The finals are already here. It feels so soon, despite this being the longest season ever. While we have had some duds (Zakiyah), some disappointing returns (Frank), entertaining returns (Da’Vonne), some shocking blindsides (Bridgette), and people with high expectations having major downfalls (Paulie). We even had record breaking contestants (Victor), lots of showmances (James-Nat, Corey-Nicole), and a strategy revolving around one word: FRIENDSHIP (Paul). We have had cryers (Tiffany), mega-cryers (Michelle), and those who were either too confident (Jozea) or overly positive (Bronte). And then there’s one contestant who only lasted a day in the house (Glenn). Regardless, it’s been a roller coaster of fun, emotion, and backstabbing. And now we have three, Paul, Nicole, and James. So who is gonna win? Let’s see.
3. James Huling- As much as I love James, I don’t know if he can win. While some juries in the past have played with their hearts, I think this jury will honor gameplay, and as much as James had a great social game, he wasn’t a challenge beast like last time, and he relied a lot on riding in the middle this season. And when you think about who will be fighting for them in the jury, Nicole has big, charming Corey, Paul has big, powerful Vic, and James has sweet, little Natalie. I think Natalie’s gonna have a harder time swaying the jury in his favor. Also, I’m not sure if Paul or Nicole would bring him to the end anyway, because he is too likable, and James will have to rely on winning the challenge to make it to the end. Unfortunately, he has been the weakest in challenges of the three. While I’m routing for him, I don’t think he has a great shot.
2. Nicole Franzel- While I’d love to see another female winner, I don’t want it to be Nicole. She’s been quite snobby and relied too much on Corey to get her this far. While she may not be a personal favorite, if the jury thinks her gameplay was admirable, they may vote for her. She has had her moments, but not enough in my mind to be a winner. But she has a lot going for her. I think Paul would take her over James, and I think she can beat James in both challenges in the HOH final. So, she might be the safest bet for a finale spot, but if she gets to the final 2, I don’t think she wins. She won’t be shut out, but she may not win.
1. Paul Abrahamian- This guy has played a game solely on social genius, while going from bottom to the top. He found the secret room, he saved his butt too many times in the game, he made alliances with everyone, and won lots of challenges. He’s someone who I could definitely see winning the game. The only thing he has going against him is some of the things he has said to Michelle, but if he can smooth talk the jury, he has a great shot. In terms of gameplay, Nicole may have made big moves, but Paul made the risky moves, and the smarter moves in getting himself to the end. I’d be very happy to see Paul as the winner of Big Brother 18.
So, there are positives to every winning scenario. James is the most likable, Nicole would be the first female winner since BB13, and Paul is the biggest underdog story of zero to hero. I have to give the edge to Paul. Not only is he the most likely to win the final HOH, but he’s also someone who has played the game from start to finish, and so, I say he wins this whole thing.
First female to make it past 78 Days without being Nominated.
She actually made it 90 Days but w/e