Survivor season 50  “In the Hands of the Fans”  has officially begun. This season brings back first, second, and third-time returnees, leading to a highly anticipated, fan-favorite, season. It includes three winners and a blend of personalities that will no doubt lead to a historic season.

  So let’s introduce all 24 players and why they are back.

01 Jenna Lewis-Dougherty – Season 1: Borneo and Season 8: All-Stars

  In “Survivor: Borneo,” Lewis-Dougherty was basically the cool, independent, single mom, a title which carried a heavy social stigma in 2000. Most fans remember her heartbreak when she was the only contestant who did not receive a letter from home. However, she returned to “All-Stars” with an edge; she showed far more strategic play by orchestrating and executing a plan to eliminate all of the contestants who had already won immediately. During her time on “Survivor,” she was fairly unpopular, but now people think that her form of gameplay was ahead of its time. For Lewis-Dougherty, “Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans” is a chance for her to come full circle. She was on the first season of “Survivor,” made revolutionary game play on a returnee season, and wants nothing more than to win season 50.

02 Colby Donaldson – Season 2: The Australian Outback, 8: All-Stars, 20: Heroes Vs. Villains)

  Donaldson was America’s hero in Australia. He famously gave up a guaranteed $1 million when he chose to take his ally, Tina Wesson, to the final two because he saw her more deserving; prioritizing honor over an easy win. Donaldson was also a challenge beast, he won almost every post-merge challenge. However, in his following two appearances he underperformed physically. Seemingly, from Season 50 Donaldson wants to get his mojo back. Currently, his legacy is a man who did so well his first time around but failed to live up to the hype later and he wants to change that.

03 Cirie Fields – Seasons 12: Panama-exile Island, 16: Micronesia – Fans Vs. Favorites, 20: Heroes Vs. Villains, 34: Game Changers

  Widely considered the best “Survivor” player to never win, Fields introduced a new form of game play. She started as a woman who was “scared of leaves” and turned into the most dangerous social player ever. On the other hand, she is infamous for her performance in challenges, but this hasn’t stopped her from having a massive threat level. Unlike many players, Fields’ “Survivor” legacy is secure because of her success across all seasons. Fields has proven she can win other reality TV shows, like “The Traitors,” but those almost wins on “Survivor” definitely linger in the back of her mind. Thus, Fields is here to win and finish what she started.

04 Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick – Seasons 10: Palau, 11: Guatemala, 20:Heroes Vs. Villains

  During LaGrossa Kendrick’s time on “Survivor,” she became one of the most admired players ever. She also holds one of “Survivor’s” most unique stories: her entire Ulong tribe was eliminated premerge, leaving her as the lone survivor of her tribe. This has never happened before or since. In Guatemala, she had amazing strategic play but her strong Type A personality clashed with her competitors and ultimately lost the game in the final tribal. Taking into account reality TV shows outside of “Survivor,” LaGrossa Kendrick was betrayed by Fields on “The Traitors,” which may lead to some hard feelings between the two on “Survivor 50.” In “Survivor 50,” Stephanie wants to prove to fans and her kids that age hasn’t made her any less of a strong competitor.

05 Benjamin “Coach” Wade – Seasons 18: Tocantins – The Brazilian Highlands, 20: Heroes Vs. Villains, 23: South Pacific

  Coach is undeniably the most eccentric character to step foot on Survivor. He is known for his stories about the Amazon Jungle, his “Coach Chi” meditation, and for calling himself the “dragon slayer.” Coach transitioned from a comedic figure to a formidable cult-like leader in South Pacific. He fell just short of the win due to a failure to own up to his manipulations to the jurors. “Survivor 50” is one last adventure for the man who tells so many stories.

06 Ozzy Lusth – Seasons 13: Cook Islands, 16: Micronesia – Fans Vs. Favorites, 23: South Pacific, 34: Game Changers

Lusth in “Cook Islands” was amongst the greatest physical performances in “Survivor” history. But Lusth never showed much strategic gameplay throughout any of his seasons. He mainly provides food and does labor for his tribe, but anything beyond that he pushes aside. In his third appearance, he sent himself to redemption island to protect his alliance, earned his way back into the game twice, and came up short at final four. This proved that he had a sense of gameplay. However, on “Game Changers” he failed to adapt and gave one of the worst performances of a returnee. Lusth is back to prove that he can adapt to the new era season, where being the camp provider isn’t enough to get you through the game. Also, it is important to take into account the history between Lusth and Coach, as they will both be present this season. Lusth and Coach’s beef stems from a tense rivalry on “Survivor: South Pacific,” driven by Coach breaking a “final three” pact with Lusth and manipulating players. Lusth, acting as a jury leader, felt betrayed and influenced others against Coach, believing it cost him the game, while Coach felt Lusth “honor and integrity” speech was hypocritical, as he deemed Lusth a selfish player.

