Ranking the Worst Winners of Survivor

“Survivor” has been airing since 2000. From the inaugural victor, Richard Hatch, in Borneo, to the most recent seasons, the show has seen a range of winners. Some, like Parvati Shallow, “Boston” Rob Mariano, and John Cochran, earned their victories with strong gameplay. “Survivor” is a unique challenge where contestants must outwit, outlast, and outplay their competitors for days and then convince a jury of those competitors to award them a million dollars and the title of “Sole Survivor.”

Sometimes, a strong player loses to someone who played a quieter game, often because the jury holds grudges. Some players win by being “goats,” not in the “greatest of all time” sense, but as players dragged to the end by stronger players who believe they can easily beat them. Either way, some “Survivor” winners are just unremarkable. Here are five of the worst.

Nick Wilson, winner of the 37th season “David vs. Goliath,” played a decent game. As a member of the “underdog” David team, he managed to secure a win against two Goliaths in the final three. However, his victory is marred by two issues. Mike White and Angelina Keeley, who were runner-ups, played superior games, and Nick’s post-“Survivor” actions tarnished his legacy.

Nick won three crucial immunity challenges in a row, earning his spot in the final three. Despite his performance, the jury acknowledged that Mike and Angelina played stronger games. The jury’s feelings towards the pair led to Nick’s win with 7 votes, while Mike received 3 and Angelina none.

Currently, Nick is a member of the Kentucky House of Representatives and has faced criticism for his political stances on transgender rights and a controversial bill regarding relations between first cousins. One bright spot from the season is Mike’s creation of “The White Lotus,” which even featured a cameo from Angelina in its second season.

Following the celebrated 40th season “Winners at War,” “Survivor” faced a few lackluster seasons, highlighted by Mike Gabler’s win in Season 43. Gabler, known by his surname, is considered a “goat” in “Survivor” parlance, yet modern changes in the game were to blame.

Due to the pandemic, the show shortened its competition period from 39 to 26 days. Gabler did very little during this time. At the final tribal council, his competitors, Cassidy Clark and Owen Knight, faced criticism for various reasons. Gabler’s inconspicuous presence led to his win, despite being an insignificant player. The silver lining is Gabler donated all his winnings to charity.

Jud “Fabio” Birza, winner of the 21st season, “Survivor: Nicaragua,” is remembered not for his brilliance but for his cluelessness. Despite solid performance in physical challenges, Fabio seemed to have little understanding of the game’s social dynamics. He earned his nickname due to his appearance, resembling the famous model Fabio.

Fabio’s win was more a result of being overlooked by other players rather than his strategic plans. His victory came by a narrow margin, with just one vote more than runner-up Chase Rice. While he managed to win a million dollars, Fabio’s performance remains one of the least impressive in “Survivor” history.

Amber Brkich Mariano’s victory in “Survivor: All Stars” is one that many fans believe should have gone to “Boston Rob” Mariano. Amber has a storied history with “Survivor,” participating since 2001. She also competed in “Winners at War” and appeared on “The Amazing Race.” Despite her legendary status, her win in “All Stars” is often attributed to the jury’s disdain for Boston Rob.

The memorable moment came when Boston Rob proposed to Amber just before the final vote was read. Amber accepted, and Boston Rob fell short once again. Although Amber won the million-dollar prize, many feel that Boston Rob’s strategic gameplay should have been rewarded. It took him four tries to finally claim the title, which he did in 2011 with “Survivor: Redemption Island.”

This will be controversial, but Sandra Diaz-Twine did not deserve her win in “Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains.” That win should have gone to Parvati Shallow. Sandra, known for her “all for one” mindset, is ruthless in her gameplay. While this strategy earned her the win in “Pearl Islands,” “Heroes vs. Villains” was Parvati’s game. She’s known for her incredible social game and physical capability, demonstrated perfectly in her double-idol play.

Parvati’s game was calculated and strategic, whereas Sandra often opted out of challenges. Despite being the only player to win twice, Sandra’s gameplay in “Heroes vs. Villains” was overshadowed by Parvati’s prowess. Sandra managed to convince six jury members she played a better game, but many believe Parvati deserved the win. At the very least, Russell Hantz, the second runner-up, didn’t win, providing some consolation.

“Survivor” is available to stream on Paramount+.