New poster here. I'm looking to create a Survivor website for next season, and on the site I am working on creating a list of the top 20 Survivor players of all time. I have a list, and the reasons why I picked each person, but I wanted other people's input. The list is totally flexible, and I will definitely consider what everyone has to say, because I definitely know that most people will probably not completely agree with my rankings. Anyway, here it is:
20. Ozzy Lusth, Cook Islands and Micronesia
Ozzy will always be seen as one of the most physically agile contestants the game has even seen. He started off in Cook Islands on the Latino Aitu tribe, and asserted himself as somewhat of a leader and food provider, impressing his tribemates with his ability to climb palm trees with ease and get coconuts, or his equally impressive ability to catch fish. He was even better in the challenges, as he was a key element in his tribe's success. Once there was a tribal switch, Ozzy became less of a leader, but continued to dominate in the challenges. When the game went individual, he won five immunity challenges and several rewards, which carried him to the final three. He almost beat Yul Kwon for the money in a 5-4 vote, but snagged the runner-up prize. His biggest mistake in Cook Islands was that he relied too much on his physical ability over his strategy, and much of the time relied on Yul to do all the strategizing. However, when he came to Micronesia, he proved himself a decent strategist, as he formed an alliance with Parvati Shallow, Amanda Kimmel, and James Clement, and when sent to Exile Island, not only found the hidden immunity idol, but hid a fake idol so someone else would find it and think it's the real deal. His plan surprisingly worked, which helped get Eliza Orlins out of the game. However, Ozzy's physical prowess, which certainly continued in Micronesia, made him seen as a threat to many, and he was blindsided at the Final 9, failing to use the hidden immunity idol he found.
Strengths: Winning Challenges, Providing Food, Strong Leadership
Weaknesses: His strategy relied too much on his ability to win challenges, although he improved in Micronesia.
19. Jenna Morasca, Amazon and All Stars
While Jenna is definitely not one of the best Survivor winners, her ability to manipulate and persevere against all odds puts her on the Top 20. The game started men against women, and Jenna was clearly one of the more lazy, unlikable contestants on her team. She bonded with the younger girls, notably Heidi Strobel and Shawna Mitchell. They had excluded the other younger girl on the tribe, deaf girl Christy Smith. The mistake of excluding her could have cost her the game several times, as Christy and some of the older women wanted to vote her out ASAP. However, she was able to help create and manage a strong alliance between herself, Heidi, Shawna, and Deena Bennett, and when the men and women came together, she bonded quite well with the men, particularly Rob Cesternino and Alex Bell. When the tribes merged, Jenna was in a good position, and while the women were at a 6-4 disadvantage, her ability to turn Alex and Rob helped her gain an advantage. She also used her physical assets to help get on the men's side; one of her techniques was at a challenge she dropped her clothes off for chocolate and peanut butter. Although eventually losing allies Heidi and Deena, she was able to make the final four with three men: Rob, Matt, and Butch Lockley. This is when she proved herself more than just a flirt, as she won the next two immunity challenges and both Butch and Rob were eliminated, respectively. Her friendships with 5 out of the 7 jury members gave her the million dollars. Even Christy voted for her.
Strengths: Strong social skills in making friendships and manipulating people, persevered by winning challenges she needed to win
Weaknesses: Lazy around camp, came off to many as spoiled and snobbish; only good social skills with people she liked.
18. Aras Baskauskas, Exile Island
Aras started off on somewhat of an odd foot: trying to start fire with yoga. He then proceeded to tell the two people who were on the block at tribal council that one of them was getting voted out. His somewhat naïve yet condescending attitude rubbed some the wrong way, but nonetheless he created a strong alliance with fellow tribemates Danielle DiLorenzo, Cirie Fields, Courtney Marit, and Shane Powers. Unfortunately for him, they turned out to be the most dysfunctional alliances in Survivor history, with the eccentric Courtney and Shane making problems with each other, and Danielle. However, Aras was instrumental in keeping the peace and helping his alliance get to the final six together. When loner Terry Dietz went on an immunity run, they had to start eating each other, and Aras kept himself on top, creating an alliance with Danielle and Cirie to the end. Shane and Courtney were gone, and Aras finally beat his rival Terry. When it got down to Danielle and Aras in the final two, Araswon in an easy 5-2 vote. While he wasn't the strategist that Cirie was or the physical demon that Terry was, he was a well-deserved winner who played a well-rounded strategic and physical game.
