What does second place win?

Humiliation! I mean, At least the others received honorable discharges, especially Tristen, but poor Ben got nothing when all the energy shifted to Gabe's win.

I don't honestly know the answer to your question, but considering the winner's take are really fairly small, I can imagine the runner up receives anything.

A set of steak knives. http://justbeyondinfinity.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/67381.jpg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kZg_ALxEz0

But in a reversal, third prize is "you're hired" rather than fired. :)