Meet the cast of Survivor: David vs. Goliath

Meet the 20 players competing for the million dollars when Survivor: David vs. Goliath kicks off with a 90-minute premiere Sept. 26 on CBS. Here, we present full tribe and individual photos as well as bio information on each contestant.

Age: 25

Hometown: Irvine, California

Current Residence: Irvine, California

Occupation: Industrial Engineer

Personal Claim to Fame: I am driven and persistent when I take on a task and those qualities are what helped me pursue my degree in engineering. It was not an easy path to take and even though I dealt with personal challenges, I continued to stay focused on my goal. 

Hobbies:  Fitness, reading, and game nights with friends and family.

Pet Peeves: No. 1 for me is if people do not clean their teeth properly. It is the first thing I look at when I talk to people and sometimes it looks like a person hasn’t brushed their teeth in days. What is that life? I also do not like when people stand too close to me in lines and people who tap their feet loudly. If I can feel the table moving because of your foot then there is a problem.

If You Could Have 3 Things on the Island What Would They Be and Why? A blanket to keep me warm at night. Binoculars so I could creep on people strategizing out in the ocean. Maybe I’ll find out I have a secret talent of reading lips. A toothbrush because whenever I see contestants cleaning their teeth with twigs I cringe. I could care less if I smell nasty. Now, if my teeth aren’t clean, I know I will be disgusted.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: Kelley Wentworth because even though she kept finding herself at the bottom, she took all the necessary steps to get further in the game. I am not your stereotypical engineer and that drives me to prove people wrong and succeed in life.

Age: 27

Hometown: Lake Butler, Florida

Current Residence: Gainesville, Florida

Occupation:  S.W.A.T. Officer

Personal Claim to Fame: I am extremely proud of making our SWAT team. I had to work extremely hard to lose a ton of weight to be physically able to even try out, much less do well enough to make the team. I was one of the youngest and least experienced people to ever make our SWAT team.

Hobbies: Working out in the gym, running at the stadium, or running the SWAT obstacle course, playing video games and having date nights with my daughters.

Pet Peeves: I can’t stand people that are LAZY. Go out and get what you want! Don’t complain about it and do nothing and expect it to happen. I also HATE when people cut me off while I’m talking. Please let me finish what I have to say, it may be important.

If You Could Have 3 Things on the Island What Would They Be and Why? A picture of my kids because I will miss them terribly. A Kindle with lots of books for entertainment. A hammock so I can have somewhere comfortable to sleep.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like:  I feel like I can relate to Malcolm from season 25 the most. I feel like I’m young and athletic like he is and that I could do well in the challenges, making me an asset to my team in the beginning. I also feel like I can play the game strategically like he did, helping me run deep in the game. I work in a profession that requires me to be able to talk to any type of person through all walks of life and be able to relate and convince them to do things that I may need them to do. Malcolm was such a likeable person that he was voted off because three other contestants knew they wouldn’t beat him in the final vote. I feel like I’m a very likeable person. I am able to make friends and relate to people anywhere I go.

Age: 19

Hometown: Lakeland, Florida

Current Residence: Lakeland, Florida

Occupation: Waitress

Personal Claim to Fame: I was elected as a Senior Class Officer in my school.

Hobbies: Photography, interacting with children, and event planning.

Pet Peeves: Saying “bless you” when someone sneezes.

If You Could Have 3 Things on the Island What Would They Be and Why? My toothbrush: I love having clean teeth. My pillow: for comfort. A paper and pen: to write

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: My goal as I go in is to play most like Sarah did in Game Changers. She had a phenomenal social game and I feel as if I can do the same thing because of the relationships I normally build with people. While doing that I can still balance camp life, and hopefully make it as far as she did.

Age: 40

Hometown: Clover, South Carolina

Current Residence: New York

Occupation: Attorney

Personal Claim to Fame: Passed the bar in New York, New Jersey, and Georgia on the first try.

Hobbies: Traveling, dancing, and genealogy.

Pet Peeves: Lateness, illogicalness, and entitlement.

If You Could Have 3 Things on the Island What Would They Be and Why? Photo albums: life means very little without your memories and the people you love to share them with. Liquor. A friend: because it’s a remote location.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like:  Jeremy Collins. My personality will not allow me to fly under the radar, but I think my honesty and humor can take me for as long as I make a strong partnership.

