Topic: S50: Rizo Velovic (Vatu)

[RealityFreakWill]

Rizo Velovic

Season: Survivor 49
Age: 26
Hometown: Yonkers, N.Y.
Current Residence: Yonkers, N.Y.
Current Occupation: Tech Sales

Why do you want to come back for Survivor 50 and how does it feel to be chosen for this milestone season?

Being a superfan of Survivor, how could I turn down 50? I love this game and want to prove that I am one of the greatest to ever play. While I came short on 49, I had the time of my life. Now I get to play 50 with the greats?!! I am honored to be in elite company.

What one life experience since the last time you played do you feel has prepared you for 50?
My turnaround from 49 to 50 was such a quick turnaround that playing 49 is the life experience that prepared me for 50. I was able to play the game I love as myself, now I get to do it all over again with people I idolized growing up!

Coming into this season, what is the Survivor accomplishment you are most proud of? And what are you eager to have another shot at?

Genuinely, I am proud of the game I played period. I was loyal to my alliance to the end, I played cutthroat, flashy, and most importantly I lived out my dream. I played a strategically strong game and brought power back to the immunity idol, holding it for eight tribal councils in which everyone knew about. Also having Jeff call me RizGod was electric.

What would you say is your Survivor reputation and how will you manage that perception in the game?

Being fresh off 49, I have not had the luxury of watching myself, so I don’t know my perception and neither do the other players. But my perception of myself on 49, is that I was a strategic superfan that was flashy and lied a lot to advance my trio. Also I am the worst ever at puzzles.

What is your strategy going into 50? And how will it differ from previous time(s) you’ve played?

50 for me is all about ego management, which is funny coming from me, but I went from playing a game of newbies, to a cast of players, winners, and legends. Stroke all their egos, nobody has seen me play, so act like a fan and a number until I can attack. I have to be okay not being the main character for a bit!

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?

Selfishly, I hope final 4 fire making doesn’t make the cut because that silly fire probably cost me the million. I also hope we are given rice because I am not sure I can afford to lose another 20 pounds this season.

At this point in your life who is your biggest inspiration and why?

Aside from my family, my biggest inspiration is John Cena. I spent my entire life living by his slogan never give up, no matter what I was going through. Those words pushed me through it. He was my superhero as a child and he carries himself with honor and integrity, which I will always respect.

Why will you be the Sole Survivor?

I will be the Sole Survivor because I have the heart, grit, and drive to finish what I started on 49. I want to be remembered as one of the greatest to ever play and that starts with winning the biggest and most anticipated season of Survivor ever, which is season 50.