Rick Devens won Big Brother 2026, taking home the $750,000 grand prize after defeating Taylor Brown in the Season 28 finale on October 1, 2026. The jury voted 6–1 in Devens’ favor, making him the season’s champion, while Taylor finished as the runner-up with a $75,000 prize.
Devens also won America’s Favorite Player, earning an additional $50,000. Furthermore, he collected $10,000 through the season’s Pharaoh’s Curse twist, bringing his reported total winnings to $810,000.
The finale featured a decisive Head of Household competition involving Devens, Taylor, and Drew Campbell. After winning the final round, Devens chose Taylor for the final two, ending Drew’s journey just before the jury vote. Here’s a closer look at the finale, the final contestants, and how Devens secured his victory.
Who Won Big Brother 2026?
Rick Devens won Big Brother Season 28 after defeating Taylor Brown in the final jury vote. The live finale aired on October 1, 2026, bringing the season’s competition to a close.
D evens entered the house with previous reality television experience from Survivor. However, winning Big Brother required him to adapt to a different format, navigate changing alliances, and make critical decisions throughout the competition.
In the final vote, Devens received six jury votes, while Taylor received one. That result secured his place as the Season 28 winner and earned him the $750,000 grand prize.
The finale also gave Devens another distinction: viewers selected him as America’s Favorite Player. Combined with his additional reward from the Pharaoh’s Curse twist, the victory increased his reported season earnings beyond the main prize.
For viewers searching for the winner, the result is straightforward: Rick Devens won Big Brother 2026, with Taylor Brown finishing second and Drew Campbell taking third place.
Rick Devens Wins Big Brother Season 28
Rick Devens’ victory capped a season shaped by shifting alliances, competition wins, and difficult strategic decisions. His experience in reality television provided useful background, but he still needed to navigate the unique pressures of the Big Brother house.
His path to the championship reached its turning point during the final Head of Household competition. Winning that contest gave Devens the power to determine which remaining houseguest would join him in the final two.
Rather than taking Drew Campbell, his close ally, to the finale, Devens chose Taylor Brown. The decision ended Drew’s run and created a final matchup between Devens and Taylor.
Both finalists then presented their cases to the jury, which had the responsibility of choosing the winner. Devens secured six of the seven votes, demonstrating that he had earned the support of most jurors.
His victory became even more notable when he also won America’s Favorite Player. As a result, Devens left Season 28 with the main championship and the audience-voted award, adding two major achievements to his reality television career.
How Much Money Did the Winner Receive?
Rick Devens received the $750,000 grand prize for winning Big Brother 2026. However, the main prize was only part of his reported earnings from Season 28.
He also received $50,000 after winning America’s Favorite Player. In addition, the Pharaoh’s Curse twist contributed another $10,000 to his total.
| Award | Amount |
|---|---|
| Season 28 grand prize | $750,000 |
| America’s Favorite Player | $50,000 |
| Pharaoh’s Curse reward | $10,000 |
| Total reported winnings | $810,000 |
These awards bring Devens’ reported total to $810,000 before any applicable taxes. The $750,000 grand prize represents his reward for winning the season, while the additional payments recognize separate achievements during the competition.
The distinction matters because the winner’s headline prize does not include every bonus earned throughout the show. In Devens’ case, the additional awards increased his total by $60,000.
Who Were the Final Three on Big Brother 2026?
The final three contestants on Big Brother Season 28 were Rick Devens, Taylor Brown, and Drew Campbell. All three reached the closing stage of the competition, but the final Head of Household contest determined which two would compete for the grand prize.
| Finalist | Final placement | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Rick Devens | Winner | $750,000 grand prize |
| Taylor Brown | Runner-up | $75,000 prize |
| Drew Campbell | Third place | Evicted before the final vote |
Their different outcomes reflected the importance of the final competition and the decisions that followed. Devens won control of the final eviction, Taylor secured a place in the final two, and Drew fell just short of the championship.
