‘Survivor: Winners at War’ Contestants Reveal What’s Changed Since They Won, Biggest Threats and More

Credit: Robert Voets/CBS Entertainment (3)

'Survivor: Winners at War’ Contestants Reveal What's Changed Since They Won, Biggest Threats and More

You can picture Jeff Probst declaring it from inside a helicopter flying above some South Pacific body of water: 20 years. 40 seasons. 590 contestants. One Survivor. No doubt the reality show that premiered in summer 2000 as a breezy experiment to see how 16 strangers could outwit, outplay and outlast each other on a deserted island holds a unique place in pop culture. It’s the series that introduced alliances and blindsides and “the tribe has spoken” into our vernacular and given us fascinating gamers to root for (and against). Now it’s celebrating a milestone anniversary with an installment that fans have been clamoring for — and, given what happened between Kellee Kim and Dan Spilo in the fraught Survivor 39: Island of the Idols, it can’t come soon enough. Survivor: Winners at War features 20 prior champs in a first-ever all-winners edition. All the favorites are included — from “Boston” Rob Mariano and his wife, Amber, to Tyson Apostol and Jeremy Collins to Parvati Shallow and Sandra Diaz-Twine. Ethan Zohn, who won Survivor: Africa in 2001, is the most senior; Wendell Holland, who triumphed in Survivor: Ghost Island in 2018, is the newest. Whoever takes the crown won’t just be the winner of all winners, they’ll take home $2 million, the biggest prize in game show history. A few days before the competition kicked off last May in Fiji’s Mamanuca Islands, all 20 contestants individually sat down with Us Weekly exclusively to discuss their Survivor pasts, present and future. And, yes, they all firmly believe they’re going to repeat. Let the ultimate Survivor war begin! Scroll through the gallery below for all the exclusive interviews. [podcast_block]

Credit: Robert Voets/CBS Entertainment (3)

'Survivor: Winners at War’ Contestants Reveal What's Changed Since They Won, Biggest Threats and More

You can picture Jeff Probst declaring it from inside a helicopter flying above some South Pacific body of water: 20 years. 40 seasons. 590 contestants. One Survivor. No doubt the reality show that premiered in summer 2000 as a breezy experiment to see how 16 strangers could outwit, outplay and outlast each other on a deserted island holds a unique place in pop culture. It’s the series that introduced alliances and blindsides and “the tribe has spoken” into our vernacular and given us fascinating gamers to root for (and against). Now it’s celebrating a milestone anniversary with an installment that fans have been clamoring for — and, given what happened between Kellee Kim and Dan Spilo in the fraught Survivor 39: Island of the Idols, it can’t come soon enough. Survivor: Winners at War features 20 prior champs in a first-ever all-winners edition. All the favorites are included — from “Boston” Rob Mariano and his wife, Amber, to Tyson Apostol and Jeremy Collins to Parvati Shallow and Sandra Diaz-Twine. Ethan Zohn, who won Survivor: Africa in 2001, is the most senior; Wendell Holland, who triumphed in Survivor: Ghost Island in 2018, is the newest. Whoever takes the crown won’t just be the winner of all winners, they’ll take home $2 million, the biggest prize in game show history. A few days before the competition kicked off last May in Fiji’s Mamanuca Islands, all 20 contestants individually sat down with Us Weekly exclusively to discuss their Survivor pasts, present and future. And, yes, they all firmly believe they’re going to repeat. Let the ultimate Survivor war begin! Scroll through the gallery below for all the exclusive interviews. [podcast_block]

Credit: Robert Voets/CBS Entertainment

Adam Klein, 28

Winner of Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen X (2016)

Quickie update: “I moved to the Virgin Islands a few years ago. I host a show on the poker and lifestyle channel. I also do speaking engagements.”

I won because: “I made friends. People who come on this show say, ‘I’m not here to make friends, I’m here to win $1 million.’ But the people that vote you out are ultimately the people who decide who should represent the season.”

My $1 million splurge: “I’ve barely touched it. I don’t have any children but I do plan on it so I invested the money. College is expensive!”

