HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Jud Birza used his "crazy" personality to emerge as the Survivor: Nicaragua winner Sunday night, becoming the show's youngest title holder at age 21.
"I knew at some point the cat was going to get out of the bag that I'm not that dumb," the man who became known as "Fabio" told People after his victory. "I mean, I am dumb. I get myself in some sticky situations! But … you can manipulate situations – there's a whole bunch of different ways you can play it."
Fabio outlasted aspiring country musician Chase Rice by a single vote. Real-estate broker Matthew "Sash" Lenahan finished third, while dog trainer Jane Bright took home the $100,000 Sprint Fan Favorite prize.
Fabio, a Los Angeles student-model, secured his spot in the final three by dominating the last three immunity challenges. He said winning the CBS show's 21st season won't go to his head.
"Once you're famous, people want to talk to you," he explained. "I want to get in the mix, dude. I don't want be like, 'Oh, [expletive], I'm famous now.' I want to be like, 'Oh, dude, I'm famous now! Let's party!' "
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