Chimsom Chuka has become the first Head of House in Big Brother Naija Season 11. The 27-year-old pharmacist from Anambra State won the title after posting the fastest time in the opening Head of House challenge held on Monday, the first full day of the show.

The male housemates and female housemates competed separately, and their times were then compared to determine the fastest overall. Chimsom came out on top. Abi, a chef and model from Osun State, finished second and was named Deputy Head of House.

Photo: Instagram/@Trammania

Winning the title gives Chimsom immunity from eviction this week, along with other Head of House privileges and a special treat from Big Brother.

But this season came with a twist. Unlike previous editions, the Head of House will not automatically move into the Head of House lounge. Instead, Big Brother introduced a new rule, the HoH has to pick a housemate from the Lucky Dip Box to stay in the lounge for the week.

Photo: Instagram/@Omogeabi

Chimsom’s pick landed on Tram, the 24-year-old streamer from Lagos State. Tram was then given the chance to choose another housemate to share the lounge with him. He picked Sheba.

So this week, Chimsom holds the immunity, but Tram and Sheba are the ones enjoying the Head of House lounge.

Season 11 premiered on Saturday, July 26, 2026, with the theme “Everything Is For The Taking,” and 24 housemates are in the house chasing a record ₦160 million grand prize.

Big Brother Naija is back for its 11th season, with 24 new contestants officially entering Biggie’s house to compete for the show’s biggest prize yet. The season premiered on Sunday, July 26, 2026, with returning host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu introducing 24 housemates who will battle for the ₦160 million grand prize, made up of ₦100 million in cash and a brand-new SUV. The season is themed “Everything Is For The Taking”.

The premiere introduced viewers to the personalities, professions and ambitions of the contestants. From entrepreneurs and creatives to engineers, media personalities and healthcare professionals, this year’s cast brings together people with different life experiences. Meet the 24 housemates competing for the grand prize this season.

Tram

Photo: Instagram

Tram is a 24-year-old streamer based in Lagos. He described himself as competitive and said his only focus is winning the competition, ruling out romance as part of his strategy.

Martins

Photo: Instagram

Martins, 30, is a visual storyteller and model from Kogi State. He joked that he has the ability to “read minds” and believes his understanding of people will help him navigate the house.

Abi

Photo: Instagram

Abi is a 25-year-old chef and model from Osun State. She introduced herself as someone with confidence, humour and plenty of energy, promising viewers an entertaining stay in the house.

Chimsom Chuka

Photo: Instagram

A 27-year-old pharmacist from Anambra State, Chimsom Chuka said he remains calm under pressure. His composed personality could become an advantage as the competition becomes more demanding.

Keivo

Photo: Instagram

Keivo is a 27-year-old web developer from Benue State. He enjoys gaming, painting and drawing, and described himself as someone with many skills.

Mercedes

Photo: Instagram

Mercedes, 26, is a massage therapist and concierge business owner from Delta State. She entered the house with confidence and said she is bringing what she calls “boss energy” into the game.

Kamsy

Photo: Instagram

Kamsy is a 24-year-old event planner and gift curator from Imo State. She admitted that she finds it difficult to forgive but believes her ambition and lively personality will stand out.

Sultex

Photo: Instagram

A 24-year-old dancer and choreographer from Lagos, Sultex enjoys sports and gaming. He said dishonesty is one trait he cannot tolerate and promised to speak his mind whenever necessary.

Aikou

Photo: Instagram

Aikou is a 25-year-old freelance teacher and web developer based in Abuja. A self-described introvert, he enjoys reading and values honesty above everything else.

Flora

Photo: Instagram

Flora is a 30-year-old makeup artist from Delta State, with a strong interest in fashion. She said she hopes to keep the house lively while staying true to herself throughout the competition.

Bells

Photo: Instagram

At 22, Bells from Akwa Ibom State described herself as organised and independent. She also revealed that she still has feelings for her high school sweetheart, adding a personal touch to her introduction.

Temi Nkem

Photo: Instagram

Temi Nkem, 21, is a model who was raised in London. During her introduction, she said she intends to play the game on her own terms, adding that neither romance nor cooking is among her priorities in Biggie’s house. Instead, she plans to focus on the competition and let her personality speak for itself.

Gerald

Photo: Instagram

Gerald is a 23-year-old on-air personality from Lagos. Outspoken and adventurous, he believes his openness will help viewers understand exactly who he is.

Oyin

Photo: Instagram

Oyin is a 22-year-old sales entrepreneur and model from Ogun State. She said people often form the wrong opinion about her at first and hopes to change that during her time in Biggie’s house.

Sheba

Photo: Instagram

A 32-year-old Broadcaster, fitness enthusiast and mother from Plateau State, Sheba hopes to build meaningful connections while remaining focused on the competition. She also said she is open to finding love if it happens naturally.

Araga

Photo: Instagram

Araga, 29, works as a fashion model from Lagos State, he described himself as a “king”. He also admitted that he is in the house for the money but is open to whatever experiences the season brings.

Ricky

Photo: Instagram

Ricky, 33, is a writer from Port Harcourt. He described himself as a “bad boy by necessity” and said that although he enjoys romance, he has mixed feelings about love itself.

Nomy

Photo: Instagram

Nomy is a 26-year-old fashion designer from Anambra State. She believes her confidence and charisma will make her one of the memorable contestants this season.

Barry

Photo: Instagram

Barry a 26-year-old combines civil engineering with fashion design. Based in Abuja, he described himself as competitive and said respect is one quality he expects from everyone around him.