Biggest competition: “If Jeremy Collins chooses to play with the same ‘Meat Shield’ strategy then there’s no room for someone like me.”

Secret strategy: “I need to shift the game earlier in terms of when you need to vote out the big threats.”

Why I’ll win again: “I’ll be wholly underestimated. People view me as someone they can beat. That’s what happened last time and look what happened.”

Credit: Robert Voets/CBS Entertainment

Amber Mariano, 41

Winner of Survivor: All Stars (2004)

Quickie update: “Rob and I have been married for almost 15 years and live in Florida. It’s wedded bliss. We have four beautiful daughters. I make a lot of lunches! We’ve created a little business out of renting and renovating houses.”

I won because: “I’m very friendly and easy-going. I think people felt relaxed when they were around me. I also teamed up with the right person on day 1.”

My $1 million splurge: “I think I bought more clothes. Rob and I anticipated starting a family so we saved most of it.”

Biggest competition: “I’m not necessarily targeting anyone off the bat. But Sandra just got done spending 39 days with my husband [on Island of the Idols], which she could use against me out here.”

Secret strategy: “I’m kind of an unknown so I don’t have any enemies here. I think I can come in with a clean slate.”

Why I’ll win again: “We’re all coming out here with an equal playing ground because we’re all winners. We’re all targets. So I have as good as chance as anyone. And being married to the best player of all time has instilled me with a lot of confidence.”

Credit: Robert Voets/CBS Entertainment

Ben Driebergen, 37

Winner of Survivor: Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers (2017)

Quickie update: “We live on the outskirts of Boise. We've got hawks and owls and turkeys. Living in nature is something we take for granted. And my sons are getting big, they’re 7 and 5.”

I won because: “First I had Ben Bombs. Then I thought I was going home but the fire-making challenge twist was implemented. It made for great TV.” 

My $1 million splurge: “I bought a late-model race car and drove in two races. Then I sold it and bought a little farmhouse in Idaho.”

Biggest competition: “Every single person.”

Secret strategy: “Well, you can plan all you want even up until Tribal Council. But then those plans are washed away. You just got to keep winning those challenges.”

Why I’ll win again: “I’m determined. I have a driving force and I’m never going to give it up until my torch is snuffed.”

Credit: Robert Voets/CBS Entertainment

Danni Boatwright, 44

Winner of Survivor: Guatemala (2005)

Quickie update: “I got married not long after I won and traveled around working for ESPN. I stopped after I had my first son. My boys are 11 and 8 now. I have a sports apparel company and have licenses with several universities and some teams in Kansas.”

I won because  “Loyalty was a big part of my game. I made good connections and stayed loyal to my tribe. I was also good at challenges, which helped.”   

My $1 million splurge: “My dog had hip dysplasia so I took him down to Kansas State University and they gave him a new hip. It cost $10,000.”

Biggest competition: “Sophie is extremely intelligent. She was overlooked and someone to watch out for.”

Secret strategy: “I’m going to make some connections early. I’m anxious to meet Ben because he was in the military and my dad was in the military.”

Why I’ll win again: “I’m very personable so I know I can really, really, really, really, really relate to everyone out here. And I’m very physical and people aren’t going to notice that by looking at my skinny ass.”

Credit: Robert Voets/CBS Entertainment

Denise Stapley, 48

Winner of Survivor: Philippines (2012)

Quickie update: I’m a sex therapist in private practice and my husband and I have a 15-year-old daughter. She was 8 when I played the first time. We’re a tight little bond of peeps and I’m definitely out here for them.”

I won because: “I had an ability to adapt. I mean, the Philippines was miserable because of the 18 days of rain. Our tribe lost every challenge. But I went with it.”

My $1 million splurge: “We took our daughter to Costa Rica to get my daughter out of the country and experience life. We’ve gone to Jamaica and Mexico a couple of times too.

Biggest competition: “Sarah is from my hometown and she has proven an ability to change her game. She’s also super-observant and hard to read. She doesn’t give away much.”

Secret strategy: “Play the safe hand because there are bigger targets like Sandra and Sarah who need to go out before me.”

