Michael Ventrella “The Biggest Loser” Season 9 Champ

The Biggest Loser: Couples crowned a new champion on Tuesday night: A Chicago DJ, who made Loser history when he tipped the scales on the series earlier this year.

Michael Ventrella, who, at a starting weight of 526 pounds was the heaviest Biggest Loser contestant ever, took home the $250,000 prize after he lost 264 pounds — over 50% of his starting body weight.

“I am feeling proud of myself-which is a new feeling,” Michael said after learning that he had worked his way to victory. “This time I gave it my all. I did it the right way and it worked.”

Ventrella started the competition accompanied by his mother Maria, who was eliminated in Week 3.

Coming in second place was Ashley Johnston who lost 48.93% of her Body Mass Index (BMI) and 183. Third in line — Daris George who lost 48.55% and slimmed down to 168. Koli Palu pocketed a $100,000 cash prize for winning the At-Home prize. He lost 188 pounds and 53.35% of his BMI.