Two Gulf Coast Floridians are stepping into the national spotlight as contestants on Wheel of Fortune.
Naples native Emily Nichols will appear on Thursday night’s episode of the iconic game show. Nichols, a Gulf Coast High and FGCU graduate, currently serves as the rehabilitation director and occupational therapist at Seascape Assisted Living in Naples.
“So I’ve always watched Wheel of Fortune, especially growing up,” Nichols said. “And I knew Pat Sajak’s final season was coming up, so I just bit the bullet and decided to apply, not thinking anything of it.”
A year later, Nichols got the call — and shared the surprise with her family.
“They were just, they were so surprised,” she said. “I don’t think they really thought that I was going to apply. And then when I told them that I made it, it was just pure, pure excitement. Pure shock. And we were just ready to roll at that time.”
She’s not the only contestant representing the Gulf Coast.
Mike Rowitz, who lives in Bokeelia and works in Naples, also landed a spot on the same episode. He says his lifelong love of game shows prepared him.
“My wife will tell you that I’m 34 going on 70,” Rowitz said. “So I have a very old soul. Any type of game show, I’m watching it. I played at home. I played on my phone. I love it — I love the competition. I love just the puzzles.”
Rowitz made a memorable first impression during his Zoom audition, wearing a pink flamingo suit that channeled pure "Florida Man" energy.
“That’s what I interviewed with and won them over,” he said. “Unfortunately, they didn’t let me wear the flamingo suit on stage, but it was still a good time.”
Both Nichols and Rowitz filmed their episode in March. They described being on set as a dream come true — and confirmed the legendary game show wheel really does weigh 2,500 pounds.
“It was a very surreal moment,” Nichols said.
“It was surreal,” Rowitz added.
Nichols is hosting a watch party at Scoreboard Social in North Naples, where she says she’s most excited to finally talk about her experience with friends and family. Rowitz will be at work during the broadcast, but says his family will be tuning in.
Wheel of Fortune airs Thursday at 7 p.m. on Gulf Coast NBC.
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