For the second season in a row, a Michigan native has won CBS’s “Survivor” competition series, claiming the title of Sole Survivor and walking away with the show’s $1 million top prize.

Rachel LaMont nabbed the Season 47 title on the Dec. 18 finale.

LaMont’s victory on “Survivor” will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most dominant wins in the show’s history. She solidified her place in “Survivor” lore with multiple immunity challenge victories, savvy strategic moves and a knack for leveraging the tools at her disposal. Her triumph culminated in a nearly unanimous jury vote of 7-1, with only one vote going to her competitor, Sam Phalen. Sue Smey received zero votes.

LaMont’s path to the $1 million prize was built on a combination of physical prowess, social connections and strategic acumen. She clinched the final immunity challenge, ensuring her place in the final three, and managed to sway almost every juror in her favor. Her ability to win four individual immunity challenges tied her with “Survivor” greats like Kim Spradlin, Jenna Morasca and Kelly Wigglesworth, making her one of only a handful of women to achieve such a feat in a single season.

“Learning to stay in the moment was a key strategy,” LaMont said. “I really feel like I learned to be more present. When you’re out there, you have nothing to distract you. … It was incredible to put all my attention into one thing. As we ring in the new year, I hope to apply that ability to my life back at home.”

The Michigan connection

While LaMont was the season’s star, another Michigan native also made waves on “Survivor 47.” Cheboygan’s Kyle Ostwald, 31, was a formidable competitor before becoming the fourth member of the jury. His presence added a layer of hometown pride for Michigan viewers.

In Season 46, Michigan native Kenzie Petty emerged victorious. Petty is a former Gibraltar resident and now lives in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Mastering the game

LaMont’s strategic gameplay was a highlight of the season. One standout move was her use of the Shot in the Dark to gauge the intentions of her tribemates, allowing her to plan accordingly. She later boldly played with her immunity idol at the Tribal Council, flipping the game in her favor while cementing her reputation as a strategic mastermind.

“When you’re out there, you have to play the game before you,” LaMont said. “Every move I made was calculated to position me for the win. Luck played a part, sure, but I made the most of every opportunity. I am an incredibly competitive person.”

LaMont’s four individual immunity wins set her apart as a physical threat. Her performance in these challenges kept her safe and earned the respect of her competitors and the jury. Her confidence during these moments was palpable, and her ability to deliver under pressure made her an unstoppable force.

Her path to “Survivor 47” was not without hurdles. Initially an alternate for Season 46, she used the extra time to prepare mentally and emotionally for her second chance.

“Being an alternate gave me perspective,” LaMont said. “By the time I made it to Fiji for Season 47, I was playing with house money. That mindset made all the difference.”

One of the not-seen but essential relationships within the game was her relationship with Caroline Vidmar, the 12th person voted off the game.

“We had connected early on, and she was a big factor in my game, but it was incredible to me that not one scene was aired with the two of us,” she said.

Knowing she was a winner prior to the Season 47 airing was a secret that was tough to keep, LaMont said. As family and friends watched her progression on the show, she had to stay mum.

LaMont now leads a creative and fulfilling life as a user interface designer. “I basically make apps that you interact with look pretty,” she said. “So I design what they look like, the colors, and all of that good stuff.”

LaMont is also deeply rooted in her personal life. She is married to Derek LaMont, and the couple shares their home with two beloved pets — a dog named Eva and a cat named Maeby.

Jury dynamics

Despite her commanding gameplay, LaMont faced moments of doubt during the final Tribal Council. “I was so nervous,” she said. “When Jeff went to read the votes, my stomach was in complete knots. I kept thinking, ‘Did I just lose?’”

Ultimately, her gameplay resonated with the jury. While Ostwald cast his vote for Phalen, most jurors recognized LaMont’s dominance. Her ability to navigate complex relationships and balance social and strategic gameplay proved decisive.

Legacy and future

LaMont’s victory has already drawn high praise from host Jeff Probst, who, in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, said: “I think Rachel will go down as one of the best overall players to ever compete on ‘Survivor.’ She made the most of every opportunity and when in trouble, always found a way out.”

Now back at home with the million-dollar prize, LaMont said she’ll use the money to enjoy life.

“We’ll pay off those student loans, deal with some home repairs we’ve been working on, and put a lot of savings into retirement,” she said.

As for what’s next on the horizon, she said: “Frankly, I don’t know. This whole experience has been time-consuming and has been amazing. Just being on ‘Survivor’ and then winning it, was a lofty pipe dream. I’m enjoying that for now.”