Age: 30

Hometown: San Diego

Current Residence: San Diego

Occupation: Realtor

Personal Claim to Fame: Making Charger Girls. I was Rookie of the Year, MVP in 2014 and a captain for two years.

Hobbies: Friends (not the show, real people), running, biking, yoga, dancing, and snowboarding.

Pet Peeves: Drivers who use their brakes unnecessarily, oblivious people, and when anyone tells someone else how to live their life.

If You Could Have 3 Things on the Island What Would They Be and Why? The book The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer — it talks a lot about clearing your mind and that could be crucial. A mirror — sounds vain, but could help make a fire, plus it would be interesting to see who insists on looking in it. A deck of cards — can be used for entertainment as well as another form of character judgement.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like:  Parvati Shallow because she’s brilliant, she’s flirtatious and she won! Her alliances were well thought out and she made power plays at the right time. I would have a positive attitude and make connections like Figgy except I’d avoid getting into a showmance at all cost.

Age: 24

Hometown: San Clemente, California

Current Residence: San Clemente, California

Occupation: Bartender

Personal Claim to Fame: Getting through college and always pushing the boundaries in life by doing things that make me uncomfortable, such as traveling solo, playing guitar, and singing for people. 

Hobbies: Surfing, playing guitar, and making travel videos.

Pet Peeves: Terrible drivers, traffic, and people that exaggerate during a story.

If You Could Have 3 Things on the Island What Would They Be and Why? A picture of my loved ones to keep me motivated. A picture of my bank account statement because it’s zero. A guitar to sing “Kumbaya” by the fire

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: I relate most to Jay, Joe, and Malcolm. All of those players are charming and likeable individuals. They were also all a dominating force during the challenges and physically fit which made them a useful asset around camp.

Age: 25

Hometown: St. Augustine, Florida

Current Residence: Denver

Occupation:  Technical Writer

Personal Claim to Fame: Going from a couch potato to an adventure-seeker who sometimes gets off the couch to hike mountains, including 14ers (mountains over 14,000 feet)!

Hobbies: Hiking, binge-watching cooking shows but never cooking, reading too many online reviews before I commit to anything.

Pet Peeves: Loud chewers, people who are wrong about facts but think they are right, people who lack self-awareness.

If You Could Have 3 Things on the Island What Would They Be and Why? A phone to call my family and friends for love and advice. A journal so I could record my thoughts and plot out strategy. A mirror because I’d be scared something would be in my teeth the entire time and no one would tell me.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like:  I relate to Aubry because she is both smart and emotionally intelligent. I am prone to tear-filled moments like Dawn. And I’m flirty like Parvati…. if she were bad at flirting and only nerdy guys liked her.

Age: 40

Hometown: Cohoes, New York

Current Residence: Watervliet, New York

Occupation: Maintenance Manager

Personal Claim to Fame: Raising my children to be productive and outgoing people.

Hobbies: Hunting, football, and boating.

Pet Peeves: Cracking my knuckles.

If You Could Have 3 Things on the Island What Would They Be and Why? A picture of my wife and kids. They are what make me tick. That’s all I need. They are my everyday motivation.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: Cochran because he is a chameleon, like me. Hatch because he’s a true-to-life person.

Age: 28

Hometown: Sparks, Nevada

Current Residence: San Clemente, California

Occupation: Financial Consultant

Personal Claim to Fame: I was elected to serve over 15,000+ students at Stanford University as Student Body President, and I was the first Latina to hold the position.

Hobbies: Traveling the world, trying new things, political activism, hosting margarita nights, dancing, workout classes, anything involving French bulldogs, and starting my non-profit Ready to Run, which encourages, empowers and equips middle school and high school aged girls to run for student government positions in their schools.

Pet Peeves: Indecisiveness, when people don’t vote, and when people don’t like dogs.

If You Could Have 3 Things on the Island What Would They Be and Why? A copy of Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise”: a poem that sums up my mindset for life and Survivor. A radio so I could listen to the news every day. Not knowing what’s going on in the world around me is going to be one of the hardest parts of the game for me. Make-up: I’m not going to front, I wear it every day.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like:  Natalie Anderson for her intellect, sense of timing and character. Parvati for her charm, social awareness and cunningness. And both women for their warrior spirits and overall badassness.

