Traitors winner Rob Rausch reveals he hasn't received his $220,800 prize. He still bought a Birkin bag for runner-up Maura Higgins.
- April 19, 2026
AceShowbiz - Traitors season 4 champion Rob Rausch recently disclosed on The Kelly Clarkson Show that he has not yet received the $220,800 grand prize he won on the reality series. During his March 10 appearance, the 27-year-old confirmed to host Kelly Clarkson that despite outwitting and “murdering” his way to victory, the prize money has still not been paid to him.
When Clarkson mentioned the six-figure prize pot, Rausch replied plainly, “They still haven't paid me.” Although the cash has yet to arrive in his bank account, this hasn’t prevented him from fulfilling a promise he made during the competition's dramatic finale. After deceiving runner-up Maura Higgins, who was a Faithful on the show, he pledged to buy her a Birkin bag as a gesture of goodwill.
Earlier this month, Rausch presented Higgins, 35, with the luxury gift on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen. Higgins expressed delight over the surprise, saying, “This is my win. I knew I'd have my moment.” The bag’s purchase was a collaborative effort as Lisa Rinna, another Traitor from the season, assisted with acquiring the Birkin.
Rinna shared the backstory in a TikTok video posted on March 8. She explained that friends Isaac Boots and Jeffrey facilitated the connection in New York to secure the bag quickly. “It would have taken a bit longer” if they had to source it from Paris, she noted. Rinna expressed joy over the entire process, saying, “It all worked out so magically, and then for Rob to give it to Maura on Watch What Happens Live. Just tickled me. All of it has brought me so much joy.”
The rules of Traitors dictate that if the last remaining players are Faithfuls, they split the prize money; however, if any Traitors remain at the end, they take the entire pot. In the season 4 finale, Rausch revealed himself as a Traitor after agreeing with Higgins to conclude the game. This strategic move allowed him to claim the full $220,800 prize.
Known for his dry humor and strategic gameplay, Rausch first gained reality TV attention as a contestant on Love Island season 5. His performance on Traitors earned him widespread admiration from both his fellow contestants and viewers. Despite the current delay in receiving his winnings, Rausch remains in high spirits and committed to enjoying the next chapter of his life.
During his chat with Kelly Clarkson, Rausch also shared what lies ahead for him. Clarkson encouraged him to consider acting, inspired by his convincingly deceptive performance on the show. While initially skeptical, he admitted, “Before Traitors, I would have said, ‘Hell no, I’m not doing that.’ But maybe I could do it.”
For now, Rausch is focused on returning home to Alabama and spending time with his family. He mentioned looking forward to the arrival of spring, calling it his favorite season and anticipating the “real green” that comes with it. The future looks promising as he contemplates new opportunities and personal growth beyond reality television.
The intense competition of Traitors season 4, hosted by Alan Cumming, has captivated audiences by pitting different types of players—Housewives, gamers, Olympians—against one another in a high-stakes game of trust and betrayal. Rausch’s win marks a memorable moment in the show’s history, especially with his unique blend of charm and cunning.
Although the prize money remains unpaid as of his recent interview, Rob Rausch continues to honor his commitments and maintain a positive outlook. His generous gift to runner-up Maura Higgins not only highlights his character but also adds a heartfelt chapter to the season’s dramatic conclusion.
Fans of Traitors and followers of the season 4 drama will be watching closely to see when the prize money is finally delivered and what new ventures the winner pursues next. For now, Rausch remains grateful for the experience and excited about the possibilities ahead.