Survivor 47 contestants explain why they will win the game

There is a reason they call it the “Sole Survivor.” Because there can only be one. But 18 people will walk into the Survivor 47 premiere Sept. 18 on CBS assured of their own victory. Why would they think such a thing? It’s a good question… so we asked it. The entire cast told Entertainment Weekly before the game began why they would emerge victorious with the $1 million dollar prize. Whom do you believe?

Anika Dhar

I am a well-rounded player. Socially, I am an extrovert who can also listen to people for hours, remembering their stories. I can get people to open up comfortably. Strategically, I am going to make my small moves, such as cleaning up at camp, look natural, when it is all part of my plan. I will make big moves without boasting about them. I am flexible and can adapt to various scenarios in life — two skills that are very important in this game. I am a natural problem-solver. I am no challenge beast, but I do love a good puzzle. I am able to manipulate and deceive with a smile on my face. However, overall, most importantly, I believe in my intuition, and I plan on following it throughout the game. I will outwit, outplay, and outlast my competitors.

Andy Rueda

I feel like I am two good players smushed into one. My two great powers are my ability to claim and disarm people from all walks of life, and my ability to crunch numbers in a pinch. I’m confident that I can always find the optimal vote-split/plurality option, and I can use my social bonds to execute it.

Aysha Welch

I am fascinated by people, and my friends like to say I can talk to a brick wall. I believe I can form beneficial relationships that will allow me to go far enough in the game that when I do utilize my intellect and physical ability, it may not be seen as a threat and then I can be the Sole Survivor.

Caroline Vidmar

I’ve been training for Survivor and dreaming of this moment since I was 5. I have the grit, determination, and expertise needed to win the game.

Genevieve Mushaluk

I’m a mix of overconfident and afraid of everything — plus, I spend most nights overthinking every detail of my day. Terrible combo for real life, but I think it’s a great way to play Survivor. I also have a giant smile and enjoy chatting with everyone, so I think finding an alliance will come easily for me.

Gabe Ortis

I’m an excellent talker, and an even better reader of people. I know how to fill any social role and coast by. Also, if I get an idol, I’m playing that ish!

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Rome Cooney

I will play my idols. I will win at least four individual immunity challenges. I’m a very good speaker for final Tribal. I can get people to do what I need them to while thinking it was their plan. I won’t brag about my moves before final Tribal.

Jon Lovett

I always felt like I was on the outside. That’s in part because I knew I was gay before I even had the words. But if we’re being honest, that was the least of my issues.­ Social graces, making friends, fitting in, feeling comfortable in my own skin — never my strong suits. And I’ve gone from an anxious, dweeby high schooler with no friends to an anxious, dweeby comedian comfortable in front of hundreds of people, assured of myself. That took work! That wasn’t natural! In that way, I’ve been training for Survivor my whole life. Plus, Jeff told me where all the idols are.

Kyle Ostwald

I will win Survivor because I want it for more than just myself. When I want something, I do my best to make it happen, especially if it can be inspirational to my children. When my family needs something, you better bet it hits the top of my s--- list. Because they deserve it. My daughter deserves a dad that can be there to guide her, to teach her, to show her how to get back up when we fall down. My son deserves a dad that will be there through thick and thin. Someone he can count on. My partner in life deserves someone by her side day in and day out, not someone that calls on lunch break to check in. My family deserves me, and I deserve them. All of them. Survivor has that to offer, and I won’t settle for anything less.

Kishan Patel

I’ve been raised with sheer grit and tenacity. Seeing my parents go from high school dropout farmers in India to working three jobs at a time in the U.S. to support our family has made me value the power of manifesting the most seemingly impossible realities. I’ve also learned how to selectively trust and know when to share truths as a closeted gay Indian-American who only came out in his twenties. As an ER doc, I’ve learned to stay calm and collected, no matter how chaotic or pressing the situation may be. And for all of that, I will be the Survivor 47 winner.

Rachel LaMont

I think I’m good at reading people’s motivations and desires, which you need in order to pander to a jury. I make fast friends and tend to gain people’s trust quickly. I’m sort of a Goldilocks — not too weak, but not too physical. I’m smart, but not the smartest in the room. I’m socially well off, but never the leaders or figurehead. I’ll ride the middle to victory!

Sam Phelan

I can gel with any group of people. I’m smart, physical, and social. I’m not afraid to be vulnerable and connect with others. I don’t need control or credit, so I’ll manage my threat level. You better believe I’ll put on a show if I’m in the final three.

Sue Smey

I’m a badass MF. I’m athletic, smart, and can read people. I will be aligned with the big hitters until they’ve gotten us as far as I needed. People will respect me as a person. They will see I’m fun, genuine, and a good person. But when they actually find out how old I am, they will be blown away, and respect me even more.

Sierra Wright

One thing about me is I work my ass off at everything I do. Once I set a goal for myself, I do whatever it takes to get me there. I spent the last year smacking coconuts open with my machete and starting many fires in my backyard. My neighbors may have some questions they would like answers to, but hey, gotta do what you gotta do! I’ve also been studying this game like an athlete studies film, notebook and all! Most importantly, I like to think of myself as a good time! Nothing beats some positive tribe morale, so I plan to bring that.

Solomon "Sol" Yi

It’s almost like a game-maker called me and asked what my talents and strengths are. Based on my answers, they created Survivor. I’m incredibly adaptable and can build strong bonds with anyone as I have more perspective on life than anyone I know. I’m very self-aware and will be one of the most physically and mentally strong players to play the game.

Teeny Chirichillo

I’ve been playing Survivor every day in all sorts of ways for, like, 15 years. I can adapt, read a room, lie, charm, betray, connect, talk, carry myself, compete, and function in a way that feels like it was fatefully concocted in a perfect storm for Survivor. People will think I’m more invested in their success than my own. They’ll think they are smarter.

Tiyana Hallums

I will win Survivor because this win isn’t just for me or my family… it’s to show how resilient and strong the people of Hawaii are. I’m the first-ever native Hawaiian, born and raised in Hawaii, to play Survivor, and that extra umph will get me through the tough days and inspire me during the game. I am the most competitive, ambitious, cutthroat, and passionate person you’ve ever met, and I plan of channeling EVERY single part of myself into the game. Even when my tribe wins challenges, I’ll NEVER take a break. I’m playing this game with my foot on the gas every single second I have on the island.

Terran "TK" Foster

I believe to be able to win Survivor, you have to be comfortable being uncomfortable — whether that be physically, socially, or strategically. My entire life has been built around adversity and on-the-spot adaptation. At 15, I was diagnosed with a kidney disease that I was told would kill me. I battled it for years and I overcame it. Due that illness, I lost my ability to play football, which was my only true passion. So I adapted, and now work in professional football as a marketing manager. I don’t see obstacles in life, I see opportunity. Anything that came my way in this game, I’ll be prepared for.