**Rick Devens Makes Big Brother History with Unprecedented Prize Win**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/rick-devens-big-brother-100226-a7454bb809774a40896510abcde3b93d.jpg)
Rick Devens, a former contestant from the reality show *Survivor*, has etched his name in the annals of *Big Brother* history after clinching victory in the latest season, *Big Brother 28*, held on October 1, 2026. With a remarkable prize of $810,000, which includes an additional $50,000 awarded for being voted America’s Favourite Houseguest, Devens has firmly established himself as a standout player in both reality competitions.
In the finale, Devens emerged victorious over runner-up Taylor Brown and fellow housemate Drew Campbell. Upon leaving the competition, he expressed overwhelming joy at the opportunity to reunite with his family. “My heart was full, man. I needed to be back with them,” he stated in an interview shortly after the finale.
Devens, who has spent a summer stuck inside the *Big Brother* house in contrast to the outdoor adventures of *Survivor*, is already formulating plans for how to spend his newfound wealth. Teasing his first major purchase, he joked, “I’ll give this to you first because the thing I’m going to do is invest everything, but here’s what I am really going to buy: They have, in the *Big Brother* house on both toilets, these bidets.” He expressed enthusiasm for the prospect of heating elements, saying, “Count me in. We’re bringing that back to Macon, Georgia because I felt spoiled.”
Not only is Devens the first contestant to win such a substantial amount of money in *Big Brother* history, but he also became the first player primarily known for *Survivor* to take the crown in a *Big Brother* season. This season featured various challenges, highlighting the adaptability of skills learned from competing in both shows.
Devens commented on the comparative difficulty of the two series, stating, “Big Brother is brutal in just how long it is.” He noted that he prefers outdoor settings, which made being confined indoors particularly challenging at times. “Half the people I was in this *Big Brother* house with could never do *Survivor*. They would die on day three,” he remarked. Devens underscored the unique challenges each reality show presents, affirming that both competitions test contestants in distinct ways.
One of the key strategies that led to Devens’ victory in *Big Brother* involved a calculated betrayal of an ally; he chose to cut Campbell in favour of partnering with Brown during the final stages of the game. Reflecting on this decision, he stated, “I think he was going to cut me too, which makes it a little easier to digest on his end.” Despite the emotional toll of the decision, both Campbell and Brown acknowledged Devens’ tactical gameplay as instrumental in securing his win.
Candidly addressing his alliance with Campbell, Devens expressed appreciation for their time in the game together. Campbell, at 22 years old, noted that he respected Devens’ choice to prioritize his own strategy. “If the shoe was on the other foot, I would’ve gotten rid of him, so I can’t even be mad,” he said.
As for Brown, who finished as the runner-up with a prize of $75,000, she described Devens’ approach as “cutthroat,” which ultimately contributed to his success. “I played on the total opposite side of that spectrum,” she conceded. “I knew that sitting next to Devens, it would’ve been a sweep.”
When *Big Brother* host Julie Chen Moonves announced his win, Devens made a heartfelt beeline for his family. It was a moment he had envisioned throughout the competition, hoping to demonstrate perseverance to his children, Jack, 12, and Juju, 9. “You wouldn’t believe how many nights I went to bed and I was like, ‘You know what? I’m going to allow myself tonight to fantasize that I’m walking out with the confetti coming down and my family’s right there,’” he shared.
In the aftermath of his triumph, Devens has expressed a desire to provide for his family, ensuring that their lives are positively impacted by his experience on the show. As he begins this new chapter, he aims to teach his children valuable lessons about resilience and determination.
Viewers can catch all the drama and excitement of *Big Brother 28*, now available for streaming on Paramount+. With a mix of strategy, emotion, and unforeseen twists, this season has made an indelible mark on reality television. As Rick Devens looks forward to life beyond the competition, his record-breaking achievement will undoubtedly inspire many aspiring contestants in future seasons.