After an intense two-week journey to conquer the mountain, “The Summit” 2023 finale delivered an explosive ending. From 14 brave trekkers, the competition came down to the final four: Jans, Brooke, Lulu, and Isaac.
But what went down in the final episode left everyone stunned. With an unexpected elimination and a dramatic twist with the prize money, here’s what went down.
Who Won “The Summit Australia” 2023?
In a brutal blow, victory slipped from Jans’ grasp as he faced elimination just 300 metres from the summit. This meant Brooke, Lulu, and Isaac were the final three Trekkers, and “The Summit Australia” 2023 winners. With a remaining prize of $490,000, the trekkers believed they would split the prize pool evenly, and take home an equal chunk of cash.
Their joy, however, was short-lived. Host Jai Courtney greeted Brooke, Lulu, and Isaac as they descended from the summit. He then delivered one last twist — the 11 previously eliminated contestants had the power to decide how to split the prize money. The final three were left wide-eyed as they realised that the fate of their prize money was in the hands of those they had voted off the mountain.
How Much Did the Trekkers Win on “The Summit”?
Brooke: $150,000
Standing at the base of the mountain, the three faced a nerve-wracking moment as they opened their prize bags. Brooke’s heart leapt with joy as she discovered a whopping $150,000 inside. Overwhelmed with gratitude, she expressed how much this windfall would mean to her children, ushering in a new chapter of their lives.
“This is just so much,” she said, before asking Jai for a hug.
“I’m in shock, I’m overwhelmed,” Brooke said. “This amount of money is so much; it’s more than what I could’ve imagined. I’m just so happy, and I feel so grateful. I’m just over the moon right now. It’s just going to be so much, for me and my children.”
Lulu: $90,000
Lulu’s turn came next, and her relief was evident as she found $90,000 in her bag. Aware of the weight of her decisions throughout the competition, she was relieved to find that the Trekkers had still awarded her a substantial amount of cash.
“Ninety grand… that’s amazing,” she said. “I’m stoked. I’m grateful to have something to take home to my kids, and I’m super grateful for the whole experience, too. It’s been amazing, I’ve definitely gotten a thrill out of it, and I got to make some friends along the way.
“Perhaps it could’ve been split a little more equally,” she said. “But being able to take home this $90,000, to put a deposit on a house and give my children the security I never had — it’s what’s pushed me the whole way.
“To gain that prize? Perhaps it’s healing for me, as much as it’s providing for my children,” she said, tearfully.
Isaac: $250,000
Lastly, it was Isaac’s moment of truth. As he opened his prize bag, a staggering $250,000 greeted him. The disbelief and sheer happiness on his face was contagious. Overwhelmed by the unexpected generosity of his teammates, Isaac’s tears transformed into laughter as he leapt into Jai’s arms, celebrating his incredible fortune.
“Oh, that was worth everything,” Isaac said of the challenging trek up the summit. And as for the prize money, he was excited to buy his mum the kitchen and roof renovations she needed.
“I think my mum would be so proud of me right now,” he said. “That’s a quarter of a million dollars!”
Isaac said that it had taken “every ounce of strength and willpower” he had, but it had paid off.
“It just goes to show that a smile and a little bit of kindness goes a long way,” he said. “It takes heart, it takes soul, it takes a lot of love, and just… a lot of willpower to get to the top.
“I’m not the same person who started this trip 14 days ago. I came in a little ugly duckling, and I’m walking out a black swan, baby!” he exclaimed.
Missed the big finale? Catch up now on 9Now.
Want more The Summit goss? Check out the stories below:
- Here’s Where to Watch “The Summit” So You Don’t Miss the Action
- Meet Jai Courtney, the Host of the New Adventure Series “The Summit”
- Discover the Breathtaking Scenery Where “The Summit” Is Filmed
- When Does “The Summit” 2023 Start? We’ve Got You Covered!
- Meet the Cast of “The Summit”: the Ultimate High-Stakes Adventure Show
- New Reality Show “The Summit” Takes Contestants to New Heights — Literally!
