Designer bags to vintage cars: Here’s what every Drag Race winner did with the prize money
The cash pot is now ten times what it used to be
Winning RuPaul’s Drag Race isn’t just about snatching the crown; first place comes with serious coin. Over the years, the cash prize has ranged from $20,000 to $200,000, depending on the season, and with that kind of money on the line, it’s no wonder people have always wondered what exactly the winners do with all that prize money.
Turns out, many queens have put their hard-earned cash to good use, whether it’s investing in their careers, supporting loved ones, or giving back to the community. Here’s a look at what some of Drag Race’s most iconic winners have done after hearing those legendary words: “You’re a winner, baby!”
BeBe Zahara Benet: Season one
As the franchise’s first-ever winner, BeBe took home $20,000, MAC Cosmetics products, and major exposure, of course. While she hasn’t shared detailed spending, her win helped launch her global career and led to major performance bookings.
She later relocated from Minneapolis to Brooklyn to grow her artistry. These days, she’s still performing. And, if there’s one thing that outlasts the prize money, it’s always being able to hold the title of being Drag Race’s first-ever winner.
Tyra Sanchez: Season two
Tyra Sanchez took home a $25,000 prize, a lifetime supply of NYX Cosmetics, and a Drag Race Pride Tour headlining role after winning season two in April 2010. Rather than splurging, she prioritised supporting her young son and household.
As she reflected in a Windy City Times interview: “As much as I wanted to spend all of my money on dresses, I had to take care of home first.” Her win wasn’t just about fame, it became a lifeline for her family and a foundation for rebuilding after homelessness
Raja: Season three
Throwing it back over a decade, and Raja from season three won $75,000.
She said the winnings “weren’t that much,” per Entertainment Weekly. And added: “I think people have an expectation with that amount of money that you win and you’re supposed to have all of these riches and wealth.”
Raja has said that one of her most prized purchases with the money was a Louis Vuitton duffel bag, per Out. She still owns it and says it holds sentimental value as a symbol of her success!
Sharon Needles: Season four
Season four winner Sharon Needles bagged a $100,000 prize in 2012.
She slayed the contest and took home a lifetime supply of NYX Cosmetics, a one-of-a-kind trip, and the title of ‘America’s Next Drag Superstar.’ And when it comes to what Sharon did with the money, she splurged on producing her debut album PG‑13, hiring top-tier producers and sound engineers. She also purchased a vintage 1972 Pontiac Bonneville hearse with working sirens.
Speaking to The Dallas Observer, Sharon said: “It’s one gorgeous car that you can park nowhere.”
Jinkx Monsoon: Season five
Another Drag Race winner to bag $100,000 was Jinkx Monsoon.
She placed first in season five, and after her win, celebrated with a spontaneous Cheesecake Factory feast for her friends. But she made a smart move too: buying her first home in Portland, which set her up with long-term security.
According to Out: “…It was a great investment. All things considered, Monsoon has no plans of ever leaving Portland.”
Bianca Del Rio: Season six
In 2014, Bianca Del Rio was crowned the winner of season six and bagged a $100,000 prize.
She received a supply of Colorevolution Cosmetics and is now often listed as one of the top ten richest Drag Race stars ever. These days, Bianca has an estimated net worth of $4 million.
Violet Chachki: Season seven
Drag Race season seven winner, Violet Chachki, also won $100k for taking the top spot over Ginger Minj.
She’s gone on to have a successful career in fashion, burlesque and music. Violet was the first drag queen to front a major lingerie campaign for Bettie Page Lingerie. She has also walked in Milan Fashion Week, attended the Met Gala, and has been featured in Vogue.
Bob the Drag Queen: Season eight
After winning $100k, most people might think to go and make a big purchase, and spend like they’ve never spent before.
But Bob the Drag Queen had other plans. She reportedly used a small portion of her winnings for some fun treats, notably purchasing Sour Patch Kids in cherry and watermelon flavours right after being announced as the winner.
Speaking to the International Business Times, she said: “The very next thing I bought was sour patch kids. I bought cherry and watermelon, and they were great. I want to say money well spent.”
All jokes aside, it looks like Bob the Drag Queen really invested the money back into her career.
