Who are the BEST Big Brother players of all-time?

Big Brother USA has been entertaining viewers for over two decades now, and it’s no surprise that many players have captured the attention of audiences and become household names. The original “social experiment” live on TV 24/7 for almost 25 years. Over the years, there have been numerous houseguests who have played the game in what they call “Triple Threat” skills. The Mental, Physical and Social skills to become memorable. I decided to make the ALL-TIME ALL-STAR cast with a few honorable mentions of the best players to ever play this game. Nevertheless, here are the players who made my list as of BB24

1. Dan Gheesling: Dan Gheesling is widely considered one of the greatest Big Brother players of all time. He won the show’s tenth season with the first unanimous vote of 7–0 over Memphis and was the runner-up in season 14. Known for his strategic prowess and social game, Dan was able to manipulate the other houseguests, and control the game without ever appearing threatening. In his two seasons he was able to win a total of 7 competitions. (4 HOH’s and 3 POV’s) He also developed a reputation for being able to turn the tide of the game in his favor with well-timed moves, swearing on the bible, swearing on his loved ones, giving up his precious jewelry, and doing what no one has ever done before and that’s hosts their own funeral in season 14. That infamous moment will forever be the most talked about moment in all of Big Brother history.

   
   

2. Derrick Levasseur: Derrick Levasseur won Big Brother 16 and is considered one of the most dominant players in the show’s history. On Day 1, The undercover cop secured his final-two spot forming “The Hitmen” alliance with Cody Calafiore. He mastered the social game by being the only player (other than Cody in season 22) to win a season without being nominated for eviction. He constantly formed close bonds with other houseguests and using his background as a police officer to build trust and credibility. He won 3 HOH’s and used those wins to form alliances with other houseguests in the house to secure his individual spot in the finale. He was a strategic powerhouse, often anticipating his opponents’ moves and using that knowledge to his advantage. He has only played this game once, I would love to see him return in a similar role to Dan in season 14.

   
   

3. Dr. Will Kirby: Will Kirby is another legendary Big Brother player who won the show’s second season and placed fourth in season 7. He is known for his charming personality and ability to manipulate his way to the top, using his medical background to convince other houseguests to trust him. He also famously used his “Chilltown” alliance with fellow contestant Mike “Boogie” Malin to great effect, cementing his status as one of the game’s greatest players. He is still the ONLY player to win Big Brother without winning a single competition.

   
   

4. Cody Calafiore: Fool me once, shame on me. Fool me twice, not gonna happen. Choosing to evict Nicole on BB22 was his best game move in all of BB history. Tallying up his comp wins to 12 total wins in his two seasons. This Cody was the better and more mature version of Cody. He came in with a mission and he conquered the mission by a landslide. One of the only players to ever win by a unanimous jury vote without sitting on the block.

   
   

5. Nicole Franzel: Winner of Big Brother 18 who has recently surpassed Janielle’s spot as the most days spent in the house of Big Brother. Known for her strategic gameplay and likable personality, Franzel has proven to be a formidable competitor. She also played a strong game in season 16, making it to the final 5 and final 3 in season 22. She was forming alliances and winning competitions when needed. However, her gameplay was not without controversy, as some fans accused her of playing a “floaters”’ game and relying too heavily on others to do her dirty work. Across all three of her seasons, Nicole has an average placement of 3rd place, has won 11 competitions total (6 HOH’s, 3 PoV’s and 2 BOTB competitions). Due to winning Season 18 and then making final 3 in Season 22, and her competitions wins and excellent social and strategic game across those seasons, she is regarded as one of the best players in Big Brother. (Winner of Reindeer Games in 2023)

   
   

6. Rachel Reilly: Rachel Reilly first appeared on Big Brother 12 and then returned for season 13, where she ultimately emerged as the winner. Known for her intense competitive drive and fiery personality, Reilly formed strong alliances and was able to use her social game to build trust with other houseguests. She also proved to be a strategic force, making bold moves and alliances that helped her to dominate the game.

