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 emerged victorious, defeating fellow finalists Kaelan Lockhart and AJ Antonios after Zara Callianiotis was eliminated at the final four. Fans hailed the final three as the best ever seen in the show's history.
The episode kicked off with Kaelan winning the final immunity challenge, which involved standing on thin bamboo pegs while supporting their body weight. Despite being the first to drop out, Myles managed to secure his place in the final tribal council when Kaelan chose to take him instead of AJ. This decision proved pivotal, as AJ's strategic gameplay had painted Myles as a significant threat.
At the final tribal council, both Kaelan and Myles delivered compelling speeches to the jury, explaining why they deserved to win. Kaelan framed his strategy as one of being underestimated, likening himself to a “golden retriever” for his tribe. Myles, on the other hand, highlighted the risks he took throughout the game, emphasizing his journey from the bottom to the top. Ultimately, Myles received seven out of eight jury votes, clinching the title of Sole Survivor along with the $500,000 prize money.
"I will never give up," Myles said, reflecting on his experience in the game. "I will always find a way." His victory was celebrated on social media, with fans expressing their excitement and support. One viewer tweeted, "Let's go Myles! So happy to see my fave win #SurvivorAU," while another remarked, "You were my winner pick from the moment I saw you on the stripper pole. So unapologetically yourself!"
Myles not only won the title but also broke records during the season. He found four Hidden Immunity Idols, the most by any contestant in a single season, and became the first person in the franchise to successfully play the Knowledge is Power advantage. His gameplay and unique strategies have left a lasting impression on fans and contestants alike.
While the finale aired on April 14, 2025, it was filmed last year, and the winner typically only learns the result upon watching the episode. Liz Parnov, the Australian Survivor: Heroes V Villains champion, previously revealed that multiple endings are filmed to maintain suspense. “We filmed alternate endings for everyone, so I only actually found out that I'd won yesterday,” she explained. The show’s host, Jonathan LaPaglia, reads “fake votes” during the filming, keeping the true outcome a secret until the finale airs.
In an exciting announcement, Channel 10 revealed that fans won’t have to wait long for the next season, titled Survivor: Australia v The World. This all-star series will feature top contestants from Australia competing against players from various international franchises, including the US, South Africa, Finland, and New Zealand. Filmed in Samoa last year in just 16 days, this season promises to be a thrilling experience, despite its shorter format compared to the traditional Australian version.
While the usual Australian Survivor season spans 47 days, the upcoming all-star series will offer a fast-paced competition that will see contestants vying for a $250,000 prize. The series is expected to premiere following MasterChef Australia, which typically concludes in mid-July.
As fans eagerly await the new season, they can reflect on the remarkable journey of Myles Kuah and his fellow contestants. The theme of Brains V Brawn II showcased the diverse skills and strategies of its players, highlighting the intricate dynamics of gameplay that make Australian Survivor such a captivating watch.
