As a child of the late ’90s and early 2000s, “Survivor” has always held a special place in my heart. I have watched the show since its first season, witnessed its first alliance, first immunity winner and first Sole Survivor. “Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans” is a true celebration of the show, featuring a contestant from the very first season, as well as contestants from the most recent seasons.
As time has passed, the show has evolved: Idols and advantages are an integral part of the game, and it’s not uncommon for players to risk their vote, via a journey or by gambling on a Beware Advantage. As the mechanics of the game change, the crux of it remains: This is a competition to outwit, outplay and outlast to win $1 million.
Today I will be handicapping the “Survivor 50” cast, and evaluating their chances to win what hopes to be an iconic, celebratory season of the show. First, I will provide a cast list with the 24 players competing for the title of Sole Survivor and divide them into perceived groups. I’ll then analyze each competitor and evaluate their respective betting odds to win the season.
Let’s dive in!
Way-Too-Early “Survivor 50” Preview + Castaway Betting Odds
Survivor 50 Subgroups
Survivor 50 Castaway Betting Odds
Challenge Beasts
Ozzy Lusth (50-1)
This marks Ozzy’s fifth appearance on “Survivor.” He first appeared on “Survivor Cook Islands,” and most recently featured on “Survivor: Game Changers.” Ozzy made it to Final Tribal Council (FTC) in his first season, losing by one vote to Yul Kwon. Primarily known as a provider and challenge beast, Ozzy will always be seen as a threat of sorts. However, since he is such a known entity at this point, I do not anticipate his fellow players letting him get close to the end.
Joe Hunter (50-1)
Joe returns fresh off a third-place finish in “Survivor 48,” receiving one vote at FTC. Joe’s personal narrative was compelling in “Survivor 48,” specifically his relationship with his sister and his ally Eva. If we were handicapping this based on who is a genuinely good person, Joe would have incredibly short odds of winning. However, my fear for him stems from the fact that his season was so recent that he may not have had the chance to learn from the mistakes from his first game. I anticipate Joe making it into the merge, but if he makes the final three again, I struggle to see him making it there in a position to win the game.
Jonathan Young (40-1)
Jonathan might be the best challenge beast of the challenge beasts! Not only did he triumphantly carry the Taku tribe in “Survivor 42,” leading them to four immunity wins in five tries, but he also won two individual immunities and is unquestionably the physically strongest player on the “Survivor 50” cast. One disadvantage Jonathan faces is the lack of early New-Era players on the cast; He is the sole representative from Seasons 41-44 on the cast. If he can somehow make it to the end, I could see his narrative being compelling, but he feels like a mid-merge cut.
Returning Winners
Dee Valladeres (12-1)
Dee is one of two winners on this loaded cast, returning from “Survivor 45” along with Emily Flippen. She is arguably the best winner of the New Era, which could make her stick out on this cast. However, there are so many legendary players here that I don’t think she will be immediately targeted solely because she won her season. If Dee is able to make a deep run, I fully believe that she can win again. Her social game is strong but not overtly threatening, and she can contribute physically in the tribe phase.
Kyle Fraser (15-1)
The dominant winner of “Survivor 48” is back! Kyle is, in my opinion, the second-best winner of the New Era behind Dee. His positioning, coupled with his secret duo with Kamila, was incredibly impressive. Kyle’s allies from Season 48, Kamila and Joe, are both on Season 50 with him, which could be a blessing or a curse. Since Season 48 finished airing shortly before the “Survivor 50” players flew out for filming, Kyle’s win will be fresh in their minds. Perception is reality in games like “Survivor,” thus I do not see a world where the tight duo of Kyle and Kamila both make a deep run in the game. I like Kyle’s chances to slip through, though, and if he makes the merge, I think he could do some serious damage in this game.
Old School Legends
Jenna Lewis-Dougherty (35-1)
“Survivor 50″ is a celebration of the show; thus, it was critical to feature representation from the show’s first season. Jenna first appeared on “Survivor Borneo,” and last appeared on the show in “Survivor All-Stars,” which aired in 2004! It has been 21 years and 42 seasons since she last played “Survivor.” I am just thrilled to see her on the cast. She has kept up with the show through the years, and so I don’t anticipate a steep learning curve for her strategically. It is hard to know what to expect from her, but I am hoping for the best!