Since winning, she’s been super busy. She co‑created and co‑hosts the successful podcast Sibling Rivalry with Monét X Change, starred in HBO’s We’re Here, appeared on TV shows like The Traitors and A Black Lady Sketch Show, and toured as an emcee on Madonna’s Celebration Tour.
She also performed live comedy, authored a best-selling novel about Harriet Tubman, and developed a strong merch presence as a global entertainer!
Sasha Velour: Season nine
After winning RuPaul’s Drag Race season nine, Sasha Velour didn’t splurge—she reinvested her $100,000 prize into her own drag show.
Speaking to HotSpot Magazine, Sasha said: “I’m going to invest the money in this drag show in Brooklyn called ‘Nightgown’. I am going to take it on the road to show that drag can be expanded into radical new places. I am transforming the show into a not-for-profit organisation.
“It will benefit queer people in need of housing and education. The most important legacy I can leave is someone who is a community leader and activist!”
Her prize became a tool for community uplift, not personal luxury.
Aquaria: Season 10
Aquaria was crowned Drag Race’s season 10 winner in 2018. She’s another winner to largely reinvested in her art and career over spending on frivolous things.
In an interview with Hotspots Magazine, Aquaria said she planned to “invest it back into my drag,” writing, designing, and performing her own looks to elevate her aesthetic and performances.
She said: “I want to be in control of my drag and elevate it to the highest level.”
Vanity Fair reported she used the prize to fund tours, live shows, and even cosmetic enhancements. She also joked of getting a nip or tuck, and said she might get “a little pump in the cheeks … something that makes the highlighter reflect.”
Yvie Oddly: Season 11
After winning season 11, Yvie Oddly took home $100,000.
She admitted she splurged on drag outfits at first, but ultimately put most of the money into investments.
Back in 2022, Out reported that she’d “deposited most of her earnings into an investment account, which is now helping her purchase a home.”
She made her dream of buying a home come true and announced the big achievement on Instagram three years ago.
The season 11 winner wrote: “Growing up I never even dreamt this was something I could achieve! I KNEW I was going to be an artist so I had made peace with the idea of living my entire life eating ramen and serving fries to pay my rent.”
Jaida Essence Hall: Season 12
With her $100k winnings, season 12 champion Jaida Essence Hall
Jaida splurged on a $400 Versace teddy bear named Gian E. Hall and bought matching shoes for her mom and brothers. It was her way of giving back and enjoying a fun, symbolic keepsake, per Out.
Season 13: Symone
Winner of Drag Race season 13 Symone, had some big plans for her prize money.
After winning $100,000, she helped out her mother and friends, reshaping her sense of worth and purpose.
For Symone, the money was more than just cash; it was a way to uplift her community and provide stability, helping her build a foundation for the future beyond the show.
Season 14: Willow Pill
Willow Pill earned $150,000 in season 14 and wisely allocated her winnings toward savings, travel, and developing her artistic projects!
She also used part of the prize to help cover medical bills. Willow even started a retirement fund, showing some serious forward-thinking. She now also has her own merch line.
Season 15: Sasha Colby
The prize fund for season 15 ramped up to $200,000, and Sasha Colby was crowned winner. She hasn’t dished a load of details on what she spent her prize money on, but she reportedly planned to reinvest in creative ventures like music and acting while advocating for community causes.
When asked what she spends money on, she told AnOther last year: “Taking care of family and chosen family. I’m more into experiences than material things.”
Monét X Change: All Stars Four
A couple of All Stars winners get an honorary mention for what they spent the money on. Monét X Change won $100,000 in All Stars season four and used her prize money to pay off student loans, which was a huge relief. She also treated herself to a $20 Theragun from Marshall’s, a purchase she apparently regretted.
Clearing her debt took a significant weight off her shoulders and allowed her to focus on her career as she said at the time how she was “severely in the hole with the government,” per Out.
Trinity The Tuck: All Stars Four
Trinity The Tuck won $100,000 on All Stars 4 and invested the money in buying a home and taking a vacation.
While he joked that spending on drag looks was the “dumbest” use of his winnings, homeownership was a game-changer. The prize brought him financial security and a real sense of accomplishment. Trinity’s story is super heartwarming as she said she’d never owned a home before, per Out.
For all the latest reality TV cast member news, scandals, gossip and updates – like Reality Shrine on Facebook.