Survivor: Russell Hantz’s Top 100 Greatest Survivors Ever (20-11)

Survivor winner Tom Westman - (Photo by Fernando Leon/Getty Images)
Survivor winner Tom Westman - (Photo by Fernando Leon/Getty Images)
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Survivor, Kim Spradlin
Survivor star Kim Spradlin – (Photo: Screen Grab/CBS Entertainment ©2020 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved)

11. Kim Spradlin (One World, Winners at War)

GODDESS KIM SPRADLIN! There’s never been a more obvious more winner in Survivor history than Kim Spradlin in One World, who ran the game from Day 1 to Day 39 and is, without question, the best winner in the history of the show.

Kim, despite being the ringleader and the one running the show throughout One World, was rarely a target and she was able to run the game the way she did because of her ability to read people and form social bonds with everyone. She’d look people in the eye and promise them the world, but knew deep down she was going to stab them in the back if it benefited her game.

Kim’s best move in One World was when she was able to convince Alicia that Tarzan was a mastermind planning to cut both of their throats. If you watched that season and remember Tarzan, you’ll know why that was such an incredible move by Kim.

It worked, as both pairs (Alicia/Christina and Chelsea/Sabrina) thought Kim was their third when she was the obvious threat to win the game. Throw in the fact that Kim won four individual immunity challenges that season and she really did own the season from beginning to end.

I was thrilled when Kim was on the cast list for Winners at War because I didn’t think we’d ever get to see her play again. Despite being one of the biggest targets from Day 1 on Winners at War, Kim made it to the merge and was the only person who was onto Tony and wanted to take him out. If she was able to do just that, she’d have won the game. No question.

Her fellow Winners at War teammates knew that about her too and that’s why no one wanted to play with her. The fact that they kept her around for as long as they did is yet another testament to her game. Kim Spradlin should be in the top five on this list and I am furious that she’s ranked here at 11.

Best. Winner. Ever.

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I have a bone to pick with these rankings, as Kim should most definitely be in the top ten on this list. I’m guessing the reason she wasn’t is because as far as entertainment value goes, Kim isn’t the most exciting player and I’ll admit that, though it pains me deep down.

The final ten players will be announced next week and at this point, it’s obvious as to who will be in that group. Eight winners have yet to be revealed with two non-winners also grouped in there.

Who do you think will be number one? Stay tuned next week to see if you’re right!