Home Controversial Juicy5

The Ultimate List: Every Big Brother US Winner Ranked By Strategy (And Where They Are Now In 2025)

• minute read
Contents

The quest for $750,000 and the title of ultimate strategist has captivated millions of viewers for over two decades. As of late 2025, the *Big Brother* house has closed its doors on 27 regular seasons, crowning a new champion who successfully navigated the social, mental, and physical gauntlet. From the experimental first season to the modern era of high-stakes gameplay, this is the definitive, up-to-date look at every winner, the evolution of the game, and what life is like for these reality TV legends today.

The latest season, *Big Brother 27*, concluded in September 2025, cementing a new name in the pantheon of reality TV greats. The strategies employed by these winners—from "Dr. Will's" manipulative charm to the "Ghe-ssling's" funeral—define the gold standard of reality competition. We break down the complete list of champions, focusing on their winning gameplay and their current status in December 2025.

The Complete Big Brother US Champions List (Season 1–27)

The following table lists every winner of the main *Big Brother US* series, showcasing the strategic diversity and evolution of the show hosted by the iconic Julie Chen Moonves.

  • Season 1 (2000): Eddie McGee. The first winner under the original, public-vote format.
  • Season 2 (2001): Will Kirby. A pioneer of modern *Big Brother* strategy, known for his masterful manipulation and forming the legendary 'Chilltown' alliance.
  • Season 3 (2002): Lisa Donahue. Won after a season of shifting alliances and dramatic blindsides.
  • Season 4 (2003): Jun Song. Famous for her "floating" strategy, proving that avoiding the spotlight can be a path to victory.
  • Season 5 (2004): Drew Daniel. Secured his win by cutting his showmance partner, a cold but effective strategic move.
  • Season 6 (2005): Maggie Ausburn. Led the dominant 'Sovereign Six' alliance to victory.
  • Season 7 (2006): Mike "Boogie" Malin. Returned to win the first All-Stars season, cementing the legacy of 'Chilltown'.
  • Season 8 (2007): Dick Donato. Won alongside his daughter Daniele Donato in a highly controversial and dramatic season.
  • Season 9 (2008): Adam Jasinski. Won the only winter season of the show.
  • Season 10 (2008): Dan Gheesling. Considered one of the greatest players ever, known for his "funeral" and flawless strategic execution.
  • Season 11 (2009): Jordan Lloyd. A social game winner who also won *America's Favorite Houseguest (AFH)*.
  • Season 12 (2010): Hayden Moss. The charismatic leader of the infamous 'Brigade' alliance.
  • Season 13 (2011): Rachel Reilly. Returned to conquer the game after a dramatic first run, known for her passionate personality and competition wins.
  • Season 14 (2012): Ian Terry. An impressive young strategist who defeated the returning legend Dan Gheesling.
  • Season 15 (2013): Andy Herren. Masterfully played the middle, securing a win with a strong final plea.
  • Season 16 (2014): Steve Moses. A super-fan who used his knowledge of the game to outmaneuver the competition.
  • Season 17 (2015): Vanessa Rousso. A professional poker player who dominated strategically.
  • Season 18 (2016): Nicole Franzel. Returned to win after a previous season, known for her social game and being the first female to defeat a male in the Final Two.
  • Season 19 (2017): Josh Martinez. Won with a combination of emotional outbursts and strategic alliances.
  • Season 20 (2018): Kaycee Clark. A competition beast who won multiple Power of Veto (POV) and Head of Household (HOH) competitions when it mattered most.
  • Season 21 (2019): Jackson Michie. Dominated the physical competitions throughout the season.
  • Season 22 (2020): Cody Calafiore. Played one of the most statistically dominant games in the second All-Stars season, never being nominated for eviction.
  • Season 23 (2021): Xavier Prather. The first Black winner of *Big Brother US*, leading the historic 'Cookout' alliance and winning the then-record $750,000 prize.
  • Season 24 (2022): Taylor Hale. The first Black woman to win *Big Brother US* and the first player to win both the season and America's Favorite Houseguest.
  • Season 25 (2023): Jag Bains. Made history as the first Sikh-American winner, known for his record-breaking Power of Veto wins.
  • Season 26 (2024): Chelsie Baham. A dominant strategic and competition player who nearly broke the HOH win record, winning by a unanimous 7-0 jury vote.
  • Season 27 (2025): Ashley Hollis. The most recent champion, who won the $750,000 prize with a strategic, under-the-radar game and a compelling final jury vote.

The Evolution of the Big Brother Prize Money

The financial reward for surviving 90+ days of isolation, backstabbing, and grueling competitions has dramatically increased over the years, reflecting the show's enduring popularity and the stakes involved. This financial evolution is a key entity in the *Big Brother* universe, influencing the risk tolerance and final jury votes of the houseguests.

