Who Won The Bachelor 2018: The Winner and What Happened Next
Becca Kufrin was the winner of The Bachelor Season 22, choosing Garrett Yrigoyen as the man she took home in the finale. This season aired in spring 2018 and centered on Kufrin, a Minnesota-based publicist, and 15 other contestants vying for her attention. In this evergreen profile, we provide a clear winner recap and a status update on what has happened with the couple since the show, focusing on their relationship timeline, engagement, split, and current lives.
The Season and the Finale Choice
In the spring 2018 finale of The Bachelor, Becca Kufrin selected Garrett Yrigoyen, a tech entrepreneur from Austin, Texas, over runner-up John Paul Jones. Kufrin, a publicist known for her candidness on the show, pursued a connection with Yrigoyen that led to a proposal in the final rose ceremony. The season drew strong viewership for its emotional moments and Kufrin’s relatable journey, setting the stage for close public attention on the couple’s next steps.
Post-Season Relationship Timeline
After filming wrapped, Kufrin and Yrigoyen moved in together and remained engaged for approximately 14 months. In April 2019, they announced their breakup, citing growing apart despite their deep bond. Both later shared public reflections about personal growth from the experience. Yrigoyen eventually began dating again, while Kufrin also moved forward, focusing on career, friendships, and continued public engagement through media and speaking appearances.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Season 22 (spring 2018) | ABC press and episode records |
| Winner | Becca Kufrin | ABC finale recap and official announcements |
| Winner’s Hometown | Prior Lake, Minnesota | Biographies and network profiles |
| Contestant Profession (Winner) | Publicist | Show biographies and interviews |
| Runner-up | John Paul Jones | Season coverage and recaps |
| Engagement Status | Engaged on show; split in April 2019 | Joint Instagram statement and media reports |
| Current Public Presence | Both appear in media, podcasts, and speaking events; ongoing public interest | Recent interviews and social posts |
Public Perception and Media Coverage
The 2018 season of The Bachelor generated significant conversation about Kufrin’s authenticity and the dynamics between the contestants. Media outlets highlighted her decision to choose Yrigoyen and the subsequent engagement as a central narrative. Coverage remained neutral to positive, emphasizing viewer investment in the couple’s long-term success. After the split, outlets focused on how both individuals processed the breakup and continued to build their public brands.
Life After The Bachelor for the Winner
Since the finale, Becca Kufrin has maintained a visible presence through interviews, podcasts, and social media. She has discussed lessons learned from the experience, her approach to dating, and the importance of self-advocacy. Kufrin has also engaged in brand partnerships and public speaking, leveraging her platform beyond reality television. Her trajectory reflects a common pattern for reality-show winners who transition into media personalities and entrepreneurs.
Where Are They Now: Garrett Yrigoyen
Garrett Yrigoyen stepped into the public eye as the runner-up and has since remained in the public conversation through appearances and social media. He has spoken openly about his personal growth after the breakup and has occasionally returned to the Bachelor franchise in different capacities. Yrigoyen’s career in technology and his lifestyle brand have continued to develop, contributing to a durable public profile independent of the show.
Comparative Context
Compared with winners from adjacent seasons, Kufrin and Yrigoyen’s story is notable for the length of their engagement before the split. Many Bachelor winners marry or stay engaged for shorter periods, but this season’s outcome sparked broader conversation about the pressures of televised relationships. The aftermath also underscored how both parties navigated the challenge of moving on while under ongoing public scrutiny, a theme that recurs in reality-television follow-ups.
Takeaways and Key Lessons
- On-screen decisions do not always predict long-term relationship outcomes; many variables evolve after filming ends.
- Reality-show winners often build careers in media, speaking, and branding, extending their relevance beyond a single season.
- Public relationships televised at scale involve unique challenges in managing privacy, narrative, and personal growth.
Evergreen Relevance
The story of The Bachelor 2018 remains relevant for audiences researching reality television, relationship journeys, and post-show life for winners. It illustrates the blend of entertainment, personal choice, and public attention that defines modern franchise storytelling. By presenting verified details and a neutral timeline, this profile supports long-term informational value for readers seeking clarity on this season and its participants.