‘Survivor 50’ winner picks from the reporters that interviewed them

There were a lot of returning players who made their way to Fiji to be in the super-sized cast of Survivor 50. There were also a lot of members of the press who made the journey to cover the anniversary season, which led to an abundance of articles, videos, podcasts, and pictures of contestants awkwardly holding up pieces of paper. Like the number of players and press members, it’s been… well, a lot.

So let’s give you a handy cheat sheet that answers all the pertinent queries from all the outlets in one handy place. Harkening back to Entertainment Weekly’s Survivor press roundtables of yesteryear, we once again assembled all the on-location reporters to get answers to the following burning questions: What was your best pregame player interview? What was your most surprising pregame player interview? Which player were you most worried for in the game after doing your interviews? Who was your winner pick after interviewing the entire cast? And if you could only watch one of the three tribes, which one would it be?

So if you’re still making your Survivor fantasy draft picks, consider this an essential guide filled with insight and intel from the folks that saw it all first-hand. Press members ready… GO!

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What was your best player interview?

DALTON ROSS, ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Wow, amazing question, Dalton. Way to come out firing! The obvious picks for me are the ones where I’ve been interviewing these people for over 20 years. There’s a history there that just makes those chats hit harder. Which is exactly why I’m going to select… SOMEONE I JUST MET! With apologies to my old school friends as well as folks like Angelina, Q, and Chrissy, who all dripped gold with every single word, I have perhaps never had a more unique reality TV discussion in over 25 years than my interview with Geneveive. I find it fascinating interviewing someone who doesn’t want to be on TV… about going on TV! Especially when that person doesn’t even want to be interviewed in the first place. I love digging into that type of stuff.

MARA REINSTEIN, US WEEKLY: I’m going to automatically default to an “old school” player here, and I don’t care! They all had the best perspectives, as they have really seen the game evolve over the years. I particularly liked talking to Colby… He was insightful about Survivor then and now — he couldn’t believe that the crew would literally give him the time of day now. And he had the right attitude about how to win. 

MIKE BLOOM, PARADE: In honor of our last returnee winner, here’s my Top 5, baby!
5. Colby: His surprising exuberance made for a sweet chat with the former Hershey Bar.
4. Coach:  While the Dragon Slayer has settled down, he still gave me a nickname and a couple of proverbs.
3. Angelina: Her life changes since last playing have only emboldened her trademark confidence.
2. Jenna:  Two words: Chucky Doll.
1. Christian: When you get an in-depth theory about this season’s cast, as well as a baby reveal that leaves you literally breathless, it’s an easy number one!

SHARON THARP, MEN’S JOURNAL: It’s hard to top Q’s interview purely from an entertainment standpoint, given the sheer number of hilarious takes and instantly clippable moments. I was cracking up the entire time and had to keep it together.

NICK CARUSO, TV LINE: I’m torn between Aubry and Angelina, but I’m going to give it to the latter. Angelina came in with so much bubbly energy and flair. She was totally cool with laughing at herself, all while dishing out cheeky one-liners and interesting insight from her past game. She popped on camera and just totally understood the assignment. Plus, her outgoing nature and positivity were incredibly contagious.

KELLI BOYLE, TV INSIDER: Jenna Lewis, because her personality was so infectious from the second she walked in. She commands attention, and her scorched-earth energy in every answer was wildly entertaining. It was old-era spice from the original seasons right in front of my eyes. I couldn’t look away. I’m dying to see what she was like at the camps. I also really loved my interview with Christian Hubicki, because of his tenderness and wit. I think some players will underestimate him to their peril.

TERRY TERRONES, THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER: This is like asking me to pick my favorite child or my favorite season of Survivor, which might be harder. Christian made me laugh the hardest, Cirie charmed the heck out of me, Dee might legitimately be the coolest person alive, and I related to Devens the most. That said, it was probably Genevieve. She was genuine, playful, funny, and the kind of person you realize an hour later you’re still talking to.

STEPHANIE PETIT, PEOPLE: How dare you make me choose just one? Meeting Colby was a highlight for me. I vividly remember having a massive fourth-grade celebrity crush on him and crying when he lost season 2. (I told him none of this.) I didn’t get to half my questions because we were having such a great go-with-the-flow conversation, which included him getting emotional and ended with a hug. I highly recommend meeting your heroes (tribe).

