WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for Succession's series finale

The series finale of Succession finally confirmed the winners and losers of the beloved HBO show. Succession season 4, episode 10 titled "With Open Eyes" brought the fates of Kendall, Roman, Shiv, Tom, Connor, Greg, Matsson, and ultimately Logan to their conclusions. The Emmy-winning drama left little ambiguity by distinctly dividing who came out on top by the end of Succession and who was cast out in the final 88 minutes. But, in true Succession fashion, just when everything seemed to be working out for a select group of characters, the rug got pulled out from under them again.

Succession ended due to the personal decision of creator Jesse Armstrong, who believed the show was better off quitting while they were ahead. This would avoid having Succession drag on just for the sake of continuing its streak of popularity and acclaim. Although Succession season 5 isn't happening, the coveted series benefited from Armstrong's decision to ultimately bring the beloved series to a swift resolution that is plausible for each character. For some characters, the Succession series finale introduced them to an exciting new chapter of success. For others, Succession's final episode placed them back into the familiar territory of defeat.

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Kendall Roy Was The Succession Season 4 Finale's Biggest Loser

Kendall looking despondent in Succession series finale

Kendall Roy ended up being the character who lost the most in Succession which dramaturgically makes sense. Kendall was finally anointed as the true successor by Shiv and Roman during the series finale. This gave Kendall such validation and empowerment since his entire identity was wrapped around being the CEO of Waystar. Logan had promised Kendall the keys to the kingdom when he was only seven years old before deciding against it throughout the years. Just when Kendall appeared to have just enough support for his lifelong ambition to come true, Shiv stabbed him in the back and Kendall lost everything, other than the massive payday from the Gojo deal, that is. Succession's ending explained that Logan was never going to make good on his promise to Kendall.

Roman Roy Lost Succession, But Still Received A Happy Ending

Roman in Succession series finale

Roman Roy lost his business pursuits to be the CEO and to retain control of Waystar with Kendall. Roman, who appeared to still be unraveling his grief after losing his father, remained emotionally fragile throughout the Succession series finale, which was the most honest portrayal of his character in the entire show. The Succession series finale revealed that Roman was not fit for the job despite being a good-hearted and emotionally palpable person underneath the surface. Roman won in this way since he no longer had to pretend to be someone he's not just to win Logan's love. After processing and questioning "why not me?", Roman faced the truth that he was simply not like his father.

Did Shiv Roy Win Succession? It's Very Complicated

Shiv in Succession series finale

Shiv Roy had the most leverage on both sides of the Gojo deal despite getting betrayed by Matsson out of the United States Waystar CEO position. Shiv had been colluding with multiple parties before the Succession season finale which gave her the most options but also made her the most vulnerable. Shiv's self-interest proved to be her downfall in Succession since she was only willing to help those who would offer her the best personal outcome. After Mattsson screwed her over, she was forced to back Kendall until the moment of truth where she revealed she didn't believe in him. Her decision enabled Tom to take her role as U.S. CEO, reestablishing their loyalty to each other even though Shiv is not happy about Tom's promotion in the slightest.

Connor Roy Winning In Succession Depends On What Happens Next

Connor Roy looking nervous in Succession

Connor Roy essentially came out on top in Succession regardless of the Gojo deal, especially if President-elect Mencken ends up securing the Oval Office. Connor, who was largely out of the picture in the Waystar family business drama, will become a U.Sl Ambassador under President Mencken, which would finally land him a significant position in politics. In addition, Connor's wife Willa planned to work on her playwriting, her lifelong ambition. Connor owned Logan's iconic Manhattan residence and was on the whole satisfied with his life by the end of Succession. He remained an emblem of individual ambitions and fulfillment outside of Logan's Waystar umbrella that contrasted Kendall, Roman, and Shiv's obsessive vying for their father's corporate approval.

Tom Wambsgans Won Succession (But With Caveats)

Tom in Succession series finale

Tom Wambsgans was the biggest winner in the Succession series finale as the new United States CEO of Waystar. He successfully landed the position by working with Matsson to betray Shiv and act as the postured face on the domestic side of Logan's media empire. Tom was arguably the most loyal and obedient to Logan out of Kendall, Roman, and Shiv, especially when he was willing to go to prison to save Logan's legacy from the bad press of Waystar's cruise ship cover-up in season 3. Tom's servitude and willingness to comply with the authority set him apart from the entitled and indignant ways of the Roy kids. This was exactly the type of flexibility that Matsson was looking for in his U.S. CEO. However, it's uncertain how long Tom will stay in that role since he is expendable to Matsson and wields no true power.

Cousin Greg Was Another Complex Winner In Succession

Cousin Greg in Succession season 4 episode 3

Cousin Greg won in Succession only because Tom became CEO. Tom found out that Greg had informed Kendall he was Matsson's choice for the role, which nearly lost him the opportunity. Despite this last-minute backstabbing, Tom's love for Greg stayed strong since he had always been a strange type of mentor to him throughout Succession. Greg going behind Tom's back might have actually earned him some respect since Tom might have done the same thing and could see the intelligence behind the play. Greg remained close to Tom and ends up wielding more corporate responsibility than Kendall and Roman by the end of Succession.

Lukas Matsson Won In Succession Season 4's Finale

Alexander Skarsgård as Lukas Matsson in Succession season 4 episode 7

Lukas Matsson was the only real winner in Succession still alive to enjoy the fruits of the deal. Matsson took control of Waystar, despite paying more than he had originally intended, but ultimately remained the top dog of the media conglomerate. Matsson wanted to have worked with Logan on the deal since he respected him much more than he did Kendall, Roman, or Shiv. Matsson had always been several steps ahead of the Roy kids throughout Succession season 4, making his ultimate victory unsurprising despite some interesting bumps in the road along the way. Although Matsson was morally questionable and odd, he was the only person Logan actually trusted to take over Waystar in the end.

Logan Roy Was The True Winner Of Succession After All

Brian Cox as Logan Roy in Succession looking at someone skeptically, like they just said something dumb or annoying

Logan lost his life in Succession season 4 but still was the true winner of the entire series. Even though he did carry love in his heart for his kids, he knew they were not serious people in the corporate world and could not handle doing what he did. Logan was trying to warn his kids about the intensity and ruthlessness of the job more than he was trying to make them feel inadequate. The role of CEO at Waystar quite literally killed Logan, who appeared to have wanted his children to pursue other things in life but did not have the proper words to say it. Logan enjoyed keeping his kids close in the game of Succession but ended up winning most of all by keeping them out of Waystar, which after all was Logan's favorite child.