Strengths: Strong in challenges, Strong Leadership in holding his dysfunctional alliance intact
Weaknesses: Awkward social skills, somewhat naïve
17. Danni Boatwright, Guatemala
Danni came into the game very likeable and energetic. For the first part of the game, she stayed under the radar and didn't do much except work hard and stay positive. When she switched over to the Yaxha tribe, she started to make connections with both her original tribemates and her new tribe members, especially ex-football player Gary Hogeboom. Her connections with Hogeboom caused her to make an alliance with him, and Hogeboom turned on fellow tribe members Amy and Brian, while she turned on Blake. When the tribes merged, they were at a 6-4 disadvantage, and Danni watched her allies Brandon, Bobby Jon, and Gary be sent packing. She fought for her life by winning immunity at the final six, and creating a strong relationship with former adversary Rafe Judkins, who felt bad enough for her that he promised to keep her around for as long as he could. However, that meant getting rid of his own allies Lydiaand Cindy, and suddenly Danni found herself in the final three, where she won immunity and took Stephenie with her to the finals. Danni won not just because Stephenie was disliked by the jury, but also because of her keen social skills and her ability to make friends and manipulate people to get ahead.
Strengths: Strong in challenges, very good social skills
Weaknesses: Didn't start playing the game until fairly late; decision to vote out Blake was very risky.
16. Stephenie LaGrossa, Palau and Guatemala
Stephenie LaGrossa is probably one of the toughest survivors ever. Picked by Bobby Jon Drinkard to be on his tribe, Stephenie's young tribe was repeatedly defeated by the older, wiser tribe. They lost every immunity challenge, and eventually, the playing field for her tribe was down to two: her and Bobby Jon. Koror beat them one last time, and the two faced off in a tie-breaker challenge in which they had to make fire. Although Bobby Jon was better at making fire than Steph, she got it lit before him, and he was eliminated. For the first time, there was only one person on one tribe: Steph. Having been repeatedly beaten, Steph still wouldn't give up, although her morale was at an all-time low, until she merged with Koror. Her bond with Tom Westman on Day One before the tribes split up got her through the next tribal council. She seemed like she might actually prevail, having found a hole in the Koror alliance and using it to her advantage. But Gregg Carey knew she was a huge threat. She had more determination than anyone in the game. Plus she was physically strong, and could beat anyone at a challenge. Gregg convinced Tom and the rest of his tribe to vote Stephenie out at the final eight. The only thing that saved her that night was that Janu Tornell quit the game after 27 days of nonstop whining. Steph couldn't do much more to save herself, although she tried. Playing the game physically and mentally well, and having persevered through eleven tribal councils in a row, a Survivor record, made her deserving of getting a second chance in Survivor: Guatemala. Stephenie knew she had a huge target on her back, being a previous player and a known threat. But everyone was so happy to have her on their tribe that she cruised through the first few episodes. A survivor switch occurred and Stephenie made an alliance with Jamie Newton, Judd Sergeant, and Rafe Judkins. After her alliance was formed, she had complete control of the entire game, and easily made the merge. Unfortunately, she was forced to betray Judd and Jamie, angering the two as they were blindsided. Stephenie did make the final two, but ran into a problem when she had only one ally she didn't betray on the jury: Rafe. He voted for her, but everyone else voted for Danni Boatwright. Stephenie played a very different game both times. The first time, she had little control, and the second time, she had complete control, and although she made enemies, she stepped up her game and made an impressive second place finish.
Strengths: Physically, mentally, and emotionally strong; very good at creating and controlling an alliance.