Rick Devens, Taylor Brown, and Drew Campbell
Rick Devens entered the final stage with an opportunity to turn his previous reality television experience into a Big Brother championship. His performance in the last Head of Household competition gave him control over the final matchup.
Taylor Brown also reached the final two and presented her case to the jury. Although she ultimately received only one vote, she finished as the runner-up and earned $75,000 for her performance.
Drew Campbell reached the final three alongside Devens and Taylor. However, he did not win the decisive final competition, leaving his fate in Devens’ hands.
Devens chose to take Taylor to the final two instead of Drew. That decision ended Drew’s game immediately before the jury’s final vote, leaving him in third place.
The three finalists therefore finished the season with distinct outcomes. Devens claimed the championship, Taylor earned the runner-up position, and Drew finished third. Their results highlighted how one late-game decision can shape the final outcome of Big Brother.
What Happened in the Big Brother 28 Finale?
The Big Brother 28 finale aired on October 1, 2026, with Rick Devens, Taylor Brown, and Drew Campbell competing for the season’s final two places. The episode centered on the last Head of Household competition, the final eviction, and the jury’s decision.
The final competition unfolded across three parts. Taylor won the first round, while Devens advanced by winning the second. Devens then won the decisive third round, giving him the power to choose his opponent for the final vote.
With Drew eliminated from contention, Devens and Taylor faced the jury. Their final arguments gave jurors the opportunity to assess their gameplay before casting their votes. The jury ultimately selected Devens by a 6–1 margin, confirming him as the Season 28 champion.
Fans following other reality-TV finales can also explore our Love Island USA Season 8 reunion guide for updates on the show’s cast and reunion coverage.
The Final Head of Household Competition
The final Head of Household competition determined who would control the last eviction. Taylor won the first part, while Devens claimed victory in the second. Both advanced to the decisive third round, where Devens secured the overall win.
That victory carried significant weight. The final Head of Household winner earns a guaranteed place in the final two and gains the power to choose the other finalist. Consequently, the result gave Devens control over the season’s closing matchup.
Rather than leaving the final decision to another houseguest, Devens could determine whom he wanted beside him when the jury voted. The competition therefore shaped not only the final two but also the strategic decision that preceded the winner announcement.
Why Rick Devens Chose Taylor Brown
After winning the final Head of Household competition, Devens had to choose between Taylor and Drew. He selected Taylor, sending Drew to the jury just before the final vote.
The decision carried strategic consequences because Devens had a close relationship with Drew and had previously discussed the possibility of reaching the finale together. Nevertheless, Devens made his own choice when the final decision arrived.
By choosing Taylor, Devens established the final matchup that would determine the champion. Both finalists then presented their cases to the jury, which evaluated their performances before casting its votes.
The result favored Devens by six votes to one. His choice of Taylor therefore preceded the final jury decision that secured his championship, although the jury’s vote ultimately determined the official winner.
How Did the Jury Vote in the Big Brother 2026 Finale?
The Big Brother 2026 finale ended with Rick Devens winning the jury’s support over Taylor Brown. After the final speeches, the seven-member jury voted 6–1 in favor of Devens, making him the winner of Season 28.
The vote reflected the finalists’ performances throughout the season, including their strategic decisions, competition results, alliances, and relationships with the other houseguests. Although both finalists reached the final two, Devens secured the majority of the jury’s votes.
Who Voted for Rick Devens?
Six jurors voted for Rick Devens, while one voted for Taylor Brown. The votes were revealed during the live finale, confirming Devens as the Season 28 champion.
| Finalist | Jury Votes | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Rick Devens | 6 | Winner |
| Taylor Brown | 1 | Runner-up |
The result gave Devens a clear majority. Taylor’s single vote, however, meant she still received support from a member of the jury after making it to the final two.
How Much Money Did Rick Devens Win?
Rick Devens won the $750,000 grand prize for winning Big Brother Season 28. However, his total earnings from the season were higher because he also received additional cash rewards.
His victory followed a season in which he navigated alliances, won competitions, and made key decisions that helped him reach the final two. The grand prize represented the main financial reward for winning the game.