Why I’ll win again: “I have an ability to adapt to the unknown and I know that I’ve done it before and can do it again. My job is to win and I’m here to do my job.”

Credit: Robert Voets/CBS Entertainment

Ethan Zohn, 46

Winner of Survivor: Africa (2001)

Quickie update: “When I was 35, I was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Now I’m seven years in remission. I married an interior designer a few years ago and we moved from New York City to the middle of the woods in New Hampshire. I’m still involved with my charity Grassroots Soccer and now 2.2 million kids have been through the program in over 50 countries."

I won because: “I played back when surviving was a real part of the game and we really needed to depend on each other on a daily basis to make it work. So I based my strategy on loyal and trusting relationships.”

My $1 million splurge: “I used some of the money to start my charity and I got my brother's cars.”

Biggest competition: “Boston Rob and Sandra. But I don’t really care about past resumes.”

Secret strategy: “Try to be a really well-rounded person. I’ve taken freediving classes, worked on solving puzzles and untying knots before I got out here. My wife was hiding idols in the forest.”

Why I’ll win again: “I’m not coming into the game with baggage like ‘oh, this guy voted me off with a blindside.’ I will play and react by how the game unfolds.”

Credit: Robert Voets/CBS Entertainment

Jeremy Collins, 41

Winner of Survivor: Cambodia (2015)

Quickie update: “I’m still a firefighter in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I went right back to work after I won. At the finale, my wife, Val, was nine months pregnant and had my first son a week later. Now we have two sons and two daughters. That’s why I need to come back and win some money.”

I won because: “I had ‘Meat Shields.’ So I had people who were threats shield me from anybody coming after me. So if I have a threat in front of me, at least I know what’s going on.”

My $1 million splurge: “I bought a house in Foxborough, Massachusetts. And I gave some money to my parents and my mother-in-law.”

Biggest competition: “Boston Rob is the No. 1 guy everybody is going to be looking at. Tony Vlachos will be big competition too.”

Secret strategy: “I’m not putting any pressure on myself. I’ve got nothing left to prove.”

Why I’ll win again: “I’m looked at as a loyal person and not a backstabber. In a season like this, it can go a long way.”

Credit: Robert Voets/CBS Entertainment

Kim Spradlin-Wolfe, 36

Winner of Survivor: One World (2011)

Quickie update: “I got engaged right after the finale. Then I got married and had my first baby. Now I’ve had three kids since 2011. It’s been overwhelming! I also do interior design in San Antonio, Texas. My life has changed a lot but I’m better for it.”

I won because: “I was good at reading people. We were divided by gender but it worked well for me because I created really good bonds with the girls.”

My $1 million splurge: “I paid off my college loans. That’s the practical, boring answer.”

Biggest competition: “Gosh. Parvati, Sarah and Sandra. Probably in that order.”

Secret strategy: “Actually, playing with those targets is a really good idea. That way I’m not the target. A good way to get to the end is to keep some players around that are really strong.”

Why I’ll win again: “The truth is, I don’t know if I’m going to win. But I think I’m good at reading people and I’m likable and I’m tough.”

Credit: Robert Voets/CBS Entertainment

Michele Fitzgerald, 29

Winner of Survivor: Kaoh Rong — Brains vs. Brawn vs. Beauty (2015)

Quickie update: “I was a bartender before I won, so I no longer needed to do that. So I took that time off and bounced around ideas and it led me into the travel industry. Now I work for a hotel company in Hoboken, New Jersey. It’s a really fulfilling life.”

I won because: “I went in with no strategy but rolled with punches and started to play with all the tools in my toolbox. At 24, I knew my social capacity.

My $1 million splurge: “I bought a computer because I didn’t know what I wanted to do and figured it was a good step. I’m the lamest millionaire ever.”

Biggest competition: “Every single person has pros and cons. Everybody is here because they did something right.”

Secret strategy: “I’m keeping every door and window open. Walk right in. And if it works for me, you can stay for tea.”

Why I’ll win again: “I’ve evolved as a person and I’m mentally and physically in a place where I can play a superior game. I’m also under-the-radar and nobody is looking at me like a huge threat.”

