Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Ben Driebergen was named the winner of Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers Wednesday and took home a $1 million cash prize.
Driebergen, a 34-year-old Marine from Boise, Idaho, was voted the winner by the jury over Chrissy Hofbeck and Ryan Ulrich.
Contestants Mike Zahalsky and Devon Pinto were eliminated earlier on Wednesday's show with Driebergen becoming one of the three final castaways after he defeated Pinto in a fire-making challenge.
"Every single of one of you I had a hand in putting there, because you guys were hurdles. You guys were a hurdle to a million dollars, you were a threat to me providing for my family, and I respect you guys as threats, but I had to put you in those seats," Driebergen said to the jury.
"I was not put here. I got myself here. And I told everyone I was out here for my family, and I am out here for my family, and I talked about stuff that happened in the military," he continued. in reference to his battle with PTSD. "So if I can be labeled a hero for showing all those vets that it can be done and there is happiness -- you're going to have to work hard for it, but it can be done."
Driebergen was seen giving his wife a kiss and hugging the rest of his family after he was announced the winner during the Survivor finale.
The next season Survivor, titled Ghost Island, is set to premiere Feb. 28 at 8/7c on CBS.