Weaknesses: Can be abrasive; made way too many enemies in Guatemala
15. "Boston Rob" Mariano, Marquesas and All Stars
Rob is an example of a contestant who learned from his mistakes, and was more memorable in Survivor All Stars than he was in his original season. Rob started off on the losing Maraamu tribe in Marquesas, but he made an alliance quickly that included Sean Rector, Vecepia Towery, and love interest Sarah Jones. They took it to the final ten, and made the merge. The three of Rob, Vecepia, and Sean (Sarah was voted out on Day 12) were the odd three out, and although Rob tried to stir up the pot, by lying to Kathy Vavrick-O'Brien by telling her that she is the #1 target, it only made matters worse, and the six members of Rotu (excluding Kathy, who listened to Rob and voted for Zoe Zanidakis, on her tribe) voted out Rob. He returned in Survivor All Stars and became an upfront leader in the beginning. He employed a similar strategy and used his charm to woo Amber Brkich. They started a romantic relationship on Survivor, much like his relationship to Sarah in the Marquesas. They tagged on Tom Buchanan, Rupert Boneham, and Jenna Lewis, and the five of them went to the final five. While there were many efforts to get rid of Rob and Amber, Rob kept his alliance in line by provoking a fight between Rupert and Tom. When the final five came, they eliminated Tom first. Rob and Amber cruised to the final two, and after enduring a tough and tearful final tribal council, with Rob having betrayed almost everyone on the jury, Amber beat Rob, 4 votes to three. Rob played well both times, and was a leader and a manipulator.
Strengths: Strong in challenges, a good leader and manipulator, and an excellent strategist.
Weaknesses: Made too many enemies, let his emotions for Amber control his game in All-Stars
14. Todd Herzog, China
Todd knew the game of Survivor from the inside out when he came into China, and that helped him greatly. His plan was simple: to be the center of an alliance and take it to the end. He aligned with fellow tribemates Amanda Kimmel and tribe leader Aaron Reisberger at first, also creating sub-alliances with Courtney Yates and Denise Martin. When Aaron went out earlier than expected, Todd was forced to take control of his alliance, and when the tribes merged, his original tribe had a 6-4 advantage over Zhan Hu. They picked off Jamie, Frosti, and Erik easily, while getting blindsiding fellow tribemates Jean-Robert Bellande and James Clement along the way. Todd ended up in the final four with all four of his allies, having successfully taken his alliance to the end. Although Denise and Amanda tried to strategize to get him out at four, the plan didn't work, and Denise was taken out, leaving Todd in the final three with Amanda and Courtney. While Amanda may have played a better game behind-the-scenes, everyone saw Todd's manipulations, and combined with an excellent jury performance, Todd was given the win.
Strengths: Very good manipulator, good at holding his alliance together until the end.
Weaknesses: His gameplay was a little too aggressive and paranoid. Would have made some major, potentially game-ending errors if Amanda hadn't corrected him.
13. Sandra Diaz-Twine, Pearl Islands
Sandra, although physically weak, was one of the smartest and most underestimated players in Survivor history. Although she was outspoken, and her big mouth got her in trouble, she had the likeability and determination of a winner. Plus, she played honestly and won the game, something that not many other winners can say they did. Sandra made quick friends with Rupert Boneham and Christa Hastie, and quick enemies with Jon "Jonny Fairplay" Dalton. Her alliance with Christa and Rupert seemed to be working, until Trish Dunn approached her and asked her to voted Rupert out with her and Jon. Sandra quickly took care of Trish and engineered her exit. The next day, however, a twist allowed for former people voted out to return. She and Rupert's other enemy Burton Roberts made a return. He quickly teamed up with Jon and Rupert was soon eliminated. Sandra, angry as hell that the least deserving person of getting eliminated was voted out, dumped the fish that Rupert had caught the day before. Christa took the blame, and Sandra did nothing to save her. Christa went soon after, and Sandra seemed to be a target-but Jon knew she wasn't a threat. He wanted Lillian Morris out. Sandra orchestrated a new plan to get rid of Burton and Jon once and for all, getting Lillian and Darrah Johnson with her. The plan worked, and Burtonwas sent home that night. She was in the final four with Jon, Darrah, and Lillian. Sandra made it to the final three with Jon and Lillian, and Lill surprisingly chose Sandra to take with her in the final round. Sandra had won the jury's vote easily, everyone liked her, and knew that her game play was quite clever. Sandra won Survivor Pearl Islandswithout getting one vote cast against her, and while she wasn't the most likeable all the time, she was a threat that nobody saw coming.
