Zachary Fowler of Union will compete Thursday on the TBS talent contest “Go-Big Show” at 9 p.m., wielding a slingshot.  Photo by Jeremy Freeman

Zachary Fowler won $500,000 a few years ago for displaying his prowess at staying away from people. On Thursday, he’ll be trying to win $100,000 more by entertaining them.

Fowler is competing in a talent contest called “Go-Big Show” on cable network TBS. Billed as “Union, Maine’s Slingshot Savant,” he’ll be trying to win the big prize by doing tricks with his slingshot. The show airs at 9 p.m. Thursday.

In 2017, Fowler won the grand prize on the History Channel’s reality show “Alone” for surviving 87 days in the Patagonia region of South America by himself. He lost 73 pounds during his filmed wilderness adventure. He ate more than 60 fish, two birds, dandelion roots and large grubs. Fowler spoke to groups all around Maine about his experiences, including as part of the Press Herald’s Maine Voices Live series.

Fowler is a Vermont native who moved to Maine to become a wooden boatbuilder and lived for years in an off-the-grid Yurt-style home. After winning “Alone,” he began a YouTube channel where he shared his outdoor knowledge and skill, including how to do tricks with a slingshot. His website, fowlersmakeryandmischief.com, includes lots of information on slingshot basics and technique.

For his pre-recorded appearance on “Go-Big Show,” Fowler was planning to shoot a card out from between two bottles with one shot and to ignite a match with another shot. The show is a wide-open talent contest, ranging from feats of strength and alligator wrestling to monster trucks and trick horse-riding. Judges include rap legend Snoop Dogg, actress Rosario Dawson and pro wrestler Cody Rhodes, among others.

The shows began airing Jan. 7, and weekly winners advance toward the finale, with a chance to win the $100,000 prize.

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