13. Tyson Apostol (Tocantins, Heroes vs Villains, Blood vs Water, Winners at War)
No one’s legacy jumped more from winning than Tyson Apostol, who was blindsided in his first season and essentially voted himself out in his second season. Third time was a charm for Tyson, who played a really good game in Blood vs Water and was rewarded with a victory.
Tyson is so well-liked amongst Survivor fans due to his sense of humor and he was a big threat due to his physical prowess and his intelligence. Fishbach mentions in the video how Tyson was taken out when he was in Tocantins because otherwise he’d go on to win.
Tyson was a target from the start of Winners at War and was voted out early on as a result. He won his way back in, proving how good he is in challenges, and unfortunately was booted again not long after. Considering how big of a threat he was, the fact that Tyson made it as far as he did (yes, he re-entered the game, but still) was impressive.
12. Tom Westman (Palau, Heroes vs Villains)
Do you want to know the reason why the Ulong tribe couldn’t win a single immunity challenge during Palau? It’s because Koror had a man named Tom Westman on their tribe. That’s it. That’s the reason.
Tom dominated Palau from the start, from him leading Koror to victory in every single immunity challenge to then taking the reins in the post-merge, and that’s why he is considered one of the best winners of all-time.
There’s a reason why Tom was a target in Heroes vs Villains despite being so good in challenges. None of the Heroes wanted to take him to the merge in fears of he’d own all of them up like he did to his fellow castaways in Palau.
His ability to adapt into a new school season by finding an idol and successfully using it to idol out Cirie (who hasn’t appeared on this list yet – just saying) is proof as to how good of a player Tom Westman is.