No, no one has won Who Wants to Be a Millionaire without using any of the available lifelines. While some contestants have come very close, the top prize winners have historically utilized at least one lifeline, even if not for direct assistance with the question.
The Case of John Carpenter
The most famous example, and indeed the first winner of the top prize on the American version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, is John Carpenter. He achieved this remarkable feat on November 19, 1999. Carpenter became legendary for his strategic approach, answering question after question without relying on any of the help options provided.
However, his journey to the million-dollar question did not conclude without lifeline usage. On the final, million-dollar question, he chose to use his "Phone a Friend" lifeline. Crucially, he did not use it to ask for help with the answer. Instead, he famously called his father, not to consult on the question, but to inform him that he was about to become a millionaire, demonstrating his absolute certainty of the correct answer.
Although John Carpenter did not need the lifeline for its intended purpose of providing assistance, he did use one, meaning he doesn't fit the criterion of winning "without using lifelines." This highlights the confidence and knowledge required to reach the pinnacle of the game.
Lifelines in Who Wants to Be a Millionaire
Contestants are typically provided with a set number of lifelines designed to help them through challenging questions. These usually include:
- 50:50: Removes two incorrect answers, leaving one correct and one incorrect option.
- Phone a Friend: Allows the contestant to call a pre-selected friend or family member for a limited time to ask for their help.
- Ask the Audience: Polls the studio audience, with their collective answer usually displayed as percentages.
While these tools are available to aid contestants, the strategic decision of when and whether to use them is a core part of the game's challenge.
First Millionaire Winner Lifeline Usage Summary
| Winner | Version | Date Won | Lifelines Used | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Carpenter | American | November 19, 1999 | 1 (Phone a Friend) | Used on the final question, not for help, but to announce his win. |
For more details on the show and its history, you can visit the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Wikipedia page.
