Sam Chovanec

Legends

### Tribe(s)

Lannister Tribe, Stark Tribe, Merge Tribe (Winter War)Tribe Potowatomi (Last Chance)

Tribe Garcia (Legends)

### Finish

1st Runner-Up (Winter War)8/17 (Last Chance)

17/19 (Legends)

### Alliances

The Lannister 5, Steph Krug, Adam Frelka (Winter War)TBD (Last Chance)

TBD (Legends)

### Votes Against

2 (Winter War)20 (Last Chance)

7 (Legends)

**Sam "Idol Sam" Chovanec** was the first runner-up of Survivor: Winter War and a contestant on Survivor: Last Chance and Survivor: Legends.

Strategic and observant, Sam was one of the most powerful forces in *Survivor: Winter War*. Alongside being in the well-known duo with Adam, Sam was able to construct his game in such a manner where he appeared to be less of a threat than he actually was, giving him much more leverage to strategize against enemies and allies alike. Sam ultimately took the runner-up spot after the game's second tie at the Final Tribal Council. Sam returned to S*urvivor: Last Chance*, where he ultimately got the nickname of "Idol Sam" before his eventual demise. Sam returned once more to S*urvivor: Legends*, with his flame put out early due to his threat status finally catching up to him.

## Survivor: Winter War

Sam would start the game off on the Lannister Tribe, where he would agree quickly with the others on his tribe that they would target returning player Jack if they lost any immunity challenges. At the first immunity challenge, Sam and Griffin would be selected by Jack to compete, and Sam's win against Alex of the Targaryen Tribe would be just enough to keep them safe. With his and Griffin's efforts, their tribe would win first place and beat both of the tribes, keeping them safe from the first tribal council.

After Jack won the Lannister Tribe their second immunity challenge in a row, Sam and his tribe grew concerned at what a potential future tribe swap could hold for their tribe. Once the topic of hidden immunity idols came into the conversation, Sam immediately suggested that everyone on their tribe empty their pockets to prove they did not have the hidden immunity idol. Sam then agreed and furthered a discussion on a Final 5 alliance of the people on their tribe, expressing how he wanted their dominance to continue. Once the Lannister Tribe won immunity in the next immunity challenge, Sam and his tribe were initially elated. However, their cheers soon turned into concern as Sam and the others started to further question the increasing possibility of a tribe swap.

Sam's concerns would be validated, as he and Adam would find themselves swapped over to the Stark Tribe, and they seemed to be at even greater odds when they lost the next immunity challenge. However, Sam's talks with Tom and Jadon proved to be beneficial, as Tom's desire to make a move against Jadon only increased after talking with Sam and Adam. After talking more with Jadon, Sam became more weary with Jadon, sensing that Jadon was lying to him. With the help of Adam, Dacota, and Tom, Sam would help blindside Jadon, but Sam would not escape tribal council unscathed, as he would receive a vote from Steph.

Back at camp, Sam would stir up conversations about the single vote cast against him, and the others would defend themselves against claims made against the other. He was in a perfect spot, as no one wanted to admit they targeted him or target him further at that time. Even if they wanted to though, it would not have mattered, as the new Stark Tribe won the final immunity challenge before the merge, guaranteeing Sam to see the merge.

Sam would find himself in a great position at the start of the merge, being in the dominant Lannister 5, now with the addition of Tom, and he was not even considered as a target by the opposing alliance of 5. After many talks with his allies, Sam would use Griffin's intel, from his talks with Dacota, to help take Collin out at Tribal Council for attempting to play both alliances, with Sam realizing that Collin was not really on their side like he wanted them to think he was. However, this situation would start to make Sam question Griffin's trust, as his supposed ally was talking to many people that Sam was not aligned with.