Rick Devens’ Total Big Brother 2026 Earnings
Devens received money from three separate rewards during the season.
| Award | Prize Money |
|---|---|
| Season 28 grand prize | $750,000 |
| America’s Favorite Houseguest | $50,000 |
| Pharaoh’s Curse reward | $10,000 |
| Total reported earnings | $810,000 |
The combined total reached $810,000. This figure includes the grand prize, the audience-voted award, and the additional reward connected to the season’s Pharaoh’s Curse twist.
Winning the grand prize and America’s Favorite Houseguest also gave Devens recognition from two different groups: the jury that decided the game’s winner and the viewers who selected their favorite contestant.
How Much Did Taylor Brown Win as Runner-Up?
Taylor Brown finished in second place on Big Brother 2026 and received $75,000 in prize money. Although she did not win the final jury vote, reaching the final two secured her a substantial runner-up reward.
Her path to the finale included winning the first part of the final Head of Household competition. That victory helped her remain in contention for the final decision, although Devens ultimately won the overall competition and chose to face her in the final two.
Taylor’s second-place finish marked the end of her Season 28 game. She received one jury vote, compared with Devens’ six, but still left the season with the runner-up prize.
The difference between the finalists’ main prizes was $675,000. Devens also earned additional money from America’s Favorite Houseguest and the Pharaoh’s Curse reward, increasing the gap between their total reported earnings.
Who Won America’s Favorite Houseguest on Big Brother 2026?
Rick Devens also won America’s Favorite Houseguest, an audience-voted award separate from the main game. The award came with an additional $50,000 prize.
Unlike the main Big Brother winner, who is determined by the jury, America’s Favorite Houseguest is selected by viewers. The award recognizes a contestant who receives strong audience support, regardless of whether that person wins the season.
How Is America’s Favorite Houseguest Different From the Main Prize?
The two awards recognize different kinds of success.
The main winner is decided by the jury, whose members evaluate the finalists’ games and cast their votes after the final speeches. America’s Favorite Houseguest, on the other hand, is based on the audience’s choice.
Devens won both awards in Season 28. His jury victory established him as the season’s champion, while the audience award added another $50,000 to his earnings.
The additional recognition contributed to his reported total of $810,000, combining his $750,000 grand prize with the two extra cash rewards he received during the season.
Who Is Rick Devens, the Big Brother 2026 Winner?
Rick Devens won Big Brother Season 28 after building a path to the finale through competition performances, strategic decisions, and relationships inside the house. His victory was notable because he had already competed on Survivor before entering the Big Brother house.
Devens entered the season as one of the returning reality-TV personalities known as the show’s “Icons.” His previous television experience gave viewers a familiar face, but he still had to navigate a different game with new contestants, changing alliances, and weekly eliminations.
By the finale, Devens had reached the final two alongside Taylor Brown. The jury voted 6–1 in his favor, securing his place as the Season 28 winner and awarding him the $750,000 grand prize.
Rick Devens’ Background on Survivor
Before appearing on Big Brother, Rick Devens became known to reality-TV audiences through Survivor. He competed on Survivor: Edge of Extinction, where he finished in fourth place, and later returned for Survivor 50.
His experience on Survivor meant he was already familiar with strategic voting, social relationships, competition pressure, and the importance of adapting when a game changes. However, Big Brother presented a different environment. Instead of spending most of the game outdoors, contestants live together in a house, compete in regular challenges, and face eviction decisions shaped by alliances and nominations.
Devens’ background made him a recognizable contestant, but his Season 28 victory ultimately depended on the game he played inside the Big Brother house.
How Rick Devens Played Big Brother Season 28
Devens had to adjust his previous reality-TV experience to the structure of Big Brother. The season required him to manage relationships over an extended period while responding to changing competition results and eviction plans.
Competition Wins and Strategic Decisions
Devens recorded two Head of Household wins and two Power of Veto wins during the season. He also won a Big Brother Blockbuster competition, adding to his record of competition success.
