'Survivor 49' Winner Savannah Louie Says 'I Felt Like I Was Losing' at Final Tribal (Exclusive)

Savannah Louie emerged as the winner of Survivor 49 after a dominant endgame that included four individual immunity wins and an impressive fire-making showdown to earn her spot at Final Tribal Council. The former news reporter, 31, played aggressively when it mattered most, building a résumé that ultimately earned her the million-dollar prize.

In an interview with Men’s Journal the day after the finale, Savannah breaks down the mental roller coaster of the game, how she interpreted the jury’s tough questions, and why she believes her win came down to more than just fire-making or challenge dominance. She also reflects on staying loyal to her alliance with Sophi Balerdi and Rizo Velovic deep into the game, the votes that surprised her most, and the surreal moment she was asked to return to Fiji almost immediately after winning.

Scroll down to read the full interview with Savannah.

Men’s Journal: Now that the finale has aired and you can finally talk about it, does it feel like a relief?

Savannah Louie: Seriously, yes. I told someone else it felt like I’d been wearing this backpack that was so heavy for months, and now it finally feels like I’ve taken it off. I can go run around, jump, scream, and actually acknowledge it — I did that. I freaking did that.

Men’s Journal: How confident were you going into Final Tribal Council?

Louie: I’m a pretty confident person as it is, but I knew it wasn’t going to be a unanimous win. When I looked at my competition — Sage [Ahrens-Nichols] and Sophi — we all played very different games, and they were really good, respectable games. So I was confident, but I wasn’t sure it was going to be a win.

Men’s Journal: Did that feeling change once Final Tribal actually began?

Louie: Yeah. When Tribal was happening, both of their performances were strong, but especially Sophi’s. I actually felt like I was losing in that moment. Watching the jury laugh with her and connect with her, I was just sitting there like, "Oh my gosh — my best friend is so likable right now." It was scary.

Men’s Journal: Do you think winning fire played a role in securing the win?

Louie: I don’t think winning fire hurt me at all, but I don’t think it was what persuaded people either. When you look at the jury members who didn’t vote for me, I think those votes were more personal or based on relationships, and that’s totally fine. One of the great things about Survivor is that the jury has total freedom to vote however they want, for whatever reason they want.

Men’s Journal: Were there any votes that surprised you?

Louie: The MC vote surprised me the most. She’s such an incredible athlete, and I thought she’d really value my physical gameplay. I also knew I had taken her advantage earlier in the game, and I knew she didn’t like that, but I didn’t realize how much it stuck with her. Everyone views the game differently, and that’s okay.

Men’s Journal: Kristina [Mills]’ jury question to you about naming family members sparked a lot of online discourse. What was going through your mind in that moment?

Louie: In the moment, I was like, "Kristina, how can you do this to me right now?" It was rough — I was sweating. But sitting here now, I have so much respect for it. From a fan perspective, it was a great question. Final Tribal isn’t just about the finalists; it’s about the jury and what they value. Kristina was completely within her right to ask it.

Men’s Journal: You won multiple immunity challenges this season. Did you expect that going in?

Louie: Not at all. When I got there, I was worried I’d be one of the weaker players physically. But after I won my first immunity, something unlocked. A lot of these challenges are just as mental as they are physical, and once I believed I could do it, that mindset really helped me.

Men’s Journal: You stayed loyal to Sophi and Rizo deep into the game. Was there ever a moment you considered turning on them?

Louie: I was ready to sit next to both of them at Final Tribal, even knowing it would be harder to beat them. After the Nate [Moore] vote, I felt like I’d burned bridges and was kind of dead in the water. Sophi and Rizo were the ones who extended a hand to me, and from there I was like, I’m going to the end with these people.

Men’s Journal: The day after you won, you were asked to return almost immediately for Season 50. What was that like?

Louie: I thought Jeff [Probst] was pranking me. I assumed he was calling to congratulate me, not to ask me to turn around and go back out. I was shocked, but also so honored. Being asked to play again — especially with that group — is literally a dream come true.

Men’s Journal: Is there anything you wish viewers had seen more of?

Louie: I loved my edit overall, but I do wish they’d shown more of the softer moments — especially with Rizo. There were emotional conversations where we didn’t know how we’d make it further, and those moments mattered a lot to me.

Men’s Journal: I know you're already on another season, but if Survivor calls again in the future, are you answering?

Louie: Always. I feel like I’m addicted to this game. If they ever do another Heroes vs. Villains, I hope my number is on speed dial.

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