urvivor has had 40 seasons of incredible new themes, challenges, twists, and castaways. From the original old school players to a whole new wave of fresh blood, this show has brought so many lovable and talented players to the television screens of die-hard fans.
While the creators certainly make changes every single season, the game has evolved all on its own, thanks to some memorable and powerful players. From idol finds to challenge wins to actually changing the game's structure, here are 10 players that have changed the game of Survivor.
Ciera Eastin
Ciera will ALWAYS be ed as the player who voted out her own MOTHER. Her fierce game play totally changed how anyone plays the game, because they saw just how hard one has to put their foot on the gas.
From going to rocks to making risky blindsides to voting off her alliance , Ciera certainly should be ed, but also celebrated as proving that outlasting is all about risk.
Russell Hantz
Russell might have become iconic because of his villainous actions, - like throwing socks in the fire - but he actually changed the game in powerful ways. He is the record holder for most idols found, and he's certainly the one that pioneered finding idols WITHOUT clues.
Since his time on the island, clues are pretty much a thing of the past, and the creators of the show have had to get pretty creative with hiding them. In this way, he revolutionized this popular and powerful advantage.
Sarah Lacina
Sarah first hit the island for Cagayan, where she voted out on day 19. She returned for Game Changers, and played a much rougher and stronger game. From stealing advantages in challenges that didn't even belong to her to building powerful alliances, Sarah fought her way to the top.
She changed the game because she, a woman, played the perfect secretive, manipulative, and powerful game that any man would've - and would've gotten away with. Proud of her game, she revolutionized the path for future female players.
Terry Dietz
This player is certainly one of the best males to ever play, and many even speculate that he might just be the very reason that the game changed from a two-person final tribal council to having three.
First off, this player also won FIVE consecutive individual immunity wins, before being voted out one day short of the final tribal council. Since he likely deserved to win, there's some reasonable speculation that the game changed forever because of it.
Tony Vlachos
While Tony is the official "king" of Survivor, he could also certainly be credited with changing the game to where it stands now. Tony was one of the first to often, and successfully, to change alliances at every vote.
Now, fans know that "voting blocks" are more popular. Even in Winners at War, Tony proved that he could change every vote in his favor. This aspect of strategy and voting is definitely a nod to Tony.
Parvati Shallow
Parvati definitely revolutionized the game for women, and has long since been a fan favorite. She used her sexuality to her advantage, but rather than just flirting, also showed that physical strength and strategy were also skills she had - and crushed.
She was a triple threat, and made it to the end twice! Even in Winners at War, when she returned as a mother and wife, proved how social and strategic she was, and how a petite and gorgeous woman should never be underestimated.
"Cao Boi" Bui
Fans might need a minute to this player from Survivor: Cook Islands, who made it all the way to day 15. In the thirteenth season of the show, Cao Boi actually introduced the split vote!
It didn't exactly keep him in the game, but he is certainly the pioneer of splitting the vote in case an idol was played. Of course, this definitely changed the game.
Ozzy Lusth
Ozzy was the first player to really embody the "total package". As seasons progressed, players literally became the "next Ozzy" - like Malcolm Freberg or Joe Anglim. Ozzy proved that winning challenges and being a provider IS enough to make it to the end.
He wasn't the most strategic or social, but showed everyone that being a total powerhouse still makes someone an incredible player, that's capable of making it to the final tribal council.
Kelly Wiglesworth
Kelly played in the first ever season of the show, and immediately set the bar high for women. She won four individual immunity challenges, which is still the record for female players!
However, outside of that, Kelly might just be the queen of alliances. While it was bound to occur, she was the first player to create a tight bond with others, and was a large reason that the first Sole Survivor, Richard Hatch, even made it to the end with her.
"Boston" Rob Mariano
Boston Rob is literally the godfather of Survivor, and he has even returned to the show as an "idol", or mentor, for the current season's castaways. Rob is an old school player, and he certainly didn't rely on idols or advantages.
However, he proved that leadership, honesty, and strategy are the most powerful tools in the game. He might just be the "best" castaway to have played, and has changed the game because, honestly, every castaway has taken a play from his book.