana, has not gone unnoticed. The driver’s ed teacher and boy’s golf coach at Elgin’s Larkin High School received more than 500 congratulatory texts from friends and family and kudos from fellow teachers and students, some whom hadn’t even heard of the long-running game show before he was on it. “I’ve felt like a celebrity. It’s been awesome,” said Knapp, a Hampshire resident. He surprised a lot of people by hosting a watch party Tuesday at Old Republic [Kitchen + Bar] in Elgin, teasing his guests by only telling them he was going to be on TV, he said. Per game rules, he was required to keep the outcome a secret after recording the show Dec. 4 at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, California. Breaking the news via a viewing party was the “coolest experience,” he said. And even when he let them in on the surprise, some guests were wondering why he invited them given that he didn’t fare well in the early rounds, he said. His luck kicked in toward the end, when he wound up winning $20,400, the Dominican Republic vacation trip and, during the bonus round, a Nissan Z Sport— his prizes totaling $65,800. The winning answer to the bonus round puzzle was “giving an autograph,” which led some students to ask Knapp for his autograph. His answer has also led to some online drama, with some viewers claiming he actually said “getting an autograph.” “I did say giving,” said Knapp, who rewatched the episode to confirm his response and noted that the letter T had already been turned over prior to his guess, he said. He expects he will collect his prizes in the next couple of months, and is planning to keep the car and trip and to consult with an accountant about taxes he will owe on the cash winnings. Knapp credits some of his success to host Ryan Seacrest, who suggested that Knapp use his ambidextrous skills to spin the wheel with his left hand after not finding success using the right. That’s not a easy as it looks. Knapp was told the wheel weighs 2,500 pounds and spinning it takes more strength that it might appear at home, he said. Knapp, who’s been watching “Wheel” for most of his life — first with his parents and later with his wife, Lindsey — applied to be a contestant in March 2024, spurred on by a discussion he and Lindsey had while watching the show one night. Lindsey, being introverted, decided not to submit an application but Knapp followed through. He received an email from the show about a week later, participated in two auditions playing the game via Zoom and learned he’d been chosen in December 2025, he said. The couple had to pay for their own flights and hotel, and they brought a friend to join Lindsey in the audience, Knapp said. He had to be at the studio by 5:45 a.m. and, in addition to having makeup applied, contestants had to fill out paperwork, watch videos and then practice playing, he said. Recording started about noon for his show, which took less than an hour to tape, he said. “It was great to meet and talk to people from around the country. There was a camaraderie among the contestants. The producers were great too,” Knapp said. The show can be viewed on Hulu through Tuesday, Jan. 27, and clips of his bonus round win can be found on YouTube and social media, Knapp said. Mike Danahey is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News. ...read more read less