Derrick Levasseur, the masterful winner of Big Brother season 16, revolutionized the game with his undercover detective skills, effectively “unlocking” its strategic depths. This article delves into his background, game-changing tactics, and lasting impact on reality TV. By blending law enforcement expertise with social manipulation, Levasseur secured a dominant victory, offering invaluable lessons for aspiring players and fans alike. Discover how he turned the house into his personal investigation scene.
Derrick Levasseur’s Journey from Cop to Houseguest
Born on February 3, 1984, in Providence, Rhode Island, Derrick Levasseur embarked on a remarkable career in law enforcement at just 20 years old. As one of the youngest officers hired by the Central Falls Police Department, he quickly rose through the ranks, serving in patrol and detective divisions before specializing in undercover operations. His work with agencies like the ATF, DEA, and FBI honed his skills in deception, interrogation, and human behavior analysis—tools that would prove instrumental in the Big Brother house.
Levasseur’s decision to join Big Brother 16 in 2014 was driven by a desire to challenge himself in a new arena. Concealing his profession as an undercover cop was crucial; he feared it would make him a target. Instead, he posed as a parks and recreation coordinator, allowing him to blend in while secretly applying his investigative prowess. This background enabled him to read people exceptionally well, predict behaviors, and manipulate situations without detection, setting the stage for one of the most dominant performances in the show’s history.
His real-life heroics, including receiving the Medal of Valor and the American Red Cross Hero Award for saving lives from a burning building, underscored his composure under pressure—a trait that translated seamlessly to the high-stakes environment of reality television.
Unlocking Victory: Strategies and Alliances in the Big Brother House
From day one, Levasseur employed a calculated approach, forming the “Hitmen” alliance with Cody Calafiore on Day 2. This final-two pact became the backbone of his game, allowing him to control evictions and alliances covertly. As part of Team America with Frankie Grande and Donny Thompson, he earned an additional $75,000 by completing viewer-assigned tasks, further boosting his earnings.
Levasseur’s strategy revolved around social engineering: he won Head of Household four times (weeks 3, 8, 10, and 12), often dictating nominations while avoiding the block himself until the final three—a feat not achieved since season 3. He mastered the art of “puppet mastering,” influencing others’ decisions without appearing as the leader, thus minimizing his threat level.
Key tactics included:
- Information control: Using interrogation techniques to extract truths and plant misinformation.
- Alliance management: Building multiple layers of alliances to shield himself from betrayal.
- Emotional intelligence: Reading body language and motivations to predict votes and shifts in house dynamics.
These methods culminated in a 7-2 jury vote win, netting him $575,000 total. His gameplay is often cited as near-perfect, with minimal mistakes and maximum control.
Legacy and Post-Big Brother Endeavors
After his victory, Levasseur retired from policing in 2017 to found Break Investigative Group, leveraging his expertise in private investigations. He transitioned into media, hosting shows like Breaking Homicide on Investigation Discovery and podcasts such as Crime Weekly, The Winner’s Circle, and Detective Perspective. His appearance on The Traitors season 3 in 2025 further showcased his strategic mind.
Levasseur has shared his insights through various platforms, inspiring fans with strategies that “unlock” success in competitive environments. His approach emphasizes adaptability, observation, and ethical manipulation, influencing how future Big Brother players strategize.
In summary, Derrick Levasseur’s triumph in Big Brother 16 exemplifies how real-world skills can dominate reality TV. From his undercover roots to strategic mastery and media career, he unlocked the game’s secrets, earning acclaim and inspiring many. Whether you’re a fan or aspiring contestant, his story teaches that keen observation and alliances are key to victory—apply these lessons to unlock your own potential in any challenge.
About the Author