   
   

7. Janelle Pierzina: Janelle Pierzina is one of the most beloved Big Brother contestants of all time. She played in season 6, season 7, season 14, and season 22. finishing in third place twice and sixth place once. Known for her fierce competition skills and willingness to make bold moves, Janelle was able to form strong alliances and manipulate the game to her advantage. She was also a fan favorite, with her bubbly personality and memorable one-liners. She continues to be one of the most experienced Big Brother superstars of all time, Janelle is the only player to appear in four different seasons, spending over 200 total days in the BB house. With her 13 total comp wins, she stands second of all-time. She made finale night twice, ultimately falling just short of the grand prize and coming in third both times. “Always the Bridesmaid and never the Bride”, she continues to come back and who knows maybe 5th time’s the charm.

   
   

8. Taylor Hale: First Black female player to ever win BBUSA history. Taylor has won the most money out of any Big Brother player ever, winning a grand total of $800,000. She is also the first ever houseguest to win a season without being a have-not. Painting a target on her back in the first week for being the BB Pageant to being the honoree of “The Leftovers” alliance.

   
   

9. Xavier Prather: First Black player to ever win BBUSA history. 6 total comp wins and leader of the “Cookout” alliance. He was able to maintain a low profile even hiding the fact that he is a lawyer in the outside world. His smooth demeanor made him low threat and was able to form friendships with the majority of the house. His biggest move was securing his spot into the final 3 with all the remaining players towards the end. He won with a unanimous vote and was the first player to win the bumped up amount of $750,000.

   
   

10. Ian Terry: The super underdog. He went from being the “nerd” to telling Boogie to “Get to steppin” after voting to evict his coach/mentor. Revealing in his goodbye message where he “masterminded his dimise”. Ian’s victory on season 14 was a historic moment for Big Brother. He became the show’s first openly autistic winner, and he used his platform to raise awareness about autism and advocate for greater understanding and acceptance.

    
    

11. Frank “The Tank” Eudy: Frank played in seasons 14 and 18. He is known for his physical prowess and competitive drive, making him a formidable force in the game. In season 14, Frank became the first male to ever win six competitions (3 HOH’s, 3 PoV’s) in a single season. He formed a strong alliance (Chilltown 2.0) with fellow contestant/coach Mike “Boogie” allowing him to make it to the final seven before being evicted. He returned for season 18, adding another 3 competition wins but his strong gameplay was hindered by a perceived lack of trustworthiness among other houseguests, ultimately leading to his eviction. While his aggressive social gameplay may have rubbed some houseguests the wrong way, there’s no denying that Frank Eudy was a resilient and entertaining player during his time on Big Brother.

    
    

12. Paul Abrahamian: Also known as “The Master of Puppets” on season 19. First-ever runner up 2 consecutive seasons in a row, BB18 and BB19. He is known for his “friendship” and intense emotional outbursts, which often made him a polarizing figure among fans. Despite this, he was able to form alliances and build loyal relationships. Paul has won the most competitions in Big Brother history with 14 wins over his two seasons. While his gameplay may have been unorthodox, there’s no denying that Paul made a lasting impression on Big Brother viewers. It makes us wonder, if only he did a better job at jury management.

    
    

13. Britney Haynes: Her DR’s alone are by far the most memorable. I certainly believe if it wasn’t for the Brigade and being backdoored on season 14, she would’ve had a good chance of going to final 3 and possibly win on both tries. Her game play has been replicated the most in my opinion.

    
    

14. Vanessa Rousso: Her ruthless gameplay and manipulation was one of the best in all of BB history. Another one who only played once and has had such a big impact on the game. She was also a fierce competitor, winning 7 total competitions. Winning 4 HOHs and 3 POVs throughout the season and never faced the block until the final three.

    
    

15. Mike “Boogie” Malin: Co-founder of one of the greatest alliances “Chilltown” and Winner of BB7, Runner up in season BB2 and All-Star Coach in BB14. “winning when it matters” and unforgettable DR’s was the recipe for his gameplay.

    
    

Honorable Mentions:

• “Evel” Dick Donato — Winner of BB8

• Danielle Reyes — Deserving winner of BB3

• Enzo Palumbo — Made it to finale night on both tries

• Jeff Schroeder — “Mr. America” x2

• Jordan Llyod — “America’s favorite showmance” + Winning BB11 and Making it to Final 4 on BB13

• Josh Martinez — Winner of BB19. Who wants meatballs!?

• Kayce Clark — “Float like a social butterfly, win like a bee” Winner of BB20

• Jackson Michie — “America’s least favorite” winner of BB21

• Tyler Crispen — Everyone’s favorite houseguest, until he’s not.