‘Overwhelming’: North Miami Beach Native Talks ‘Titan Games’ Win

James Jean-Louis proves that no matter what happens in life, with razor-sharp focus and a good support system, you can achieve your goals.

The North Miami Beach native and Budweiser truck driver was crowned a champion Thursday night on the very first season of NBC's "Titan Games," Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's epic, endurance-based competition series.

"It was overwhelming," Jean-Louis told NBC 6 at Duffy's in North Miami Beach, where he and his loved ones gathered to watch his final Mount Olympus challenge against competitor Derik Scott. "The feeling itself of knowing that I actually won, that I'm a Titan champion, is amazing."

Born to Haitian immigrant parents, Jean-Louis was always considered an "outcast" of his family and often talks about getting into trouble when he was younger. Jean-Louis decided to turn his life around when he became a father at 17 years old. His son Semaj was in the audience to watch his father win the competition.

"I didn't want to be another statistic and have a child grow up without a father," Jean-Louis said. "I wanted to be in his life."

James Jean-Louis squats, lifts, crunches and curls, but the South Florida truck driver and winner of NBC’s “The Titan Games” is also a fun-loving father who enjoys a good burger every once in a while. We sat down with James to talk about his favorite exercises, music, and yes — dance moves.

Now Jean-Louis wants to focus on giving back to his community of North Miami Beach and aims to start a gym or a non-profit organization to help underprivileged kids who may have gone astray to get back on their feet.