On March 30, 2025, the final episode of the reality show "Survive in Samarkand. Game of Seasons" aired on the TNT TV channel, revealing the much-anticipated winner of the season. This thrilling conclusion saw the most vibrant contestants from previous seasons battling it out for the grand prize of 10 million rubles.
The finalists included Andrey Zubenko, Artem Kalaidzhyan, Tornike Kvitatiani, Pavel Mamaev, Lyubov Olenina, and Aleksey Shcherbakov. After an intense semi-final round, only two participants advanced to the superfinal: Aleksey Shcherbakov and Tornike Kvitatiani.
The superfinal was structured as a best-of-three showdown, with the first game going to Tornike Kvitatiani. The second game ended in a tie, leaving the score at 2-1 in favor of Kvitatiani. In the decisive game, Tornike emerged victorious, ultimately claiming the title of winner of "Survive in Samarkand. Game of Seasons" and taking home the grand prize.
The final day of the competition was marked by a fierce wind at the mountain camp, adding an extra layer of challenge to the proceedings. The semi-finalists had to navigate a series of obstacles while also retrieving items hidden behind seven locks, a task that tested both their physical and mental abilities. As Pavel Vola, the host, humorously stated, "In our show, the greatest treasure is, of course, you, our finalists. Therefore, we will securely hide each of you in a treasure vault!"
During the final challenge, participants were confined in iron cages and had to race through an obstacle course while collecting four carabiners. The first carabiner was hidden in a labyrinth, the second at the end of a long canal, the third locked in a safe, and the fourth in a jug filled with nuts. This stage proved to be particularly challenging, as the contestants struggled to recall the code needed to unlock the safe, which was based on the sum of various foreign currency bills they had collected.
Aleksey Shcherbakov was the first to secure all four carabiners, followed closely by Tornike Kvitatiani. Artem Kalaidzhyan finished third, while Andrey Zubenko, Pavel Mamaev, and Lyubov Olenina opted to watch the competition unfold, realizing they would not be able to complete the task in time.
The superfinal comprised three distinct games. The first, titled "Lucky Farmer," required participants to manage a marionette and transport as many melons as possible through an obstacle course. Tornike outperformed Shcherbakov, delivering all ten melons to the finish line, while Shcherbakov managed to bring only eight.
The second game, "Uzbek Gallery," tested the contestants' memory as they had to recall 24 numbered images related to Uzbekistan. Each correct answer earned them a point, but this game ended in a tie, further intensifying the competition.
Finally, the third game, "Center of Attraction," involved throwing discs onto a circular field with varying point values. Tornike managed to outmaneuver Shcherbakov, securing his victory in the overall competition.
Tornike Kvitatiani's win marks his second triumph in a TNT reality show, having previously won the first season of "Vyzov" alongside nuclear physicist Ekaterina Shcheglova. Following his victory, Tornike shared his plans for the prize money, stating that he would allocate 5 million rubles for building a house, while the remainder would go to charitable causes. He specifically mentioned giving 1 million rubles to Lyubov Olenina and covering a year's rent for his friend Alexander Arzanov in Moscow.
This season's finale not only showcased the resilience and determination of the contestants but also sparked discussions among viewers about the show's format. Artem Kalaidzhyan, one of the finalists, admitted that it was his idea to bring back participants from previous seasons, a decision that some viewers found controversial. Many expressed a preference for the more dynamic and scandalous third season, "Survive in Dubai — 2," which was noted for its engaging drama and conflicts.
Despite mixed reviews for this all-star season, anticipation is building for the next installment. The fifth season is scheduled to be filmed in the fall and is set to air in 2026. Meanwhile, fans can look forward to other upcoming reality shows, including the second season of "Treasures of the Emperor" and "Stars in the Jungle," slated for later this year.
As the dust settles on this season of "Survive in Samarkand," viewers are left to ponder what lies ahead for the contestants and the show itself. Will the next season bring back the excitement and drama that fans crave? Only time will tell as the reality TV landscape continues to evolve.