After losing individual immunity to his ally Dylan, Sam and Adam had a lot to consider for the future of their game, more specifically with who out of their alliance they could still trust. Not trusting Griffin, Sam talked to Adam about finding a way to temporarily work with the opposing alliance to get rid of Griffin. Adam then recommended that he vote for Griffin and that Sam vote for Tom to throw off their true alliance from recognizing that they were the ones who took Griffin out. They then both discussed with the other alliance about this idea, and they both got great reactions from the girls and Jadon. At tribal council, Sam casted his vote against Tom in hopes that it would throw the other members of the *Lannister 5* off of his trail. Luckily for him, his and Adam's plan worked, and they got Griffin voted out at the next Tribal Council. After hearing that they would be voting out another contestant right away, Sam found out that their plan worked out even better than they thought, as the other three remaining members of their alliance were unsure of who voted against Tom and Griffin at first. However, not wanting to cause too much distrust in their alliance, Sam went along with his alliance's plan to vote off Jadon, sending him out of the game once again in a close 5-4 vote.

Although Sam lost the next individual immunity challenge, he was still be safe within the game, as he was be in the majority vote no matter who would go home. Sam and Adam discussed their options amongst their alliance as well as themselves, ending up with the plan to split the votes between Ness and Dacota, hoping that nothing would go wrong. At Tribal Council, Ness used a hidden immunity idol on herself, sending his ally, Tom, and Dacota into a tiebreaker. However, Sam would have nothing to worry about, as he and the others, minus Ness, unanimously voted out Dacota on the revote, keeping him safe for the time being. Despite another loss at the next individual immunity challenge, Sam had many opportunities within his alliances in the game. Sam interceded multiple talks between Jack and Dylan and attempted to convince them to vote for Ness over Steph, whom he wanted to keep in the game. Later, Sam, Adam, and Steph confirmed an alliance with each other, and Sam was shocked to learn that Steph had two hidden immunity idols in her possession. Sam continued his talks with Adam and speculate with him as to what route would help him the most in the game. At Tribal Council, Sam voted against Steph, but it was in vain as she used a hidden immunity idol for herself, cancelling Sam's vote against her. However, Sam's prior talks with Steph still kept him safe, as she casted her vote towards Ness as the both of them had discussed beforehand.

Sam did not win the next individual immunity challenge, but he would start to admit to himself what he did not want to at this point, that being that Adam was the biggest threat in the game by that point. Sam would talk to Dylan, Jack, and Tom about a plan to get Adam to waste his hidden immunity idol at the next tribal council while taking out Steph. Sam would then be approached by Adam to get rid of Jack and obtained information about Steph using her hidden immunity idol for herself. With all of the information in the game at his disposal, Sam was in the ultimate power position. At tribal council, Sam would cast his vote against Jack, and Sam would be able to convince Adam to use his hidden immunity idol on him, even though none of the votes would be cast against Sam. Sam would get the best of both worlds by the end of tribal council.

Sam would then receive much luck, winning the next individual immunity challenge and guaranteeing himself to get to the final four. However, this would put him in a swing vote position, with him directing which of the two ways that the next tribal council would go. He could either take out Adam alongside Dylan and Tom, and eliminate the biggest threat in the game; or he could side with Adam and Steph and take out Tom, someone who they all perceived would do well if he made it to the Final Tribal Council. Sam would be involved in talks from both groups as well, primarily ones with Adam and Steph, both of whom wanted Sam to stick with them until the end. Sam was very hesitant to do so, seeing how taking both of them to the end would guarantee him a loss at the end. Although Sam would still be pondering on what to do, he was very vocal to Adam regarding how he knew Adam was the biggest threat by that point in the game and with how taking him to the end would be a bad move on his behalf. At tribal council, Sam would shake up the game by voting Adam out, eliminating his best ally and evening the playing field going into the final four.

After losing the Final Individual Immunity Challenge, Sam knew that his most recent move put him in the middle of the chopping block. In order to convince them to keep him around, Sam campaigned against Steph's social connections throughout the game, stating that the jury would be more inclined to vote for her due to her social and strategic game. At tribal council, Sam would be spared, as his vote against Steph would help take her out in a 3-1 vote. This would guarantee Sam to get to the end, as well as to have the opportunity to campaign to the jury about why he would deserve to win the game.

