he highly anticipated finale of Survivor 47 is finally here, bringing an end to an unforgettable season filled with strategic blindsides, surprising twists, and fierce competition. From the first episode, this season has delivered one of the most unpredictable casts of the New Era. While many front-runners seemed obvious early on, few would have predicted this final four lineup.
As the finale approaches, we break down the strengths and weaknesses of the remaining contestants—Rachel LaMont, Sam Phalen, Teeny Chirichillo, and Sue Smey—to determine who has the best shot at claiming the title of Sole Survivor.
Photo Credit: Robert Voets/CBS via Getty Images
The Final Four Contestants
Rachel LaMont: A Strong Contender with Some Lucky Breaks
Rachel LaMont had a rocky start in the game but has since emerged as a dominant competitor. Initially positioned in the middle of the pack on the Gata tribe, Rachel survived the early phase of the game despite facing multiple blindsides.
Strengths
Immunity Wins
Rachel has won three individual immunity challenges, demonstrating her physical strength and endurance.
Strategic Plays
She was the only player this season to successfully play her Shot in the Dark, securing her safety at a critical moment.
Advantage Mastery
Rachel found an immunity idol thanks to a clue hidden in her auction French fries and later won a Block-a-Vote advantage.
Jury Favor
Despite her lucky breaks, Rachel has played an active game and is a popular contestant among the jury.
Weaknesses
Luck Factor
Many of Rachel’s advantages were gained by chance rather than through strategic maneuvering, which might hurt her final pitch to the jury.
Lack of Social Domination
While she’s respected, she hasn’t had tight alliances that controlled the game from start to finish.
Final Verdict: Rachel has a strong chance to win if she can convince the jury that her strategic and competitive gameplay outweighs the luck that aided her success.
Sam Phalen: A Strategic Powerhouse
Sam Phalen started as the leader of the Gata tribe, building strong relationships and controlling early votes. However, his game took a hit after the merge when he lost his closest ally, Sierra Wright. Despite this setback, Sam maneuvered his way into the final four with a mix of strategy and social gameplay.
Strengths
Strategic Mastermind
Sam orchestrated major moves, including the infamous Operation Italy.
Socially Strong
He maintained close bonds with many players, ensuring he wasn’t an immediate target after his ally was eliminated.
Jury Connections
Sam has many friends on the jury, who could reward his strategic game with votes.
Weaknesses
No Immunity Wins
While he won three reward challenges, he has yet to secure an individual immunity win.
Recently Overshadowed
Rachel has taken the spotlight in recent episodes, which might make the jury perceive him as a less dominant player.
Final Verdict: If Sam makes it to the Final Tribal Council, his well-rounded strategic and social game gives him a real shot at winning.
Photo Credit: Robert Voets/CBS via Getty Images
Teeny Chirichillo: The Social Underdog
Teeny Chirichillo entered the game as a strong social player but found herself constantly on the wrong side of votes. She has spent much of the season scrambling for new alliances and blindsiding close allies just to survive.
Strengths
- Resilient Gameplay: Despite being on the bottom for most of the game, Teeny adapted and made it to the final four.
- Socially Skilled: Teeny’s ability to connect with players helped her stay in the game longer than expected.
Weaknesses
- No Control Over Votes: Unlike past social winners, Teeny wasn’t the driving force behind any major eliminations.
- Challenge Performance: She has not won any individual immunity challenges, which weakens her overall resumé.
- Jury Perception: The jury values strategy and challenge wins, which Teeny lacks.
Final Verdict: While her journey has been impressive, Teeny will need a miraculous Final Tribal performance to win over the jury.
Sue Smey: The Unexpected Finalist
Sue Smey’s journey to the final four is one of the biggest surprises of the season. As the last-standing member of the Tuku tribe, Sue managed to outlast stronger players, thanks to a last-minute alliance with Rachel.
Strengths
- Hidden Idol Move: Her unexpected idol play at the final five shocked the jury and earned her some strategic credit.
- Survivor Against the Odds: Despite losing her allies, Sue found a way to stay in the game.
- One Immunity Win: She secured an early-game immunity win, adding some credibility to her performance.
Weaknesses
- Limited Strategic and Social Game: Sue’s gameplay was mostly reactive rather than proactive, which makes her less appealing as a winner.
- Minimal Jury Support: Outside of Gabe Ortis and Caroline Vidmar, it’s unlikely that many jury members will vote for her.
Final Verdict: Sue’s underdog story is compelling, but her lack of strong strategic and social control makes her the least likely winner.
Who Will Win Survivor 47?
As the final tribal council looms, Rachel LaMont and Sam Phalen stand out as the top contenders. Both have made big moves, controlled votes, and demonstrated resilience throughout the game.
- If the jury values challenge performance and resilience, Rachel has the edge.
- If the jury prioritizes strategy and social gameplay, Sam might take the win.
However, Survivor is unpredictable, and a compelling final speech could change everything!
When is the Survivor 47 Finale?
The Survivor 47 finale will air on Wednesday, December 18, at 8/7c on CBS. The episode will feature the final immunity challenge, last eliminations, and the highly anticipated Final Tribal Council, where the jury will crown the Sole Survivor.
Final Thoughts
This season has been one of the most thrilling Survivor installments in recent memory. With an unexpected final four, intense strategic gameplay, and shocking eliminations, Survivor 47 will go down as a standout season in the New Era.
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