David Genat returning to Australian Survivor after $9m US TV win

Survivor’s ‘golden god’ is now $9m richer after an incredible US TV win - but it seems that hasn’t stopped his hunger for competing.

Exactly how reality TV prize money does one man need?
Fresh from his history-making $9m win on the US game show Deal or No Deal Island, Aussie model and reality TV mainstay David Genat is returning to Survivor for his third outing on the show, this time competing on an Australia v The World season.

Genat, 45, previously competed on the 2019 season of Australian Survivor and returned for a season-winning stint on Survivor: All-Stars the following year.

Today’s cast announcement includes a number of other big-name Aussie players, competing against contestants from Survivor US, Québec, South Africa, New Zealand and Finland, for the chance to be crowned Sole Survivor and win a cash prize of $250,000.

The season, which filmed in September last year, runs for a short 16-day game on the beaches of Samoa.

The cast of Survivor: Australia v The World

AUSTRALIA

The Aussies competing in this All-Stars Survivor season, L-R: George, Janine, Luke, Sarah, David, Kirby and Shonee.

David Genat

Champions v Contenders (2019), Australian Survivor: All Stars

After making history by winning a staggering $9m in his recent appearance on Deal or No Deal Island, David Genat is regarded as one of the best game players to ever appear on TV. Can he take out the title of the world’s best Survivor player?

George Mladenov

Brains v Brawn, Heroes v Villains

King George is back to once again claim the crown that he so narrowly missed in both of his seasons. One of the biggest and boldest players to take on Australian Survivor, he’s made some of the most jaw-dropping moves in the game.

Janine Allis

Champions v Contenders (2019)

The founder of Boost Juice and Retail Zoo is ready to return to the game and take out the win that slipped through her fingers back in Fiji.

Kirby Bentley

Titans v Rebels

Earning herself the title of the Rebel Queen last year, Kirby Kirby forged her own style of gameplay and became an immediate fan favourite.

Luke Toki

Australian Survivor (2017), Champions v Contenders (2019)

Returning for his third time, the King of the Jungle is seeking redemption after his fourth place loss in 2019.

Sarah Tilleke

Australian Survivor (2017)

Almost ten years since she first played the game, Sarah says she’s learned from her mistakes and is back for a second chance at the title of Sole Survivor.

Shonee Bowtell

Champions v Contenders (2018), Australian Survivor All Stars, Heroes v Villains

Holding the record for the most days playing Australian Survivor, Shonee is back and hopes that fourth time is the charm. With her knack for a flawless social game and her aptitude for devious gameplay, she should never be underestimated.

THE WORLD

Competing against the Aussies are a diverse mix of players from around the world.

Cirie Fields

Survivor: Panama, Survivor: Micronesia, Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains, Survivor: Game Changers

Often regarded as one of the best players to never win, Cirie has over 120 days of playing under her belt. She is a master strategist and a reality TV veteran, having also tackled the US versions of The Traitors and Big Brother.

Kass Bastarache

Survivor Québec 2024

A certified challenge beast, Kass was the runner-up in her season of Survivor but this time around she’s hoping to be underestimated so she can go all the way and win the title that she so narrowly missed.

Lisa Holmes

Survivor New Zealand: Thailand

As one of the few players who won their original season, Lisa will be coming into the game with a target on her back. Having watched every single season of US Survivor, she’ll be familiar with some of her fellow castaways and their moves.

Parvati Shallow

Survivor: Cook Islands, Survivor: Micronesia, Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains, Survivor: Winners at War

Parvati, aka the “Black Widow” is another former winner who is renowned for being one of the best players in the history of the game. And she has one big connection in the game: She recently competed on Deal or No Deal Island with David Genat.

Rob Bentele

Survivor South Africa: Island of Secrets

The Sole Survivor of his season, Rob’s blend of physical strength, strategic gameplay, and natural charisma saw him take out the prize in 2019.

Tommi Manninen

Selviytyjät Suomi Season 7

Radio presenter and journalist Tommi was the runner-up in his original season of Survivor Finland, losing by just one vote. Now he’s back, and he’s hoping that the other players will be less familiar with his series, allowing him to fly under the radar.

Tony Vlachos

Survivor: Cagayan, Survivor: Game Changers, Survivor: Winners at War

The second two-time winner in Survivor history and one of only two people to ever win twice, Tony is known as the King of Survivor. This is his fourth time playing the game.

Hosted by Jonathan LaPaglia, Survivor: Australia v The World is coming soon to 10.

Originally published as David Genat returning to Australian Survivor after $9m US TV win