At the Final Tribal Council, Sam would mention how he believed he should win due to how his game emulated that of Jeremy Collins, the winner of CBS's *Survivor: Second Chance*. He would go on to state that his immunity challenge was the most important of the season, as it gave him more leeway to make one of the biggest moves of the game. He would then go on to state that he did not play to get second place, and that he worked hard to convince the others to vote Steph out instead of him. When approached by the jury, many would applaud Sam's social game and the strategic moves he made through it, notably how he helped to get rid of Adam. However, others were quick to criticize him for playing a game that was very under-the-radar to a point where they did not exactly know most of his game unless they played directly beside him. Sam's game would be enough to garner him three votes from the jury, but this was out of a jury of eight, leading to a 3-3-2 tied vote at the Final Tribal Council, with Tom casting the final vote of the game. Unfortunately for Sam, Tom would cast his vote for Dylan, as his social game appealed more to him, causing Sam to become the runner-up of the season, placing 2nd out of 15th.

At the *Survivor: Winter War Reunion Episode*, Sam and Richie were very quick to get into an explanation of Sam's game along with a conversation the two of them had after the airing of the finale. Sam would also answer many questions others had about his game, as well as questions about specific moves that he was affiliated with.

## Survivor: Last Chance

After a strong run in S*urvivor: Winter War*, Sam returned to the game for his second chance and began with an immediate challenge win with his tribemates Alex, Ashley, Collin, Conner, Lita, Michael, and Sam R., the new Tribe Potowatomi. At camp, Sam C. was seen as a potential ally by Collin, who, in a private confessional, mentioned how he wanted to talk to Sam due to the connections they have from their last season together. In private, Sam mentioned his desire to align with Collin and Jake, his cousin, who was on the other tribe, and to win out until the merge and play with the cards he was dealt with. Furthermore, Sam predicted Alex will not impact his game due to his last season, alongside predicting the overall season will play out much like his last, and he talked about being happy about Jack D. not being on his tribe because of how he was eliminated by Sam in *Survivor: Winter War*. With a lot of focus on his last game, will Sam's focus on this game be altered, or will he be able to adapt his game and overcome the obstacles against him once more?

At the next immunity challenge, Sam got involved as much as he could with his portion of the challenge, helping his tribe to a well-earned immunity win. At camp, Sam celebrated their victory with his tribemates, happy as can be. However, what none of them were aware of was that Michael was not as happy as he seemed, as while they were celebrating, Michael was concerned with Sam C., seeing him as a potential threat, showcasing his reputation may be preceding him. However, a tribe swap shook up the game for Sam, as he was kept on Tribe Potowatomi alongside Collin, Conner, Michael, and Sam R., with Sam C. chanting about how the "winning culture" would stay with them. With Sam's help as the caller, he guaranteed himself and his tribemates immunity once again, keeping the winning culture with them. Back at camp, Sam led a conversation with his tribe about the potential of a comeback challenge and later contributed to a public conversation about Collin's elimination in *Survivor: Winter War*, with Sam essentially being a main focus during the conversation as they continued to reminisce about his first season. In private, Sam talked about his alliance with Collin, mentioning he's his "Adam" this time around and hoped Collin would understand if he cut him loose towards the end, with Sam wanting to be seen as an individual player trying to win as he predicted Collin will eventually gun for him as well, despite still being unsure if he wants them both to be a strong duo or if he wants to just stand behind Collin for the time being. Sam went on to privately mention that he was surprised they worked well under his lead at the past challenge and was happy with their current tribe even though he wanted a new tribe member to talk to.

At the next immunity challenge, Sam's hard work helped his tribe to win yet again, keeping him safe for another round. Back at camp, Sam and his tribemates got an announcement about items being hidden within their camp, which led to a long search. Sam C. eventually turned towards a camera and whispered that he had found something. At the next immunity challenge, Sam chose to sit out after their tribe had a heavy debate between him or Sam R. sitting out. The decision eventually came down to him sitting out, and his tribe went on to win immunity once again, with the "winning culture" getting another win under their belts. Back at camp, Sam privately revealed he had found a hidden immunity idol, and he talked about the targets on their tribe being focused on Conner and Michael as he once again spoke of his blossoming alliance with Collin, with Collin having also privately mentioned the duo's alliance to be in a good place at that time. The duo later spoke to their tribe about their past seasons, with them making jokes about their past opponents as Sam made a joke about Richie's unfortunately quick elimination in his original season.

