Here are the 18 contestants who will be vying for $1 million.
The fullSurvivor 44cast is hereby revealed!
Claire Rafson
Age: 25
Hometown: Highland Park, Ill.
Current Residence: Brooklyn, N.Y.
The ‘Survivor 44’ cast.Robert Voets/CBS
I’ve been playingSurvivormy whole life… why not try it in the ultimate arena?
Which previous player do you identify with the most?
Who do you think you will play most like?I identify most withMichele Fitzgerald.
Claire Rafson on ‘Survivor 44’.Robert Voets/CBS
I love her social game and how she used people’s perceptions of her against them.
What will you value in an alliance partner?Loyalty over everything!
Favorite Hobbies:Eating, drinking, and sleeping.
Robert Voets/CBS
I also love traveling and going to concerts and music festivals… anything to make me feel alive.
Pet Peeves:People who lack self-awareness.
Honestly you’re able to do whatever you want as long as you recognize it and own it.
Robert Voets/CBS
I’m also the biggest musical nerd.
Who in your life is your biggest inspiration and why?My mom!
She is the most selfless, patient, and loving person I know.
Robert Voets/CBS
I could go on for pages, I love that woman!
Why will you be the Sole Survivor?I’ll do whatever it takes to win.
I’ve got the strategic knowledge and social skills to get me where I need to go.
Robert Voets/CBS
I’m also easy to underestimate.
These people won’t see me coming til my knife is in their back.
Matt Blankinship
Age: 27
Hometown: Albany, Calif.
Current Residence: San Francisco, Calif. ), I told everyone that would listen I was made forSurvivor.
Robert Voets/CBS
When it came to applying though, I chickened out.
Now I want to exit the loop on this unfinished business and I’m excited for the opportunity!
What’s one life experience you feel has prepared you for the game?Honestly?
Robert Voets/CBS
Failing to get a job, into college, intoSurvivor(the first time).
Which previous player do you identify with the most?
Favorite Hobbies:Taiko, music, running.
Robert Voets/CBS
Pet Peeves:People who interrupt other people.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?Running a marathon.
At least… not yet.
Robert Voets/CBS
What is something we would never know from looking at you?Not a fan of peanut butter.
I’ll be the last one standing.
I want to bring the hope.
Robert Voets/CBS
Addiction looks different for everybody and recovery does too.Survivoris so much more than a game to me.
It’s the human interactions, the growth and the fun!
Of course, I want to be a part of that!
Robert Voets/CBS
Active addiction is mental and emotional torture.
It took me years to realize my mistakes don’t define me.
I’ve worked hard to become this person I am proud of.
Robert Voets/CBS
Which previous player do you identify with the most?
But that isn’t happening because I am way more Noura.
It has been my dream to play this game as myself andMaryanne is proof it can be done.
Robert Voets/CBS
My alliances will go deeper than strategy because my bonds will be real.
I value authentic connections and interactions.
Favorite Hobbies:Gardening, ice skating, rescuing bunnies.
Robert Voets/CBS
Pet Peeves:When people ask me if I’m sick if I’m not wearing makeup.
People who make fun of what is different from them or what they don’t understand.
Gel polish that chips quickly.
Robert Voets/CBS
I’ve had three crowns because I keep cracking my teeth from jawbreakers and atomic fireballs.
I’ve fallen asleep eating chocolate too many times to count.
Who in your life is your biggest inspiration and why?My mom and dad.
Robert Voets/CBS
My mom is the most selfless person I know.
She’s my rock and never hesitates to help, even when her own needs are pushed aside.
My dad dropped out of school and joined the circus.
Robert Voets/CBS
Why will you be the Sole Survivor?Because my authentic connections will win me the game!
I’ve been watching since the very first episode, when I was 13 years old.
Without them I would not be who I am today.
Robert Voets/CBS
Which previous player do you identify with the most?
Who do you think you will play most like?Cirie Fields.