Strengths: Good at engineering eliminations and keeping the vote going her way; downplayed herself as a threat and came across as rude, bossy, and physically weak while still making strong friendships and alliances.
Weaknesses: Too outspoken and confrontational, somewhat poor social skills; physically weak in challenges.
12. Yau Man Chan, Fiji and Micronesia
Yau Man came into Fijiproving to be just as strong as his competition. While many just saw him at first as a weaker old man, he used his mental strength and cleverness to overcome the physical competitions and beat even the biggest, strongest guys in the game. He was not only a good physical player, but an excellent strategic player, as he formed a close alliance with Earl Cole and together helped find two hidden immunity idols. At the final six challenge, Yau Man won a car, and made fellow tribe member Dre "Dreamz" Herd a deal: he will give him the car if Dreamz will give him immunity at the final four if he wins it, which is when he perceived he would get voted out. Dreamz took the deal, and tried to vote off Yau Man at the final six, but Yau used his idol at six, and won immunity at five, sending him to the final four, where Dreamz was forced to live up to his deal. Unfortunately for Yau, Dreamz reneged on the deal, and Yau Man was voted out. Despite Yau Man's plan failing, he showed an incredible amount of insight into making this deal, and it would have been a brilliant strategic move had it worked. Combine that with winning countless challenges for his team and himself, and he goes down as one of the best players to never win. Yau returned briefly for Micronesiabut was voted out third when everyone perceived him as a threat.
Strengths: Exceptionally strong and clever in challenges, a good strategist with good instincts.
Weaknesses: Put his trust in the wrong person (Dreamz) to take him to the end; at times relied too much on Earl for the social part of the game.
11. Ethan Zohn, Africa and All Stars
Another one of the more underestimated players of Survivor, Ethan, unlike many other great players, did not have to deceive, manipulative, or put on a mask. Being himself won him the million dollars, and that may not involve a lot of strategy, but he used his likeability to make allies, his intuition to realize who to trust and who not to trust, and his physical strength to win the challenges he needed to win. Ethan started out on the Boran tribe, where he had made a quick alliance with Lex Van den Berghe, and Tom Buchanan. On Day 13, the tribes switched, and he was separated from both of them. Ethan was approached by Silas Gaither to vote out Frank Garrison, but Ethan didn't buy Silas' act, and voted him out. He used the same instincts on who to trust when the tribes merged. He warned Lex that their new ally Brandon Quinton, who was on the opposite team, couldn't be trusted. Although Lex never listened, Ethan, Tom, and Kim Johnson voted out Brandonwith the rest of the team. Ethan made the final four with Kim, Tom, and Lex, and eventually the playing field was narrowed down to two: Kim and Ethan. Ethan had won the hearts of the jurors, and everyone seemed to like him for who he was. Not only that, but he made one of the best final tribal council showings in the show's history. Ethan won 5-2 over Kim, his likeability and instincts being the primary factor. He returned to Survivor All Stars with a huge target on his back, being a winner, and outlasted all of the other three winners who competed, and made it to Day 21, which is very impressive considering the target he had.
Strengths: Very likeable, good social skills, good in challenges.
Weaknesses: Did not make as many major strategic decisions as other winners had, relied on his likeability to carry him further.
10. Rob Cesternino, Amazon and All Stars
Rob Cesternino is probably one of the best manipulators of all time, and one of the best survivors to never win the game. In the Amazon, the game started out
men against women, and Rob's likeability and sense of humor overshadowed his sneaky, manipulative strategy. When it came time for a merge, Rob made friends
with Deena Bennett, Heidi Strobel, and Jenna Morasca, while juggling an alliance with the men, Alex Bell and Matt Von Ertfelda. Rob orchestrated and controlled
every single vote in the game, an impressive accomplishment. Roger Sexton and Dave Johnson, who were not in Rob's alliance, were voted out, and at the
final 8, Rob cut his friend Deena out of the competition at Jenna's persuasion. At the final seven, it became apparent to Rob that his old friend Alex was
going to cut him loose at the final four, and he needed to switch alliances. Rob went against his original final four deal with Jenna, Heidi, and Alex and
voted Alex out. An angry Jenna and Heidi tried to strike back, but only ended up back in Rob's alliance. Rob cruised to the final four with Jenna, Matt,
and Butch. Rob voted out another one of his allies, Butch, and he made the final three. But when Jenna realized that there was no way that she could beat Rob
in the final two, she took his old friend Matt with her. Rob made third place, and will go down in history as one of the most powerful and manipulative players
of all time. Rob came back for All Stars but was blindsided by Boston Rob and Amber.
