Castaway Sophi Balerdi had a near brush with Survivor death in the Wednesday, November 19 episode. Kristina Mills and her allies were in need of a backup plan in case their target, Rizo Velovic, used his Immunity Idol. They wanted to split the votes between Rizo and Savannah Louie to ensure the former Uli tribe lost a member. Unfortunately for them, Savannah pulled out another Immunity Challenge win, forcing them to begrudgingly offer Soph’s name as a backup. Thankfully, she had the numbers to stay after Sage Ahrens-Nichols and Jawan Pitts decided to flip their vote. In the following episode, Soph’s name was off the chopping block. Her allies, Rizo and Savannah, were a far more appetizing target for the opposing side. But their attempt to break up the trio didn’t pan out. Savannah, Rizo, and Soph remain a united front going into Episode 11.
The final seven castaways all have their strengths, but currently, I believe Soph is in the best position to win. She’s not the most strategic player on the island, nor does she hold an impressive number of challenge wins, but sometimes a good story is all you need. And Soph certainly has one.
Why Sophi Balerdi has the best chance of winning Survivor 49
Survivor is a social experiment. Managing and fostering relationships is one of the most important parts of the game. And yet, many of the remaining Survivor 49 castaways appear disinterested in jury management. They lean into rivalries, refuse to talk game with certain players, and make snide comments. Soph knows the importance of a strong social game. She’s used her time in the game wisely. She’s built strong relationships with people who are genuinely interested in keeping her in the game. She relied on relationships for protection rather than flashy moves. I think she currently has the best shot to win. Let me explain.
Soph Balerdi is likable
Survivor can be a bit of a popularity contest. Jurors want to reward a likable player with the million-dollar reward. That’s not to say it’s impossible for a villainous castaway to score the prize pot, but it is a more grueling battle. Soph is well-liked on the island, which will no doubt help her if she finds herself in the final three. She is easy to get along with, and people seem keen to stick their neck out for her. When a tribe swap left her stranded on a tribe with former Uli and Hina members, Soph had no trouble finding a new alliance. She was scooped up by the former Uli members, who were thrilled to have her on their team. Even the castaways floating her name around in the November 19 episode weren’t happy with the idea of sending her to Ponderosa.
Soph Balerdi is aligned with “villains”
Some may view Soph’s close relationship with Savannah and Rizo as a liability, but I believe it is actually as asset. There is no denying that Savannah and Rizo are bigger threats than Soph. They’ve made enemies, won challenges, and love to take credit for their dirty work. Soph has the benefit of being the least threatening player on their side. If Kristina, Sage, and Steven Ramm take a shot at Soph’s trio, she is the least desirable target. Savannah and Rizo love a little drama, and it’s put them under the spotlight. Soph, on the other hand, plays it cool and allows her allies to take the heat.
Soph Balerdi is an underdog
Survivor castaways (and fans) love an underdog. We can’t help it. There is something so satisfying about seeing a player down of their luck rise up and take control of the game. Soph had a particularly brutal start to Survivor 49. As a member of the Kele tribe, she spent days without flint, food, or shelter supplies. She’s been to more Tribal Council dates with Jeff than any of the remaining players. If she makes it to the final three, her underdog story will no doubt win her some votes.
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TELL US – DO YOU THINK SOPH BALERDI HAS A SHOT AT WINNING SURVIVOR 49? WHO DO YOU WANT TO WIN SURVIVOR 49?