Colby Donaldson (75-1)
Colby is the most popular “Survivor” player from the most-watched season of the show: “Survivor: The Australian Outback.” He last appeared on “Survivor: Heroes vs Villains” 15 years ago, and “Survivor 50” marks his fourth appearance on the show. In his last appearance, he seemed to be out of the loop strategically. I hope he is able to rekindle the strategic gameplay he exhibited in his first two seasons, but admittedly, I am worried he lost touch with the show. Colby is an absolute legend, and it is incredible to see him back, regardless of how he performs this season.
Stephenie Lagrossa-Kendrick (50-1)
The last player standing from the cursed Ulong tribe in “Survivor Palau,” Stephenie, returns to “Survivor” for a fourth time here. She recently featured on the first U.S. season of “The Traitors,” along with fellow “Survivor 50” player Cirie Fields. Stephenie was targeted very early in “Survivor: Heroes vs Villains,” so ideally, she gets more run in here on “Survivor 50.” I worry she will not mesh as well with the New-Era players.
Cirie Fields (30-1)
I am ecstatic to see Cirie back. I couldn’t care less that she has appeared on “Traitors,” “Big Brother” and even “Australian Survivor.” You can never have enough Cirie! She, in my mind, is the best player never to win Survivor. She has a natural ability to put you at ease with her uncanny instincts in the game. Her biggest weakness is her likability and her challenge proficiency. This makes her susceptible to being an endgame boot and makes her an ideal shield. A Cirie win here would feed families, and even though it is unlikely, one can dream, right?
New-Era Strategists
Tiffany Ervin (20-1)
Tiffany is the most Under The Radar (UTR) player on this cast. Although overshadowed by Q and Kenzie in “Survivor 46,” Tiffany remained a dynamic and impactful player. “Survivor” returnee seasons have a history of female winners who did not do as well on their original season. Amber, Parvati and Sarah Lacina all did not make it to the finale on their original season, yet won the next time they played. I think Tiffany is a dark horse pick to win and can absolutely make it deep in this game.
Charlie Davis (15-1)
The “Survivor 46 “Swiftie is back! Will Charlie be able to put aside his second-place finish in his previous season, or can he “Shake It Off”? Charlie positioned himself very well in “Survivor 46” and returns for “Survivor 50” with both Q and Tiffany from his original season. I think Charlie is in a great spot coming in: He is friendly, passable at challenges and is not as threatening as some of his New-Era contemporaries. He is one of my favorites to win this season.
Kamila Karthigesu (30-1)
Kamila played an exceptional game on “Survivor 48,” partnering with Kyle and making some of the biggest moves that season. If Kamila wins the Final Four “F4” fire-making challenge and sits at FTC with Kyle and Joe, she could have won the season. My concern with her heading into “Survivor 50,” as I voiced with Kyle, is the recency bias towards her and the rest of the cast knowing she played a strong game. I do not think she will be able to float under the radar, even on a stacked cast like this.
Genevieve Mushalak (15-1)
Genevieve is the sole representative of “Survivor 47” on this cast. She played effectively from a power position and from the bottom in “Survivor 47,” executing the infamous “Operation Italy” at the Final Seven. Genevieve is in a polarizing position here, as she is a recent player with a strong strategic acumen, which could lead to increased visibility and a larger target. However, on a season like “Survivor 50: In the Hands of Fans,” I have faith in her that she can manage to blend in and make a deep run.
Emily Flippen (10-1)
Emily provided both strategy and shock value in “Survivor 45.” She called out Bruce in the premiere episode, managed to make it out of the disastrous Lulu tribe and hustled her way to a seventh-place finish. If Emily is able to pick up momentum in this game, I truly believe she can win. She has all the tools to execute an elite strategic game and should blend in on a “Survivor 50” cast with significant star power. She is my winner pick and the odds-on favorite to win this season.
’30s Returnees
Chrissy Hofbeck (30-1)
Victimized by the surprise Final Four fire making twist in “Survivor 35: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers,” hero Chrissy is back for “Survivor 50.” She dominated her season both physically and strategically, winning four individual immunity challenges and controlling the votes for most of the game. Chrissy also received seven votes against her in Season 35, and I am concerned she could be targeted early again in “Survivor 50. ” Ultimately, Chrissy could do well on this season if tribes are smaller pre-merge, but if not, I am worried for her.