Age: 47

Hometown: San Diego

Current Residence: Los Angeles

Occupation: Filmmaker

Personal Claim to Fame: I’ve accomplished a lot in my career and was able to make a lot of movies.

Hobbies: Travel, wine enthusiast, and water sports.

Pet Peeves: I’m impatient with bigots.

If You Could Have 3 Things on the Island What Would They Be and Why? Eye mask to sleep. Good Book — something fat. Seabob [underwater scooter] for the ocean!

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like:  Johnathan Penner was a good storyteller and Rob from Amazon had a good read on people.

Age: 28

Hometown: Houston

Current Residence: Houston

Occupation: MMA Fighter

Personal Claim to Fame: If I were to choose one accomplishment I’m most proud of, it would have to be my debut victory. I was the underdog. I took on an opponent much more experienced than I was for my first fight. I beat her and retired her. I also gained my nickname and fan base after that victory. I’ve had 22 victories after that, but that one I’m most proud of.  

Hobbies: Reading, anything with water, and working out.

Pet Peeves: People who complain constantly.

If You Could Have 3 Things on the Island What Would They Be and Why? I would bring one of my favorite books, probably one about mental strength. I would also bring underwear. Lastly, I would bring a hair tie, because my hair is a pain.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: Ben from Season 35. I am physically strong, assertive, but quiet and observant, as well. 

Age: 30

Hometown: Orangeburg, South Carolina

Current Residence: Atlanta

Occupation: Social Media Manager

Personal Claim to Fame: My online presence. I’ve always prided myself on my social media presence via various platforms. I wear my pages on my sleeve so to say that anything a person wants to know about me they can find on my multiple accounts. I’ve been proclaimed “the social media guru” among my closest friends because I know every trick and trinket to the game. Examples: Posting peak hours to maximize the amount of ‘likes’ you receive, guaranteed responses from females via Direct Messages (how to slide in them DMs), not to mention providing Grade A entertainment via video stories regularly. I’ve often also been told that my Instagram/Twitter/Facebook is “my favorite” from friends and even been called by my instagram handle in public quite frequently (@iHateDavie) by strangers. Social media is also the reason I became employed with the top agency in the world for public health. I can say with confidence that it is my expertise and claim to fame undeniably.

Hobbies: Swimming, hiking, biking, fishing – basically any outdoor activity that involves my huskies, playing scrabble, cosplaying, and memes!

Pet Peeves: I don’t like people making decisions for me, especially without asking my opinion. Never expect a free ride with me if I see you being complacent. I will push you to get up and show initiative. There’s nothing that bothers me more than a lazy person who acts privileged around those who’ve had to work for things their entire life. Oh and calling me Dave or David instead of DAVIE, my momma named me that!

If You Could Have 3 Things on the Island What Would They Be and Why? My harmonica: I believe in therapy and relaxation and making my own music will do just that. When I am stressed in the game, I can create this escape mentally and physically and maybe even look for idols in the process or entertain a few people and make friends along the way. My Davy Crockett hat: My lucky hat. I have worn it to tests and passed and I have worn it on dates and gotten lucky. When I wear this hat, I channel my best self. My Bible: I believe that Christ strengthens my being and it’s important that I review his teachings, especially in times of chaos and struggle.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like:  Jeremy Collins. He was genuinely a good guy that knew when to speak and knew when to observe, that’s my Obama! Also, Tony Vlachos, in that he was an innovative thinker to the game. Finally, Adam Klein in that he’s a family man with a giddy sense of humor. They are all winners and so am I!

Age: 36

Hometown: Puerto Rico

Current Residence: Boston

Occupation: Airline Agent

Personal Claim to Fame: Going back to school and making it to grad school.

Hobbies: Kickboxing, writing, drawing

Pet Peeves: I can’t stand a dirty kitchen, people that wouldn’t stop talking about themselves, and unnecessary continuous noises.

If You Could Have 3 Things on the Island What Would They Be and Why? My sketch book with a pencil for drawing and writing. The book 100 Years of Solitude because it’s one of my favorites. My kickboxing gloves to practice.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like:  Probably Sandra. Her first two seasons with the “as long as it’s not me” and playing low key until the end was good. I would also have eaten that goat if possible on Game Changers. It’s food!

