In a historic moment for reality television, David Genat, known as the 'Golden God' of Australian Survivor, has clinched a record-breaking $5.8 million prize on the second season of Deal or No Deal Island. This staggering amount marks the largest prize ever awarded in game show history, a feat that has captivated audiences and solidified Genat's status in the realm of competitive entertainment.
Genat's journey to victory was anything but conventional. Throughout the game, he made the bold decision to reject multiple six-figure offers from the show's banker, Chrissy Teigen, demonstrating a fearless strategy that ultimately paid off. "I really wanted to make a big statement," Genat said, reflecting on his approach to the game. His calculated risks and unwavering confidence were evident as he navigated through the challenges, culminating in a finale that lasted nearly five hours.
Choosing case 18 held special significance for Genat, as it corresponds to the birthdate of three of his children. He expressed that the win was not just about the money; it was also about the title of champion on Deal or No Deal Island. "It’s everything to me," Genat stated, highlighting the personal stakes involved in his gameplay.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Genat shared insights into his strategy, which involved forming alliances and playing mind games with his competitors. He teamed up with fellow contestant Parvati Shallow to create 'The Family' alliance, a move that allowed him to strategically eliminate other players while keeping his own history on Survivor under wraps. "I was just trying to build trust while subtly manipulating events to my advantage," he explained.
Genat's gameplay was guided by what he described as intuitive ‘visions’ from his late father, which he believed were signs guiding him through the competition. "I felt like I’d really connected with my father, and my whole game was playing for him to reclaim that number 18 as a positive number for my family, because that was the day he passed away," Genat revealed. This emotional connection added depth to his experience, making the victory even more poignant.
While the prize money will significantly alleviate financial stress for Genat and his family—especially given his wife's ongoing battle with lupus—he has also expressed intentions to invest wisely. "I’m going to invest most of it right now. If I put that in a savings account in the US, I’m making $300,000 a year," he stated, showcasing a practical approach to his newfound wealth.
Despite his serious gameplay, Genat also has plans for some splurge purchases, including a new motorcycle, a watch, and potentially a fleet of cars for his children who are now of driving age. His lighthearted remarks about these purchases reflect a balance between responsibility and enjoyment, a theme that resonates with many viewers.
Genat's path to victory was not without its challenges. During the final showdown, he faced immense pressure from both his fellow contestants and the audience, who urged him to take earlier offers. Yet, he remained steadfast, turning down multiple offers until he was left with just two cases—$75 and $12,232,001. Ultimately, he accepted the $5.8 million offer from Teigen, a decision that sent shockwaves through the studio. "It was the greatest feeling on the planet I’ve ever experienced," he exclaimed.
His gameplay has drawn comparisons to other reality show greats, particularly in how he embraced the role of a villain while simultaneously garnering viewer sympathy. Genat acknowledged that he often plays the antagonist in reality TV, but upon reviewing his performance, he was surprised to find that he appeared more likable than he anticipated. "I realized that I was actually one of the nice guys," he joked.
As the dust settles from his monumental win, Genat is open to future television opportunities, even joking about a potential return as a banker for a Deal or No Deal Island All-Stars season. His charisma and competitive spirit have endeared him to fans, and his willingness to embrace new challenges suggests that this may not be the last we see of him on reality television.
In the aftermath of the finale, Genat shared that he had to keep the results of the show a secret for nearly a year, a task that proved difficult yet ultimately rewarding. "We’ll have fun, don’t you worry about that," he teased, hinting at the celebrations to come once the prize money is officially wired to him.
David Genat’s success on Deal or No Deal Island not only highlights the unpredictable nature of reality television but also serves as a testament to the power of strategy, risk-taking, and emotional connection in competition. As audiences continue to tune in to see what unfolds next, Genat’s journey remains a captivating story of triumph against the odds.