What was your most surprising player interview?

DALTON ROSS: Damn, another banger of a query. Way to have your finger on the pulse of Survivor nation! Because I have interviewed pretty much every player ever making a return visit, it should speak volumes when I say that I have never seen someone change as much between two outings as Aubry between Edge of Extinction and here on 50. She was manic and all over the place before 38, and super calm and subdued in a reflective way this time out. It was surprising enough to me that Aubry was even out there to begin with, and the Aubry I met in 2025 was an almost completely different person. I’m super intrigued to see how that plays out in the game.

MARA REINSTEIN: I had so much fun talking to Tiffany that the CBS publicists told us to pipe down. I honestly didn’t even remember her being a difference maker during her first time around, but I could see her making more of a mark in her return. She was totally engaging and hilarious. Like a real effervescent personality. 

MIKE BLOOM: I’m sure many here will say Colby, and for good reason! Heroes vs. Villains seemed to represent a realization that the game he fell in love with back in 2001 was left at the Herbert River. But the amount of enthusiasm he brought to wanting to play again, as well as how much it clearly means to him to reboot his Survivor saga, got me just as amped as him for what Chapter 4 of “the Colbster” looks like.

SHARON THARP: Jenna surprised me the most with how on fire and sharp she was with her responses. She didn’t wait two decades to come in unprepared. She’s ready to PLAY.

NICK CARUSO: Jenna. No shade whatsoever, but I didn’t know what to expect from 50’s only season 1 returnee. Her second season (All-Stars) aired way back in 2004, so it’s been a long while since she’s graced our screens. That said, Jenna had so much fire inside her. She was well-versed in the game’s new era and didn’t mince words when it came to any of my questions. The woman absolutely unleashed! It might’ve been the spiciest of all my chats, and for that, I salute her! 

KELLI BOYLE: Q Burdette. I’ve seen how chaotic he was in his other interviews. He was not Q the character with me. He was funny, don’t get me wrong, but the Q I talked to was one of the most level-headed analysts and, in my opinion, had better strategic plans than most. Emily Flippen was also the most different from the last time we saw her play. Q and Emily might be the dark horses of 50.

TERRY TERRONES: This one’s a tie between Colby and Coach. Both were incredibly philosophical about their reasons for coming back. Colby spoke with a real sense of gratitude, while Coach finally seemed to have reached the zen-like enlightenment he’s been chasing ever since Tocantins. It was the most chill I’ve ever seen him, which somehow made it even more surprising.

STEPHANIE PETIT: I could have talked to Angelina all day. We immediately clicked over being girl moms, and she was so sweet asking how I was doing being away from home. I don’t think we got to see her sense of humor and complexity on David vs. Goliath. Hopefully, we do on 50 — along with those negotiation skills, of course. 

Which player were you most worried for in the game after doing your interviews?

DALTON ROSS: Obviously, the 49ers Savannah and Rizo appeared to be in serious trouble as memories of mystery player Russell Hantz’s back-to-back march through Heroes vs Villains persist even to this day. But outside of them, Rick Devens was catching a lot of heat from multiple sides. Some people thought he was being too extra during Ponderosa pre-game, others worried about him being too extra during the game, believing he would be a target because of all the camera time he might command. And he certainly didn’t help himself by trying to land a Taylor Swift joke at the marooning that fell brutally flat. But I was far less worried about “Uncle Rick” after later seeing him tribed up with an obvious ally in Christian to begin the game.

MARA REINSTEIN: I hate to say it, but I don’t think Ozzy is long for Survivor 50. At this point, I’m not convinced he’s going to excel at finding idols, winning challenges, playing the right social game, and just keeping up the paces. I should add that he lamented to me that it was no longer cool to cuddle with the other players at night. 

MIKE BLOOM: Because starting tribe make-up can be essential to success in the early game, here’s one from each tribe:
Cila (orange): Rick: His “Lion King” pregame persona has people wanting to send him to the elephant graveyard.
Kalo (green): Dee: Considering her incredible winning game, she’s the consensus first target of the first-placers this season.
Vatu (purple): Genevieve: The coffee poisoner, the English teacher. Whatever the comparison, her previous cutthroat behavior may see her gone, girl.