Age: 38

Hometown: Los Angeles

Current Residence: Los Angeles

Occupation: Pro Wrestler

Personal Claim to Fame: Pro wrestling fans around the world know John Hennigan as The Mayor Of Slamtown, Johnny Nitro, John Morrison, Johnny Mundo, Johnny Impact, the Shaman of Sexy, The Wednesday Night Delight… I’ve had more epic ring names than most wrestlers have had championships, and in addition to those, plenty of other nicknames that aren’t so nice. In addition to being a world famous pro wrestler, I starred in dozens of TV shows, such as GLOW on Netflix, and movies including the award-winning action comedy Boone: The Bounty Hunter, which I also wrote and produced.

Hobbies: Parkour/MMA, writing and surfing.

Pet Peeves: Unsolicited advice. Delusional people.

If You Could Have 3 Things on the Island What Would They Be and Why? Three ab wheels. In case the first two break. It’s important to not underestimate fitness on the island.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: Mike Holloway with shades of Cochran. I plan to form alliances early and play a loyal game at first. Play strategically in challenges; dominate when necessary. If it seems strategically wise I’ll dominate challenges, but I plan to have more tact than Mike when it comes to publicly putting my desire to win the game over the group’s happiness because that kills trust within the group. The way Cochran was there for people as a “therapist” is similar to how Mike stood up to for Shirin, but Cochran seemed to have a more constant relationship with his group than Mike.

Age: 56

Hometown: Los Angeles

Current Residence: Los Angeles

Occupation: Publishing CEO

Personal Claim to Fame: My family, particularly my children and who they are as human beings, followed by my business and entrepreneurial conquests which include becoming the first African American in a corporate position at the L.A. Times (LAT) to be a Dual-Director as Director of Inside Sales at LAT and Director of Advertising for the Recycler, a separate L.A. Times owned media business, and later launching the largest black-owned circulating newspaper on the West Coast, Our Weekly, and starting my ecommerce business, a natural and organic skincare line.

Hobbies: Roller skating, traveling (live concerts and plays), and creating things (natural skincare, soaps, cleansers).

Pet Peeves: People who are negative. People who talk too much listen too little and “can’t bust a grape.” People who tend to say no before they consider “the yes.” People who are quitters as they are too lazy, ignorant or a combination thereof to do better. People who lack motivation but want others to make things happen for them. Sagging pants on young men. When my employees make silly errors that cost me revenue and lastly, when people sign up for things and are not fully committed, thereby negatively impacting results.

If You Could Have 3 Things on the Island What Would They Be and Why? Sunglasses: will give me the ability to see things, while hiding my eyes. Body Pillow: can serve as a mini mattress, warmth and comfort. Swiss knife: it does it all…right?

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: It’s very hard to pick only one, but I would say Kim Spradin. I operate a lot like Kim as we are logical, strategic and calculating but, I’d like to think I would bring more excitement to the game than she did that season as it was a bit predictable.

Age: 32

Hometown: Baltimore

Current Residence: Tallahassee, Florida

Occupation: Robotics Scientist

Personal Claim to Fame: Getting my robotics research made fun of on the Late Show With Stephen Colbert. Stephen called me a “nerd” on national television. Bucket list stuff.

Hobbies: Clarinet— Primarily classical. I do gigs and perform in orchestras. Casual Coding— I once wrote a computer program to crate train my dog. Success was mixed. Sous chef to my GF— I chop, she cooks. Together, we make some good food. Probably because she handles the more important job.

Pet Peeves: Condescension, clichés, and reckless abuse of percentages.

If You Could Have 3 Things on the Island What Would They Be and Why? Binoculars: To try “birding.” I’ve never done it, despite writing part of my dissertation on birds. Sounds relaxing. A graphing calculator: A good shelter is grounded in good trigonometry. Also, it should be grounded in dirt. A thesaurus: To give pity names to my strategic game moves.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like:  Stephen Fishbach. He talked about the game as a chaotic whirlpool of alliances, and his nerdy game analysis warms my heart. I don’t do poetry, but I wouldn’t object to being called a wizard.

