The only thing that has been getting me through the end of the semester and finals week has been weekly episodes of Survivor. This season is particularly entertaining because it’s the show’s fiftieth season, featuring a cast of fan-favorite game players from the last 49 seasons.
As I make my way through the previous seasons of Survivor to see the older gameplay from these players, I am fascinated by the variety of game-winning strategies and the evolution of production. As the show approaches the end its fiftieth season, I’ve been taking note of the players I believe have the ability to win among some of the all-time players of Survivor.
Here are my predictions for upcoming eliminations, and my top three potential winners for Survivor 50.
the next eliminations
Rick Devens
I sincerely enjoy the whimsy that Rick Devens brings to the game of Survivor, but I sense that his fellow competitors are getting annoyed with his antics. He is consistently an elimination target because of his messy gameplay.
In the tenth episode of the season, Devens risked his fate during a MrBeast coin flip that would either end his game that night or add another $1 million to the prize pool. He did save his fellow competitors from ending their own game and succeeded in adding the money to the winnings, but this action might be what makes Devens go home next week anyways. Devens’ bold and unpredictable gameplay often puts him in risky situations where he faces sudden elimination.
For now, fans of Devens can only hope that he finds a real hidden immunity idol to save his game.
Jonathan young
Jonathan Young is easily one of Survivor‘s strongest competitors. He was a substantial physical threat in immunity challenges during his time on Survivor 42. While he has continued to play a great physical game in the show’s fiftieth season, Young has played a very quiet social game. This might start to hurt him as his competitors decide that he is more of a threat than a benefit to their own game.
His gameplay seems to lack an intentionality that is crucial in building relationships and alliances throughout the game. If he does get voted out soon, I’ll miss his respectful “Mr. Jeff” remarks (referring to the show’s host, Jeff Probst).
winner predictions
Rizo Velovic
Hear me out. I can see Rizo Velovic (also known as “R-I-Z-G-O-D RizGod Baby”) winning it all this season on Survivor. I think he played a great social game when he participated on the forty-ninth season of Survivor, and his subtle strategy has taken him far in this game. I like his gameplay because he brings kindness and encouragement into the game while staying true to the sneaky nature of the show.
Even though he was disliked in the beginning of the season, if his competitors truly wanted him out of the game, Velovic would be gone by now. He has maintained a low threat-level and has flown under the radar during Tribal Councils. Since he has been a long-time fan of Survivor, Velovic has set himself up as a likable fanboy around camp, making alliances with some of his favorite gameplayers.
Additionally, Velovic hasn’t burned any bridges with the members on the Survivor jury. This means that he may be able to secure enough votes from the eliminated members during Final Tribal Council to secure the $2 million reward.
cirie fields
It would be silly not to include Cirie Fields in my top three because, to me, she is the game of Survivor.
I’m very surprised Fields hasn’t been voted out yet since she is known to be a great gameplayer that goes far without being flagged as a threat. Since she has made it this far in the game, I believe she has the ability to win the whole season. If her fate comes down to the jury decision, she has the votes from the older-era players like Colby Donaldson and Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick, as well as the new-era players who respect her longtime gameplay.
If I was playing Survivor with Fields, I would rally a vote to get her out because she knows how to play an effective, calculated game. But, since I am once again sitting at home instead of building a shelter on a beach in Fiji, I am rooting for Fields to finally secure the Survivor win that she deserves.
As Survivor 50 comes to a close, I am looking forward to seeing who will take home the coveted win. Until the finale, I’ll be in front of a television screen every Wednesday night watching my favorite players make questionable, but extremely strategic decisions to alter the trajectory of the game.