"Starting with M. Surname of the American football player who, in 1968, was chosen as the most valuable player in the NFL by the AP agency." It was the last word that Rosa Rodríguez had to solve to become the winner of the biggest jackpot in the history of Pasapalabra, 2,716,000 euros. She had only four seconds left. The Argentine, settled in Galicia since she was seven years old, looked up, glanced at Roberto Leal, said she was going to try the first word that came to mind, smiled, and answered: Morrall, Earl Morrall.
At that moment, the confetti cannon of Pasapalabra, silent since May 2024 when Óscar Díaz became the last winner, showered all the papers around Rosa who held back tears until the emotion (and nerves) overwhelmed her. She quickly embraced Manu, her companion and opponent for 307 programs, in the longest duel in Pasapalabra, and waited for a jubilant Roberto Leal to approach her and hug her.
Can you solve The Rosco of Pasapalabra that made Rosa a millionaire?
The emotional story of Rosa, the winner of the highest jackpot in Pasapalabra history, pushed to compete by her mother
Because what Rosa Rodríguez has achieved is already television history. Not only did she win the biggest jackpot ever awarded on Pasapalabra, but she is the second woman to win the jackpot in the new phase of the Antena 3 show. Alongside her, Manu, another record-breaking contestant who could have also won the jackpot. This time, not only have they broken all the show's records, but they have made viewers feel the same joy regardless of the winner. Just ask the celebrity guests, who, when she was two words away from completing The Rosco, had faces of "she's going to win, she's going to win". And she did.
Her first word: "Dream"; then, she mentioned her parents, because "I have always thought that all of this was for them, so we could have a better life and give back everything they do for us." As Manu left the stage, Roberto Leal introduced Irma, Rosa's mother. "Mum, do you have pizza in the freezer? I won 2,716,000 euros," Rosa said tearfully. "It's an emotion I can't put into words," her mother replied, to which Rosa, whose victory is largely thanks to her mother, could only respond, "This is thanks to you."
It is interesting to learn Rosa's story because, although she has been a fan of Pasapalabra since she was a child, when it was hosted by Silvia Jato, she never felt brave enough to participate. Never, until the pandemic hit, she started watching game shows on TV every day with her mother, who suggested, "why don't you go for it." With her characteristic shyness, she initially ignored the idea but started studying. It was the year 2020. Her mother's insistence - "after repeating it to me many times, she convinced me" - pushed her to apply. Today, after the taxman takes his share, Rosa will be a millionaire thanks to that push.
The success of Pasapalabra, according to TV experts, lies in the fact that the contestants "become a constant element in your daily life." The follower and viewer of Pasapalabra "develops an invisible bond with the contestants," meaning that "the longer they compete, the stronger the bond becomes." When you add that each viewer roots for one or the other contestant, and each duel is like a derby, tonight's final was indeed experienced like a Real Madrid vs. Barcelona match.
Pasapalabra director Miguel Aparicio explained to EL MUNDO hours before Rosa's victory that the show's success, almost inexplicable after so many years, continues to attract more fans each season. For Aparicio, it is "a combination of several factors": "It's a simple format that combines entertainment and culture. You can play from home, regardless of your level. The timing is fantastic: when families are already gathered at home. The identification with the contestants facilitated by the mix of tension and relaxation throughout the show. Finally, the perfect storm occurs on jackpot day, where, sometimes, a long journey culminates." Precisely what Manu and Rosa have done, a long journey that culminated tonight.
Pasapalabra has become a must-watch for the audience. Unbeatable daily, it is the most-watched game show on TV this season, achieving an average share of 20.3%, 1,928,000 followers, and 3,637,000 unique viewers. Absolute leader every afternoon and for 18 consecutive months, Pasapalabra crushes the competition every day with an unbeatable lead of 8.1 and 12.8 points over its rivals. Additionally, Pasapalabra captures 68% of the golden minutes this season, on its broadcast days.
The show leads across all age groups and almost all regions of the country, achieving great ratings in Aragon (25.6%), Castilla-La Mancha (25.3%), Andalusia (22.8%), the Canary Islands (22.4%), and Madrid (21.2%).
The Rosco between Rosa and Manu has provided great moments of tension this season, so much so that the final test of the show has achieved an average share of 25% and 2,616,000 viewers.