Strengths: Very manipulative, good at forming a strong alliance and controlling the game.
Weaknesses: Made many enemies on the jury; his physical inability to win the final challenge cost him the game.
Earl came into Fiji on the losing Ravu tribe, and asserted himself as somewhat of a leader. Although his tribe couldn't win a challenge, he was well-respected and well-liked, and created a strong alliance with Yau Man Chan and Michelle Yi, to which he was the core of. When he, Michelle, and Yau switched to Moto, they started to win challenges, and when the tribes merged, Earl lost Michelle, but still had a very strong ally in Yau, in which they found two hidden immunity idols together. Earl began to lead a new alliance between himself, Yau, Cassandra Franklin, Dreamz Herd, Boo Bernis, and Stacy Kimball to take out the strong Four Horsemen alliance, which at one point included Dreamz, but Earl was successfully able to convince Dreamz to join the new alliance. Earl and Yau both played their idols at the final five and six, and made it to the final four together, and expected to go to the end together, but when Dreamz reneged on Yau Man's deal, Earl made a tough decision to vote out his friend and go to the final three with two goats, Cassandra and Dreamz. Earl, who hadn't pissed anyone off in the game, even Yau Man, won in a unanimous jury vote, the only winner to do so. Earl will go down as one of the best leaders in Survivor, as he was quite fair and likeable, and remained extremely cool under pressure, even with one of the most failing tribes in Survivor history, and having to deal with one of the most unstable players in Survivor, Dreamz. His final tribal council performance reflected this cool attitude, as he gave some of the best answers even when being grilled by the jury.
Strengths: Very strong leadership, kept his emotions in check, good social skills in being likeable and knowing what to say to get people on his side.
Weaknesses: At times relied too much on Yau Man winning challenges or finding the hidden idol to advance in the game, many of the major strategic moves in the game did not come from him, but from Yau Man.
8. Cirie Fields, Exile Island and Micronesia
Cirie played one of the most manipulative and strategic games both times she played, and for that deserves a spot with the winners, as it could be argued that although she never won, she was the best player both times she played. In Exile Island, she came in with no experience in the outdoors, and was quite inspirational to the average viewer, as week after week she proved that even the most ill-equipped and unlikely person can do well and even flourish in the game. She proved through her mental strength and excellent social skills that she was a contender, and while she was on the block early in the game, she formed a friendship with Aras and Danielle DiLorenzo. Her innocence and motherly treatment of her tribemates was endearing to many, and nobody suspected her of being manipulative until she cleverly orchestrated fellow tribemate Courtney's exit through voting her out in a 3-2-1 vote, as she saw her as a threat to go to the finals with. Cirie ended up going to the final four with Danielle and Aras, but when Danielle turned on her in the final four, she was forced to face off against her in a fire-making challenge. She lost, and placed fourth. When coming to Micronesia, she positioned herself as a swing vote quickly in the game, and decided on joining the alliance of Cook Island's Parvati Shallow and Ozzy Lusth, and China's Amanda Kimmel and James Clement. She took it to the merge with them until the final nine when she turned her back on Ozzy, and orchestrated his exit, perceiving him as a threat. She continued to be a major force in the game, with nobody even scheming to get her out. She continued to help orchestrate more eliminations through the "Black Widow alliance" of herself, Amanda, Parvati, and fans Alexis Jones and Natalie Bolton, including convincing the last man standing, Erik Reichenbach, to give up immunity so they could vote him out. She eventually made the final three with her pals Amanda and Parvati, but because she was seen as a jury threat, once again just missed the final tribal council and was voted out.
Strengths: Very persuasive and manipulative in getting people to do what she wants, and hiding it with a motherly innocence, especially in Exile Island.
