THE GREATEST SURVIVOR PLAYERS
Alright, folks, it’s time to bust this coconut open and begin to reveal the rankings of everyone who’s ever played Survivor. I’m sure many of you will remember a lot of these names, but I think it’s safe to say that many have been forgotten. I’m sure if you looked at a picture of each player, most of you would be able to recognize them, their season, or who they played with. That’s just the way our brains work. We connect certain dots, even if we can’t identify the dots…
So let me lay the groundwork. This is a comprehensive list of all 406 players that have played the game. For sanity’s sake, I’ve left off all the players in the current season, but they’ll be added at the end of the season. It just makes more sense to do it that way…
I know there are other lists of the top players, but those always had an element of subjectivity. “This player” is better than “that player” because “this player” was dirtier, or made it to the end more, or won more challenges, or was nicer, or found more idols, or had no votes against them, etc. But that’s where my list is different. My list is a purely objective calculation of how EACH PLAYER SUCCEEDED OR FAILED. The longer you play, the more points you scored. The more challenges you won, the more points you scored. If you made it to Final Tribal, the more points you scored. It’s pretty straightforward.
There’s no degree of one player playing better than another. It’s like the Home Run champion in baseball. Who hit the most home runs? Period. It doesn’t matter which ballpark you play in, a home run is a home run.
My list is very black and white, in that regard. I’m sure there are many more levels deep that I could take it (votes against you at Tribal Councils, found clues to hidden idols, etc…) but I wanted to include DEFINITIVE achievements. Finding a clue is not finding an idol, for instance…
Here are the categories, and then a few disclaimers.
Points were awarded for:
Days on the “island”
Reward Challenges (Tribe) won
Reward Challenges (Individual/Post-Merge) won
Immunity Challenges (Tribe) won
Immunity Challenges (Individual) won or “gifted”
Hidden Immunity Idols found or “gifted”
Redemption Island duels won or passed
Final tribal council non-winners
Sole Survivors
And, on the negative side, points were removed if you were:
Medically Evacuated
Quit the show voluntarily (Boo!)
Some disclaimers:
-If you sat out a team challenge (Reward or Immunity) you did not receive any points if your team wins.
-Winning a combined Reward/Immunity Challenge (according to Wikipedia) results in both Team Reward and Immunity points earned.
-If a survivor wins a challenge and is able to “bring someone along,” the guests are not awarded points.
-Individual challenges (Reward or Immunity) in which players are paired up will result in both players receiving full points.
-Survivor “auctions” result in no points earned.
-Challenges won by a Survivor’s “loved one” will result in points awarded to the Survivor.
-If a survivor wins a challenge and gives it away, the person who won the challenge is awarded the points.
-When 3 teams compete in a challenge where the top 2 teams “win” (reward or immunity), both teams earn full points.
-Elimination Challenges are scored the same as an Individual Immunity Challenge.
-Tiebreaker Challenges do not result in any points won for the victor.
-Being awarded Individual Immunity constitutes winning a challenge. Being awarded Tribal Immunity results in Tribal Immunity won.
-2-stage Reward Challenges do not result in 2 separate points earned.
-The discarded idol in Survivor: Gabon resulted in no points awarded.
–Survivor: Nicaragua : If you choose to back a team and they win reward, you earn points.
-Mike Chiesl Redemption Island Duel win in Survivor: Redemption Island counts as a Post-Merge win.
-Brenda’s Reward Challenge win (Survivor: Caramoan) that was given away does not result in points for the other castaways. Only her.
