Survivor David vs. Goliath: Ranking the top 5 players of the season

Photo: Screen Grab/CBS Entertainment ©2018 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Photo: Screen Grab/CBS Entertainment ©2018 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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Survivor: Alison Raybould voted out Survivor David vs. Goliath
Photo: Screen Grab/CBS Entertainment ©2018 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Perhaps the biggest reason why Survivor: David vs. Goliath was such a great season was the phenomenal cast. Which castaway played the best game?

We were treated with so many dynamic characters both post and pre-merge. When it came down to the final eight castaways, the game transitioned to voting blocs as everyone was playing at such a high level, making this one of the greatest Survivor seasons in recent years.

Based on overall gameplay, we’re ranking the five best players from Survivor: David vs. Goliath. Before we start this list, here are some honorable mentions that just missed the top five:

Alec Merlino: A Goliath member who was always eager to make big moves happen, but eventually got taken out because of his dominant physical ability. He probably would have cracked the top five if his Strike Force alliance would have panned out, at least for one or two votes.

Alison Raybould: Her lack of confessionals prevented us from seeing the full extent of her social game. That being said, her strong relationship with Mike and other Goliaths allowed her to progress through the game, avoiding the “Grim Reaper” in four straight Tribal Councils.

Gabby Pascuzzi: She had a great understanding of the game, and despite her emotions, she was always able to make logical decisions. Her gamble to blindside her closest ally in Christian may have been the riskiest move of the entire season. If she pulled it off that would have definitely warranted her a spot in the top five.