Survivor: Russell Hantz’s Top 100 Greatest Survivors Ever (20-11)
19. Amanda Kimmel (China, Micronesia, Heroes vs Villains)
Amanda Kimmel is a Survivor legend and I don’t care what people say. First and foremost, she made it to the end twice (back to back seasons at that) and in Heroes vs Villains, she was a huge target because of her ability to maneuver her way through the game with ease.
Amanda was the first woman to play a Hidden Immunity Idol successfully (and be honest – You remember her swinging that idol around singing “I GOT IT!” while she walked it up to Jeff Probst) and she’s one of the best strategic players of all-time.
More. Most Memorable Moments from Survivor: China. light
What always held Amanda back was that she could not explain her game to a jury and crumbled both times she made it to the end. She was the favorite to win China heading into the final tribal council and had a strong resumé to beat Parvati in Micronesia, but she froze in front of the jury once again.
Be that as it may, Amanda Kimmel is one of the best players in Survivor history and I’d LOVE to see her play for a fourth time. Legend.
18. Tina Wesson (Australian Outback, All-Stars, Blood vs Water)
Tina Wesson was the second ever person to win Survivor and boy did she earn it! Those who played in the Australian Outback struggled immensely, especially with that season being 42 days long rather than the standard 39, but Tina battled hard and made it to the end.
Her convincing Colby to take her to the end over Keith was HUGE and ultimately gave her a million dollars. The show wasn’t as strategic back then, but Tina was still able to play a cutthroat game when she needed to and her social game was clearly top notch with her convincing Colby to go to the end with her.
Tina was voted off All-Stars first due to being a former winner, but she was a warrior in Blood vs Water, returning from Redemption Island and proving that older women can kick butt and take names. Tina was on the cast list for Winners at War, but was sadly cut, which is unfortunate. It’d have been fun to watch her go head-to-head with the best of the best.