Here we go…
351 Kel Gleason Australian Outback 10
351 Shamar Thomas Caramoan 10
351 Brianna Varela Guatemala 10
351 Jeff Wilson Palau 10
351 Francesca Hogi Redemption I./Caramoan 10
351 Dolly Neely Vanuatu 10
351 John Palyok Vanuatu 10
358 B.B. Andersen Borneo 9
358 Hope Driskill Caramoan 9
358 Billy Garcia Cook Islands 9
358 Hunter Ellis Marquesas 9
358 Mary Sartain Micronesia 9
358 Ben Browning Samoa 9
358 Janet Koth The Amazon 9
358 Candace Smith Tocantins 9
366 Morgan McDevitt Guatemala 8
366 Shannon Elkins Nicaragua 8
366 Ryan Shoulders Pearl Islands 8
366 Angie Layton Philippines 8
370 Rachel Foulger Blood vs. Water 7
370 Allie Pohevitz Caramoan 7
370 Ashlee Ashby Palau 7
370 Jolanda Jones Palau 7
374 Jessie Camacho Africa 6
374 Ashley Massaro China 6
374 Erica Durousseau Fiji 6
374 Gillian Larson Gabon 6
374 Patricia Jackson Marquesas 6
374 Melinda Hyder Panama 6
374 Roxy Morris Philippines 6
374 Betsy Bolan Samoa 6
374 Semhar Tadesse South Pacific 6
374 Tanya Vance Thailand 6
384 Nina Acosta One World 5
384 Nicole Delma Pearl Islands 5
386 Jim Lynch Guatemala 4
386 Marisa Calihan Samoa 4
388 Diane Ogden Africa 3
388 Debb Eaton Australian Outback 3
388 Sonja Christopher Borneo 3
388 Chicken Morris China 3
388 Sekou Bunch Cook Islands 3
388 Jessica DeBen Fiji 3
388 Michelle Chase Gabon 3
388 Peter Harkey Marquesas 3
388 Wendy DeSmidt-Kohlhoff Nicaragua 3
388 Tina Scheer Panama 3
388 Zane Knight Philippines 3
388 Mike Borassi Samoa 3
388 John Raymond Thailand 3
388 Ryan Aiken The Amazon 3
388 Carolina Eastwood Tocantins 3
388 Brook Geraghty Vanuatu 3
404 Jonathan Libby Palau 2
404 Wanda Shirk Palau 2
406 Kourtney Moon One World 1
So there you go. Kourtney is THE WORST SURVIVOR PLAYER OF ALL TIME. Ouch! Hope she’s proud of the accomplishment. Unfortunately, that’s what you get when you get medically evacuated on day 3 in the first challenge. Even Jonathan and Wanda from Palau , who never really got to participate in a real challenge, scored 2 points, merely by making it safely to day 2.
I’d love to comment a little bit about everyone but there’s just not enough time in the day (or late at night) to do so. I’ll open up the discussion to all of you and respond via comments/emails. Let the debates begin…!
Hope you all have a great week. I’ll be watching Idol, Revolution, March Madness, TAR and a little golf. Maybe I’ll spend some time with my family next week…
And I just want to say that Alex Preston is tearing it up on American Idol?! I know you don’t come here for that, but some of you may be reality junkies like me, and may be aware he’s proving himself to be quite the artiste. Do yourself a favor: if you haven’t downloaded his track from last week (“The Story of My Life”) you owe it to yourself to do so. The production tracks are much cleaner than what you hear on the show and it just sounds like a song you’d hear on the radio today. There’s something magical about that kid… And I like that he’s goofy.
Until next time…
Fish
Email: bryan.fish.fischer@gmail.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BF_TheFish
First, I actually think Woo benefits with Lindsey gone. This way he’s not lumped with her – picking them off. Now, he can form his own alliances with out her and the other tribe members won’t associate him with her.
Second, that is quite a feat -your list. I like straight up stats, so this should be good.
Last, Alex is also my favorite on AI. Even though the ratings are down this season – I’m loving a few of the contestants and who doesn’t love HCJ? The judges panel is very strong, I think.
What a great idea for a list. Very comprehensive! I’m afraid I can’t remember most of those people but I’m sure as the list goes on I will. As for this weeks show, I have a few thoughts. 1) What happened to the spy shack? 2) Can we PLEASE not have any more shots of Tasha’s arm pit hair? Its soooo gross. Hey I just thought of something…hairy coconuts! But I digress. 3) As much as I found Lindsay annoying, she’s right about one thing. Trish is super annoying. When she said, “I’m a man” I think they should have cued a crickets sound bc that was the most awkward moment ever. 4)Who are your favorites on TAR?
My two biggest fans! Thank you for your weekly comments. I appreciate your support..
(ericah) About Woo: Maybe. Not sure if being totally unencumbered is good. While being a free agent has its benefits, it also makes him a target. Maybe people will view him as a non-threat and he’ll slip into the jury. You never know what alliances can form late in the game.
Thanks for the list love! I spent hours every night reviewing things so yes, comprehensive it is… (Did I just channel Yoda…?)
And on Idol, with Majesty going out now, I think there’ll be a new pecking order. Here are my quick thoughts and my favorites…
1. Alex – a real artist. He can’t lose, can he?
2. Caleb – great big voice, does America love rock, though…?
3. Jena (by default) – while she can sing, she reminds me of one of those girls in Theater who took Speech and learned how to enunciate to “the back of the room.” She enunciates, she doesn’t sing. Just let the words flow, baby…!
4. Sam – If this kid could learn to emote, he might amount to something. He reminds me of me when I was 16. He’s gotta relax a little and be reminded that he knows how to sing. My advice to Sam. Go get laid. It’ll take the edge off…
5-8 (a toss up)
Jessica – I like her, but she’s so one-notey… Mix it up a bit, girl. You got the talent!
CJ – He’s just so up and down. One week great, one week, blah… He’ll last until his next big mistake.
