Survivor birthday: Ozzy Lusth (Cook Islands, Game Changers) turns 36
Despite an evolving game that rewards strategic prowess more than ever, Ozzy Lusth’s undying commitment to old-school Survivor is celebrated on his birthday.
Player: Ozzy Lusth
Occupation: Restaurant Owner
Hometown: Venice, CA
Seasons: Survivors Cook Islands, Micronesia, South Pacific and Game Changers
Tribes: Aitu (Red Buff), Aitutonga (Black Buff) in Cook Islands, Malakal (Magenta Buff), Dabu (Green Buff) in Micronesia, Savaii (Red Buff), Te Tuna (Yellow Buff) in South Pacific, Nuku (Blue Buff), Tavua (Green Buff), Maku Maku (Yellow Buff) in Game Changers
Finished: 2/20 in Cook Islands, 9/20 in Micronesia, 4/18 in South Pacific, 12/20 in Game Changers
There has never been as big a media buzz about Survivor beyond its first season than in the months leading up to Survivor Cook Islands. A (presumably) innocent attempt to engage in a social experiment by dividing tribes by race was met with extreme controversy. After the first few episodes, though, the tribes were split up and the strength of the players’ insight into the game took precedence.
One of the early heroes of this season was Ozzy Lusth of the Aitu tribe. A big deal was made about his workmanlike habits, going out and fishing for his tribe almost every day. He remains a fish in the water, as he’s unparalleled in swimming-based challenges. Most importantly, he was a loyal competitor in Cook Islands, which would prove quite useful in building the season’s endgame narrative.
This season brought the game’s first-ever successful mutiny; a twist where any player can jump ship and leave for the other tribe. Aitu’s six members got dwindled down to four when Jonathan Penner and Candice Cody mutinied, setting up perhaps the show’s greatest comeback ever seen.
Ozzy Lusth defined the comeback, lending his strength and perseverance as a competitive leader to keep his tribe’s numbers intact straight through to the very end. “Mutineers are the first people to die, man,” he cried, sticking true to his word as the four players in the minority strength alliance systematically took out the remaining eight.
Next: Survivor Game Changers: Ranking All 33 Previous Seasons
It’s a shame that Ozzy has never come quite as close to winning as his first season, although he’s brought tons of entertainment in Micronesia (fake idol), South Pacific (one challenge win away from possibly winning the season) and Game Changers (first person to make the merge four times). We at Surviving Tribal would like to wish Ozzy Lusth a happy 36th birthday!