11 Things We Learned From Steve's Chat With Jeff

Steve, the Season 17 winner of Big Brother, talks about his game strategy, his admiration for Vanessa's game play, and what winning the game truly means to him.

In case you missed it, here are some the most revealing moments from Jeff's chat with Steve

The engineering student, now $500,000 richer, admitted that he is more excited about being called the winner of Big Brother Season 17, than actually taking home the cash. 

"People have to keep reminding me that I have money," Steve told Jeff. "I didn't think that I had a chance. I came for the experience and after watching [Big Brother] for so many years, I wanted the chance to play for myself."

When asked how he felt about Captain Camo winning America's Favorite Houseguest, the BB17 winner said he was happy with the nation's choice because he thinks James really deserved to win.

"He really earned it and it's good to know someone who deserved it but also probably needed it the most was able to win the extra money," Steve said. 

The brainy student told Jeff he had a strategy since before entering the house, and he stuck to it for the whole game. 

"My strategy coming in was to lay low, throw competitions to not let people think I was competitive, join an alliance and be at the bottom of the totem poll so that I'm not targeted," Steve explained. "You don't have to be [each Houseguest's] closest friend, as long as you're not their target."

Steve revealed that he thinks Johnny Mac's biggest mistake was telling Shelli about the Final 2 deal between the #nerdmance duo. After rumors of their alliance spread, the engineering student worked hard to try and disprove his alliance with the Pennsylvania dentist, but to no avail.

"People love to split up pairs," Steve said. "If you're gonna be part of a Final 2 deal, make sure it's hidden, unless you have the votes to stay."

 

"Stefan" was the name of the engineering student's alter ego, which was given to him by the Houseguests after his chic makeover.

"I was deliberately Vanessa'a puppet by letting her cut my hair and give me makeovers," Steve openly admitted. "The 'Stefan' transformation was me trying to convince Vanessa that she could manipulate me. I needed her to believe that I was her blindly loyal minion in order to gain her trust."

After learning that his fellow "Rock Stars" alliance member was actually a super-fan, Steve said he was impressed by the fact that the dentist did such a good job hiding his familiarity with the game. In fact, he was more surprised to learn that Johnny Mac was a super-fan than to learn that Vanessa was a millionaire poker player. 

"He did a phenomenal job at hiding it," Steve said. "He totally had me fooled. Good job, Johnny Mac!"
 

When asked how he managed to give great answers and stay so composed during the Jury's questions and his final speech, Steve revealed it was because he knew he had played a better game than Liz, who was sitting next to him, and it boosted his confidence. 

"I would have been more nervous sitting next to Vanessa because she played a great game," Steve said. "I would have voted for her if she was in the Final 2." 

 

The sound engineer admitted that the only vote that really shocked him was Vanessa's. He wasn't expecting the Vegas card shark to hold a grudge or be bitter while making her vote because she is a strategist that can "separate her feelings from the game." 

"I thought I would have Vanessa's vote," Steve said, not expecting the Vegas card shark to hold a grudge or be unable to "separate her feelings from the game."  

Besides finale night and winning the $500,000 check, Steve said his favorite moment of Big Brother was before when he walked on stage and saw Julie for the first time—and that was before he even stepped foot inside the house!

"I couldn't believe I was actually a Big Brother Houseguest," Steve said, still in awe. "Standing on stage seeing Julie and waiting to walk into the house was the best feeling."

When Jeff asked Steve what he thought about the girls in the house, Sneaky Steve emerged to reveal he was actually somewhat smitten by a fellow female Houseguest.

"I don't like showmances because they put targets on your back, but I would showmance Julia," Steve said, smiling. "I felt like I clicked with her better and we had great chemistry."


 

Although the BB17 winner didn't fully disclose what he would do with all of his newly acquired wealth—aside from invest it wisely, of course—he did mention that some of his money would be used to pay off his college loans. Plus,he wanted to treat his parents to a vacation.

"I want to do something nice for my parents," Steve said. "I want to be able to give something back to them for everything they've done for me."

Watch the entire video of Steve's live chat with Jeff Schroeder.