Weaknesses: Inexperience and poor performance in challenges in Exile Island, and was less innocent and slightly more abrasive in Micronesia. Did not improve her challenge-winning ability, either.
7. Tom Westman, Palau
Tom is probably the most successful leader in Survivor history. His tribe, Koror, won every single immunity challenge, and he was able to keep his tribe from voting him out although he was the most threatening contestant in the game. He even managed not to receive a single vote at tribal council. After winning 4 straight immunities, his tribe went to tribal council and voted out Willard Smith. After that, they continued to win until Day 22, when Stephenie LaGrossa merged with them. Tom had an alliance with her, Katie Gallagher, and Ian Rosenberger at the very beginning of the game, but when Stephenie split up and went to Ulong, Tom's main alliance was with Ian and Katie. He was also tied with Jenn Lyon and Gregg Carey. Coby Archa and Janu Tornell went home, and after winning two straight immunities, Tom lost immunity, and became a major target. Knowing this, he convinced his tribe to keep him and get rid of Steph. They agreed, but on the next day, the heat was on. Tom once again was on the block, and was in imminent danger of getting voted out. Gregg and Jenn were ready to turn on him, but Tom was able to get Caryn Groedel on his side, along with Ian and Katie, and Gregg was sent home. Before he knew it, despite him and Ian being targeted, he was in the final four with Jenn, Ian, and Katie. He won the next two immunities and was in the finals with Katie. Because everyone despised Katie and loved Tom for being such a strong leader, Tom easily won the jury vote.
Strengths: Exceptionally strong leadership and social skills; good in challenges.
Weaknesses: Came off as arrogant to some, excluded tribemates like Coby and Janu, was in constant risk of being voted out because he made himself out to be a huge threat.
6. Amanda Kimmel, China and Micronesia
Amanda receives the distinction of playing the game the longest at 78 days, the longest any Survivor could possibly last. Making it to Day 39 twice in back-to-back seasons is a huge accomplishment, and doing so while playing a strong game both times is even more impressive, which is part of the reason Amanda gets the distinction of being the best Survivor player to never win. In China, Amanda started out with an alliance with Todd Herzog, and they both helped engineer an alliance between the two of them and leader Aaron Reisberger. When the tribes switched and Aaron ended up on the other tribe, they quickly had to reevaluate, and found themselves aligning with Courtney Yates and Denise Martin. Amanda served as a good sidekick to Todd the first time, as while he would get paranoid at times and consider making risky, impulsive decisions such as voting out fellow tribemate Jean-Robert Bellande before the merge, Amanda kept him in check, as she had a much more clear, rational head, and appeared to think ahead more rather than in the moment. And when Todd was about to foolishly take James Clement to the final four, not foreseeing that his strength could easily take him to the final round and give him the million dollars, Amanda orchestrated James to get blindsided at the final seven. It appeared that Amanda had this game figured out more than Todd, but when she went to the final three with Todd and Courtney, she had a difficult time defending her game, and since the jury saw Todd's more aggressive game, they gave him the win. Luckily, Amanda got a second chance in Micronesia, where she helped form an alliance with Ozzy, Parvati, Cirie, and fellow China castaway James. She started out in Micronesiaplaying a very quiet game, and since the favorites had such an advantage, she didn't have to start playing hard until her ally and island boyfriend Ozzy was voted out. After this, she kicked her game into high gear, and after losing her other ally James, she felt very vulnerable, and volunteered to go to Exile Islandto find the hidden immunity idol. She found it, but kept it from everyone except her friend Parvati, and when she confirmed that the others were going to vote her out, she pretended to be upset about being voted out, but complacent in going home. She shocked everyone at tribal council, however, when she pulled out the immunity idol, making her safe. She continued to prove herself a formidable competitor, by being one of the key players in convincing Erik to give up his immunity necklace by making him feel guilty for voting for her at the last tribal council. She ended up in the final two with Parvati after winning the final two immunity challenges (which is also what she did in China), but once again, the jury rewarded a more aggressive game and gave it to Parvati, 5-3. Amanda played a great game both times, and although she didn't win, the feat of playing the game for 78 days back to back and kicking ass both times easily gets her a spot in the Top 10.
