**Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Winner Reveals ‘Ludicrous’ Way He Spent His Cash Prize in Las Vegas After Hit 2000 Episode**

In 2000, Daniel ‘Dan’ Blonsky made history by becoming the second-ever winner of the U.S. version of *Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?* after answering a series of tough questions that earned him a cool \$1 million. His victory not only made him a household name but also catapulted him into the limelight, attracting attention from millions of viewers. In an exclusive interview with *The U.S. Sun*, Blonsky opened up about the immediate aftermath of his massive win, including how he splurged in Las Vegas in what he described as a “ludicrous” manner.

Now, over two decades later, Blonsky, a Florida-based attorney, has reflected on that life-changing moment. He shares how, despite a successful legal career, his *Millionaire* experience remains a defining part of his life. From his surprise victory to the extravagant trip he took with friends, Blonsky reveals how he navigated the sudden fame and the ways his \$1 million prize influenced his life.

### A Million-Dollar Win and the Surprising Attention

Blonsky, who was 34 years old at the time of his win, had already established a successful career in law. However, his life changed forever after he appeared on the first season of *Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?*. The format of the show, with its escalating cash prizes and high-stakes tension, was a fresh concept in American television. Blonsky’s win, alongside that of the show’s first-ever millionaire, John Carpenter, helped set the stage for the game show’s massive popularity.

For Blonsky, the moment of winning the \$1 million prize was not just a financial windfall but also a moment of intense public recognition. He recalls that the attention he received in the immediate aftermath was the most surprising part of the experience.

“It was the peak of the show. There were like, 30 million people who watched the night I was on it. Then it was two weeks or so before the Super Bowl, which was also on ABC,” Blonsky explained in his interview. “They had a clip of it during the Super Bowl. It just got a lot of attention. Not as much as John \[Carpenter] got because he was the first. But it was more than I would have expected as the second.”

While he may not have anticipated the level of attention, Blonsky’s newfound fame quickly became part of the package deal after his million-dollar win. The national spotlight, while exciting, was an entirely new experience for him, especially considering he never imagined that he would make it to the top prize. He confessed that he initially thought the \$32,000 prize would be the real victory.

“I’d seen the show a few times, and I think I probably saw it when John won. But I only did it really because I was like, ‘Wow, they’re giving away \$32K.’ It was easy to get to that point \[of the \$32K question],” Blonsky shared. “I was like, ‘That’s enough money to embarrass yourself on TV,’ which is why I called them up, because normally it’s not something I would do.”

### The Big Vegas Splurge

Despite being a successful attorney, Blonsky made the decision to splurge after winning his massive cash prize. While much of his winnings were wisely invested or saved, Blonsky indulged in a memorable trip to Las Vegas—a city synonymous with high-stakes gambling, celebrity culture, and extravagant spending. However, his splurge wasn’t as reckless as it might initially seem.

Blonsky revealed, “For years, before and since the show, I go to Vegas every March with a group of friends. On a trip \[right after I won], this wasn’t necessarily me splurging that much, but Entertainment Tonight followed us around. The MGM put me in this ludicrous suite. I had said, ‘You should give me a Rain Man suite.’ It was even better than the Rain Man suite.”

The “Rain Man suite” reference is a nod to the famous movie *Rain Man* starring Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise, in which the characters stay in an extravagant hotel suite. Blonsky’s request was more playful than serious, but the MGM Grand took it a step further by offering him an even more luxurious room, making for an unforgettable experience.

The splurge didn’t end there. Blonsky and his friends were treated to an exclusive dinner prepared by celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse. While *Entertainment Tonight* covered the event, Blonsky footed the bill for the overage. “Emeril made us dinner. ET paid for part of it, but it was like 15 of us, and I paid for the overage. That was my big splurge,” Blonsky admitted, laughing.

While some might expect such a windfall to be spent on extravagant purchases, Blonsky kept things relatively modest beyond the Vegas trip. His decision to treat friends and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience, without splurging on anything excessive, reflected his more grounded approach to newfound wealth.

### The Watch Fiasco: A Humorous Aftermath

Blonsky’s splurge wasn’t just limited to his Vegas trip. He also recalls an amusing moment when his watch broke shortly after the episode aired. The incident, while seemingly trivial, gained media attention. Blonsky shared the story of how he went to his local mall to buy a “cheap” replacement watch, only for the press to criticize him for being frugal despite his newfound wealth.

“Then there was something in one of those newspapers. Somehow, that got in the media. I don’t know why,” Blonsky recounted. “And they criticized me for buying such a cheap watch.”

The humorous incident serves as a reminder of the intense scrutiny that comes with sudden fame, no matter how small or inconsequential the story may seem. For Blonsky, it was another example of the public’s fascination with his life post-*Millionaire*. Yet, he took it in stride, laughing at the absurdity of the situation.

### Life After *Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?*

Since his time on *Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?*, Blonsky has continued to thrive in his legal career, currently serving as the Chair of his Miami-based firm’s Employment Litigation Practice Group. He specializes in high-stakes commercial litigation, further solidifying his place as a respected attorney.

Blonsky’s personal life has flourished as well. He married his longtime wife, and the couple has two children together. While Blonsky admits he no longer watches *Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?*—especially with its new all-celebrity format—he continues to express his appreciation for the show that made him a millionaire.

“That just doesn’t interest me,” Blonsky said about the celebrity version of the show. “I don’t typically watch trivia shows with the exception of the occasional *Jeopardy!* episode.”

While *Millionaire* may no longer captivate Blonsky’s attention, his connection to the show and its legacy remains a crucial part of his journey. And despite the occasional media attention and humorous missteps, Blonsky remains grounded and focused on his family, career, and long-lasting friendships.

### Conclusion: A Millionaire’s Legacy

Daniel Blonsky’s victory on *Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?* may have been a moment of unexpected triumph, but it has remained a key chapter in his life story. His humble yet entertaining post-win adventures, including his splurge in Las Vegas, demonstrate his balanced approach to life-changing wealth.

Though the media attention may have been overwhelming at times, Blonsky’s focus on his career, family, and personal growth shows that he has managed to keep a sense of perspective. His time on *Millionaire* may have made him a millionaire, but it’s the choices he made afterward that have defined his true legacy.