Survivor Winners at War episode 9 power rankings: Challenging times

3. Tony Vlachos

The fact that Tony Vlachos has received zero votes against him after going to Tribal Council as much as he has in Survivor: Winners at War so far is nothing short of a miracle. The man hasn’t broken out the llama talk, nor has he been throwing out idols on his allies, but the man can form quick bonds with others in a game of mutual benefit. That’s a tremendous skill when you’re possibly the biggest threat to win the game.

His maneuver to come to Ben at the merge and try to form the big threats alliance and play into Ben’s insecurities showed a subtle social move that not many have picked up. It placates the egos of others to do so, as it has a seemingly similar effect as what Nick Wilson did with his numerous two-person named alliances; it bonds others with an artificial connection made legitimate.

His relationships with those in power at Dakal will propel him further, especially as the players up top make the moves and decide the targets that go home early. He can’t play quite like the winner that got dragged to the end by Woo did in trying to play for a moral victory; he needs to earn his path to the end. I believe he is doing so at this moment.