3. Yul Kwon
Despite not having an idol or an advantage, I still think Yul is in a great position early on in Survivor: Winners at War. He’s going to be painting Tyson as a target in this upcoming episode based on preview content, which means having those two parties as the main points of contention across the tribe. Dakal might not even go to Tribal Council considering their strength as a unit so far.
He’s the head of a dominant alliance while not leading from the front lines, showing he still has the skills he demonstrated back in Cook Islands.
2. Sandra Diaz-Twine
Her Hidden Immunity Idol lasts two more Tribal Councils, and with her being tipped off that Tyson is throwing her name out, it’s not like she can be blindsided in becoming a target. The only way that happens is if there’s a plan C that Sophie, Yul, and the majority of the tribe are in on, and even that gets a little too 4D chess-like in execution.
The queen will likely stay queen until her idol’s power is used up. After that, I have a hard time believing she can win a third time considering her threat level and owning a truth that 19 other winners can only aspire to have in a situation where another two-time winner is almost guaranteed.
1. Sophie Clarke
With Yul still being the nerd shield ahead of her and having half of an idol from a threatening player that is in opposition to her endgame needs, Sophie is in the true driver’s seat. She could even pretend to be in trouble, get Kim to give her half to her, then not use the idol and have Kim voted out in the process.
She has the most information in the game and has connections to the other side.