As the sun sets on the picturesque island of Naxos, the excitement is palpable for the finale of "The Biggest Loser" 2025, airing tonight, April 14, at 20:15 on Sat.1 and streaming for free on Joyn. The three finalists—Nicole, Ben, and Purja—have battled through 14 weeks of rigorous challenges and personal transformations, shedding a remarkable total of 122.5 kilograms between them. Who will take home the coveted title and a grand prize of 50,000 euros?
Nicole, a 38-year-old mother from Neuhofen im Innkreis, has emerged as the only female finalist. Her journey began with a starting weight of 119.1 kilograms, and by the semi-finals, she had already lost an impressive 34.8 kilograms. Her motivation? To enjoy the simple pleasure of sliding down a water slide with her son, Niko. "What I’ve achieved here is something that no one can take away from me. I’m one of the strongest women ever to participate in 'The Biggest Loser'," she declared proudly.
Ben, at 42 years old, is the oldest finalist, hailing from Weil am Rhein. He started his journey weighing 145.9 kilograms and has lost an astonishing 49.1 kilograms by the time the semi-finals rolled around. Reflecting on his experience, he described the show as "like a reset" and one of the best times of his life. Meanwhile, 20-year-old Purja from Hamburg has also made significant strides, reducing his weight from 129.8 kilograms to 38.6 kilograms lost.
The finale promises to be an emotional rollercoaster, with Matthias Killing moderating the event alongside coaches Dr. Christine Theiss and Ramin Abtin. The coaches have witnessed firsthand the dedication and growth of their contestants. As Ramin noted, "I wish everyone could make it to the finale, but I know that’s not how it works." The emotional bonds formed during the competition are evident, with Christine emphasizing the unique qualities of this year's participants.
In the lead-up to the finale, the contestants faced their final challenges, culminating in a daunting four-part beach course that tested their physical and mental limits. Each contestant had to pull a sled weighted with the kilograms they had lost, a symbolic representation of their hard work and determination. Ben, for instance, was tasked with pulling 44.2 kilograms. The tension was high as they navigated obstacles, with Purja struggling at the climbing wall, requiring encouragement from his coaches to overcome his fears.
As the final challenge unfolded, Jonas, another competitor, sprinted at an impressive 14 kilometers per hour on the treadmill, showcasing the athleticism and resilience developed over the course of the competition. Nicole also demonstrated her strength by holding a plank for nearly three minutes, while Purja participated in boxing training with Roswitha, another contestant.
With the stakes higher than ever, the contestants faced the harsh reality of the weigh-in. The difference between making it to the finale and going home was a mere 0.16 percent in weight loss. This heartbreaking margin left some contestants devastated. Jonas, despite a one-kilogram bonus, lost 2.2 kilograms and did not qualify for the finale, leading to tears and frustration.
The weigh-in results were nothing short of astonishing. Ben achieved his best results yet, shedding 4.9 kilograms in the final week, prompting Christine to exclaim, "I never would have thought it!" Nicole followed closely behind, losing 3.8 kilograms and weighing in at 88.1 kilograms. Purja, despite not receiving a weight bonus, managed to lose 2.7 kilograms, securing his place in the finale with a 2.88 percent weight loss.
Despite the emotional turmoil, the camaraderie among contestants remained strong. Sara, who finished fifth, reflected on her experience, stating, "It was like a horror, I didn’t know what was left or right." The shared experiences culminated in a poignant moment as the contestants gathered for a group hug, celebrating their achievements and the friendships formed throughout the process.
As the finale approaches, the anticipation builds. Who will emerge victorious? Will Nicole, with her powerful motivation, take the title? Or will Ben, the oldest finalist, surprise everyone with his remarkable transformation? Purja has already defied expectations by making it this far, and his journey has resonated with many viewers.
Since its inception in 2009, "The Biggest Loser" has been a beacon of hope for many, encouraging individuals to pursue healthier lifestyles through diet and exercise. This season, filmed on the idyllic Greek island of Naxos, has showcased the individual journeys of contestants, breaking away from traditional team formats. Each participant has fought not just for the title but for personal redemption and a chance at a healthier life.
As the clock ticks down to the finale, viewers are left wondering: who will be crowned "The Biggest Loser" of 2025? Tune in tonight to find out!
