Rick Devens

Patrick William Devens is an American reality television personality and former broadcast journalist who made history in October 2026 by becoming the first person to win both Survivor and Big Brother. The 42-year-old Virginian traded his career as a morning news anchor for high-stakes competition, eventually securing the title of America's Favorite Houseguest on Big Brother 28. His victory marked the culmination of years spent navigating complex social dynamics across two survival series before finally claiming the grand prize.

Devens currently balances his public life with family duties as a husband and father of two. He resides in Georgia where he continues to manage business ventures through his LLC while engaging with fans who appreciate his strategic gameplay and candid post-game interviews. His unique background in journalism gave him a distinct edge in the house, allowing him to craft compelling narratives that resonated with viewers and producers alike. [edit]

Before stepping into the spotlight of reality television, Patrick Devens built a solid foundation in education and local media. Born in 1984 and raised primarily in Virginia, he developed an early interest in communication and storytelling. He attended Middle Georgia State University before transferring to Virginia Tech, where he honed his skills in journalism and athletics. His time at Virginia Tech was formative, grounding him in the values of discipline and teamwork that would later serve him well in competitive environments.

Upon graduating, Devens pursued a career in broadcast news rather than entertainment. He worked as a morning news anchor and producer for WGXA in Macon, Georgia. In this role, he covered local stories, conducted interviews, and delivered daily reports to a regional audience. This experience provided him with a professional command of camera presence and verbal articulation. He held this position until late 2018 when he decided to leave the stability of news broadcasting to test himself in the unpredictable world of reality competition shows.

His transition began with a leap of faith into the wilderness. Devens applied for Survivor after realizing his journalistic instincts could translate well to the social maneuvering required in the game. Before his first season aired, he had no prior experience in physical survival or strategic deception. He relied entirely on his ability to read people and speak clearly under pressure. This period of preparation involved intense physical training and mental conditioning to survive the elements and the psychological toll of isolation from his family back home. [edit]

Devens launched his reality TV career in 2019 with Survivor: Edge of Extinction, where he navigated complex alliances but ultimately failed to reach the final jury. Undeterred, he returned two years later for Survivor: Winners at War in 2020. Competing alongside other past champions, he faced even stiffer opposition but again exited the game without winning. These experiences taught him valuable lessons about risk management and the importance of maintaining a low profile while building trust.

The turning point came in August 2026 when he entered the Big Brother 28 house. Unlike his previous attempts, Devens adopted a more calculated approach, leveraging his journalistic background to gather information and manipulate social dynamics. He formed key alliances while carefully managing his public image within the house. His strategy culminated in a dramatic finale where he defeated fellow finalist Drew to claim the victory.

His win on Big Brother 28 was historic, making him the only individual in television history to hold titles from both major competition franchises. He received the $750,000 grand prize plus additional bonuses, bringing his total earnings to approximately $810,000. Following his win, he participated in numerous press tours and interviews, discussing his controversial betrayal of Drew and his redemption arc. He has since remained active in the reality TV circuit, appearing on podcasts and participating in reunion specials that celebrate his unique achievement. [edit]

Devens projects an image of the "intellectual strategist" who uses his brain rather than brute force to win games. His background as a news anchor gives him a polished demeanor that sets him apart from typical reality stars. Fans view him as a redemption story figure who overcame previous failures on Survivor to achieve ultimate success. Media outlets often describe him as a versatile competitor capable of adapting to different formats.

His public persona is grounded in authenticity, though his gameplay often involves deception. He has embraced the label of "Sisyphus of reality TV" initially, referring to his repeated attempts, before reclaiming it as a symbol of persistence. Post-win interviews show him reflecting on the moral complexities of his decisions with surprising candor. This willingness to discuss the darker aspects of his strategy has earned him respect from critics who value honesty over manufactured drama. [edit]

As of October 2026, iFANN has not yet collected fame data for Rick Devens, so he does not appear in any current global rankings. While he is a household name among reality television enthusiasts, he has not yet reached the threshold for inclusion in the main iFAMOUS issue list. He was not featured in the September 2026 September 2026 iFAMOUS Rankings flagship list, indicating his fame is still concentrated within niche circles rather than general pop culture.

