A Decisive Victory
Season 28 of Big Brother has officially concluded, with Rick Devens emerging as the season's champion. During the live finale broadcast on Thursday, October 1, Devens secured a dominant 6-1 jury vote, earning him the $750,000 grand prize. Taylor Brown, who reached the final two alongside him, finished as the runner-up and received a prize of $75,000.
The path to the finale was hard-fought. After Taylor won the initial segment of the final Head of Household (HoH) competition and Devens took the second, the two faced off in the decisive final round. Devens emerged victorious, ultimately choosing to evict Drew Campbell, which solidified the final pair.
The Multi-Talented Champion
Beyond his main win, Devens—previously known for his tenure on Survivor: Edge of Extinction and Survivor 50—was recognized as America's Favorite Houseguest, adding another $50,000 to his winnings. Including a $10,000 bonus from the "pharaoh’s curse" twist earlier in the season, Devens proved to be a formidable force throughout the game.
As a former news anchor, Devens maintained a high level of gameplay. He secured numerous competition wins and established strong alliances. Notably, he executed bold strategic maneuvers, such as utilizing the Diamond Power of Veto, which he obtained during the second week from the BB Time Capsule, to save his ally, Dee.
Strategies of the Finalists
Drew Campbell remained a central figure throughout the season, maintaining close ties with high-profile houseguests. His gameplay, which many participants labeled as "weaselly," proved effective in navigating complex alliances and securing his spot in the final three.
Conversely, Taylor Brown opted for a more subtle strategy early on. Initially keeping a low profile, she focused on mentorship, specifically bonding with and coaching Latrice “Lala” Verrett. Once Lala was evicted and joined the jury, Taylor pivoted, ramping up her competition performance at critical moments. Her victory in the final four HoH competition was instrumental in guaranteeing her place in the finale.
Host Perspectives
Reflecting on the final three, host Chen Moonves expressed admiration for the contenders. She specifically noted her support for Taylor’s journey, highlighting the mental discipline required to succeed.
«I think she’s someone who won when she had to know not to let emotions get the best of her. Didn’t have loose lips or you know her ego like lash out,» Chen Moonves stated regarding Taylor's gameplay. «If that meant she stayed confined to her pod a lot, it’s a strategy, and I love that she loves Jesus so much, and she gave him the glory when she won that last puzzle competition. I just love her.»