Rick Devens has emerged as the champion of the recently concluded season 28 of “Big Brother,” which aired its final episode on 1 October. The former Survivor contestant claimed the title after executing a surprising strategy during the finale. By winning the final Head of Household competition, he shocked his ally Drew Campbell by opting to evict him instead of Taylor Brown, ultimately securing a convincing victory with a 6–1 jury vote against Brown.
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This unexpected move proved highly advantageous for Devens, who sat down with PEOPLE following his win to express his gratitude towards Campbell. “He was happy for me that I won. He understood where I was coming from,” said Devens, recognising that Campbell, too, might have considered betraying him had he remained in the game. Devens reflected on their mutual respect and camaraderie, noting, “I love him. He helped me so much in this game. I think he deserves a little something.”
Devens not only earned the prestigious title but also took home an impressive total of $810,000. His winnings included a grand prize of $750,000, an additional $50,000 for being named America’s Favourite Houseguest, and another $10,000 from the Pharaoh’s Curse twist. The funds are intended to benefit his family, which consists of his wife and two children.
Born into a military family, Devens grew up moving frequently due to his father’s service. Eventually, the family settled in Blacksburg, Virginia. After completing secondary education, Devens pursued a degree in journalism, film, TV, and advertising at Virginia Tech, where he later built a vibrant career in media.
Upon graduation, he began working as a sports anchor at WGXA in Macon, Georgia, where he eventually transitioned to morning show anchoring. In 2019, he left the station and took on the role of director of communications at Middle Georgia State University, furthering his involvement in the field of public relations.
Prior to his stint on “Big Brother,” Devens appeared on “Survivor” twice. His first appearance was on Survivor 38: Edge of Extinction in 2019, where he overcame the odds by returning to the game after being voted out early. His journey continued until he finished in fourth place. In 2026, he returned to Survivor for its 50th season, again making a respectable showing as he reached the jury stage.
On the personal front, Devens married his wife Becca in 2012 after meeting her while working in Georgia. The couple shares two children: Jackson, born in February 2014, and Juliet, who joined the family in July 2017. During the finale, Becca and the kids were present in the audience, witnessing Devens’ triumphant moment. “They said that they missed me. They were proud of me,” he recalled emotionally.
With his hefty winnings, Devens has been vocal about his intention to invest wisely for the future. However, he also shared a humorous detail about his first home purchase post-show: upgrading his bathrooms with bidets similar to those used in the Big Brother house. He quipped about enjoying the luxury features, saying, “Heated water, heated toilet seats. Count me in. We’re bringing that back to Macon, Georgia because I felt spoiled.”
Devens further explained his motivation for winning, stating that it was crucial for him to prioritise his family’s wellbeing above all else. “I didn’t leave my family all summer for second place,” he emphasised, acknowledging the sacrifices they made for him to compete. With his newfound wealth, he is eager to show his gratitude and support to his loved ones.
The finale marked a significant milestone not just for Devens but for a season that has captivated fans with its twists and turns. As the dust settles on the season, he reflects on the journey, the friendships forged, and the significance of family in his life, vowing to use his winnings to make their lives even better.