The original prize for *Big Brother 1* winner Eddie McGee was a modest $500,000. This amount remained the standard grand prize for two decades. However, the game-changing increase came in 2021 with *Big Brother 23*.

  • Seasons 1–22: The Grand Prize was consistently $500,000.
  • Seasons 23–27 (Current): The Grand Prize was permanently raised to $750,000.

In addition to the main prize, the runner-up's prize has also seen an increase, moving from $50,000 to $75,000. Furthermore, the fan-voted honor, America's Favorite Houseguest (AFH), now awards $50,000, adding an extra layer of incentive for social gameplay.

Where Are the Big Brother Winners Now? Fresh Updates for 2025

Winning *Big Brother* is a life-altering event, but the houseguests' journeys don't end when Julie Chen Moonves crowns them the champion. For many, the prize money is a launchpad for new careers, and for others, it's a return to form with a significantly larger bank account. Here are the latest updates on some of the most notable winners, including the most recent champion.

The Latest Champion: Ashley Hollis (BB27)

The most recent winner, Ashley Hollis, took home the $750,000 grand prize from *Big Brother 27* in September 2025. Hollis, a highly educated attorney, masterfully downplayed her career during the game, telling houseguests she was a social media marketing manager to appear less threatening. This strategic misdirection was key to her success. Since her victory, Hollis has returned to her legal career, though her profile as a reality TV champion has opened doors for public appearances and media opportunities. Her final jury speech, which highlighted her subtle but effective social and strategic maneuvers, is still widely discussed among fans as a masterclass in persuasion.

The Strategic Godfather: Dr. Will Kirby (BB2)

Dr. Will Kirby, the winner of *Big Brother 2* and a returning player in *BB7: All-Stars*, remains one of the most iconic figures in the show's history. He is widely credited with inventing the strategic game as we know it, famously telling the houseguests he hated them and still winning. In 2025, Dr. Kirby continues his successful career as a board-certified dermatologist and a prominent figure in the cosmetic dermatology industry. His strategic mind is now focused on his medical practice, far removed from the house, though his legacy as the "Godfather" of *Big Brother* endures.

The All-Time Great: Dan Gheesling (BB10)

Dan Gheesling, the *Big Brother 10* winner and runner-up on *BB14*, is frequently cited as one of the best to ever play. His legendary moves, such as "Dan's Funeral," are studied by aspiring houseguests. Post-*Big Brother*, Dan has leveraged his strategic prowess into a successful career as a content creator and streamer, focusing on video games and strategy. He also works as a motivational speaker and entrepreneur, often sharing lessons on strategy and risk-taking learned from his time on the show.

The Historic Winner: Taylor Hale (BB24)

Taylor Hale, the *Big Brother 24* winner, made history as the first Black woman to win the show and the first to also win America's Favorite Houseguest. Her victory was a triumph of social resilience and strategic patience. Since leaving the house, Taylor has used her platform to advocate for positive change and has built a successful career in media and modeling. Her journey, which started with her being an early target, resonated deeply with fans, making her one of the most beloved winners in the show's history.

The legacy of *Big Brother* winners is not just about the money; it's about the ability to outwit, outlast, and outplay 15+ other people under intense scrutiny. From the pioneering days of Dr. Will to the modern, dominant gameplay of Ashley Hollis, each champion has contributed a unique chapter to the history of reality television.

The Ultimate List: Every Big Brother US Winner Ranked by Strategy (And Where They Are Now in 2025)
big brother winners
big brother winners

Detail Author:

  • Name : Felton Thiel
  • Username : fglover
  • Email : gia24@yahoo.com
  • Birthdate : 1978-08-09
  • Address : 62588 Fisher Circle Apt. 522 North Demarco, MI 62970
  • Phone : +1 (435) 667-3371
  • Company : Hermiston-Nikolaus
  • Job : Information Systems Manager
  • Bio : Et vel ex quod voluptatem est excepturi. Sunt soluta qui temporibus. Voluptas explicabo vitae et. Dolore architecto consequatur cupiditate corporis earum sint a ex.

Socials

tiktok:

  • url : https://tiktok.com/@estell_xx
  • username : estell_xx
  • bio : Debitis non ut eveniet. Ut quo incidunt eum nemo.
  • followers : 3336
  • following : 1285

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/estell.white
  • username : estell.white
  • bio : Tempore itaque sit qui. Consequatur et debitis id ipsa rerum. Nihil dolores dolorem est delectus.
  • followers : 1528
  • following : 1650

facebook:

linkedin:

Random Posts