Credit: Robert Voets/CBS Entertainment

Natalie Anderson, 33

Winner of Survivor: San Juan Del Sur — Blood vs. Water (2014)

Quickie update: “After winning, I went back to school and got into a Master’s program for athletic training. Then I started coaching Cross-fit and I’ve been doing that for a year and a half. I coach at two gyms in New Jersey.”

I won because: “Everything I did had a purpose. There was never a move I did haphazardly. And it was rooted because I wanted revenge for the group voting out my sister, Nadia, first.” 

My $1 million splurge: “I took my parents to Las Vegas. I’m not crazy extravagant.”

Biggest competition: “Anybody that combines physical strengths with the social game. Probably Sarah.” 

Secret strategy: “I’m not going to do anything crazy and make sure I can do everything for my tribe to keep us away from Tribal Council.”

Why I’ll win again: “I’m all about girl power and I’m a guy’s girl. So I think the fact that I’m kind of like a chick but also kind of butch. That will get me far.”

Credit: Robert Voets/CBS Entertainment

Nick Wilson, 29

Winner of Survivor: David vs. Goliath (2018)

Quickie update: “I’m still working as a lawyer in Kentucky. I also give speeches, which keeps me busy.”

I won because: “I had the advantages and the idols and used them all correctly. I won three immunities at the end, which I didn’t even need. Nobody was going to vote me out, ever.”

My $1 million splurge: “I bought an engagement ring and paid off my truck. I put a lot away so hopefully, I can retire in 10 years.”

Biggest competition: “I loved watching Jeremy’s game and I know he’s friends with Tyson. I’m looking at Natalie too.”

Secret strategy: “The first time I played, I didn’t tell anyone I was a lawyer because I didn’t want to be seen as a threat. Now I’m in a situation where I know I’m not the biggest threat and if I can make it the first few weeks and go deep, I’m in a good spot.”

Why I’ll win again: “People trust me because I’m a nice boy from Kentucky.”

Credit: Robert Voets/CBS Entertainment

Parvati Shallow, 37

Winner of Survivor: Micronesia — Fans vs. Favorites (2008)

Quickie update: “After I won, I used my money to open a wellness center in Santa Monica, California. I taught and operated it for three years. I got out of that but I learned that I loved working with clients. So I continue to teach yoga and lead retreats and workshops. I’ve also started a life-coaching business. I got married to another Survivor player [John Fincher] and had a baby girl a year and a half ago.”  

I won because: “I played with the cards that were dealt. You can’t go in with a preconceived notion of exactly what you’re going to do on Day 1. You need to go with the flow because the game shifts so much.”

My $1 million splurge: The wellness center was a huge investment. But I sold it because running a brick and mortar studio is not fun.”

Biggest competition: “Jeremy is one of the biggest threats here because he’s so likable and strong. Sarah is terrifying. Kim is so strategic. And Sandra doesn’t do anything that’s not calculated.”

Secret strategy: “I’m a mom now so I have a new way of bonding with all the people who are parents, especially the other mothers. What I’ve found is that the mom community comes out in full force for one another.”

Why I’ll win again: “I have a gift that allows people to drop their defenses and be open with me and I’m going to use it against them.”

Credit: Robert Voets/CBS Entertainment

Rob Mariano, 44

Winner of Survivor: Redemption Island (2011)

Quickie update: “I married Amber and we have four daughters. I’m the fun parent. I’m working again in environmental construction and I’ve been renovating houses in Florida where we live.”

I won because: “I beat Phillip and Natalie, but I really don’t want to single them out because I beat everybody that came before them. I worked harder than all of them to win.”

My $1 million splurge: “On Redemption Island, we had no cold water or ice out there. It drove me bananas. So when I came home I told Amber that I wanted to buy one of those refrigerators where you can press a button and the ice and water comes out. To this day, every time I use it, I think about how lucky we are to have clean, cold water.”

Biggest competition: “I’m not worried about anybody. I’m sure everybody is saying me.”

Secret strategy: “Stay one or two steps ahead of everybody. Like, I understand what needs to be fulfilled by each of these players. I’ve very good at fostering relationships.”

