ARDMORE, OK -- An Ardmore man has become a household name for some, as he competes for the grand prize on a reality TV show. Many say Daris George has inspired them to live healthier lives. And on Tuesday countless people watched as he tried to become the biggest loser.

There wasn't a free table at Budro’s Rib Joint in Ardmore Tuesday night. More than 100 fans turned out, watching as Daris gave his all in The Biggest Loser finale. For weeks Texoma, and all of America have watched the young Ardmore man lose more than 40% of his body weight.

Daris did not walk away the biggest loser, but he did make an impressive finish.

"I have been on the edge of my seat all day,” said Candice Jones.

Jones is one of Daris George's many friends and fans in Ardmore.

"He is the sweetest guy and he has the biggest heart,” Jones said.

“The kid is literally small-town, salt of the earth. He is what he is, and you get what you get when you get Daris," Buddy Simon, the owner of Budro’s, said.

And people at Budro's could not get enough of their hometown celebrity as he competed on a reality TV show to lose the most weight.

Tuesday night marked the grand finale of The Biggest Loser.

But for many, Daris's dedication to a healthier lifestyle was more than a personal transformation or a number on the scale.

"It's really done a lot for him psychologically and spiritually - that's really been a good inspiration for people. You watch him on the show and it brings a tear to your eye - he's very wholesome."

Daris won America's vote, putting him in the final three.

But in the end, he came up just a few pounds short. Daris came in third. But to everyone here at home - he's the biggest winner

"He's a hero in everyone's eyes in Ardmore for sure. In this community he's definitely a hero in everyone's eyes for what he's done,” Simon said.