Watch CBS News

The winner of "Survivor: San Juan del Sur" is...

The tribe has spoken, and 28-year-old Natalie Anderson has been named winner of this season of "Survivor"
"Survivor" winner Natalie Anderson on the big finale 02:58

After 39 days of competing on "Survivor" -- and many months of watching the show unfold on TV -- we have a winner.

Natalie Anderson, a former "Amazing Race" contestant who competed with her twin sister of Nadiyah Anderson, finally beat out Missy and Jaclyn to win "Survivor: San Juan del Sur -- Blood vs. Water." The finale aired Wednesday night on CBS.

Natalie Anderson's friend and fan Joey Graceffa reacts to her "Survivor" win 01:04

Elated after her big victory, Natalie spoke to CBS News on the red carpet. She explained that all the hard work was worth it in the end, and that having her sister get voted off right away was probably the best thing that could have ever happened to her game.

Natalie took four out of eight jury votes by pleading her case -- stating that she outwitted, outplayed, and outlasted the best out of all her competition. And she was right. After losing her 'twinnie,' she played a fierce game and made some bold moves. In the theatre at the live reunion show, the crowd went wild as they found out she had won.

One familiar face in the crowd, YouTube sensation and former "Amazing Race" contestant Joey Graceffa, raved to CBS News about how proud he was of Anderson's effort. He said he didn't expect to see her win, but always knew she was tough. He came to the finale to cheer her on and was delighted by the outcome of the evening.

This may be it for Anderson's "solo dolo" reality show career. She explained that she feels very strongly about continuing to move through life, onscreen and off, with her twin sister Nadiyah. And Nadiyah echoes the sentiment.

Editor's note: Parvati Shallow is a past "Survivor" winner and three-time competitor on the show.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.