Chelsie Baham has emerged as the winner of Big Brother America Season 26, taking home the impressive grand prize of $750,000. 

During the two-hour season finale broadcast on Sunday, Baham successfully outperformed her closest competitors, Makensy “MJ” Manbeck and Cam Sullivan-Brown, to secure her victory. 

Her triumph was bolstered by strong backing from the jury, culminating in a significant conclusion to the season. Baham's exceptional strategic gameplay and well-formed alliances distinguished her as the champion of this year's reality competition. 

Additionally, Tucker was honored as America’s Favorite Houseguest, receiving a $50,000 cash prize based on viewer votes.

During the finale of Big Brother season 26, the final three houseguests—Cam Sullivan-Brown, Chelsie Baham, and Makensy Manbeck—vied for the grand prize of $750,000. The Head of Household competition consisted of three segments. In the initial challenge, participants were required to grip robotic vessels, with the last contestant remaining securing victory. Makensy was the first to be eliminated, followed by Cam, which allowed Chelsie to win the first round. 

In the second round, Makensy and Cam faced off in a challenge that involved navigating a maze pathway with Ainsley. Makensy emerged victorious in this segment, leading to a final showdown against Chelsie in the third round. In the concluding Head of Household competition, Makensy triumphed by accurately answering true and false questions posed by the jury. She utilized her power to evict Cam, advancing to the finale alongside Chelsie. 

Cam expressed to host Julie that he anticipated his eviction, noting that Chelsie and Makensy had been collaborating and strategizing together. He acknowledged that had he been the Head of Household, he would have also chosen to evict Chelsie, demonstrating his loyalty to her.

Prior to the jury casting their votes, they had the opportunity to converse with both Chelsie and Makensy. Chelsie highlighted her strong social game and strategic approach, which allowed her to avoid elimination multiple times, despite not always winning challenges. She also mentioned her role in influencing Makensy’s decision to nominate Leah instead of Angela.

Big Brother season 26 host Julie announced the voting results. Chelsie received the majority of the votes, with Kimo, Quinn, T’Kor, Leah, Angela, Rubina, and Cam supporting her. Consequently, Chelsie was declared the winner with a unanimous 7-0 vote.