The Circle US Winners: Where Are They Now? (Updated 2024 List)

The Circle US has become a global phenomenon, captivating millions with its unique social media experiment where players compete for a massive $100,000 prize without ever meeting face-to-face. The show, hosted by the hilarious Michelle Buteau, pits genuine players against cunning catfish, making the final rating a true test of strategy, charm, and authenticity—or lack thereof.

As of late 2024, seven seasons of the American version have aired, crowning a new champion each time. The most recent finale, which concluded in October 2024, introduced a historic twist and a new set of winners. This is the definitive, up-to-date breakdown of every winner, their winning strategy, and what they have been up to since leaving the Circle apartment building. The evolution of the game shows that the best strategy often involves a careful balance of trust and deception.

The Complete List of The Circle US Champions (Seasons 1–7)

The winners of The Circle US have employed wildly different strategies, from being completely authentic to pulling off the most elaborate catfishes in reality TV history. Here is a look at the champions who mastered the art of the chat and earned the coveted title of Influencer.

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• Season 1 Winner: Joey Sasso (Played as Himself)
• Season 2 Winner: Deleesa St. Agathe (Played as "Trevor")
• Season 3 Winner: James Andre Jefferson Jr. (Played as Himself)
• Season 4 Winner: Frank Grimsley (Played as Himself)
• Season 5 Winner: Sam Carmona (Played as Herself)
• Season 6 Winner: Brandon Baker (Played as "Olivia")
• Season 7 Winner: Jojo and Nicky Scarlotta (Played as "Gianna")

Season 7 Winner: Jojo and Nicky Scarlotta (Catfish “Gianna”)

The most recent winners, the Scarlotta Twins, Jojo and Nicky, took home the $100,000 prize after playing a dual-catfish as "Gianna," Jojo's girlfriend. This was a historic moment for the show, as it was the first time a pair of players collectively won the American version of The Circle.

Strategy: Their winning strategy was built on a foundation of "Jersey charm" and a relatable, down-to-earth persona that resonated with the other players. They successfully navigated the game's social dynamics, maintaining high ratings and avoiding the dreaded blocking. The twins’ ability to seamlessly coordinate their messages and maintain the "Gianna" facade proved too strong for the competition.

Where Are They Now: Since the finale aired in October 2024, Jojo and Nicky have been actively engaging with their newfound social media fame. They have done numerous post-show interviews, discussing the challenges of playing as one person and the high-stakes pressure of the final rating. The twins are capitalizing on their celebrity status and are expected to pursue further opportunities in the entertainment industry, particularly focusing on their unique dynamic.

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Season 6 Winner: Brandon Baker (Catfish “Olivia”)

Brandon Baker, a nursing assistant from Kentucky, became the Season 6 champion by playing as the sweet, bubbly "Olivia." His win was a testament to the power of genuine kindness and emotional connection, even when playing a catfish profile.

Strategy: Brandon's strategy was unique: he played based on "pure emotions and kindness," which is often a risky move in a game of deception. He created a persona that was universally liked and trusted, establishing strong bonds with key players like Kyle, Jordan, and Lauren. His authentic desire to connect, despite the fake profile, ultimately earned him the top spot.

Where Are They Now: Post-show, Brandon has embraced his reality TV celebrity. He has spoken openly about his experience and the surprise of his win. Brandon has been active on social media, using his platform to share his life and engage with the massive Circle fanbase. His focus remains on his personal life while leveraging the exposure for new career opportunities as an influencer and personality.

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The Enduring Legacy of The Circle's Past Champions

The earlier seasons of The Circle US set the tone for the entire series, establishing the core mechanics of catfishing, alliances, and strategic blocking. The first five winners all used distinct methods to secure the $100,000 prize and launch their post-show careers.

The Catfish Masters: Deleesa and Sam

Deleesa St. Agathe (Season 2): Deleesa's win as "Trevor," a single father and her real-life husband’s profile, is considered one of the greatest catfish performances in the show's history. Her objective was clear: win the money for her family. Her compelling backstory and ability to maintain a strong "bro-mance" with other players secured her the victory. Since winning, Deleesa and her husband have moved into a new home and welcomed their second child, successfully achieving her goal of providing for her family.

Sam Carmona (Season 5): Sam played as herself, relying on her vibrant personality and strong Staten Island roots. Her authenticity and ability to form genuine connections made her a fan-favorite and a true social threat. Post-show, Sam has continued her career as a makeup artist and has significantly grown her presence as a social media influencer, often sharing her life and comedy with her followers.

The Authentic Strategists: Joey, James, and Frank

Joey Sasso (Season 1): The original winner, Joey, played as himself and was a master of the "bro" alliance and emotional honesty. His passionate and real approach made him a trusted figure. Joey has arguably capitalized the most on his win, starring in other reality TV shows, producing his own content, and leveraging his fame to become a full-time media personality.

James Andre Jefferson Jr. (Season 3): James, a comedian, also played as himself. His strategy was to be the "dad" of the group—a wise, protective, and trustworthy figure. This mature and genuine approach was highly effective. James continues his successful career as a comedian and content creator, often incorporating his Circle fame into his work.

Frank Grimsley (Season 4): Frank, a school social worker, won by being his authentic, bubbly self. His infectious positivity and ability to mediate conflicts made him a central and highly-rated player. Frank has maintained a strong public profile, focusing on his work as an advocate and influencer, sharing motivational content and updates on his personal life with his large following.

The Evolving Strategy of The Circle: Catfish vs. Authenticity

The biggest question every season of The Circle asks is: Does authenticity or deception win? The results from the seven seasons are almost perfectly split, demonstrating the complexity of the game. Three winners (Joey, James, Frank) played as themselves, while four (Deleesa, Brandon, Jojo/Nicky) won as catfishes.

The success of the catfishes—especially Deleesa's "Trevor" and Brandon's "Olivia"—highlights the importance of crafting a truly relatable and emotionally resonant persona. It's not about being a different gender or age; it’s about creating a narrative that other players want to protect and rate highly. The Scarlotta Twins' "Gianna" was the latest iteration of this, showing that a compelling backstory and consistent, charming communication can overcome the inherent risk of deception.

Conversely, the authentic players like Joey and Frank succeeded by being the most genuine and trustworthy figures in a sea of suspicion. Their ability to form stable, non-threatening alliances proved to be a winning formula. The key takeaway for future contestants is that mastering the social game, whether through truth or lies, is the only path to the $100,000 prize. The true challenge lies in the execution of the chosen strategy, making The Circle one of the most unpredictable reality competitions on Netflix.