Army Veteran Wins Record $240,150 on The Price Is Right

The amount exceeds the previous record of $210,000 won by a contestant in 2016. The veteran progressed through the show's rounds, starting with $2,500 and advancing to $25,000 before securing $100,000 in the third round. With $127,500 in winnings and two balls remaining in the high-stakes game "The Lion's Share," she chose to risk her earnings for a chance at a larger prize.

She told host Drew Carey that the last two numbers matched her daughter's birthday. " Another $100,000 was added to her total. "Vanesa, we're almost up to a quarter-million dollars," Carey said. " The contestant replied, "I have to believe," before winning the vacation package.

In a statement to Variety, the veteran described the experience as surreal. "It all felt so surreal — a dream moment that only kept getting bigger," she said. " She added that winning over $200,000 is life changing. The veteran said she plans to invest wisely, enjoy a portion of the money and treat her mom to a special surprise.

The win occurred on the episode that featured a partnership with BetMGM. A company spokesperson said the collaboration aimed to bring the thrill of its gameplay to the television show.

The contestant's success in "The Lion's Share" marked the largest payout in the program's 54-year run. Her daughter cheered from the audience throughout the episode, which aired the day before Mother's Day. Footage of the win has been shared by multiple outlets, including a post by Atlanta Black Star that highlighted the veteran giving the term "Mother's Day gift" a new meaning.