Age: 31

Hometown: Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas

Current Residence: Longview, Texas

Occupation: Kitchen Staff

Personal Claim to Fame: Being a mom. I pushed two girls out with no pain meds. I was a beast! Also, winning three state championships in Kentucky 4-H with my poor horses. Developing and managing the most successful program at Redcloud- “JAW” which was an intense discipleship program for high schoolers, to teach work ethic, service, Bible, and riding instructing skills.

Hobbies: Gardening and growing my own food, horseback riding (haven’t had horses for a few years though), and cooking down to earth but fantastic food.

Pet Peeves: Oh, I hate lazy people. And people that don’t have a lick of common sense — I would call them stupid. Momma always said to use your noodle. God gave it to you for a reason. Boring and dull pisses me off too. Oh and whiners — I CAN’T stand whining!

 If You Could Have 3 Things on the Island What Would They Be and Why? My hat. I feel naked without my hat. Like, I would wear my genuine wool lined raccoon hat to church when I was 11. My mom would sometimes try to get me to take it off, but it ended in a blow up fight. I wore my hat during labor and delivery for my two daughters, and also during my surgical C-section with my son – I sure had to convince the surgeon to allow my hat in that operating room. Chocolate. Every girl who has ever had a period needs chocolate. It’s also good for sad, or happy, or mad, or hungry. A notebook and a pencil. So I could keep track of my thoughts and plans better. Especially without someone to bounce ideas off of, I would not want to forget something obvious.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: Big Tom from Africa. He was a redneck, funny, knows more about farming than current culture. Also, Sandra Diaz-Twine, who was passionate, smart, played the game hard and objective.

Age: 41

Hometown: Beaumont, Texas

Current Residence: Houston

Occupation: Truck Driver

Personal Claim to Fame: Having a successful marriage for 12 years.

Hobbies: Fishing, riding horses, and shooting pool.

Pet Peeves: When people “smack” gum.

If You Could Have 3 Things on the Island What Would They Be and Why? A picture of my family. Prayer card. Pocket Bible

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: Cirie Fields, because she never gave up and she always pushed herself when she felt it was something she couldn’t do.

Age: 28

Hometown: Leawood, Kansas

Current Residence: Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Occupation: Physician

Personal Claim to Fame: Got fifth place in my grade school spelling bee.

Hobbies: Getting to the bottom of bottomless breadsticks at Olive Garden. Working out in any capacity — typically swimming, circuit training, running or hiking. Playing medical “would you rather” with friends.

Pet Peeves: A sense of entitlement, when someone eats the last bite of a meal after I have been carefully constructing the perfect final bite and slow drivers in the left hand lane.

If You Could Have 3 Things on the Island What Would They Be and Why? To quote Dwight K. Schrute, “Physician’s desk reference. Hollowed out. Inside, waterproof matches, iodine tablets, beet seeds, protein bars and a NASA blanket.” The reason seems obvious here. Face wash. I appreciate a good skincare regimen. Costco pack of Orbitz bubblemint gum for that minty fresh taste.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like:  Andrea Boehlke, a fellow Midwesterner, who is tough in challenges, hardworking around camp, strategic, and a fierce competitor.

Age: 27

Hometown: Williamsburg, Kentucky

Current Residence: London, Kentucky

Occupation: Public Defender

Personal Claim to Fame: Becoming a Redneck Lawyer! I am a first generation college student and the first in my family to get a bachelor degree. I am also proud of myself for being a public defender to help people instead of chasing money – especially, because money and the thought of being rich motivated me in school.

Hobbies: Boating on the lake, 4-wheeler riding, and tailgating football games and Keeneland horse races.

Pet Peeves: People getting offended over every little thing and know-it-alls.

If You Could Have 3 Things on the Island What Would They Be and Why? Cooler. Beer. Radio. Nothing beats being outdoors and putting a few back. As great as it is at a tailgate, on the lake, or at a bonfire, I bet it would be even more enjoyable on the beaches of Fiji.

SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: J.T. from Tocantins, Heroes vs. Villains, and Game Changers. I’ve got that Southern charm. I can be hard headed when in the heat of a competition. I’ll either win or get myself sent home with a massive swing for the fences. No regrets!