07 Chrissy Hofbeck – Season 35: Heroes Vs. Healers Vs. Healers

  Hofbeck played a dominant physical game and tied the record for immunity wins by women. She was the architect of many blindsides, but her social game was weak. She made it to the final four and had planned on sending a strong player home but this season was the first to introduce a final four fire making competition. This caused her to lose in the final three. After “Season 35,” she has undergone a double mastectomy to prevent breast cancer. After a commanding, near-win performance in her debut, Hofbeck returns to solidify her legacy.

08 Christian Hubicki – Season 37: David Vs. Goliath

  One of three “David vs. Goliath” returnees is Christian Hubicki. Hubicki is too likable for his own good. He was a target at the merge of his season but he and his allies managed to obtain enough advantages to regain stability. Ultimately, his threat level grew too big and his own allies turned on him. Overall, Hubicki wants to play a more strategic game. Now a robotics professor and father, he seeks to win after a major life shift, having welcomed a child six weeks before filming, using the experience to fuel his motivation to win.

09 Mike White – Season 37: David Vs. Goliath

Another “David vs. Goliath” returnee is Mike White. In “David vs. Goliath,” White played a very well

rounded game, dominating socially and strategically. He was at the center of the “Goliath” alliance but never the main target due to his threat management and having small deals with other members outside of his alliance. However his competitor’s underdog story resonated with the final jury better and White placed second. Behind the scenes, White has said he didn’t give the final jury his all because he felt guilty as a rich guy from Hollywood trying to take $1 million from a public defender from rural Kentucky. While White’s game was appreciated, it was never really understood until recent years. Even though he was famous in his first season, White is undeniably more famous than ever given his show’s success, “The White Lotus.” As a result, White is there to have fun, take a small break from Hollywood and crossover the fan bases of “Survivor” and “White Lotus.”

10 Angelina Keeley – Season 37: David Vs. Goliath

Keeley is the third placer for “David vs. Goliath.” Keeley is another popular player because of how entertaining she is. Whether it was watching Keeley bargain for rice, risking her life for an idol by climbing a 50 feet ladder, or trying to get jackets from contestants after getting voted out, she was well liked. However, she received no votes from the final jury for keeping them entertained. But a big question people have for her return is; how sincere will her return be? Will she do an impression of herself from “David vs. Goliath” or will she improve her strategy? Keeley likely returned for “Survivor 50″ to win the $1 million prize and play a more intentional and self-aware game.

11 Rick Devens – Season 38: Edge of Extinction

Devens’ tribe lost the first four immunity challenges and he was voted out early, but instead of leaving the game he was sent to the Edge of Extinction where eliminated players could earn their way back. Devens won his way back at the merge and began playing much more aggressively. He relied on immunity wins and idols to survive while often being outside the main alliances. His flashy gameplay made him one of the biggest threats and a favorite with the jury, but he lost the final four fire-making challenge and was eliminated. For “Survivor 50,” Devens represents a player who already experienced two versions of the game: a quieter early game and a bold late game. His return is about seeing which version of Rick shows up.

12 Aubry Bracco – Seasons 32: Kaôh Rōng – Brains Vs. Brawn Vs.

 Beauty, 34: Game Changers, 38: Edge Of Extinction

Bracco first played on “Survivor: Kaôh Rōng” and quickly became one of the breakout strategic players of the season. She drove many of the major decisions and seemed to have a clear path to the win, but after her closest ally was medically evacuated at the final five, the game shifted and she ultimately lost to Michele Fitzgerald in a result debated by fans for years. Bracco later returned for “Game Changers” and “Edge of Extinction,” but those seasons did not go as well, including a pre-merged blindside with an idol in her pocket. After those experiences she was open about feeling frustrated with how her Survivor journey ended. Now, about ten years after her first season, Bracco returns for “Survivor 50″ looking for redemption and hoping to reconnect with the strong player she once was.

13 Jonathan Young – Season 42

  Young carried his tribe in multiple challenges and, along with Lusth, had one of the top physical performances in the show’s history. However, his strategic and social game struggled as the season went on. Other players saw him mainly as a physical threat rather than a strategic player, which hurt his chances of winning even though he reached the final four. Young returns for “Survivor 50” with something to prove. He already showed he can dominate physically, but now Young wants to prove that he can play a smarter social and strategic game as well.

14 Dee Valladares – Season 45 winner

  Valladares is the winner of “Survivor 45” and amongst a total of three past winners on “Survivor 50.” In “Survivor 45” she controlled much of her season from the beginning. She built a strong alliance early and kept it together through the merge while also building relationships with players outside of her group. Even when she voted people out, many still respected her gameplay. Valladeres’ strong social connections and control of the game helped her win the season. On “Survivor 50,” Valladeres’ returns as one of the strongest players of the new era. However, returning as a winner also puts a target on her back. A second strong performance could place her among the best players in “Survivor” history.

15 Emily Flippen – Season 45

  Flippen from “Survivor 45” had one of the biggest transformations in the new era. At the start of the game she was blunt and unpopular with the tribe and was close to being the first person voted out. After a close call early, she changed her approach and slowly built better relationships and stronger strategies. By the middle of the game she had become an important strategic player, but once she made a big move she became too obvious of a threat and was voted out. Flippen returns to “Survivor 50” with a clear story: a player who learned from her mistakes and improved during the game. Now she wants to prove that her growth was real and that she can make it all the way to the end.