Why I’ll win again: “I’m going to go out there and give it everything I’ve got. I believe in myself. I always have, every time I’ve played the game. I always expect to win.”

Credit: Robert Voets/CBS Entertainment

Sandra Diaz-Twine, 45

Winner of Survivor: Pearl Islands (2003) and Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains (2010)

Quickie update: “My husband and I live in Tampa because my husband is stationed there for the Air Force. I was working at an attorney’s office for seven years but I don’t make the kind of money I would make on Survivor.“

I won because: “At the end of the day, it’s about the relationships. I tried to find something in common with everyone. You don’t want there to be hatred and bitterness. You want them to leave the game thinking that they had a friend in me. I have a wonderful social game.”

My $1 million splurges: “On my first million, I bought my house cash in North Carolina. I also put aside money for my daughters — and my daughter graduated from East Carolina University a few years ago debt-free. As a graduation gift to her, I took her to Europe in the summer. I also bought both my daughters' cars when they got their driver’s license. I have good girls.”

Biggest competition: “Parvati is a very physical player and has won a lot of immunity challenges. She and Kim are the two Alpha Females. Tyson is a target. Sarah got rid of me when we played Game Changers and I haven’t forgotten that.”

Secret strategy: “I learned from being a mentor on Island of the Idols that the level of gameplay has changed a lot and that’s something I can bank on. Anybody playing the old game will go home early.”

Why I’ll win again: “I’ll keep telling people that nobody will give me a third title so they’ll leave me in there. And then if I make the Final Three, I’ll have plenty to say and I’ll win and that’s no baloney.” 

Credit: Robert Voets/CBS Entertainment

Sarah Lacina, 36

Winner of Survivor: Game Changers (2017)

Quickie update: “I’ve been a police officer for the Cedar Rapids Police Department in Iowa for 13 years. I work in financial crimes and youth crimes, and I really enjoy my job.”

I won because: “The first time I played, I was loyal like a cop. The second time, I played like a criminal. At work, I see tactics people use to try to fool me and I applied them in the game. I can interview people and decipher who’s telling the truth.”

My $1 million splurge: “My husband and I built our dream home in Iowa. The cost of living is cheap, so there is plenty leftover.”

Biggest competition: “Kim is good. I like her, but I’m not here to make friends. I’m sure a lot of people are saying Sandra, but I’ve played with her and beat her so I’m not scared of her.”

Secret strategy: “Take it one day at a time. You can’t worry about Day 39 until you make it past the first Tribal Council.”

Why I’ll win again: “I think people still do not give me credit for the game I played in Game Changers. It was an all-star season! I can play with all the twists and fast pace. I’m much more up to speed.”

Credit: Robert Voets/CBS Entertainment

Sophie Clarke, 30

Winner of Survivor: South Pacific (2011)

Quickie update: “After Survivor, I went to medical school for three years and realized I didn’t want to be a doctor. I worked for The Dr. Oz Show for a year. Then I finished medical school. Now I’m a health care management consultant and I travel a lot. I’ve had my heart broken but I’m about to get married.”  

I won because: “I was able to identify pretty early on that I was playing with a lot of egos. I put my ego aside and let everybody else shine while I faded into the background. Then when the time was right, I struck.

My $1 million splurge: “I dipped into the mini-bar in my hotel immediately. I’d never done that before. But now I have a minibar habit. I also buy a lot of raspberries on the streets of New York City because they’re so expensive. Growing up, I lived in a house where we had raspberries three times a year.”

Biggest competition: “I’m worried about Denise and Michelle because I think people might underestimate them, and they know it. They have something to prove.”

Secret strategy: “Before, I was riding a tricycle. Now I’m on a motorcycle. I hope the growth I’ve had as a person over the past eight years will enable me to adapt and play a different kind of game.”

Why I’ll win again: “There are superheroes here. I’m coming in without much of a target but I think I’m a much bigger badass than people realize. That combination will help me.”

Credit: Robert Voets/CBS Entertainment

Tony Vlachos, 46

Winner of Survivor: Cagayan (2014)

Quickie update: “Everything has stayed the same as it was before, only now I have a little bit more money. I’m a police officer in New Jersey. I’ve got about six years left until I retire. I have two kids now.”