His fanbase consists largely of dedicated viewers of Survivor and Big Brother who follow the evolution of competitive reality TV. There is no official fandom name for Devens specifically; supporters typically identify simply as fans of the shows he appeared on. The community engages in heated debates regarding his betrayal of Drew, with some defending his right to play the game while others criticize the lack of loyalty shown. Fans have created online threads analyzing his strategy, and his Instagram account sees high engagement from followers who track his post-show activities. His journey from news anchor to dual champion has inspired a new generation of competitors to pursue cross-franchise victories. [edit]

Rick Devens holds the distinction of being the first person ever to win both Survivor and Big Brother, a feat many fans consider the "Holy Grail" of reality competition. During his Big Brother run, he famously betrayed fellow player Drew to secure his position, a move that sparked intense debate among viewers and even drew criticism from his own children. Despite the controversy, his genuine personality allowed him to maintain a strong fanbase.

Outside of the game, Devens is an avid animal lover who cares for five rescue pets at his home in Georgia. He often shares photos of his dogs on social media, showing a softer side to his strategic persona. His children were reportedly "ticked off" that he had to betray a friend to win, highlighting the personal cost of his gameplay. Devens also owns a business entity called RickDevensLLC, which handles his merchandise and endorsement inquiries. [edit]

Devens is married to Becca Devens, whom he refers to affectionately on his social media platforms. They have been together for several years and share a household with their two children. Family plays a central role in his life, and he frequently mentions them during interviews as his primary motivation for competing. His wife supported his decision to leave journalism and pursue reality television, despite the risks involved.

The couple lives in Georgia, where they enjoy a relatively private life away from the constant glare of the cameras. Devens has spoken openly about the challenges of balancing fame with parenting, noting that his children sometimes struggle with the public perception of his strategic moves. He is also close with his extended family, who often travel to support him during filming. Their bond remains strong despite the demands of his public career. [edit]

Becca Devens, Drew, CBS, WGXA, Virginia Tech[edit]

Rick Devens is currently married to Becca Devens. The couple has been together for several years prior to his rise to fame, and their relationship has remained a steady anchor throughout his tumultuous journey in reality television. Becca is often mentioned in his social media posts and interviews, serving as a source of emotional support during his time in the Big Brother house.

There are no widely documented prior marriages or long-term engagements in the public record before his marriage to Becca. Their relationship became a focal point of discussion during his Big Brother run, as he frequently referenced his family back home to motivate himself. Following his win, Devens revealed that his children were upset by his strategic betrayal of fellow houseguest Drew, highlighting the personal toll of his gameplay on his family dynamic. As of late 2026, the couple continues to navigate their public life together, raising their two children in Georgia. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Rick Devens' net worth at approximately $1 Million as of 2026. This figure reflects his recent victory on Big Brother 28, where he secured a reported $810,000 prize package including cash, bonuses, and merchandise value. Prior to this win, his income came from his career as a morning news anchor in Macon, Georgia, and modest stipends from his appearances on Survivor.

Since his victory, Devens has leveraged his historic status to generate additional revenue through media appearances, podcast guest spots, and potential brand endorsements. He operates under RickDevensLLC, suggesting he is actively managing business opportunities related to his fame. While specific real estate holdings remain undisclosed, sources indicate he plans to invest a significant portion of his winnings into property and long-term assets. His financial trajectory has shifted dramatically from a stable salary to a volatile but lucrative reality TV income stream. [edit]

Devens won the grand prize on Big Brother 28 in 2026, earning the title of America's Favorite Houseguest. He is the first person to win both Survivor and Big Brother, a historic achievement that has cemented his legacy in reality television history. [edit]