Every Big Brother Naija Winner Ahead of the New Season Premiere

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.