11
Charlie DavisSeason: Survivor 46
Age: 27
Hometown: Manchester, Mass.
Current Residence: Boston, Mass.
Current Occupation: Attorney
Why do you want to come back for Survivor 50 and how does it feel to be chosen for this milestone season?
Beyond honored, and as cheesy as it is, I feel a sense of duty. You’ve got to show out for season 50. It’s historic.
What one life experience since the last time you played do you feel has prepared you for 50?
Studying for the bar exam. I just about drove myself insane doing 10-hour study days with my study buddies. Although we were barely buddies by the end (shoutout Jonathan and Fiona). It did feel like Survivor in a way. Luckily, we all passed and are still friends! Although, Fiona is my sister, so I guess I’m stuck with her...
Coming into this season, what is the Survivor accomplishment you are most proud of? And what are you eager to have another shot at?
Tough to choose but probably winning back-to-back immunities. What a RUSH! After that second win, I felt like the second coming of Tom Brady, and that I was obviously going to sweep the rest of the challenges. Ha! Stupid of me! But it was still awesome.
What would you say is your Survivor reputation and how will you manage that perception in the game?
I’m hoping it’s just that of a solid, smart player. I’m hoping it’s NOT that I am a two-timing hypno-strategist that I can’t be trusted. But did Parvati freaking Shallow care that her pregame perception in Heroes vs. Villains basically had her D.O.A.?! NO! She dealt with it and finished second.
What is your strategy going into 50? And how will it differ from previous time(s) you’ve played?
“The perfect is the enemy of good” - one of my favorite sayings lately. In 46, I think I chased perfection. For 50, I’ll be a little rougher around the edges. Not to say I’ll be reckless, but definitely riskier – dangerous.
Survivor fans have had the opportunity to help shape the game this season by voting on various elements – what are you hoping makes the cut and why?
Food and supplies! Although not necessarily for the case of living. I don’t know why but my inner menace is calling me to make something happen for them if the situation is right. We’ll see...
At this point in your life who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My parents are always my biggest heroes, but I have to shoutout my girlfriend Judy, who is just the best human in the entire world.
Why will you be the Sole Survivor?
Let’s start with what a tall task that will be. There are 24 players here. And no one is a slouch, I think. I believe I can do it. And maybe that’s half the battle. I’ll take it day by day, moment by moment, and try to help make a great season on the way. But make no mistake, I am always focused on winning. I didn’t come out here for second place again.
12
Quintaviuis "Q" BurdetteSeason: Survivor 46
Age: 31
Hometown: Senatobia, Miss.
Current Residence: Germantown, Tenn.
Current Occupation: Real estate broker
Why do you want to come back for Survivor 50 and how does it feel to be chosen for this milestone season?
I did not get the job done the first time. I like to win, I play to win. This is my opportunity to fix the things I did wrong and make it to the end and win. To be one of the 24 chosen to play in this milestone season feels like winning the Super Bowl. Out of over 700 players, I’m one of the chosen ones.
What one life experience since the last time you played do you feel has prepared you for 50?
Becoming a dad. It has taught me being in control is overrated. I would much rather predict the future than be in control of the future. My son has taught me patience, and he’s taught me that being in control only lasts so long. A baby doesn’t understand control, I had to learn that.
Coming into this season, what is the Survivor accomplishment you are most proud of? And what are you eager to have another shot at?
The Survivor accomplishment I am most proud of is giving fans of the show something to cheer about, something to complain about, something to love, and something to hate. I am proud that I could come out here and be myself. Most people loved that.
What would you say is your Survivor reputation and how will you manage that perception in the game?
My reputation is being chaotic and unpredictable. They don’t know what I will do in any given moment. I have to manage this by laying low and being reliable from the start. I cannot start trying to control things.
What is your strategy going into 50? And how will it differ from previous time(s) you’ve played?
