So, What Did The Winners On 'Snake In The Grass' Do With Their Money? Here's Where They Are Now
Playing as the Snake on "Snake In The Grass" meant using plenty of cunning to win. Many of them were able to do it, though — here's what they have to say about their time on the show.
There's an obvious incentive when it comes to competing on "Snake In The Grass": The chance to win $100,000! Of course, for the people who had to play as the Snake, they had to deceive their fellow teammates and attempt to sabotage their challenges in order to win the game and take home the prize money. It made for an eventful season of "Snake In The Grass," with several Snakes able to claim victory.
So, what have the Snakes been up to since the show, and what will those who won do with their money? USA Insider asked the Snakes all that and more. (If you'd like to see what Malcolm Freberg and Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick, both of "Survivor" fame, had to say about their episodes, check out our exclusive interviews with both Malcolm and Stephenie.)
John Gaber, Episode 1 Winner
Why did you want to go on "Snake In The Grass"?
I figured being on the show would be a fun mental and physical challenge! There is nothing I love more than traveling and pushing myself in all aspects of life.
What was the best part about being the Snake? The hardest?
The best part about being the Snake was that I LOVE psychology so being able to put all my studying and knowledge to the test in a real application was beyond fulfilling.
The hardest aspect was having to figure out the balance of lying and being honest. If I lied too much then it’s difficult to keep track of everything and easy to slip up. On the other hand, if I told the truth too much then a Snake clue could really pinpoint me. So it was a careful balance of both and a bit of luck.
What have you been doing since your time on the show?
Since the show I’ve been continually growing my brand C9LYFE, making content to inspire and uplift people, building my real estate investor portfolio, improving my calisthenics skills, and embracing life along the way!
What will you do with your prize money?
The money I won from the show is being invested in multiple different avenues to continue to grow my net worth and wealth. I’m not into materialistic items or wasting money on things that depreciate. Freedom is the goal, not impressing people! Always be smart with your money.
Stephanie Ortiz, Episode 2 Snake
Why did you want to go on "Snake In The Grass"?
I am a huge fan of survival and strategy-based reality television shows. This opportunity was a dream come true! My dad and I love to nerd out and talk about the latest shows. The best part was knowing I could have this experience and share it with my family. I have an adventurous spirit, I am always willing to try anything at least once, so saying no was never an option!
What was the best part of being the Snake? The hardest?
Sabotaging was the best part of being the Snake because I had such an adrenaline rush trying not to get caught. Hiding the plank in the second challenge without being seen was so much harder than it looked! Everyone questioned my fall, but it was completely real. My knee was really bruised for about two weeks and I ended up with quite a scar from it, but it was totally worth it!
The first seconds after hearing the clues was the hardest part. Internally I was complete wrecked. I had so many thoughts racing through my head while trying to maintain a poker face. I am known for my facial expressions and my eye rolls, so I was trying to keep it together. At the same time, I was questioning what I had talked about, what others have said, what I shouldn’t say, and how I could pin it on someone. Not knowing what the clues would be was terrifying!
Are you still in touch with anyone you played the game with?
I have become friends with Ryan from Episode 8! He is awesome. We made predictions and talked game throughout the season. From my episode, I have been in a group chat with Andrew and Alissa ever since Costa Rica. I enjoy hearing from them. They both are incredible people.
What have you been doing since the show ended?
Since leaving the show, I have been keeping myself very active. I just returned from an amazing trip visiting friends in the Pacific Northwest. I have been hiking a lot with my dogs. Trying to teach my 85-pound pitbull to stay on a stand-up paddle board with me has been quite the challenge! I am now planning my next adventure to India and Nepal this winter. My greatest passion is to travel and explore different cultures, so if anyone has adventurous trip ideas let me know!
Elektra Nelson, Episode 4 Winner
Why did you want to go on "Snake In The Grass"?
I wanted to go on "Snake In The Grass to challenge myself. As someone who is athletic and competitive, this was a great experience being able to see if I have not only physical, but also mental strength to face challenges that are completely out of my comfort zone.
What was the best part of being the Snake? The hardest?
The best part of "Snake In The Grass" was learning I can multitask during the whole experience. The hardest was keeping the lies I was telling my teammates straight. From getting to know my teammates that are so different from me, trying to work together with them deceptively, while also learning their weaknesses AND dealing with the various elements of the jungle, it was A LOT.
Are you still in touch with anyone you played the game with?
Yes, I keep in touch with all of the people I played the game with! We actually have a group chat and talk regularly. I can honestly call them my friends after such an insane experience and I am so thankful for that.
What have you been doing since the show ended?
Besides working, since the show ended, I have been planning a reunion with my teammates, which is a bit challenging since we live in different states all over the country.
What do you plan on doing with your winnings?
After winning the show, I plan doing what any true New Yorker dreams of in NYC: Finding an apartment with in unit washer/dryer, dishwasher, AND outdoor space.
Michael Steinbech, Episode 6 Winner
Brett Kessinger, Episode 7 Winner
The hardest part of being the Snake was having to navigate building friendships, while keeping my eye on the prize. I became close with some really great people that I spent a lot of time with, and having to let them down in the end was tough.