A resident of Indian River County recently brought local flair to the global stage, competing in one of the world’s most high-profile reality competitions. Nichole Johanson, a Sebastian resident well-known in the community for her work with local history and non-profits, appeared on the second season of Beast Games, the hit competition series created by YouTube sensation MrBeast and streaming on Amazon Prime.
Johanson, who serves as the director of the Mel Fisher’s Treasures museum in Sebastian and founded the Michael Abt Jr. Have a Heart Foundation, was one of 200 contestants selected for the show. The second season features a mix of “strong” and “smart” competitors battling for a staggering $5 million prize.
The Competition Experience
Johanson’s journey on the show began in Las Vegas, where she worked within a team of three during the intense first challenge. She successfully navigated her team to “Sudden Death,” the final round of the premiere episode. However, a momentary slip—accidentally dropping a block off her platform—resulted in her elimination before the remaining contestants advanced to “Beast City.”
Despite the early exit, Johanson remained positive about the experience, noting that helping her teammates advance and the opportunity to participate made the effort worthwhile.
“It was no one’s fault but my own,” Johanson said regarding her elimination. “At the end of the day, it’s a game, and I truly believe I went exactly as far as I was meant to.”
Meeting a Digital Icon
While her time in the competition was cut short, Johanson had the unique opportunity to meet the show’s creator, Jimmy Donaldson, known globally as MrBeast. She spoke with him in the holding area for eliminated contestants and described the interaction as surprisingly personal. According to Johanson, the internet celebrity was kind and apologetic regarding the long overnight filming hours and production delays, a gesture she found thoughtful and genuine.
Local Roots and Motivation
Johanson was inspired to apply for the grueling competition by her 12-year-old son, a dedicated fan of MrBeast. The selection process was rigorous, requiring video submissions, questionnaires, and virtual interviews to prove she had the aptitude to join the “smart” team.
Beyond her reality TV appearance, Johanson is a dedicated community advocate in Indian River County. She has directed the Mel Fisher’s Treasures museum for over two decades and leads a nonprofit established in memory of her younger brother, Michael Abt Jr. Her organization works to prevent sudden cardiac arrest in youth, a cause she championed after her brother lost his life to the condition during a PE class at age 12.
How to Watch
Residents interested in seeing their neighbor in action can stream Beast Games Season 2 exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.
- The first three episodes, including Johanson’s run, premiered on January 7.
- New episodes are released weekly leading up to the season finale on February 25.
- Johanson recommends checking out the “extras” tab on Amazon Prime for behind-the-scenes “making of” footage.
For those inspired by Johanson’s journey, casting for Season 3 is currently open to individuals over the age of 18 who are ready for international travel and high-stakes challenges.