My strategy is to get all the people that have sat at the end (regardless of the outcome) out of the game + have people that have never had the opportunity to plead their case to the jury. I want to work with everyone and let them make the moves up until about 18. After that, it’s my game.
Survivor fans have had the opportunity to help shape the game this season by voting on various elements – what are you hoping makes the cut and why?
Swaps. I need a swap to happen to grow my influence. I want multiple people very comfortable with me.
At this point in your life who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My son. I want him to grow up understanding you can do anything in life. Just work hard, believe, and take a leap of faith.
Why will you be the Sole Survivor?
I will get people to see things the way I want them to see it while making sure they know it’s in their best interests. I will stay two to three days ahead of everyone when making moves. I will stay alert this time and play my idol when I need to.
13
Dianelys "Dee" ValladaresSeason: Survivor 45
Age: 28
Hometown: Miami, Fla.
Current Residence: Miami, Fla.
Current Occupation: Entrepreneur
Why do you want to come back for Survivor 50 and how does it feel to be chosen for this milestone season?
This isn’t just a return. It’s a responsibility. Being 1/24 players chosen from hundreds that have played feels... surreal. Survivor legitimately changed the trajectory of my life and being able to be part of season 50 is something I’ll never take lightly. I’d even come and play for free. That’s how much I love this game and the people surrounding it.
What one life experience since the last time you played do you feel has prepared you for 50?
Does gaining 10 pounds and eating an excessive amount of chicken tendies count as a life experience?
Coming into this season, what is the Survivor accomplishment you are most proud of? And what are you eager to have another shot at?
Co-hosting the On Fire pod with Jeff and Jay Wolff was sooo fun. Definitely top three accomplishments. I’m proud of the relationships I’ve made and maintained (Julie, Brandon, Kellie) and also so grateful Survivor brought us together. I’m eager for the challenges. I’m a natural competitor and I can already feel in my bones that these challenges will be LEGENDARY!
What would you say is your Survivor reputation and how will you manage that perception in the game?
People say I’m cutthroat and the most dominant winner in the new era. Which makes me laugh sometimes because I think I could’ve been more ruthless. The thing is, you see me from a screen but when you meet me I’m kind and make sure everyone is comfortable. I’m going to use my charisma and easy-goingness to make sure it’s anyone but me. Either way, I don’t care about reputation. I care about results.
What is your strategy going into 50? And how will it differ from previous time(s) you’ve played?
Chill the F out. That’s my strategy. On season 45, I played like I had something to prove. On season 50, I’m playing like I have nothing to lose.
Survivor fans have had the opportunity to help shape the game this season by voting on various elements – what are you hoping makes the cut and why?
Please, please, please just give us rice *crying emoji face*. But another part of me wants to watch these oldies suffer in the new era.
At this point in your life who is your biggest inspiration and why?
Last time I said my dad, so if I don’t say my mom now she will probably cry. All jokes aside, this year has been a whirlwind. Not many people know this, but three months ago (Feb. 2025) my dad had to rush my mom to the hospital. Turns out the blood she peed was due to a cancerous tumor in her colon – my best friend sat me down and told me my world came crashing down. I became paralyzed hearing the word “cancer.” As soon as I got to the hospital, my mom was so calm, even in the midst of chaos. Four days later, the surgeon called and let us know the cancer hadn’t spread. Coincidentally, it was on my grandma’s birthday who passed from cancer (mom’s mom). Te amo mami! This one is for you.
Why will you be the Sole Survivor?
Why not me?
14
Emily FlippenSeason: Survivor 45
Age: 30
Hometown: McKinney, Tex.
Current Residence: Laurel, Md.
Current Occupation: Investment Analyst
Why do you want to come back for Survivor 50 and how does it feel to be chosen for this milestone season?
I never thought I would play again, and it is surreal to be chosen and in Fiji. While I felt content with my journey on Survivor 45, the longer I had to reflect on it, the more unhappy I was with the note I left on. I’m back for season 50 to prove that yes, I did learn something the first time, but also you don’t have to change who you are to learn to be “soft” or “complacent” to do well.
