The latest “Deal or No Deal Island” victor not only made franchise history but, according to NBC, also broke a record after winning the most money ever awarded on a reality TV show.
“Australian Survivor” winner David Genat emerged triumphant when he scored millions of dollars on the Season 2 finale that aired Tuesday night. The model scored a higher case value over runner-up Alexis Lete during the final challenge, winning the final spot to play against the banker.
While battling the banker, Genat repeatedly pushed his luck, relying on his instincts and faith as he turned down nearly every deal and successfully opened case after case. Despite his castmates begging him to take the banker’s offer, Genat refused to settle as the top case of $12,232,001 was still on the board.
With each round the banker’s offer repeatedly rose until there were only two cases left, including the top prize and a low $75 value. At the right time, Genat took the highest deal in the game show franchise’s nearly 20-year run.
“I was having a spiritual experience, man. I just knew where that money was. I knew which cases to open,” Genat told USA TODAY on Tuesday. “I was looking for signs from my father, who passed away a couple of years ago. I felt his presence there, and he was just guiding me on what cases to open.”
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Here’s what to know about the Season 2 finale.
Who won ‘Deal or No Deal Island’ Season 2?
David Genat won Season 2 of “Deal or No Deal Island” after winning the final challenge and being the last player to face the banker.
He credited his success on the show to his top-tier social game that got him far on “Survivor.” Making strong relationships is the key to any reality competition but especially on DONDI, where the banker battles make eliminations so unpredictable.
“You can’t plan what’s going to happen but you can plan your relationships and being close with people and making sure that if they do have to send someone home, it’s not you,” he said. “You don’t annoy them, you give them what they need. You get good relationships, stable relationships and that’s how you win this game.”
How much money did David Genat win?
David Genat won $5.8 million after winning “Deal or No Deal Island” Season 2 when he accepted the banker’s final offer.
“The offer came in at $5.8 million and I started thinking about it, and that is just so much money,” he said. “La Shell (Wooten) said, ‘What’s meant for you was meant for you.’ And I really felt that. And I felt like the (money) was what was meant for me and so I deal.”
Who is David Genat?
David Genat, 45, is an Australian model, Jiu-Jitsu black belt and reality TV star widely regarded as the “Golden God of ‘Survivor Australia.'”
Before becoming a DONDI champion, he won “Australian Survivor: All Stars” after previously competing on “Australian Survivor: Champions v Contenders.”
Genat has been married to fitness aficionado Pearl Christensen for over a decade and the pair share kids who live in Perth, Australia. He is a father of four, including his daughter Rei, whom he shares with Christensen. He also shares sons Winston and Hugo with his ex-wife Kathleen and is a step-father to Christensen’s oldest daughter.
Who is the banker on ‘Deal or No Deal Island?’
Chrissy Teigen was revealed to be the banker of “Deal or No Deal Island” Season 2 in Tuesday’s finale.
The model previously served as a case opener in the game show and made history as the first female banker in the “Deal or No Deal” franchise.
Who hosts ‘Deal or No Deal Island’?
“Magic Mike” actor Joe Manganiello has hosted both seasons of “Deal or No Deal Island,” taking the mantle from Howie Mandel, who hosted the original game show.
How to watch and stream ‘Deal or No Deal Island’?
Both seasons 1 and 2 of “Deal or No Deal Island” are available for streaming on Peacock and new episodes air on NBC.
Will there be ‘Deal or No Deal Island’ Season 3?
As of Tuesday night, a Season 3 renewal of “Deal or No Deal Island” has not been announced.
