After 47 days of strategic gameplay, brutal blindsides, and grueling challenges, the winner of Australian Survivor: Brains V Brawn II was decided in Monday night’s grand finale. Myles Kuah, a 23-year-old financial analyst from Sydney, emerged victorious, taking home the title of Sole Survivor and a life-changing $500,000 prize.
The finale, which aired on April 14, 2025, showcased an intense showdown between Myles and his fellow finalists, Kaelan Lockhart and AJ Antonios, both of whom were originally on the ‘Brain’ tribe. The episode began with Kaelan winning the final immunity challenge and choosing to take Myles to the final tribal council, leaving AJ devastated as he became the 21st member of the jury.
Myles’ journey to victory was nothing short of remarkable. Throughout the season, he broke the record for the most Hidden Immunity Idols found in a single season with four and became the first player in the franchise to correctly play the Knowledge is Power advantage. He also received the most elimination votes of any contestant this season, with a staggering 26 votes against him, showcasing his ability to navigate a treacherous game.
“I could never in my wildest dreams have imagined I’d be sitting here at the end. I couldn’t be prouder of the game I played,” Myles shared shortly after being crowned. His compelling pitch to the jury, which highlighted his gameplay, strategy, social game, and physical achievements, ultimately secured him seven out of a possible eight votes.
The final immunity challenge was a test of endurance, requiring the contestants to stand on increasingly smaller bamboo pegs without stepping down. After a grueling three-hour battle, Kaelan emerged victorious, but the emotional weight of his decision to take Myles with him to the final proved challenging.
Fans quickly took to social media to express their excitement over Myles' win. “Let’s go Myles! So happy to see my fave win #SurvivorAU,” one viewer tweeted, while another remarked, “Whelp we all know @mylesmkuah, first time you meet them they annoy the hell outta you & over time they become your all-time favourite.”
The Australian Survivor finale was filmed last year, and contestants typically learn the results when they watch the episode on TV. Liz Parnov, the winner of Survivor: Heroes V Villains, previously revealed that multiple endings are filmed to maintain secrecy. “We filmed alternate endings for everyone, so I only actually found out that I’d won yesterday,” she explained.
Looking ahead, Channel 10 announced that fans won’t have to wait long for another season, as Survivor: Australia v The World is set to air soon. This all-star series will feature the best of the best Aussie contestants competing against players from the US, South Africa, Finland, and New Zealand franchises. The season was filmed in Samoa last year over just 16 days, making it a much shorter series than fans are used to. Despite its brevity, production insiders claim it was the “most thrilling season” ever filmed.
In this new season, the winner will receive $250,000, significantly less than the prize for Brains V Brawn II. However, the excitement surrounding the new format and the return of host Jonathan LaPaglia has fans buzzing.
Myles’ win marks a historic moment in Australian Survivor history, not only for his gameplay but also for the representation he brings to the show. He describes himself as a “bisexual, biracial, bi-tribal” player who has resonated with many viewers. “It’s really cool because I feel like I get to represent a few various different groups that are probably underrepresented in Australian Survivor,” he said.
Reflecting on his journey, Myles acknowledged the challenges he faced throughout the game. He lost 12 kilos during filming and dealt with stress-induced tinnitus in the final week. “I was mentally getting ready to be the first or second boot of Australian Survivor. Because of that, essentially the rest of the game I felt like I was playing with house money,” he explained.
His gameplay was characterized by bold moves and social strategy, leading to a mix of admiration and criticism from fellow contestants. During the final tribal council, Kaelan faced tough questions from the jury, with one member questioning his lack of big strategic plays. AJ, still feeling the sting of his elimination, called Kaelan's strategy “absolute delusion,” suggesting he should have brought a weaker player to the final.
Despite the criticisms, both Myles and Kaelan delivered strong final pitches. Myles’ flashy gameplay earned him enemies, but it also won him the respect of many fans. “I was just happy to be there,” he said, reflecting on his unexpected success.
As Myles prepares to celebrate his victory, he plans to enjoy a big watch party with friends and fellow cast members. “I’m going to do so many shots tonight and I’m going to buy the nicest tequila for it,” he said, clearly excited to relive the moments of the season.
With his win, Myles Kuah not only claims the title of Sole Survivor but also sets a new standard for future players in the Australian Survivor franchise. His journey has been one of resilience, strategy, and authenticity, making him a memorable champion in the world of reality television.