What one life experience since the last time you played do you feel has prepared you for 50?
I got married! The fact that someone agreed to spend the rest of their life with me has given me a bit of social confidence that I’ll probably need out there.
Coming into this season, what is the Survivor accomplishment you are most proud of?
And what are you eager to have another shot at? There wasn't a lot I was proud of on season 45, but if I had to choose I’d say the amount of self-reflection and course correcting I did. As for what I want another shot at, well, first impressions of course!
What would you say is your Survivor reputation and how will you manage that perception in the game?
Depending on who you ask, I think one could view me as either loud-mouthed and aggressive or loyal and direct. Smart ones will know I am both! I won’t “manage” that perception. If I could change who I am I would’ve done it a long time ago.
What is your strategy going into 50? And how will it differ from previous time(s) you’ve played?
One of my biggest mistakes in season 45 was being too close-minded and failing to be flexible. This time around, I want to seize opportunities to align with people on the outs while still trusting my gut.
Survivor fans have had the opportunity to help shape the game this season by voting on various elements – what are you hoping makes the cut and why?
No rice. No supplies. If we had to suffer they ALL should suffer.
At this point in your life who is your biggest inspiration and why?
As with season 45, I’ll continue to say my Dad. He has always taught me that you have to be willing to put yourself out there, take risks, and seize life by the horns.
Why will you be the Sole Survivor?
I probably won’t be. If I am, something crazy has happened. Which means...if I’m gonna win I’ll need to cause some chaos!
15
Jonathan YoungSeason: Survivor 42
Age: 32
Hometown: Godsden, Ala.
Current Residence: Gulf Shores, Ala.
Current Occupation: Beach service owner
Why do you want to come back for Survivor 50 and how does it feel to be chosen for this milestone season?
Survivor is the greatest game ever played! Survivor 42 opened my eyes to different things that helped me grow as a person. When I came home from 42, I was very thankful for everything I had waiting for me at home. Being on an island starving is very humbling. It is such an honor to be chosen for this huge season.
What one life experience since the last time you played do you feel has prepared you for 50?
Mr. Rob (Boston Rob) is one of my good friends now. He has been such a huge help. Every chance I get, I go listen and learn from the legend himself.
Coming into this season, what is the Survivor accomplishment you are most proud of?
And what are you eager to have another shot at? I am proud of how I left the game, with nothing left in the tank. I felt like I fought the good fight. My social game is going to be a little different this time.
What would you say is your Survivor reputation and how will you manage that perception in the game?
My reputation is that I will be good at challenges, fishing, and helping a lot around the camp. That’s all I want them to think of me. I want them to think I don’t have a strategic bone in my body.
What is your strategy going into 50? And how will it differ from previous time(s) you’ve played?
1. Try to see the game through my opponents’ eyes, not just my own.
2. Smile!
3. No one is here to help me win. Never trust anyone too much.
4. Keep it simple, worry about what I can control.
Survivor fans have had the opportunity to help shape the game this season by voting on various elements – what are you hoping makes the cut and why?
I hope everyone voted for no rice so the contestants will need me to catch them some food.
At this point in your life who is your biggest inspiration and why?
Mr. Lex Luger because he shows me how to live for God through the way he lives. My dad, because of his courage and strength. Mr. Rob (Boston Rob); he is so successful in the entertainment world but comes home to his beautiful family with arms wide open. He is a great dad and a great friend. I want to be like that someday.
Why will you be the Sole Survivor?
Most of the players have played with at least one other person out here. Not me – I am a free agent and don’t have that target on my back. I don’t think my strategy was shown in season 42, which is great now that I am back for season 50.
16
Rick DevensSeason: Edge of Extinction
Age: 41
Hometown: Blacksburg, Va.
Current Residence: Macon, Ga.