SHARON THARP: The season 49 players definitely have a target on their backs. Multiple players told me they fear that unknown since they didn’t get to watch them play. Savannah, in particular, feels especially vulnerable, as many players seemed to piece together that she just won. Hard to downplay those Parvati vibes!

NICK CARUSO: I’m most worried for Dee. Not only is she a winner, but she’s arguably one of the best new-era winners thus far. She’s known for playing an extremely well-rounded social and strategic game, and she’s no slouch in challenges either. The problem? Everyone is well aware of just how great she is, and many already seemed to be on high alert. I could easily see her being a pre-merge boot. 

KELLI BOYLE: Dee Valladares. I think she misunderstands the old-era players and underestimates their wisdom and ability to adapt. She contradicted herself in some of her answers as well, in a way that made me concerned for her read on all of her competitors. I fear that what made her a leader on Reba in 45 won’t work on this cast. Maybe she’ll notice that and adapt, otherwise it might be a good player, wrong season scenario.

TERRY TERRONES: Cirie, without question. Her name came up repeatedly when I talked to the cast, and after being completely hypnotized by her charisma during our interview, I worried that her reputation as smart, strategic, and universally beloved would put a massive target on her back. When everyone knows how good you are, that’s rarely a great sign on day 1.

STEPHANIE PETIT: Savannah. Multiple people guessed — correctly, it turns out — that she likely won season 49. Between that and the cast not knowing anything about her gameplay, I was fairly sure she’d have a target on her back early. I will say, she won me over immediately in our interview — maybe she had the same effect on the cast. 

Who was your winner pick after interviewing the entire cast?

DALTON ROSS: I never in a million years would have even considered Coach for this answer. And then I started doing my interviews. I was hit with player after player who were either huge fans of the Dragonslayer, or wanted to work with the walking, talking quote machine. There also seemed to be some sort of big honor and integrity pre-game alliance happening, with folks like Coach, Colby, Joe, Jonathan, and Stephenie at the center, which could help him. In general, Coach’s threat level seemed super low, and his favorability rating appeared super high. That’s a pretty great place to be heading into an all-star season.

MARA REINSTEIN: I remember having a good feeling about Christian. He brings a lot to the table, and he doesn’t pose such an obvious threat that the players will be gunning for him right away. It also can’t hurt that he is playing with two other people from his season and bridges the old school vs. new school gap. 

MIKE BLOOM: I cannot believe I am writing this in the year of our lord (I mean Jeff) 2026. But I think Coach Wade has the best chance to win Survivor 50. Of all the reverence around old-schoolers, Coach has the most, with players chomping at the bit to be led in „Coach Chi.“ And Coach has been incredibly introspective about the weaknesses in his armor from his first three seasons. If he can work his iconic reputation with the recognition of what to do to not fall short again, it will be a better combination than Rachmaninoff and a Steinway.

SHARON THARP: My heart always wants to say Cirie. She may have a tough road, but she’s always the most capable player on the board, regardless of circumstances. I also think Chrissy has a strong shot — I didn’t hear many players expressing concern about her, even if she may not be as socially connected going in. Aubry is another solid pick for similar reasons, though she comes in with a few more existing connections given this is her fourth time playing. 

NICK CARUSO: I’m feeling like it might be the Dragonslayer’s time! So many of the new-era players absolutely gushed over Coach’s mere presence, and with many reporting that they want to play an honest and loyal game, Coach just might find enough allies who share his values. The dude may be a character, but he seemed authentic. His name came up a lot throughout my interviews, and a majority of this group seemed to already love him.

KELLI BOYLE: Q. I saw a smart strategist with an undeniable „it“ factor that makes you want to keep them around, no matter their threat level. His 46 strategy was to cause chaos and control it. He was great at the former but failed at the latter because he let his emotions get the best of him and got relaxed at the wrong time. I think he’s figured out how to manipulate chaos without blowing up his game this time. He has solid plans for how to avoid past mistakes. His plans to get to the end are incisive and specific, and he has the foresight to adapt his moves to accommodate his goals. Plus, he’s a ridiculously entertaining character. It’s a combo that this jury might be pleased to reward. If he can stay locked in, he can go all the way.

