Alright, Survivor superfans, buckle up because Australian Survivor is back in 2025, and it’s legit bigger, bolder, and far spicier than before. The upcoming season, titled Australia vs. The World, isn’t just your typical battle of wits and strength. Oh no, Channel 10 went full throttle and decided to pit the absolute legends of the Aussie edition against iconic players from global Survivor franchises. Buckle up. It’s going to be a reality TV showdown for the ages.
Fans of the United States Survivor may not have gotten to watch every player on international versions, though, so we are here to give you the lowdown on all the stars! And trust me, the cast is absolutely loaded. While the Australian cast does not have the level of winner talent the World tribe does, it is more than made up for in popularity and iconic personalities. Let's meet the home team!
David Genat - Australia’s Golden God Returns
Ladies and gents, the Golden God is back, and yes, he’s brought that infamous leather jacket with him. If his reign during Champions v Contenders and All Stars taught us anything, it’s this: never underestimate the guy with smoldering looks and a mind meticulously crafted for strategic chaos. David didn’t just play the game; he redefined it. You remember that fake immunity idol swap disaster? Iconic. Legends are born from moves like that.
But don’t think this all-star needed Survivor to feed his ego. Since his last stint in the Outback, David’s been busy raking in a cool USD $5.8 million on some strange Survivor-meets-Deal or No Deal hybrid show in the States. (And Chrissy Teigen was the banker. Yep, we can’t make this stuff up.) If there’s one thing we know, it’s that David thrives under pressure. And honestly, isn’t watching him completely dismantle his opponents worth every second of screen time?
George Mladenov - King George or Court Jester?
Oh, King George. Aka the Cockroach, aka Macedonian Jesus, aka the man who’s just so easy to dislike…but somehow harder not to root for? George’s survivor story has always been a mix of bold social gameplay, ruthless blindsides, and a healthy dose of sheer audacity. From wearing his immunity idol on his chest (as an actual tattoo, mind you) to penning a “How to Win Friends and Manipulate People” handbook, George has confidence for days. Subtlety? Not so much.
This time around, will his knack for stirring up drama finally earn him a crown, or will karma (and his tribe) land him back on exile? Regardless, George is here to shake things up.
Janine Allis - From Smoothies to Strategy
Boost Juice founder Janine Allis is trading boardrooms for tribal councils once again. Dubbed "The Godmother," Janine brought sharp negotiation skills and a cool, calculated demeanor to Champions v Contenders. If that alliance-building masterclass didn’t leave you impressed, her ability to sniff out potential blindside plots certainly did.
Will Janine squeeze greatness from this new season the same way she built her smoothie empire? We sure hope so, because her gameplay delivers a delicious mix of strategy and mischief.
Kirby Bentley - The Blindsider Extraordinaire
A former AFLW elite and proud Noongar woman, Kirby Bentley has already proven that she knows how to play both on and off the field. Her blindside against Simon Mee, where she left him to flounder with two idols in his pocket, still haunts Reddit threads. And honestly? It should.
Kirby’s quiet leadership and sharp instincts make her one of the more dangerous players to watch. If you don’t see her coming, it’s already game over.
Luke Toki - The People’s Champ
Luke Toki. The man, the myth, the legend. Someone grab the popcorn because Luke’s third appearance is perfect reality television gold waiting to happen. His cheeky smile aside, Luke’s strategic brilliance and hilarious confessionals endeared him to fans during his Champions v Contenders run. And honestly? It still stings that he didn’t make it to the final tribal council after pouring everything into that game for his family. (Who could forget the $500,000 crowdfunded by fans to support his kids? Tears.)
Now he’s back, once again playing for something bigger than himself. Will the jungle crown him this time, or will he fall short like before? Either way, Luke brings heart to Survivor like no one else.
Shonee Bowtell - Queen of Social Warfare
How do you dethrone the player with the most days spent competing on Australian Survivor? Shonee Bowtell is back with wit razor-sharp enough to split coconuts. Not to mention, her social charm is lethal if you’re not on her good side. But don’t forget Shonee’s challenge prowess either; “Pilates, Jonathan” wasn’t just an iconic one-liner, it was proof that Shonee can handle herself when stakes hit peak intensity.
This queen is here to prove she doesn’t need an alliance of meat shields or fancy strategy gimmicks to claim her crown. Honestly? We believe her.
Sarah Tilleke – The Understated Underdog
Sarah Tilleke might not be the loudest name on this list, but her social game speaks volumes. Originally from Survivor 2017, Sarah had a knack for building strong relationships, sneaking through alliances, and staying just under the radar.
Oh, and she’s a model with a resume so glamorous it makes Vogue swoon. Whether Sarah takes the same calculated approach or ups the ante for riskier moves this season, one thing’s for certain—we’re keeping an eye on her.
Whether it’s the revival of rivalries or the debut of chaotic plays we haven’t seen coming, this season of Australian Survivor is shaping up to be the entertainment blast we all need. With an unstoppable mix of charismatic legends, strategic masterminds, and downright shady gameplay, there’s no telling who’ll walk away clutching the Sole Survivor title. Combine the chaos with international legends, and you have a recipe for one of the most iconic seasons of all time.
Regardless, one thing’s for sure, though: we’re ready for lies, blindsides, and plenty of coconuts. Stay tuned and grab your torches, because the greatest showdown in the Outback starts now.
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