She is lovable, caring and fun.
She is super intelligent and a strategy genius.
I hope to emulate her and win.
What will you value in an alliance partner?Intelligence and commitment.
I need to play with intelligent people that want to go far with me.
Being married to my husband and creating a home.
And her unconditional help to others.
That in itself has challenged me physically, mentally, emotionally, and basically in every single way possible.
Which previous player do you identify with the most?
Who do you think you will play most like?I want to be a quiet strategist.
I think my gameplay will most likely resemble that ofErika(Season 41).
But I also love the way Natalie played inBlood Vs. WaterandWinners at War.
Her strength and ability to never give up is most admirable.
What will you value in an alliance partner?I value openness and honesty.
I’m looking for someone who is not only loyal in their words but their actions.
Pet Peeves:When people don’t own up to their actions or mistakes.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?Can it be growth?
I am most proud of how much I have grown over the last several years.
As an individual and in motherhood.
I am very proud of the woman I am becoming.
Who in your life is your biggest inspiration and why?My parents are my biggest inspiration.
My mother is the most selfless and giving person I know while my father is such a hard worker.
I’m also a go-getter and NO ONE wants this more than me.
To me, this is not only a game… this is purpose.
I’ve been preparing for this game for awhile, and I’m not leaving without a prize.
Danny Massa
Age: 32
Hometown: Bronx, N.Y.
Current Residence: Bronx, N.Y.
I believe true happiness is found outside your comfort zone.
Which previous player do you identify with the most?
Who do you think you will play most like?Jeremy Collins, my man!!
I hope I can be cunning in the affable way he is.
Favorite Hobbies:Brazilian jiu-jitsu, running with my dog, breath work, meditation.
Pet Peeves:Bullies and whining.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?Being kind always, No.
Being a compassionate fireman.
I ran a 34-mile ultramarathon pretty proud of that.
Who in your life is your biggest inspiration and why?My mother.
She raised my sister by herself working two jobs, until 16 years later when she met my dad.
My sister is also an inspiration.
She and my brother-in-law adopted two children from Haiti and had one biological.
Sadly, shortly after, my brother- in-law died of a rare cancer.
My sister presses on, lives life to the fullest, and even got her Ph.D. after his death.
Heidi Lagares-Greenblatt
Age: 43
Hometown: Ponce, Puerto Rico
Current Residence: Pittsburgh, Pa.
I moved with nothing and barely able to speak the language.
I had to learn and adapt all by myself to succeed in this country.
Which previous player do you identify with the most?
Who do you think you will play most like?I absolutely love Sandra.
After re-watching seasons, I truly like Angelina.
Favorite Hobbies:CrossFit and playing board games.
Pet Peeves:Rude people (it is always “nice to be nice”!).
I am proud how far I have taken my career.
I am proud of all the patents I have.
I am proud of all the marathons I have done.
Or maybe that I have over 40 patents filed.
Who in your life is your biggest inspiration and why?My mother!
She does not care too much about material things.
She loves a simple life and always reminds me to respect people no matter the circumstances.
Why will you be the Sole Survivor?I am in it to win it.
I want to represent those people that may sound different, may look different.
And of course, the money would be life-changing.
Carson Garrett
Age: 20
Hometown: Rome, Ga.
Current Residence: Atlanta, Ga. My first semester specialized in proposal writing, and my second dealt with mission concept design.
I was the project manager of a team of 10 students.
Which previous player do you identify with the most?
Who do you think you will play most like?I identify most withChristian Hubicki.
Christian embraced his quirks and nerdiness to disarm his opponents into wanting to work with him.
I intend to model my game after him but focus more on diminishing my threat level until the endgame.
Part of my preparation forSurvivorhas been practicing the 3D puzzles I’ve made.
Maddy Pomilla
Age: 28
Hometown: Huntingtown, Md.
To survive the Pomilla sisters, you gotta be dynamic, and keep up!