These victories mattered because competitions can influence who controls nominations, who receives safety, and which houseguests face eviction. Winning does not guarantee a place in the finale, but it can create opportunities to influence the direction of the game.
Devens also had to make decisions about trust and alliances. As the houseguest numbers declined, each choice carried greater consequences because fewer contestants remained to protect him or serve as alternatives for eviction.
His eventual appearance in the final two demonstrated that he had navigated those changing circumstances successfully enough to reach the jury vote.
For another look at competition-based reality television, read our Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro Episode 4 recap for the episode’s standout moments.
The Final Head of Household Competition
The final Head of Household competition determined which two contestants would compete for the grand prize. Taylor Brown won the first part, while Devens won the second part and advanced to the final stage.
Devens then won the final part of the competition, earning the power to choose his opponent for the jury vote. He selected Taylor rather than Drew Campbell, bringing the season to its final two.
That decision shaped the finale. Devens and Taylor each had an opportunity to explain their games to the jury, but only one could receive the majority of the votes. The jury ultimately selected Devens by a 6–1 margin.
What Made Big Brother Season 28 Different?
Season 28 featured returning reality-TV personalities alongside the show’s usual strategic and social gameplay. Its twists and competition structure influenced how contestants approached alliances, safety, and elimination decisions.
The Returning Contestants and Icons Alliance
Devens entered the house as an “Icon” alongside Angela Murray and Survivor winner Dee Valladares. Their existing reality-TV experience and public recognition became part of the season’s wider conversation.
Returning contestants can bring strategic knowledge and established audiences, but familiarity can also make them visible targets. Other houseguests may view experienced players as threats because they understand competition formats and social strategy.
The presence of recognizable personalities added another layer to the season. Contestants had to consider not only their immediate relationships but also how their reputations and previous television appearances might affect perceptions inside the house.
Devens ultimately advanced to the finale and won the jury vote. His victory made him the first former Survivor contestant to win the American version of Big Brother.
The Pharaoh’s Curse Twist
The Pharaoh’s Curse was another notable feature of Season 28. The twist introduced a special opportunity for a contestant to claim a $10,000 reward, with consequences tied to whether someone chose to activate it.
Devens pressed the button and received the $10,000 reward. The twist also affected the season’s strategic landscape, creating uncertainty for contestants as they considered the potential consequences of taking the money.
The reward became part of Devens’ total earnings. Alongside his $750,000 grand prize and $50,000 America’s Favorite Houseguest award, the $10,000 brought his reported total to $810,000.
How the Big Brother 2026 Finale Changed the Finalists’ Outcomes
The finale gave the last three contestants different outcomes based on the final competition and the jury’s decision.
Rick Devens won the final Head of Household competition, chose Taylor Brown as his opponent, and received six of the seven jury votes. His victory secured the $750,000 grand prize, while his additional awards raised his total reported earnings to $810,000.
Taylor Brown finished second and received $75,000. She reached the final two after winning the first part of the final Head of Household competition, but she did not receive enough jury votes to win the season.
Drew Campbell finished third after Devens chose Taylor for the final two. Although Drew did not compete in the final jury vote, his place among the last three made him one of the season’s finalists.
The result closed Season 28 with Devens as the winner, Taylor as the runner-up, and Drew in third place.
How Does Big Brother Work?
Big Brother is a reality competition in which contestants live together in a specially designed house while cameras and microphones record their activities. Houseguests form alliances, build relationships, compete in challenges, and make strategic decisions as they try to avoid eviction.
The central objective is to remain in the game until the finale and earn the jury’s votes. Contestants must balance social relationships with competition performance because winning challenges can provide power, while trust and communication can influence how other houseguests vote.
What Is the Head of Household Competition?
The Head of Household, commonly called HOH, is one of the season’s most important roles. The winner receives power to nominate houseguests for eviction and influence the week’s strategy.
The position offers control, but it also creates pressure. The HOH must decide whom to nominate while managing alliances and anticipating how other contestants might respond. Those decisions can affect relationships long after the weekly competition ends.