Current Occupation: Director of Communications at Middle Georgia State University. Go Knights?
Why do you want to come back for Survivor 50 and how does it feel to be chosen for this milestone season?
It was such a gift to play Survivor once and I’m beyond grateful to play again. Being chosen to participate in such a landmark season is a dream and knowing all the castaways that did not make it here is humbling. Survivor has given me so much. I'm back for more.
What one life experience since the last time you played do you feel has prepared you for 50?
I lost my father-in-law, my grandmother, and my uncle. Life is precious and nothing is guaranteed. It’s so important to find joy in everything. For a long time, I felt immense pressure to play again and do well. Now, I feel I have a much healthier perspective. I’m going to play HARD and play to win, but joyfully and with a joyful spirit.
Coming into this season, what is the Survivor accomplishment you are most proud of? And what are you eager to have another shot at?
I won four individual immunities, and the Edge of Extinction challenge. I also hold the Survivor record for Hidden Immunity Idols played in a season. I played two for myself and two for friends. I’d love to win more immunities and find more idols, but I also look forward to showing I have a strong social/strategic game and look forward to working with some of these Legends to control the vote here and there.
What would you say is your Survivor reputation and how will you manage that perception in the game?
I believe I’m seen as a scrappy player who relies on advantages and immunities to make it through the game. The healthy egos on this cast probably won’t see me as a challenge threat despite my record. Good. I’ll need to be careful searching for advantages. I played a very loyal game the first time around and hope I can use that to my advantage.
What is your strategy going into 50? And how will it differ from previous time(s) you’ve played?
My dad assures me that I’m better at suffering than others. So, I don’t care about food and shelter. I want to build strong relationships with everyone and never close doors or burn bridges the way I almost did my first time playing. I’d like to be someone other castaways have fun playing the game with. That being said, I also want to be clever, chaotic, and bold with advantages whether they’re real or fake.
Survivor fans have had the opportunity to help shape the game this season by voting on various elements – what are you hoping makes the cut and why?
Let’s not do fire making this time, okay?
At this point in your life who is your biggest inspiration and why? My wife, Becca, is the most generous and thoughtful person I’ve ever known (her and my mom). She gives so much without asking for anything in return. People are drawn to her because of her kindness and because she’s very funny. My kids are also incredibly funny and teach me something new every day.
Why will you be the Sole Survivor?
Why not? With the big players (many are literally huge) and a cloud of Old School vs New School hanging over this season, I feel I’m in a terrific spot to plot my way to the end. I’ll need to hustle, be clever, use my guile, and find some luck but that’s exactly what I came to Fiji to do.
17
Mike WhiteSeason: David vs. Goliath
Age: 54
Hometown: Pasadena, Calif.
Current Residence: Hanalei, Hawaii
Current Occupation: Writer/director
Why do you want to come back for Survivor 50 and how does it feel to be chosen for this milestone season?
I feel like I got an invite to a very exclusive party and it would be rude to decline. This is a milestone for the show and for the culture and for everyone whose lives (like mine) have been changed by the show.
What one life experience since the last time you played do you feel has prepared you for 50?
I have been working nonstop the last five years in a highly scrutinized and high-pressure job, dealing with lots of high-maintenance people with big personalities (and egos!). I think this will feel like a cake walk.
Coming into this season, what is the Survivor accomplishment you are most proud of?
And what are you eager to have another shot at? I am most proud of making it to the final three of my season and winning the fire making challenge. This time, I hope to find my own idol.
What would you say is your Survivor reputation and how will you manage that perception in the game?
I think my reputation is that I am a likable player who is a stealth strategist. I think I have a target on my back and will have to appear harmless if I don’t want to end up a trophy on someone else’s wall.
What is your strategy going into 50? And how will it differ from previous time(s) you’ve played?
I want this to be a great, iconic season. I am going to use my skills as a storyteller to influence my fellow players and the outcome of the game. Boring players beware.