Angelina Keeley (40-1)
Angelina is the best character to debut in the ’30s era of “Survivor.” She is hilarious, both intentionally and unintentionally. Her negotiation with Jeff for the rice was hilarious, as was her attempt to pry Natalie’s jacket from her as she left the game. A zero-vote finalist has never come back to win “Survivor” before, but I believe Angelina will show up to “Survivor 50 ” as a more mature, seasoned competitor. Will that be enough to win? It’s unlikely.
Mike White (15-1)
The one and only Ned Schneebly returns for his second go at “Survivor.” Mike nearly won “Survivor: David vs. Goliath” and performed well at the challenges for his size. He is known for inviting “Survivor” friends to cameo on his hit show, “The White Lotus,” which may give him some additional equity, as players are more incentivized to ally with him. That said, Mike is a strong player but likely will not be perceived as a major threat to win “Survivor 50.” I believe he has another deep run ahead of him.
Christian Hubicki (40-1)
Bright, endearing and cunning, the nerd from “Survivor: David vs. Goliath” is one of the biggest names on this star-studded cast. Christian is relatable to fans and also connects well with his fellow contestants from all walks of life. Christian could be iced out early, as his threat level is so high. He has fellow “David vs. Goliath” alumni Mike and Angelina here with him, so if he ends up on a tribe with either of them, that could help him out. I am worried for him, and I sincerely hope he does well here, but I sadly do not see it.
Rick Devens (30-1)
The man with nine lives returns! Rick was so close to winning “Survivor 38: Edge of Extinction,” losing out in the F4 fire making to eventual winner Chris Underwood. He is gregarious, crafty and capable of providing an incredible sound bite. His ability to put his fellow tribemates at ease should buy him time in this game. Rick is so likable that he could be a threat purged if he makes it to the mid-to-late merge.
Aubry Bracco (25-1)
I believe in an Aubry resurgence for “Survivor 50.” Aubry played her first three seasons of “Survivor” in the span of less than four years. She looked burned out when she played “Survivor 38: Edge of Extinction.” The time off and poor showing in her third game will motivate Aubry and propel her to a better finish here. Can she win, though? That is difficult to say, but I will definitely give her the benefit of the doubt here.
Season 49 Wildcards
Savannah Louie & Rizo Vejovic (30-1)
Savannah and Rizo played on “Survivor 49,” which… is airing now! Considering their selection for this season, both certainly made an impact on “Survivor 49.” However, it’s challenging to evaluate what we have not seen before.
Four players before them returned to “Survivor” for a returnee season before their season aired. They are Russell Hantz in “Heroes vs. Villains,” Malcolm Freberg in “Survivor Caramoan” and Zeke Smith and Mikaela Bradshaw in “Survivor: Game Changers.” All four of these players made the merge in their second season, but the closest to winning was Russell, who did not receive a vote at Final Tribal Council. Thus, there is precedent for success, but not victory, with the unknown returnee. I will handicap accordingly.
Massive Personalities
Q (50-1)
The man known by one initial is back! Will he bring his Q-Skirt? Will he make bold moves? I cannot wait. Q captivated audiences as the biggest character not only in “Survivor 46,” but the New Era as a whole. He was a must-have for “Survivor 50.” The question is: Can Q adapt his game? Can he dial it back a bit? Q is a solid challenge competitor, so I do not see him going home early. Still, I am not convinced that he will step off the gas for long enough to avoid a significant target, but I am eager to watch him play “Survivor” again.
Benjamin “Coach” Wade (50-1)
“The Dragonslayer” returns to “Survivor” for the first time in almost 15 years. The last time we saw Coach, he finished second to Sophie Clark in “Survivor: South Pacific.” Coach flamed out early in “Heroes vs. Villains,” and ceded too much control to J.T. and Stephen Fishbach in Tocantins. This man may be the most iconic character in the history of “Survivor.” It is an absolute treat to have him back.
From a gameplay perspective, I’m unsure what to expect. Certainly, he will be a leader of sorts. But will he mesh well with the New-Era players? I have no clue, but I cannot wait to find out.
RELATED: “Survivor 49” Premiere Recap + Castaway Betting Odds
Thanks for reading my “Way-Too-Early Season 50 Preview + Castaway Betting Odds.” For more entertainment content, check out our other blogs here at In-Between Media (IBT), and be sure to follow me on Twitter/X @robbrereton for more “Survivor” content.