In the Season 28 finale, the final HOH competition determined which contestants would reach the final two. Taylor Brown won the first part, Rick Devens won the second part, and Devens won the final stage to secure the final decision.
How Does the Power of Veto Affect the Game?
The Power of Veto gives its winner an opportunity to influence the nominations. Depending on the week’s circumstances, it can allow a nominated houseguest to remove themselves from the block or change the direction of the eviction plan.
Veto competitions create additional strategic possibilities because the HOH’s nominations are not always final. Contestants must consider who might win the veto, whether an alliance will remain united, and which replacement nominee could be selected.
Together, the HOH and Power of Veto competitions help shape the path to the finale.
How Is the Big Brother Winner Decided?
The winner is determined at the end of the season, when the final two houseguests present their cases to the jury. The jury consists of previously evicted contestants who return to cast votes for the person they believe should win.
What Happens During the Jury Vote?
The finalists explain their decisions, discuss their strategic approaches, and answer questions from the jury. Jurors then vote for the winner.
The process makes the final result different from a competition decided solely by points or challenge victories. A contestant may win multiple competitions and still need to convince the jury that their overall game deserves the prize.
In Season 28, Rick Devens faced Taylor Brown in the final two. The jury voted 6–1 for Devens, confirming him as the winner.
Is America’s Favorite Houseguest the Same as the Winner?
No. America’s Favorite Houseguest is a separate audience-voted award, while the main winner is chosen by the jury.
The distinction means a contestant can receive viewer support without winning the game itself. In Season 28, Devens won both the main competition and America’s Favorite Houseguest, earning an additional $50,000 for the audience-voted award.
Where Can You Watch Big Brother 2026?
Viewers can watch Big Brother through CBS and stream episodes on Paramount+. Availability may depend on the viewer’s subscription, location, and the specific programming option offered.
The show combines scheduled episodes with live coverage, giving viewers different ways to follow the houseguests’ decisions and changing relationships. Episodes focus on important competitions, nominations, veto ceremonies, and evictions, while live feeds can provide a closer look at developments inside the house when available.
Can You Stream Big Brother Season 28?
Season 28 episodes are available through Paramount+, subject to the service’s current catalog and subscription requirements. Streaming allows viewers to catch up on episodes they missed and revisit key moments from the competition.
The finale is particularly useful for viewers who want to understand how the winner was decided. It covers the final Head of Household competition, the selection of the final two, the jury’s decision, and the announcement of the winner.
For viewers following Rick Devens’ victory, the finale provides the conclusion to his season-long journey, including his 6–1 jury win over Taylor Brown. Looking for another series to explore? Our True Detective guide covers the show’s seasons, cast, story, and episodes.
Has Big Brother Been Renewed for Another Season?
CBS has renewed Big Brother through Season 30, meaning the series is scheduled to continue beyond Season 28. The renewal keeps the long-running reality competition on the network’s programming plans.
However, a renewal does not automatically confirm every detail of a future season. Premiere dates, contestant announcements, casting information, and format changes depend on subsequent announcements from the network.
What Could Viewers Expect From Future Seasons?
The core format gives future seasons room to introduce new contestants, competitions, twists, and strategic challenges while retaining the central objective of surviving until the finale.
Season 28 demonstrated how returning reality-TV personalities and special twists could influence the game. Future seasons may use different approaches, but viewers should wait for official announcements before treating possible casting choices or format changes as confirmed.
The Season 30 renewal also provides a clear milestone for the franchise. Until further details are announced, the confirmed information is that CBS has renewed the show through that season.
Why Does the Big Brother 2026 Winner Matter to the Show’s History?
Rick Devens’ victory gave Season 28 a distinctive place in the show’s history. Before entering the Big Brother house, Devens had competed on Survivor, a reality competition built around a different format and set of challenges.
His win connected two established reality-TV franchises. He became the first former Survivor contestant to win the American version of Big Brother, a milestone that distinguished his season from those won by contestants without that background.
What Made Rick Devens’ Victory Notable?
Three elements defined the outcome of Season 28.