Strengths: Extremely clever in both strategy and in challenges, physically and mentally strong, good instincts.
Weaknesses: At times let her emotions control her, Bombed at final tribal council two times in a row; the jury didn't see her more passive game especially since she didn't defend it well.
5. Chris Daugherty, Vanuatu
Chris starts off the top five best Survivor players of all time. The game was divided up men against women in the beginning. Chris started out probably the worst of any Survivor winner: he was responsible for his tribe's loss in the first immunity challenge. Realizing that he was going home, Chris turned things around and convinced Sergeant Lea Masters that Brook Geraghty needs to go. Lea, Chris, Chad Crittenden, Rory Freeman, and Travis Sampson made an alliance and voted out Brook, John Palyok, and Brady Finta. The tribes suddenly switched, and the men-women tribes were now mixed together. Chris made a quick friendship with Julie Berry and Twila Tanner, but kept his friendship to Lea and Chad. He promised both of them (Julie too) that he would take them to the final two with him. He got away with it, but when the tribes merged, Chris soon realized he had his work cut out for him: He had to convince the six women to vote out each other, although they were tight. The six women blindsided Chris, Lea, Chad, and Rory, and they soon got rid of all the men until it came down to seven, and Chris was the last man standing. Chris was given an opportunity by Twila to switch the game around: vote out Leann with her and Scout Cloud Lee. All he had to do was convince Eliza Orlins that it was worth it. It was hard to do, but Chris convinced her to go with him. Ami Cusack was eliminated next, and Chris' mission was successful: Not only were the four women completely broken up into two factions, but he had them wrapped around his finger. He became the swing vote in the final five, either voting out his friend Julie or voting Twila out, who saved him. He voted out Julie, then Eliza, two who were totally blindsided by him. Chris won the final immunity challenge, and took the objectionable Twila with him. Probably one of Chris' best moves in the game, and one of the most clever moves to date was manipulating Twila into being brutally honest with her former tribe mates. She did just that, and the jury was less than satisfied with her answers. Chris, meanwhile, came off as the good cop as he apologized for hurting the women's feelings. Julie and Eliza, although betrayed by Chris, voted for him, as did Lea and Chad, his friends from the beginning. Chris won the game 5 votes to 2, and because of his perseverance in the end, and his ability to lie and manipulate people, while still performing well in the physical challenges (he made a comeback after the first immunity loss, and he won 3 individual immunities), gives him a spot in the top five.
Strengths: Extremely good social skills, good at manipulating and telling people what they want to hear and at maintaining relationships.
Weaknesses: Seemed complacent in going home until Twila gave him a chance to turn the game around.
4. Yul Kwon, Cook Islands
Yul started out the game a strong and well-respected leader. He formed an early, almost brother-sister like bond with fellow tribemate Becky Lee. The two were very close, so close in fact that Yul showed her his hidden immunity idol when he found it. When tribes switched and they ended up on the Aitutaki tribe, the two of them aligned with Jonathan Penner and Candice Woodcock, also getting Sundra Oakley on their side. The five of them voted out Cecilia Mansilla, Jessica Smith, and Cao Boi Bui out together, but suddenly Jonathan and Candice shocked Yul, Becky, Sundra, and Ozzy when they jumped ship and mutinied on their tribe. The four found themselves at a disadvantage, but promised each other their loyalty, with Yul leading the charge. When the tribes merged, they were at a 5-4 disadvantage, but when Yul showed Jonathan his hidden idol, Jonathan realized that he would be a fool to stick with his Raro tribe, and switched once again. Eventually, Yul, Becky, Ozzy, and Sundra made the final four, and Yul still hadn't used his idol yet. However, since he had it, he wasn't targeted, and it ended up being Sundra who was going home. In the end, Yul won in a close 5-4 vote against Ozzy because of his strategy and ability to lead his small tribe all the way to the end.
Strengths: Very strategic, good leader who helped make his alliance very cohesive, likeable, and smart.
Weaknesses: Percieved by many as a threat, would have been out earlier if he didn't have the idol.