Which previous player do you identify with the most?
Who do you think you will play most like?Strategically, probably Cirie or Omar.
Swag-wise, probably Malcolm.
Pet Peeves:Elitists, man-splaining, impatience, having sand on my feet when I put socks on.
And my dad, Paul.
They lead life with compassion, curiosity, honesty, and are really good, down-to-earth people.
Bruce Perreault
Age: 46
Hometown: West Warwick, R.I.
Current Residence: Warwick, R.I.
It breaks you down only to test you to get back up.
Which previous player do you identify with the most?
Who do you think you will play most like?Jeremy Collins.
I would identify the most with him.
His sense of family and commitment.
I would play like Jeremy Collins.
What will you value in an alliance partner?Someone that looks atSurvivoras what it is: a game.
I would also value an alliance partner that shows loyalty to tell me if my name is coming up.
As I would do for them.
Favorite Hobbies:Golf, boxing.
Pet Peeves:People who run their fork on their teeth while eating.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?Raising two awesome kids with my amazing wife.
Who in your life is your biggest inspiration and why?My adoptive mother.
She takes no s— but gives a great amount of love.
Why will you be the Sole Survivor?I will be the Sole Survivor because this is my time.
I will be social and rely on my strategic wit.
Sarah Wade
Hometown: Rochester, Minn.
Current Residence: Chicago, Ill.
I grew up looking up to women like Stephanie, Cirie, and Parv.
The opportunity to go out there and play myself is a life-long dream.
All three will fuel mySurvivorsuccess.
Which previous player do you identify with the most?
Who do you think you will play most like?I identify most with Natalie.
What will you value in an alliance partner?I value someone logical, with a strategic mind.
Favorite Hobbies:Doing anything outdoors!
Biking, working out, playing beach volleyball, reading, eating raw food, drinking sweet drinks.
Pet Peeves:Sound of someone chewing, rule followers, people who are closed-minded and inflexible.
She inspires me to be a bold, brave, badass person in everything that I do.
I love the outdoors and have always wanted my shot to be the Sole Survivor!
I love the challenges, beautiful parameters, and amazingly diverse casts ofSurvivor.
This is a dream come true!
My unique childhood taught me to love the outdoors and people.
Which previous player do you identify with the most?
I would like to think that I will play most like Shan or Ben.
Everyone came to Shan and felt comfortable telling her info.
Ben was someone who had his baggage and learned how to overcome it and help others along the way.
What will you value in an alliance partner?Trust, trust, trust!
You have to be able to trust someone in this game.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?My amazing family.
I wouldn’t be the man I am today without them.
I owe everything to them and they are my driving force.
I will help anyone to be the best possible version of themselves.
It’s so uplifting to see and help someone succeed.
Who in your life is your biggest inspiration and why?My husband Dale.
He fell in love with me before I knew how to love myself.
I don’t think I would be here without him in my life.
And there will be tons of giggles and rainbows along the way.
Helen Li
Age: 29
Hometown: Wayland, Mass.
It’s the ultimate game and the ultimate challenge I can put myself through.
Which previous player do you identify with the most?
What will you value in an alliance partner?Partnership and loyalty to me and only me.
Favorite Hobbies:Travel, downhill skiing, board games and puzzles, hiking.
Pet Peeves:Toilet paper roll going ‘under’ instead of ‘over,’ traffic, disrespectful people.
I think I can pull the strings without anyone realizing it’s me.
By the time they do, it’ll be too late!
I called bull crap and have completely astounded doctors with what I have achieved both professionally and personally.
Never let anyone tell you that you might’t do something.
As a physician, I meet a variety of new people on a daily basis.
Which previous player do you identify with the most?
Who do you think you will play most like?I identify most with Jeremy.
I will play most like Avi.
He had a great social game and was a beast at challenges.
Without these two characteristics, do you truly have an alliance?
Favorite Hobbies:Obstacle course races, traveling, tending to my houseplants.
