Matt Hoover beat out Seth Word and Suzy Preston on Tuesday (Nov. 29) night to win $250,000 and the title of "Biggest Loser."

Matt, a 28-year-old former champion high school and college wrestler, arrived at the show's ranch weighing 339 pounds. Having gained weight following an injury that ended his athletic career, Matt had also become a heavy drinker. It came as a surprise to him when he learned that he was allowed no alcohol for his 100 days with the others.

Now he's nine months sober and has shaved 157 pounds (46.31 percent) off his 5'10 frame.

A textbook competitor, in week nine of the series, Hoover took the drastic measure of putting on 12 pounds of water weight in order to break the weight loss plateau he had hit. The risk paid off when he came back with a 26-pound loss the next week.

In addition, Pete Thomas, the 36-year-old real estate investor from Michigan, took home $100,000. He lost 46.13 percent (185 pounds) of his body weight, the most of any of the 11 elimated contestants, minus Nick who declined the invitation to attend the finale. Pete's experience also inspired his wife to lose 70 pounds.

The show's sponsor, Jell-o, also announced that Seth would be awarded $50,000 and Suzy would walk away with $25,000.

While no airdate has been set, last week NBC announced that "Biggest Loser" has earned a third season. Some self-contained, one-off episodes are also being planned for next year, starting in January.