Ray, 72, won thousands to pay for an upcoming surgery – then he risked it all
It was Christmas in July on Tipping Point Australia and lucky contestant Ray was feeling very jolly with a $20,000 prize in his sights.
Ray, 72, appeared on a festive-themed episode of the game show, with three Christmas-mad contestants hoping the machine was in a merry mood.
The former Australia Post worker 'sleighed' it through the early rounds, beating Christmas light aficionado Liz and 'Santa's helper' Geoff for a chance at the Jackpot.
Now that could buy a lot of presents!
Ray certainly looked the part for a festive episode! Nine
Watch the new season of Tipping Point Australia for free on 9Now.
At the end of the Jackpot Round, Ray had earned a respectable $3,900.
He explained that he and his wife Aileen donate a lot of time to charities during the festive season and he planned to divvy up part of his winnings between them.
The cash would also help fund his upcoming knee surgery and repaint his cottage.
But the game wasn't over yet – as host and tennis legend Todd Woodbridge offered Ray the ultimate temptation.
Todd had some very tempting offers for Ray. Nine
The host laid out two generous offers and Ray decided that one – of four extra counters to try win the $20,000 plus a cruise – was too good to pass up.
"Good doing business with you, Santa," Todd reacted.
Then came the nerve-racking part, as Ray's first counter sent the Jackpot counter teetering over the edge.
All it needed was one more tiny push.
Ray couldn't believe how close he'd come. Nine
"It's not good for your heart," Ray's wife Aileen reacted from the crowd.
The good news was that he still had three more counters up his sleeve.
Thankfully, the machine was no Grinch – and it turned out he only needed one:
Catch the heart-racing moment here:
READ MORE: Tennis star John Millman loses thousands in toughest match yet
"All of your Christmases have come at once," Todd told an overjoyed Ray, who threw his arms up in the air to celebrate his huge $20,000 win.
To make things even better, Ray and Aileen would be able to pay for their plans as well as enjoy a well-deserved holiday thanks to their additional cruise prize!
The very deserving winners, Aileen and Ray. Nine
"I can't believe it," wife Aileen reacted, as her lucky husband was rendered speechless.
This isn't the first time a contestant has risked thousands for a jackpot. Catch more incredible moments here:
Watch the new season of Tipping Point Australia for free on 9Now.
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