Survivor fans have had the opportunity to help shape the game this season by voting on various elements – what are you hoping makes the cut and why?
I hope the votes influence the producers to minimize random advantages and twists. Character is plot; great characters create great stories.
At this point in your life who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My biggest inspirations are my parents. Positive, resilient, adventurous, empathetic dreamers both! I try my best to approach life like they do.
Why will you be the Sole Survivor?
I don’t think I will but I hope I survive the bloodbath long enough to help make this season worthy of the milestone of 50!
18
Angelina KeeleySeason: David vs. Goliath
Age: 35
Hometown: Sparks, Nev.
Current Residence: San Diego, Calif.
Current Occupation: Entrepreneur/Small business owner
Why do you want to come back for Survivor 50 and how does it feel to be chosen for this milestone season?
I’m coming for that crown! I feel insanely grateful. Getting to play Survivor once is a dream, getting to play twice and on a monumental anniversary season is unreal. I don’t take the opportunity lightly; I’m going to play my heart out.
What one life experience since the last time you played do you feel has prepared you for 50?
Hands down, becoming a mother! Becoming a mom is transformative, expansive, and powerful. It’s taught me patience, made my heart grow, and challenged me. Now, I’m ready for a motherquake on season 50.
Coming into this season, what is the Survivor accomplishment you are most proud of?
And what are you eager to have another shot at? I’m proud to have made it all 39 days and for being the last woman standing on David vs Goliath. I want another shot at the final Tribal Council – this time I’ll bring the heat. Also, I didn’t mention it much on DvG, but I got rice for the whole tribe!!
What would you say is your Survivor reputation and how will you manage that perception in the game?
Negotiator of Rice. Climber of ladders. Connoisseur of Jackets. I’ve got big character energy and people who have never met me will underestimate me. My plan is to take all those pieces of me that made for entertaining TV and marry that with my love of people, ability to forge deep connections and play a more humble and vulnerable game. I’ll still be as fierce and confident as ever though.
What is your strategy going into 50? And how will it differ from previous time(s) you’ve played?
Have fun, play hard, and win.
Survivor fans have had the opportunity to help shape the game this season by voting on various elements – what are you hoping makes the cut and why?
With Survivor, less is more. Less advantages and strategic power. Back to the basics of what makes this show pure magic - people being people. Live Finale! And my hot take: I want fire-making. I love making fire and would love the chance to compete in the final 4 showdown.
At this point in your life who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My two incredible daughters – Sophia and Gabrielle. They are my life’s greatest gift and biggest inspiration. They make me want to be the best version of myself. This time I‘m playing for them.
Why will you be the Sole Survivor?
Because I’m coming in hot – literally – with a jacket this time! Now I’ll be truly unstoppable.
19
Christian HubickiSeason: David vs. Goliath
Age: 39
Hometown: Baltimore, Md.
Current Residence: Tallahassee, Fla.
Current Occupation: Robotics Professor
Why do you want to come back for Survivor 50 and how does it feel to be chosen for this milestone season?
Too many reasons to count, the prestige, the unfinished business, the break from writing research grants… but mainly it’s the most intellectually inspiring experience I’ve ever had. But to be selected from a vast pool of 700 contestants is more than flattering – it provokes introspection. It’s important for me to internalize the reasons that got me here to best use them on the island.
What one life experience since the last time you played do you feel has prepared you for 50?
Becoming a professor and starting a robotics lab. I learned to be a leader. My students and research assistants count on me for guidance, their graduation, and even their paychecks. It’s all on me to lead them to do great work and discover great ideas. There’s no room for self-doubt.
Coming into this season, what is the Survivor accomplishment you are most proud of? And what are you eager to have another shot at?
Aside from holding Jeff Probst hostage to a five-and-a-half hour ramble? Finding an idol with a breadth-first search algorithm. I still show that sequence in graduate-level robotics lectures. Another shot at? I actually have a few more questions for Jeff.
