⁠Who won Survivor season 47? Details explored

Rachel LaMont won Survivor season 47 on December 18, 2024, securing a $1 million prize through a 7-1-0 jury vote against Sam Phalen and Sue Smey. The 34-year-old user interface designer from Southfield, Michigan spent 26 days competing in Fiji's Mamanuca Islands.

She won 4 individual immunity challenges, and tied the record with Kelly Wiglesworth, Jenna Morasca, Chrissy Hofbeck, and Kim Spradlin-Wolfe for most immunity wins by a female contestant in a single season.

LaMont entered the competition after serving as an alternate for season 46, making her victory particularly significant. The finale featured a multi-stage immunity challenge, a wind-affected fire-making showdown between Sam Phalen and Teeny Chirichillo, and a final tribal council where Kyle cast the lone vote for Sam while 7 jury members chose Rachel as the winner.

---

Rachel LaMont wins Survivor season 47, takes home $1 million prize after record-tying immunity run

Survivor season 47’s decisive tribal council showcased Rachel LaMont's comprehensive game plan against Sam Phalen and Sue Smey's strategies. When addressing the jury, LaMont detailed how she managed her game through 4 immunity wins while actively creating alliances.

The jury focused on questioning her decisions at key tribal councils and her approach to maintaining relationships. Sam Phalen presented his case by pointing out his survival through ten votes across 4 different tribal councils. He emphasized his ability to stay in the game without relying on immunity necklaces.

Sue Smey discussed her strategic moves but received no votes from the jury despite making it to the final 3. The voting concluded with Kyle casting a single vote for Sam while 7 jury members supported Rachel's victory. After winning, Rachel stated:

“I feel like I'm having an out of body experience. It’s just so surreal, I’m a little bit in shock, if I’m completely honest.”

---

The final immunity challenge

Survivor season 47’s concluding immunity challenge tested the final 4 contestants through a complex series of obstacles. Contestants faced rope-cutting stations, followed by balance beams while carrying heavy items. The challenge ended in a puzzle featuring oversized wooden bats that required precise assembly.

LaMont maintained her lead through the physical portions and finished her puzzle ahead of Sam Phalen, Teeny Chirichillo, and Sue Smey. Her victory gave her control over the tribal council dynamics.

Host Jeff Probst highlighted the significance of this win as her fourth individual immunity, matching a long-standing show record. When facing her decision, LaMont chose to send Sam and Teeny to fire-making while guaranteeing Sue's position in the final three.

---

Fire-making showdown

The fire-making challenge between Sam Phalen and Teeny Chirichillo became a turning point in the finale. Phalen entered the challenge with limited experience, having practiced fire-making for the first time just hours before the competition. The contestants worked to build their flames under challenging conditions as strong winds affected their progress.

Teeny gained an early advantage with a steady flame, yet struggled to keep it centered under the rope due to wind interference. Meanwhile, Phalen's flame, though developing later, benefited from the wind direction pushing it toward the target.

The environmental factors played a decisive role as Phalen's fire burned through the rope first, making him the second finalist and sending Teeny to join the jury.

---

Rachel's journey in Survivor season 47

Survivor season 47 winner Rachel LaMont (Image via Instagram/@rachel.a.lamont)

LaMont's path to winning Survivor season 47 started with a unique background as an alternate contestant for season 46. Her gameplay featured strategic use of advantages, including a calculated Shot in the Dark play to gauge other players' reactions.

Throughout the season, she found multiple hidden immunity idols and used them effectively to stay in the game. Her professional background as a user interface designer from Southfield, Michigan influenced her methodical approach to challenges and social dynamics.

Born in Bangkok, Thailand, LaMont moved to the United States at age 7, bringing a diverse perspective to the competition. She maintained strong social connections while proving herself as a physical competitor, ending in her million-dollar victory.

The win placed her among Survivor’s notable female contestants as a member of the four-time immunity winners club.

---

Fans can watch Survivor season 47 finale on CBS or Paramount+.