This hit reality competition show has had 40 whopping seasons, and that means there are 40 winners to remember, love, and celebrate. With some returning players and other one-time victors, there are many different styles of gameplay and social strategy that allowed each winner to take home the title on Survivor.
For anyone that would be placed by the sorting hat into the house of Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff, intelligence or social skills might have been their biggest asset. It's time to reminisce on some of the best winners of the show, specifically the ones that represent these two Hogwart Houses from Harry Potter.
Hufflepuff: Ethan Zohn (Season 3)
Ethan Zohn won the third season of the show, and returned for two more seasons after that. Ethan was a hard-worker, and dominated in the physical, strategic, and social aspects of the game. Like a Hufflepuff, Ethan was lovable and kind.
This house has strong morals, and they lead with their heart. They are dedicated and patient, and there's really no better words to describe Ethan's gameplay. This old-school player won by employing all of his best Hufflepuff traits.
Ravenclaw: Vecepia Towery (Season 4)
One of the first winners of the series, Vecepia Towery played the definition of a strategic and calculated game. She was on the quieter side, but she flew under the radar with impressive wit and observation. She would make any Ravenclaw proud.
Like a true member of this house, Vecepia relied on her wisdom and intellect. She trusted her intuition and plan and worked tirelessly to stay in the game. Her diligence paid off, of course, and she became the winner.
Hufflepuff: Kim Spradlin-Wolfe (Season 24)
This Sole Survivor was inarguably the most likable of her season, and also won Sprint's "Player of the Season", voted for by fans. Kim was a bit on the quieter side, but she still held a leadership role and a powerful alliance.
This house is known for their loyalty and devotion, and this was a huge reason Kim came out on top. She burned few bridges but relied on her skills and relationships to make it to the end - like and true Hufflepuff would.
Ravenclaw: Amber Brkich (Season 8)
Amber might be on the verge of being a Hufflepuff, but it really was her social and strategic mind that let her keep herself in the game and come out the winner. Like Amber, a Ravenclaw is curious and diligent.
She observed those around her and was able to make them trust her. She was an intelligent and quiet player that still got everything done. Amber was on the outside, like a Ravenclaw might be, but was smart enough to wiggle back in and take home the title over her husband and Survivor legend, Boston Rob.
Hufflepuff: Tyson Apostol (Season 27)
There really isn't a castaway that is as hilarious or lovable as Tyson Apostol. Everyone who has watched this show remembers his humor, good attitude, and devotion. He's smart as a whip, but he relies on his social prowess.
Tyson succeeded in season 27 because of his alliances, and he worked endlessly to keep a good position in the game. He played fair and he played well, and this huge-hearted guy would make this house proud.
Ravenclaw: Yul Kwon (Season 13)
There is no better example of a player relying solely on their wits and intelligence than Yul Kwon. This castaway thought through every possibility and every angle, and only then did he make a decision or act upon it.
His patience and analytical mind allowed him to only make the best decisions, and even make some impressive power moves. He might just be the smartest contestant the show has seen, and that title should really only be given to a member of the Ravenclaw house.
Hufflepuff: Nick Wilson (Season 37)
Nick Wilson is one of the most recent winners on the series, and there is no doubt that he deserved the win. Nick listened to everyone around him, building relationships and succeeding in challenges, and acting when he had to.
His patience and his big heart were huge factors in his victory, and there's no doubt that he had the dedication and hard work of a true Hufflepuff. This friendly castaway is a fan-favorite for a reason.
Ravenclaw: Denise Stapley (Season 25)
This castaway won her season, 'Phillippines', by wiggling into social circles and strategically keeping herself off the chopping block. She had social prowess, but there's no denying that Denise relied on her wisdom and hard-working attitude.
While she didn't come out victorious in 'Winners at War', only a Ravenclaw could have taken an opportunity that Sandra presented and used it to vote out the queen herself. A Ravenclaw is willing to take risks, but they do it in a calculative and brilliant manner.
Hufflepuff: Tommy Sheehan (Season 39)
One of the latest winners of the show, season 39's Tommy Sheehan had a powerful and unbreakable alliance that got him to the end. He was more reserved, but he never crossed anyone and he always listened and considered every other player's position and strategies.
Tommy succeeded by keeping a loyal and moral code, and he certainly had no one wishing him ill or hoping he didn't win. This Hufflepuff proved that being kind and using your mind and social skills can get you to the top.
Ravenclaw: John Cochran (Season 26)
One of the most memorable and highly-esteemed winners of the game, John Cochran, is nothing other than a Ravenclaw. A super-fan of the show, Cochran definitely 'studied' for his appearance, and was always thinking and calculating his own moves and those of the people around him.
Cochran had a strategic monopoly during his season on 'Caramoan', and it was one of the best gameplays the show has seen. This castaway has the intelligence, wisdom, and diligence that any Ravenclaw would be proud to have. Plus, he's Jeff Probst's own personal favorite.