After 28 days on the island and 13 episodes, Survivor’s 44th season has finally come to an end, and a new winner was crowned. After facing a variety of challenges, as well as contestants doing their best to hide their true motives, only one emerged victorious.
Survivor season 44 aired on CBS between March 1 to May 24, 2023, and was filmed back in 2020. This season had numerous changes, such as shorter days on the island, three tribes instead of 6, and a simplified final four tribal council, just to keep this season fresh for those invested in the series.
So who won this season of Survivor? And how were they able to last 26 days on the island?
Who won ‘Survivor’ season 44?
Out of the 18 castaways that were part of this Survivor season, only one emerged victorious. The final episode, titled ‘Absolute Banger Season,’ took place on the last three days on the Island. The final Reward and Immunity challenge was played, and each of the final contestants was slowly voted out.
But at the end of the episode, only one became the sole survivor. During the final Tribal Council, Yamil “Yam Yam” Arocho was the winner with seven jury votes. According to his profile on Entertainment Weekly, Arocho is 36 years old and is a salon owner in Puerto Rico. He is also the first Survivor contestant to reside in a U.S. territory. He stated that joining Survivor was his lifelong dream and that he’s been a fan of the show since he was 13 years old.
“I want to fulfill my lifelong dream of playing the best game in the world. I’ve been watching since the very first episode, when I was 13 years old. And I want to prove to me, that I have the physical and mental strength to make my dreams come true, and to win the title and money.”
He claimed that Hurricane Maria prepared him for Survivor since he had to lead a team of 20 people and give them hope, especially when the power went out in his hometown.
“After Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, we had no power in my house or work for 90 days. And I had to lead my team of 20+ adults (most older than me) and give them hope, when I felt I had none. Without them I would not be who I am today.”
During his time on Survivor Achoro was originally part of the Tika tribe before the merge. Before the finale, Arocho won four challenges and was voted against seven times throughout the season, but was protected once due to immunity. Regardless, he managed to last 26 days on the island and became season 44’s winner.