Malaya – I don’t get her at all. Maybe it’s because she doesn’t LOOK like an Idol (that is part of it, right…?). Any contestant with braces should be told, “Come back when they’re off or you get Invisalign…”
Dexter – I used to think better of him. He’s kinda become a one trick pony. Same thing every week…
Panel’s great. Glad JLo is providing real critiques this season…
(kinbville) Thank you! Comprehensive is an understatement. As a fan, I began to burn out a little seeing Jeff age so much….! (actually, hardly at alll)
I guess the SpyShack is uninhabited for now….? Yes, I agree about Tash. Clean that up! Or can someone find me a pair of tweezers..?! And that “man” comment was super creepy. Almost like, “this is not the first time this subject has come up…”
And with TAR, here are my Faves/Hates:
Faves:
Dave & Conner
Cowboys
Hates:
Brenchel
To be honest, I don’t get really invested in the players. I’m more a fan of the show itself. Where they go, what they see, what they do. I hate Brenchel purely based on how Rachel was last time, and even though she’s better, I just don’t like whiney, bitchy, people. Especially when you’ve already won a million dollars!
Thanks again! Have a great weekend!
Fish
Fish, loving the blog! The list idea is perfect. Great idea. And, great dedication to your craft you’re showing by going back and watching ALL of the seasons again to create the list. You should be proud of that.
As for Idol, I have to say this has to be one of the worst seasons for my taste. I don’t find ANY of the contestants worthy of paying my own money to listen to. I do agree that Alex is an “artist,” but there’s 5 KABILLION other Alex’s out there in the world today. These kids keep getting told that they’re so unique, but yet you watch all the talent shows and there’s an Alex or 5 on all of them. I’m not saying they can’t sing, but for me, they’re a dime a dozen these days. I just think the American Idol shtick is played out. I enjoy The Voice much more, and I don’t even really enjoy that show, either. 🙂
And, I 100% agree on Malaya. I don’t get it, either. Again, sure she can sing generally well, but she’s nothing special.
It’ll be a tough year to predict a winner, but I actually think Caleb might win. But, who knows. If it’s not him, I have no idea who will win.
Lastly, Sam kind of comes off as one of those kids who once he does get laid, his mind will be COMPLETELY blown. He’ll turn into a gangster rapper or some other outrageously change of pace from his demeanor now.
Oh Brian, you are going to hate me. I actually like Brenchel. I’m a huge Big Brother Fan (though she was really annoying on that show) and for some reason, I now like Rachel. Also, I really like Bendon. He looks just like my nephew. My TAR favorites are Brenchel (shame!!!!), The Cowboys, the Globetrotters and the Afghanimals. I agree with you about the show. I love seeing all the locations and tasks. Plus, I’m just a reality show junkie. For some reason, I hate all the music shows/talent/dancing. Don’t watch Idol, the voice etc. I watched Idol one season, the one with Daughtry on it. When he was voted out, I hated the show forever. 🙂
Scott! I love that you love it. You gave me a lot to live up to… I’m just hoping the List finds its legs in the Survivorverse (?)
Idol: It’s funny because earlier in the season I thought this was going to be a strong one. Lots of “good” singers, the show focused on singing rather than sucking, and it tried to get all the judges to give cogent notes. Still, after all that, we’re stuck with a bunch of “Mehs…” I only like Alex because he’s doing something different. As much as I like Caleb (cuz deep down I’m a rocker) his big voice is just something I’ve heard before…20 years ago. Gotta give him props for singing Rush, though…
And it’ll be interesting to see where Sam goes. His “deer in the headlights” shtick is so frustrating (if you’re not a tween girl…). Stay well, Scott!
(kinb) Last night was a perfect example of why I hate Rachel. When she screwed up the tuk-tuk challenge she almost melted down. And maybe it’s her constant squint that reminds me of a shar-peih. I don’t know. I like the Globetrotters because they always seem “in control” of their actions. And they don’t freak out. The Afghanimals are fine, but it looks like the Cowboys don’t like them. That “good job beating us” handshake on the mat last night was COOOOLLLLDDDD…
Can’t wait for Wednesday as something big’s supposed to happen at Tribal. Blindside, anyone…?
The “I’m really a man” comment was strange and strangely hilarious. I actually got two texts from friends asking – do you think she was serious??
I thought Spencer looked like a total douche in his intro, but he has grown on me. I hope he sticks around.
Oddly enough, I don’t feel like there are any really tight alliances at this point so I think the merge will be interesting.
I also watch TAR. I almost didn’t watch this season because that stupid Brenchel were returning. Although, I have to admit, she isn’t near as annoying as the last time she was on . . . she almost hit it this week during that little car challenge though. The Afghanimals were also extremely annoying the last show they were on. They have definitely toned it down this time. I really like the Cowboys, and I know the Globetrotters are probably rich but they seem like nice guys and I enjoy them on the show. Dave and Conner are another team I just like.
Thanks for the great Survivor recaps. You never fail to make me laugh – even if I don’t comment. I wish you were recapping TAR also. You’re comments are sarcastically funny and I’d definitely read your AR recap.