What would you say is your Survivor reputation and how will you manage that perception in the game?
On David vs. Goliath, I was seen as smart, kind, funny, and a capable underdog, and thus labeled the “David” who was narratively destined to win in the minds of my opponents. That reputation got me 18 votes. Joy. This time I won’t let others drive the narrative. I’ll shape it myself to my benefit.
What is your strategy going into 50? And how will it differ from previous time(s) you’ve played?
Last time I viewed Survivor as a game of politicking votes. That was true but incomplete. From watching Mike White play, I realized that Survivor is narrative warfare. The battle for the best story. The story that dominates the thinking of your opponents. If you create the most persuasive story, then you control the game.
Survivor fans have had the opportunity to help shape the game this season by voting on various elements – what are you hoping makes the cut and why?
Obviously, the live finale. It’s a killer experience and these new era kiddos should have that treat. But game-wise, what’s more important than what wins is the uncertainty of the outcome. This allows us to invent advantages that don’t exist and create room for creative maneuvers.
At this point in your life who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My newborn son, Michael. He’s six weeks old as of this writing. I can see his face when I close my eyes. It’s a reminder of the joy of his life, but also the cost of being away. The recordings of me reading baby books and his robotic bassinet may soothe him, but they cannot replace our time apart. This has to be for him. To teach him to never accept limitations.
Why will you be the Sole Survivor?
On Survivor: David vs Goliath, I was only just realizing I had track for the game. Now I’ve refined it into weapons grade Hubickium. My core game philosophy is innovative and solid. Most of all, I’ve got someone to fight for.
20
Chrissy HofbeckSeason: Heroes v. Healers v. Hustlers
Age: 54
Hometown: Lebanon Township, N.J.
Current Residence: The Villages, Fla.
Current Occupation: Actuary
Why do you want to come back for Survivor 50 and how does it feel to be chosen for this milestone season?
I love this game! I am beyond grateful to have been chosen for 50. Having watched since season 1 episode 1 (in real time!) and now getting to play with some of the most iconic players in 49 seasons feels surreal.
What one life experience since the last time you played do you feel has prepared you for 50?
Two years ago I learned that I carried the BRCA gene mutation which puts me at a very high risk for certain cancers. Eight weeks later I was on the operating table having my breasts, ovaries, and fallopian tubes removed. I was reminded that I can do big things bravely. So shortly after, my daughter Elise and I packed a couple backpacks and hiked the Camino de Santiago, a 500 mile pilgrimage across Spain. I am still strong and tough.
Coming into this season, what is the Survivor accomplishment you are most proud of? And what are you eager to have another shot at?
In season 35, I tied the record for the most individual immunity challenges won by a woman in a season (four). This season, I want to win.
What would you say is your Survivor reputation and how will you manage that perception in the game?
Who would’ve thought I’d be a “challenge beast” lol. This season I’ll mitigate that by purposefully not winning any individual reward challenges (I don’t want to burn bridges with those I choose to join me anyway) or the first immunity challenge. But at some point I’m going to have to turn on the gas.
What is your strategy going into 50? And how will it differ from previous time(s) you’ve played?
Win.
Survivor fans have had the opportunity to help shape the game this season by voting on various elements – what are you hoping makes the cut and why?
I hope we minimize advantages especially games of chance. I love the strategy aspect of this game and “picking a box” or “flipping a coin” is definitely not a strategic element. And I hope we get a live reunion!
At this point in your life who is your biggest inspiration and why?
There isn’t one person. I am inspired daily by my husband, my kids, my sisters, my parents, my friends and my colleagues. I’ve been blessed with having built a life full of people who I love, admire and look up to.
Why will you be the Sole Survivor?
I legitimately think I can win this season. I think old school and new era will target each other, leaving new school to glide through. As long as I can manage my threat level while facilitating the boot order that’s best for my game, I think I can play all sides... to the end.
Recent Posts