16  Quintavius “Q” Burdette – Season 46

  Q from “Survivor 46″ is known mostly for his chaotic and unpredictable gameplay. Throughout the season he made unusual decisions and often created problems for his own alliance, including one moment where he tried to get himself voted out. Despite this, he survived deep into the game and reached the final six while constantly being a target. His personality and unpredictable behavior made him one of the most entertaining players of the season. Q returns for “Survivor 50” mainly as a wildcard who can change the direction of the game at any moment.

17 Charlie Davis – Season 46

  Davis from “Survivor 46” played a strong strategic game and came very close to winning. His partnership with his ally, Maria Shrime Gonzalez, helped control much of the season, but near the end they turned on each other because both saw the other as a major threat. Davis reached the final tribal council but lost the game by a single vote after Gonzalez voted for someone else. Because of this, Davis’ story in “Survivor” is about unfinished business but he now carries the baggage of mistrust Gonzalez caused him. “Survivor 50” gives him another chance to prove that his strategy can win the game.

18 Tiffany Ervin – Season 46

  Ervin first played on “Survivor 46” on the chaotic Yanu tribe, where her strong social relationships helped keep her safe despite the constant turmoil. At the merge, however, her relationship with Q fell apart and the two became open rivals for the rest of the game. Ervin’s run ended when she was blindsided with  an idol in her pocket. Unlike many players on this cast, Ervin doesn’t have a major “Survivor” legacy yet, which makes her return surprising. For Ervin, this season is a chance to prove she has more potential than people saw the first time and turn an unexpected second chance into a defining “Survivor” story.

19 Genevieve Mushaluk – Season 47

  Mushaluk from “Survivor 47” became a major strategic player partway through the season.  She was confident and willing to make big moves, including voting out one of her own allies, which damaged her position in the game. Even when she ended up in the minority, she continued to fight and helped organize a major move known as “Operation Italy.” Her biggest weakness was timing, often making moves too early. Mushaluk returns for “Survivor 50” with the goal of showing that she can control her timing better and turn her strong strategy into a winning game.

20 Kyle Fraser – Season 48 winner

Fraser, the winner of “Survivor 48,” won by focusing on social relationships and careful decision making. His secret alliance with Kamilla Karthigesu helped him maintain control while avoiding becoming the biggest target. He built strong connections with many players and avoided making unnecessary moves that would draw attention to him. This strategy helped him reach the end and win the game. In “Survivor 50,” Fraser returns as a winner with a strong reputation. The question is whether he will play the same careful game or take bigger risks this time.

21 Kamilla Karthigesu – Season 48

  Karthigesu from “Survivor 48” is best known for her secret alliance with Fraser. The two managed to hide their partnership from most of the tribe while protecting each other throughout the game. This strategy helped them reach the endgame even when they appeared to be on different sides. Karthigesu also won a few challenges and played a strong strategic game before losing in the final four fire making challenge. On “Survivor 50,” she returns without the security of that hidden partnership and must prove that she can succeed on her own.

22 Joe Hunter – Season 48

Hunter from “Survivor 48″ played a loyal and relationship focused game. He built strong bonds early and stayed loyal to them throughout the season, which helped him control much of the post merge. However, the jury did not respect this style of gameplay and felt he relied too much on loyalty instead of strategy, giving him only one vote at the end. Hunter returns to “Survivor 50” with the chance to adjust his approach. Many suspect that his honor mindset will help ally him with Coach and Donaldson. If Hunter changes his strategy and plays more aggressively, he could fix the mistakes that cost him the win.

23 Rizo Velovic – Survivor 49 finalist 

  Rizo “Rizgod” Velovic from “Survivor 49” played a very aggressive strategic game. After being blindsided at the merge, he worked with Savannah Louie and Sophi Balerdi to flip the numbers and take control of the game despite starting in a minority alliance. He constantly applied pressure by threatening idol plays and making bold moves. This strategy helped him reach the final four where he lost the fire making challenge. Velovic returns for “Survivor 50” wanting to prove that his high risk strategy can lead to a win.

24 Savannah Louie – Winner of ‘Survivor’ Season 49

  Louie, the winner of “Survivor 49,” combined strong strategy with strong challenge performances. She tied the record for most immunity wins by a woman and used those wins to survive key moments in the game. While she sometimes struggled to build relationships with players outside her main group, the jury respected her strategic control and challenge success. Louie enters “Survivor 50” almost immediately after her win and as a known winner. Her return is about whether she can manage the large target on her back and possibly become one of the few players to win twice.

  As the series hits this historic milestone, “Survivor 50” stands as a collision of eras, pitting the survivalist form of gameplay from the early 2000s against the strategists of the modern day. This season will no doubt redefine what a “Sole Survivor” is.