TERRY TERRONES: I remember us all placing bets before the game started, and from my perspective the most obvious pick was Coach. He’s well respected by the old-school players, his past issues with Ozzy seemed firmly in the rearview mirror, and — most surprising of all — the new-era players talked about him with genuine reverence. They didn’t just respect him; they sounded ready to join the Cult of Coach. I half expected matching robes.

STEPHANIE PETIT: I said Colby while still in Fiji. I thought he had a good chance of creating alliances from both the old-school and new-era sides, and I do think a jury for such a historic season will likely reward a legend if they can get to the end. However, I’m not sure that I have the same answer all these months later. I think Chrissy’s head was really in the game, and I’m crossing my fingers she somehow aligns with Tiffany, Cirie, and Stephenie for a Jersey Girls alliance.

If you could only watch one of the three tribes, which one would it be?

DALTON ROSS: First, let me put it out there that for some reason I am obsessed with seeing how Coach and Chrissy are going to mesh on the teal tribe of Kalo. (Chrissy may be the player I am most excited to see play again in general.) But how can I not pick the chaos corner of Angelina and Q both being together on the magenta tribe of Vatu? And that is not even factoring in the obvious Q and Aubry awkwardness. Or how more „normal“ types like Genevieve, Colby, Kyle, and Stephenie will handle all that extra. I mean, they’re also playing with a dude who calls himself RizGod, for crying out loud! Bring it on!

MARA REINSTEIN: Which is Mike White’s tribe? That is my instant answer. I’m really curious to see the tribe strategy here: Do you get rid of him first because he doesn’t need the money and is a strong player? Or do you keep him around because you want to hear Parker Posey anecdotes and you may end up traipsing around France for the new season of The White Lotus? 

MIKE BLOOM: Really, we are at no loss with any of these choices. But put me on Vatu all day! The mere idea of Q and Angelina occupying the same space is worth the price of admission. Plus, I would get the opportunity to witness a true cross-generational interaction, as Colby was the same age Rizo is now when he began his Survivor career (Survivor 51: Gen X vs. Gen Z, anyone?). Throw in some fantastic snark on the sidelines courtesy of Aubry and Genevieve, and baby, you got a stew going on!

SHARON THARP: This one is easy — Vatu. I can’t miss watching Q and Aubry interacting on the same tribe. And then you add Angelina into the mix? Sign me up.

NICK CARUSO: Vatu, for the win! Watching Angelina and Q on the same tribe!? Sign me up! Plus, Aubry and Stephenie have always been personal favorites of mine. And based on what I observed during a camp visit, I’m highly intrigued to see how Rizo and Colby interact. Lots of potential there that could go in a million different ways. And nice guy Kyle’s like a cherry on top of an already mountain-high sundae. 

KELLI BOYLE: Each tribe has something that I won’t be able to look away from, but Vatu in particular has fascinating groups, no matter how they’re configured. I’m dying to see how Colby and Rizo collide; a Genevieve, Stephenie, Angelina trio could be lethal; Q and Aubry I’ll be watching intently since Q voted Moriah Gaynor out in 46 just for liking Aubry (I have a hunch they’ll work together); and Kyle can make himself a friend and asset to anyone in this bunch. Q, Angelina, and Rizo are also a god-tier collection of Survivor characters in one place. Honorable mention: the women of Cila. Everyone better run for their lives from them (compliment).

TERRY TERRONES: I don’t know if Jeff put these tribes together on his own or had some help, but either way, the mix of personalities is excellent. That said, the tribe I’m most intrigued by is Vatu. You’ve got big personalities (Q, Angelina), strong strategists (Genevieve, Rizo, Aubry), plenty of muscle (Colby, Stephenie), and one of the best winners of the new era (Kyle) all crammed together. On paper, it feels like controlled chaos, which usually means it’s going to be incredibly fun to watch.

STEPHANIE PETIT: Vatu. Seeing season 2’s Colby interact with season 49’s Rizo? The combination of fashion mavens Q and Angelina? Stephenie and Colby back on the same tribe all these years later? That’s TV gold. Plus, they’re wearing my favorite color buff.