Neche

Photo: Instagram

Neche, 25, is a lawyer from Anambra State. She said she is bringing intelligence, confidence and determination into the Biggie’s house, expressing confidence that she has what it takes to compete until the very end.

Yusuf

Photo: Instagram

Yusuf is a 25-year-old actor from Kogi State. He called himself emotional and unpredictable and hopes viewers will come to know him as the house’s “loverboy”.

Goddessa

Photo: Instagram

Goddessa, 30, is a musician from Abia State. She made it clear that she has no interest in romance and intends to focus completely on the competition.

Bluethophia

Photo: Instagram

Bluethophia, 22, is a photographer, model and student from Adamawa State. She believes her quiet confidence and keen observation skills will work in her favour.

Cassi

Photo: Instagram

Cassi is a 27-year-old entrepreneur, forex trader and actor from Abia State. He enjoys painting and drawing and admitted that his love for organisation can sometimes be both a strength and a weakness.

With introductions complete, the competition now begins inside Biggie’s house, where friendships, rivalries, nominations and weekly tasks will determine who remains in the competition. While launch night offered a glimpse of each contestant’s personality, the weeks ahead will reveal who can adapt, build strong relationships and stay in the race for the record-breaking ₦160 million prize.

As the countdown to the Big Brother Naija Season 11 premiere begins, fans are preparing for another round of competition, alliances, surprises and unforgettable moments. The new season is scheduled to debut on Sunday, July 26, 2026, with contestants competing for the prize package in reality show’s history, valued at ₦160 million and comprising ₦100 million cash and a brand-new SUV.

Over the years, winning Big Brother Naija has become more than claiming a cash prize. The show has introduced personalities who have gone on to build careers in music, film, television, business, fashion and digital media. While every season has produced memorable housemates, only one contestant has walked away with the title each year.

Here is a look at every Big Brother Naija winner ahead of the Season 11 premiere.

Katung Aduwak (Season 1 – 2006)

Photo: Instagram/@katung_aduwak

Katung Aduwak made history as the first winner of the reality show when it debuted as Big Brother Nigeria in 2006. He received a $100,000 prize after spending 92 days in the house. Following his victory, Katung pursued a career in filmmaking and television production, establishing himself behind the scenes in the entertainment industry.

Efe Ejeba (Season 2 – 2017)

Photo: Instagram/@efemoney

After an 11-year break, the show returned in 2017 under the Big Brother Naija name. Efe Ejeba won a prize package worth ₦50 million, during the See Gobe season. He captured viewers’ attention with his calm personality and the phrase “Based on Logistics”, which became a popular catchphrase. His victory launched opportunities in music, entertainment and brand partnerships.

Miracle Igbokwe (Season 3 – 2018)

Photo: Instagram/@miracleikechukwu

Miracle Igbokwe entered the house as a pilot in training and eventually won the Double Wahala edition with a prize package of ₦45 million. After leaving the show, he focused on completing his aviation training while remaining active in entertainment and endorsement projects.

Mercy Eke (Season 4 – 2019)

Photo: Instagram/@official_mercyeke

Mercy Eke made history as the first woman to win Big Brother Naija after emerging victorious in the Pepper Dem season where she won a prize package worth ₦60 million. Her victory marked an important moment in the show’s history. She has since established herself as a reality TV personality, actress and entrepreneur.

Laycon (Season 5 – 2020)

Photo: Instagram

Rapper Olamilekan Agbeleshe, popularly known as Laycon, won the Lockdown season with a prize package of ₦85 million after becoming one of the season’s most popular contestants. His popularity continued after the show, leading to music releases, ambassadorial deals and a reality series that followed his life after Big Brother.

Whitemoney (Season 6 – 2021)

Photo: Instagram/@whitemoney

Hazel Oyeze Onou, known as Whitemoney won the Shine Ya Eye season with a ₦90 million prize package after becoming one of the season’s most popular housemates. His cooking skills, humour and personality earned him a loyal fan base. Since winning, he has ventured into music and business.

Phyna (Season 7 – 2022)

Photo: Instagram/@unusualphyna

Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, popularly called Phyna, emerged as the winner of the Level Up season, with a prize package of ₦100 million. Before entering the house, she worked as a hype woman, and her outspoken personality made her one of the season’s standout contestants. After her victory, she secured endorsement deals and expanded her presence in entertainment.

Ilebaye Odiniya (Season 8 – 2023)

Photo: Instagram

The All Stars edition brought together former housemates from previous seasons, but it was Ilebaye Odiniya who claimed the title. Competing against experienced contestants, she won a prize package of ₦120 million and became one of the youngest winners in the history of the show.

Kellyrae Sule (Season 9 – 2024)

Photo: x.com/@kellyrae

Season 9 introduced a paired-housemate format, with Kellyrae entering alongside his wife Kassia as DoubleKay before continuing the competition as an individual contestant and won the season with a prize package of ₦100 million. His victory made him the first champion of the paired-housemate edition.

Imisi Ayanwale (Season 10 – 2025)

Photo: Instagram/@ilebayee

Opeyemi Ayanwale, popularly known as Imisi, is the defending Big Brother Naija champion. The fashion designer won the 10/10 edition in October 2025, taking home a prize package worth ₦150 million. She now heads into Season 11 as the most recent name on the winners’ list.

As Big Brother Naija returns for its eleventh season, another group of contestants will have the chance to compete for the biggest prize in the show’s history. Whether the next champion becomes a musician, actor, entrepreneur or media personality, they will join a list of winners whose lives changed after stepping into Biggie’s house. By the end of the season, the franchise will have added another chapter to a story that has remained one of Nigeria’s biggest television success stories.