Pet Peeves:Those who mispronounce “salmon.”
People who walk slow in front of me.
This required me to have a kidney transplant at nine years old.
I am on life-long immunosuppressant medication which inadvertently caused me to develop stomach cancer when I was 25.
I had to have a complete stomach removal because of this and relearn how to eat.
I’m doing great and am cancer-free.
She died at the age of 15 from a drunk driver and her grandma donated all of her organs.
I was a near perfect match and received her kidney.
I live every day for her and would not be here without her.
I wasn’t supposed to live past age five.
I survived a kidney transplant.
I grew up a gay Black man in Ohio.
This means I can take any negative situation and flip it into a positive endeavor.
This is required to outlast all the trials and tribulations of the game.
Jaime Lynn Ruiz
Hometown: Mesa, Ariz.
Current Residence: Mesa, Ariz. We grew up watchingSurvivoras a family.
Thanks to our VHS recorder, we never missed an episode!
As a super-fan, it is a lifelong dream to be the Sole Survivor.
I have learned a lot from the show especially that ANYTHING is POSSIBLE.
I spent over a decade navigating different personalities and building winning teams.
Relationship building is EVERYTHING!
Which previous player do you identify with the most?
Who do you think you will play most like?I relate to Angelina she is bold and brilliant!
I think I will play most like Erika.
She played such a high-level game!
Her social skills and strategic relationship-building was amazing!
What will you value in an alliance partner?I will value loyalty.
I am looking for a ride-or-die partner!
Who in your life is your biggest inspiration and why?My parents.
Relationship building is EVERYTHING.
I am a gamer through and through.
I have watched since I was a wee lad and make no mistake, I am here to play.
Which previous player do you identify with the most?
But I’d like to play a Zeke game with a few tweaks to bring home gold.
What will you value in an alliance partner?Pure honesty.
The straighter they shoot the better I like them.
Preferably they will feel completely unable to lie to me.
Favorite Hobbies:Dungeons & Dragons, caring for my dog,Survivor.
Pet Peeves:Bad drivers, all talk no walkers.
What is something we would never know from looking at you?I have a beautiful singing voice.
Who in your life is your biggest inspiration and why?My mother.
She is the strongest person I know and has taught me so much about the importance of family.
Why will you be the Sole Survivor?Because I’m quick on my feet.
Frannie Marin
Age: 23
Hometown: St. Paul, Minn.
Current Residence: Cambridge, Mass.
Occupation: Research Coordinator
Three Words to Describe You: Curious, calculating, zesty!
Which previous player do you identify with the most?
I hope to play like those two strong women with that extra spunk that we saw from Maryanne.
What will you value in an alliance partner?Someone who is interested in talking through every possible outcome.
I never want to move forward with a plan before considering alternatives.
Favorite Hobbies:Collecting leaves, game nights, collaging.
Who in your life is your biggest inspiration and why?I thinkSophie Clarkeis actually the coolest person ever.
Runner-up is the Scarlet Witch.
Brandon Cottom
Age: 30Hometown: Newtown, Pa.
Current Residence: Newtown, Pa.
I want to challenge myself in an avenue that I really have no experience in.
By no means am I a survivalist lol.
I have never even been camping, so surviving in the elements will be an exciting challenge.
I had to overcome one obstacle after another to make a team.
Which previous player do you identify with the most?
Who do you think you will play most like?I identify with Danny the most.
I think that I will play the most like Jeremy because of his self-awareness.
What will you value in an alliance partner?I will value someone who I can communicate well with.
There really is no trust in the game ofSurvivorso I want to align with someone who is predictable.
Favorite Hobbies:Coaching at Parisi Speed School, snowboarding, enjoying any lake, cooking, grilling.
Pet Peeves:Gum smacking, people eating with their mouth open.
I also do some pretty good magic tricks.
They taught me to always go after what you want and never take no for an answer.
I will not be denied.
