Reality TV • Big Brother Finale
Who Won Big Brother 28? Complete Finale Recap as Rick Devens Takes the Crown
Big Brother 28 winner revealed, jury vote breakdown, America’s Favorite Houseguest, and the dramatic final night explained
After nearly three months of competition, alliances, and nonstop strategy, Big Brother Season 28 has officially crowned its winner. On the live finale that aired October 1, 2026, Rick Devens defeated Taylor Brown by a decisive 6-1 jury vote to claim the $750,000 grand prize. The victory also made history, as Devens became the first former Survivor contestant to win the American version of Big Brother.
The Final Three and the Last Head of Household
The final three houseguests heading into the finale were Rick Devens, Taylor Brown, and Drew Campbell. The season’s concluding competition was the traditional three-part Final Head of Household challenge. Taylor Brown won Part 1, earning a direct path to the final round. Rick Devens then defeated Drew Campbell in Part 2 before going on to beat Taylor in Part 3, securing the final HOH title.
With the power to decide the Final Two, Devens faced an emotional choice. He had worked closely with Drew throughout the season, but ultimately voted to evict him. Devens later explained that Taylor had convinced him he would struggle to win against Drew in a jury vote. The decision sent Drew to the jury as its final member and set up a Final Two of Rick Devens and Taylor Brown.
and the winner of america's fave houseguest of #bb28 is.... #bigbrother #finale pic.twitter.com/rxpuXlldhX
— Big Brother (@CBSBigBrother) October 2, 2026
Jury Vote and the 6-1 Decision
The seven-member jury consisted of LaTrice “Lala” Verrett, Angela Murray, Barrett Pfeiffer, Yash Patel, Melody Morris, Dee Valladares, and Drew Campbell. After final speeches and jury questioning, the votes were revealed live. Six jurors voted for Rick Devens, while only Lala cast her vote for Taylor Brown.
Jurors largely praised Devens for his competition wins, strategic control, and ability to navigate multiple alliances. His background as a two-time Survivor player, including an appearance on the landmark 50th season, gave him both experience and a strong social game that resonated with the jury.
America’s Favorite Houseguest Sweep
In addition to the main title, Devens also won America’s Favorite Houseguest, earning an extra $50,000. Fan voting placed him ahead of other popular players including Drew Campbell and Yash Patel. Combined with earlier prize money from a mid-season twist known as the Pharaoh’s Curse, Devens left the season with a total of approximately $810,000.
This dual win placed him in rare company. Only a handful of winners in Big Brother history have also taken home the fan-voted award in the same season.
How the Season Unfolded
Season 28, themed around time travel and branded as Big Brother: Time Trip, featured 17 houseguests and ran for 87 days. The cast included a mix of new players and returning reality personalities. Devens entered the house as a known quantity from Survivor, but he quickly adapted to the different pace and social dynamics of the Big Brother format.
Throughout the season he won multiple competitions, formed key alliances, and made several high-risk moves, including the use of a special Diamond Power of Veto early in the game. His ability to stay flexible while maintaining strong relationships proved decisive in the final weeks.
Final Placement Overview
Rick Devens finished in first place as the sole winner. Taylor Brown took second and received $75,000. Drew Campbell placed third after being the final houseguest evicted. The remaining jury members and earlier evictees rounded out the season rankings, with the full cast having competed across a long summer of live feeds, weekly nominations, and shifting power structures.
Host Julie Chen Moonves guided the live finale, which also included reunions with pre-jury houseguests and several reveals about secret moves and twists that had shaped the season.
What the Win Means for Big Brother
Devens’ victory marks a notable crossover moment between two of CBS’s flagship reality franchises. While several Survivor alumni have competed on Big Brother over the years, none had previously claimed the top prize. His dual success as both the jury winner and America’s Favorite Houseguest further elevated the season’s profile.
CBS also used the finale to confirm the renewal of Big Brother through at least Season 30, ensuring the long-running series will continue for years to come.
Rick Devens leaves Big Brother 28 as both the strategic champion and a fan favorite. His path from the Survivor outcast to the winner of a completely different reality competition stands as one of the more memorable arcs in recent seasons. For viewers who followed the live feeds and weekly episodes, the 6-1 jury decision delivered a clear verdict on a game built on competition wins, careful social navigation, and one final high-stakes decision at the Final Three.
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