I won because: “I went into the game not having any premeditated strategies and I handled every situation accordingly. I played each player individually as opposed to playing the game as a whole. That was my key to success.”

My $1 million splurge: “I invested the money in real estate, and it’s the gift that keeps on giving because I’m still making money. I also bought a nice truck. It’s a little boring!”

Biggest competition: “All of them right now. It’s going to be situational once the game begins.”

Secret strategy: “I won’t go in with all these fantasies about what I’m going to do and how I’m going to play my idols. I’ll only build my spy shacks if I have to. I’m not going in with a plan.”

Why I can win again: “The game is parallel to what I do as a police officer. I know everybody is lying to me and scheming. So that’s how I will handle it. There is no losing.”

Credit: Robert Voets/CBS Entertainment

Tyson Apostol, 40

Winner of Survivor: Blood vs. Water (2013)

Quickie update: “Rachel and I were on a show called Marriage Boot Camp, which I don’t suggest you watch. We got engaged on the show and married shortly after. We have two daughters. We moved from Utah to Arizona about two years ago.”

I won because: “Rachel played with me but she got voted out so it gave me the focus and the drive to win. The second this game drives you down, you’re screwed.”

My $1 million splurge: “I went to Belize with Rachel for five weeks.”

Biggest competition: “I really don’t care. But Tony is a big threat because he’s sporadic and crazy but at the same time he doesn’t really have anybody to align with.”

Secret strategy: “I’m going to be the bridge between the older players like Ethan and the newer players. They’re going to need a mentor to guide them through the choppy waters. The key is finding the right factions.”

Why I can win again: “Strategically, I’m underestimated and yet I’m probably one of the stronger strategists here. And I am one of the more athletic guys here but I’m getting a little older so I may not be perceived as a threat. I’m also the most personable person here.”  

Credit: Robert Voets/CBS Entertainment

Wendell Holland, 35

Winner of Survivor: Ghost Island (2018)

Quickie update: “My life is pretty good. I have a company in Philadelphia called Beve Unlimited, and we design and make furniture out of reclaimed wood.”

I won because: “I had a good social game. The jury isn’t going to reward someone they dislike.”

My $1 million splurge: “So I Googled this high-quality image of Rihanna and I found a company that would print an image on a shower curtain. So I put Rihanna on my shower curtain. It’s actually a work of art. It cost $67. RiRi is my girl!”

Biggest competition: “Jeremy Collins. He’s my favorite player of all time.”

Secret strategy: “I’m going to once again play the nice-guy role and be the good guy but then stab people in the back. We’ll see if it actually happens.”

Why I’ll win again: “I believe in myself and I always have on any level playing field. If you’re not confident, why are you here? It’s also an advantage that I played recently because the game has sped up a lot.”

Credit: Robert Voets/CBS Entertainment

Yul Kwon, 44

Winner of Survivor: Cook Islands (2006)

Quickie recap: “I met my wife during a Survivor: Cook Islands screening party! I worked on the President Obama campaign and worked for the FCC in Washington D.C. Then I got into technology and joined Facebook in 2013. Now I work at Google as a director of product management. We live in Los Altos, California.”

I won because: “I played a strong strategic game and a strong social game. The best position to be on Survivor is to play the role of the trusted advisor and calm people down. You don’t ever want to be the overt leader. Nobody likes leaders.”

My $1 million splurge: “I donated some of the money and invested it. I didn’t do anything crazy like to go Vegas.”

Biggest competition: “If Rob and Sandra and the older players were to align, it could wipe out all the players who unconnected to other seasons, like myself.”

Secret strategy: “I think people will be looking to recruit loyal foot soldiers. If I’m in that position, I’ll be reliable and could potentially ally with someone and eventually take it over as I build my own game.

Why I’ll win again: “I’m a triple threat from the social, strategic and athletic perspectives. I don’t have a big ego, and I have a strong reputation for playing with integrity. At the end of the day, trust is the currency that matters the most.”

Survivor: Winners at War premieres on CBS Wednesday, February 12, at 8 p.m. ET