The next round revealed that Sam will be in it for the long haul, as the merge was announced, but lost the first individual immunity challenge to Lita. At camp, Sam convened with Collin, Jack D., Jake, Lita, and Tom about ideas to get rid of Michael. When Lita warned them of Michael's hidden immunity idol, they agreed to split the votes, with Sam and Sam R., now dubbed Dolphin Sam, suggested throwing votes onto Conner for their split plan to work. Despite the set plan, Sam was still eager to talk to people, as he pretended to agree to Michael's plan to vote Dolphin Sam, whom he then threw under the bus when talking to Conner. In private, Sam talked about everyone's names being tossed around, and Michael's idol complicated things as he said no one was aware of his idol, which he did not plan on playing until he knew he had to. Sam continued to privately mention that he and his closest ally, Jake, his cousin, were trying to stay separated to avoid a family-themed target from forming, but believed he was still strong with Collin but worried that his knowledge on his Adam backstab will make himself a big threat soon. When talking to Ashley, Sam openly told her of their desires to vote Michael, right in front of Collin, Jake, JP, Lita, and Tom. After she left, their group, plus Jack D. and Dolphin Sam, planned on the original Tribe Potowatomi members voting Conner, and the original Tribe Targaryen members voting Michael. Although Sam's reveal to Ashley seemed innocent, it was a big red flag to an annoyed Lita, as Ashley was one of Michael's closest allies. At Tribal Council, Sam voted against Conner, who got locked in a 4-4-3-1 tied vote with Michael. On the revote, Sam helped send a bitter Michael to the jury, giving Sam a lot to think about in the game.

One thing Sam was able to think about was his safety after he won individual immunity, but only after some snarky comments showcasing his confidence in his abilities. At camp, Sam strategized with the Core 8 to target Ashley to dismantle Michael's alliance. Plans changed when he talked to Ashley, Collin, Conner, Jake, and Maggie though, with Jake wanting to vote Jack D.. Once Jack D. and Dolphin Sam came by, Jake fled the scene, leaving Sam to think of a cover story about targeting JP and Lita, fearing the "power couple" taking control. When Lita soon joined, Sam lied to Lita about not picking a target as more left the scene. However, Lita and her allies were targeting Jake, thinking their connection will make them a power duo, and things got worse as Ashley and Maggie leaked everything to Lita, losing her trust. Sam privately wanted Jack D. out but worried about potential confusion from the changing plans and did not want to take charge to avoid taking any heat. The changings continued, with many talks leading him to target Maggie, Dolphin Sam, and then Lita as he searched for a new hidden immunity idol. At Tribal Council, Sam voted Lita and privately revealed he found a second idol. However, Sam was shocked as Jake became the second juror in a 9-2 vote, leaving him all alone. After losing the next challenge to Jack D., Sam was an instant target for many who wanted to finish off the work they just started, with their plans being to lie to him about who the vote was going towards. However, this did not stop him from targeting Lita, as he wanted to target the more powerful one in the power couple. In private, Sam stated that he was not upset at Jake's "fantastic" voteoff, seeing it to be inevitable even if he did play an idol for him while stating his plans to get Collin back on his side and to potentially keep himself safe. At Tribal Council, Sam played one of his idols for himself, negating the votes that almost sent him home. Who went home? Not Lita, thanks to her idol play, but Dolphin Sam, whose voteoff shocked almost everyone.

***More Coming Soon...***

**Sam's Voting History**
Michael
 **7** | Lita
 **9** | ~~Jack~~
Lita
~~Maggie, Conner, Lita~~
 **10** | Jack D.
 **Voted To**
**Win**

## Survivor: Legends

***More Coming Soon...***

S**am's Voting History**
Cody, Corey, Dolphin Sam

## Trivia

* Sam is the first person to openly start a "pocket search" in an attempt to reveal a hidden immunity idol in the game, doing so in *Survivor: Winter War*.
* Every time Sam received a vote at a tribal council in *Survivor: Winter War*, one of the votes was from Steph Krug.
* Sam is the first male contestant to lose a tiebreaker vote at the Final Tribal Council, doing so in *Survivor: Winter War*.
	+ Sam is the second contestant overall to lose to a tiebreaker vote at the Final Tribal Council.