3. Brian Heidik, Thailand
Being a used car salesman, didn't hurt his Brian's abilities to manipulate and schmooze people to the end. He immediately took over the leadership role without anybody knowing it, and he soon became the powerhouse of his tribe, having alliances with Ted Rogers, Jr., Helen Glover, and Clay Jordan. He was also able to bond with Jake Billingsley, on the other tribe. Brian had no trouble getting to the merge, he ruffled no feathers and was physically strong. He didn't get in anybody's way, and before he knew it, and anyone else realized it, he was in the final five with Ted, Helen, Clay, and Jan Gentry. Brian had complete control over the final five, none of them thought for themselves, they all let Brian do the thinking. Ted was sent home, and Brian realized that his old friend Helen had to be cut loose for his own perseverance. He somehow convinced Helen's best friend in the game, Jan, to vote her out. Clay did, also. Brian voted Jan out in the final three, leaving him left with the lazy Clay Jordan. Although taking heat at the final tribal council from particularly his old friends Ted and Helen, Brian kept his cool, and knew what to say to people and how to say it. The entire game, he had everyone wrapped around his finger, which gave him the million dollars.
Strengths: Good at manipulating and creating friendships without getting his emotions in the way
Weaknesses: Many saw through his act; almost lost the game in a close 4-3 vote by a lazy guy that nobody liked.
2. Tina Wesson, Australia
Tina mixed likeability and manipulation to
combine one of the best strategies in Survivor to date. Tina started out the game, making quick friends, including Kel Gleason, Keith Famie, and Maralyn
Hershey. Unfortunately, Kel and Maralyn were eliminated quickly, and Keith seemed like he was on his way out. Tina formed a new friendship with Colby
Donaldson, and made a sucker out of him. The two of them brought Keith in with them, and made the merge with fellow tribe mates Jerri Manthey and Amber Brkich.
Tina was also likeable on the other team also, but she cut them all loose, and Kucha dwindled to three by the final eight. Colby, Tina, and Keith finally
decided to get rid of island villain Jerri, and her buddy Amber followed soon after. Tina, Keith, and Colby cruised to the final three, and Tina seemed to have
a lock: Keith would have taken her, and Colby would have taken her. Keith was voted out that night by Colby, who apparently picked his friendship with Tina was
more important than the money. Tina won 4-3, and her manipulation of Colby and Keith to keep her around, and her ability to be not seen as a threat at all in
the entire game, although she was indeed the smartest player of the sixteen castaways, got her the million dollars. She returned to Survivor All Stars, but
with less luck: She was the first voted out.
Strengths: Very likeable, manipulative without people realizing it
Weaknesses: Physically weaker in challenges, at times relied on Colby's physical strength
1. Richard Hatch, Borneo
The original winner of Survivor and the founder of alliances knew even before he got on the beach that he was the winner. Richard immediately came out as the
leader, annoying some, but gained respect from people like Rudy Boesch. Him and Rudy started a quick friendship, and Richard also gained
a friendship with Sue Hawk. The three of them tagged on Kelly Wiglesworth and the first Survivor alliance was formed, completely orchestrated by Richard Hatch.
This voting bloc completely eliminated the other tribe, and also fellow tribe mate Sean Kenniff in the process. Sue and Kelly didn't trust each other, and
they were ready to cut each other lose, so Richard used that to his own advantage. Richard played the game, and took a huge risk at the final immunity
challenge: he stepped down and let either Kelly or Rudy take him. His arrogance, although risky, was justified in the spirit of the game, and Kelly voted Rudy
out, leaving two remaining. Because of his alliance to Sue and Rudy, and a friendship with Sean, he and Kelly seemed to be evenly matched despite his
arrogance. Richard, however, pulled out a win, 4 votes to 3. Because he is the ultimate founder of alliances, and is the reason the game is played the way it
is today, makes him the best Survivor player ever.
Strengths: Good leadership, manipulation, work ethic, making people rely on you even when you are not well-liked.
Weaknesses: If he played the same game today, it wouldn't be enough and he would have been out early.
Sorry for the long post, but I appreciate everyone looking over it and giving me comments. I will see if I can incorporate other rankings
into mine if possible. Thanks again.
