A sixth-grade teacher from North Carolina walked away with one of the biggest prizes on Wheel of Fortune, making history as the first $100,000 winner of the show’s 43rd season.

Cory Earp, who teaches language arts in Taylorsville, lit up the stage during Friday night’s episode, September 19. Known at school for wearing a tropical shirt every Tuesday, the educator swapped the classroom for the bright lights of television — and stunned audiences with his quick solving skills.

Earp went head-to-head with Alesha Davis of Chicago, Illinois, and BB Fisher of Tempe, Arizona. All three are teachers, but it was Earp’s sharp mind and lightning-fast guesses that carried him through round after round.

The night started strong for the North Carolina native. He swept both Toss Ups, earning an early $3,000 lead. During the first puzzle, Earp nearly built momentum with a Wild Card but lost it on a Bankrupt spin. Luck wasn’t on his competitors’ side either, and after the turn came back to him, he solved “Gorgeous Gown and Golden Crown” for an additional $4,150.

Momentum shifted when Davis, a middle school math and science teacher, dominated the Mystery Round. She cracked “Wandering Eye of the Tiger,” scoring a year’s supply of school supplies plus a Mexico getaway. She followed that up with the Prize Puzzle, “Cobblestone Streets,” which secured her a trip to France. By that point, she sat comfortably in the lead with $25,682.

Earp, however, wasn’t done fighting. He stormed back by sweeping all three Triple Toss Ups, grabbing $10,000 in the process. That put him at $17,150. His final puzzle performance added another $9,500, giving him the edge he needed. By the end of regular play, his total reached $26,450 — enough to push him into the Bonus Round.

Unfortunately for Fisher, a high school psychology and U.S. history teacher, the night ended quietly. She finished with no cash winnings, though Wheel of Fortune awarded her the standard $1,000 consolation prize.

For the Bonus Round, Earp selected the category “What Are You Wearing?” With his mom and best friend cheering him on, he selected the letters B, F, K, and A to accompany the standard set. The board revealed “FAN_ _ BLA_ER.”

Even before the final letters filled in, Earp was ready. “Fancy Blazer,” he guessed instantly. Host Ryan Seacrest shouted, “You got it — and you got it fast!”

When Seacrest revealed the $100,000 card inside the envelope, Earp’s jaw dropped. His total winnings soared to $126,450. Hugging his mom and best friend, the stunned teacher exclaimed, “That’s crazy!”

Asked to reflect on the moment, Earp admitted the win still didn’t feel real. “I’m speechless. Crazy. I probably won’t believe it until I see it air,” he said.

Seacrest praised the contestant’s energy and skill: “You’re a great player! So happy for you.”

Fans online shared the excitement. “Finally! A $100K winner,” one wrote. Others chimed in: “Way to go, Cory!”