First, Devens won the final Head of Household competition and chose Taylor Brown as his final opponent. Second, he received six of the seven jury votes, securing the main prize. Third, he won America’s Favorite Houseguest and collected the additional Pharaoh’s Curse reward.
Together, these achievements brought his reported season earnings to $810,000. His victory also highlighted the different forms of success possible in Big Brother: winning competitions, navigating social relationships, earning the jury’s respect, and receiving audience support.
Season 28 ended with Devens as champion, Taylor as runner-up, and Drew Campbell in third place. The result completed the season’s central competition while adding another chapter to the franchise’s history.
If you’re exploring other major television franchises, our Game of Thrones guide covers its story, characters, houses, and lasting legacy.
Big Brother 2026 Winner: Season 28 Recap
Rick Devens won Big Brother Season 28 after defeating Taylor Brown in the final jury vote. The finale brought the season’s competitions, alliances, and strategic decisions to a conclusion, with Devens receiving six of the seven jury votes.
His victory also came with substantial prize money. Devens earned the $750,000 grand prize, a $50,000 America’s Favorite Houseguest award, and an additional $10,000 Pharaoh’s Curse reward. His total reported earnings reached $810,000.
Taylor finished second and received $75,000, while Drew Campbell placed third after Devens chose Taylor as his final opponent.
Key Results From the Big Brother 2026 Finale
| Finale Detail | Result |
|---|---|
| Season | Big Brother 28 |
| Winner | Rick Devens |
| Runner-up | Taylor Brown |
| Third place | Drew Campbell |
| Jury vote | 6–1 for Devens |
| Grand prize | $750,000 |
| Runner-up prize | $75,000 |
| America’s Favorite Houseguest | Rick Devens |
| Total reported Devens earnings | $810,000 |
The finale established Devens as the Season 28 champion and gave the season a notable milestone: he became the first former Survivor contestant to win the American version of Big Brother.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Big Brother 2026 Winner
Who won Big Brother 2026?
Rick Devens won Big Brother 2026, Season 28. He defeated Taylor Brown in the final jury vote, winning by six votes to one.
How much money did Rick Devens win?
Devens won the $750,000 grand prize. After adding his $50,000 America’s Favorite Houseguest award and $10,000 Pharaoh’s Curse reward, his total reported earnings reached $810,000.
Who came second on Big Brother 2026?
Taylor Brown finished in second place. She reached the final two with Devens and received $75,000 as the runner-up.
Who came third on Big Brother Season 28?
Drew Campbell finished in third place. Devens won the final Head of Household competition and chose Taylor rather than Drew for the final two.
What was the final jury vote?
The jury voted 6–1 in favor of Rick Devens. Six jurors selected Devens as the winner, while one voted for Taylor Brown.
Did Rick Devens win America’s Favorite Houseguest?
Yes. Devens won America’s Favorite Houseguest, a separate audience-voted award worth $50,000. The award was additional to his main competition prize.
Was Rick Devens on Survivor?
Yes. Devens competed on Survivor: Edge of Extinction and later returned for Survivor 50. His previous reality-TV experience made him a recognizable contestant when he entered Big Brother Season 28.
Where can I watch Big Brother Season 28?
Big Brother airs on CBS, and episodes are available through Paramount+, subject to the platform’s current catalog, subscription requirements, and regional availability.
Has Big Brother been renewed?
CBS has renewed Big Brother through Season 30. Specific premiere dates and details for future seasons depend on official announcements.
Final Verdict: Who Won Big Brother 2026?
Rick Devens is the winner of Big Brother Season 28. He defeated Taylor Brown by a 6–1 jury vote, secured the $750,000 grand prize, and collected additional awards that brought his total reported earnings to $810,000.
His victory combined competition success, strategic decision-making, and jury support. With Taylor finishing second and Drew Campbell placing third, the Season 28 finale brought the competition to a close and added a new milestone to the American Big Brother franchise.
For viewers looking for the short answer to “Who won Big Brother 2026?”, the answer is Rick Devens.
