By Abby Moran
Photo credit: Robert Voets / Survivor
What would you do to have a 1- in-18 chance to win a million dollars?
For 31-year-old construction worker Kyle Ostwald, a native of Cheboygan, Michigan, the answer was competing on season 47 of CBS’s renowned reality show, "Survivor", which aired in Fall 2024. As one of only two contestants in the show’s history from Northern Michigan, Kyle brought his unique blend of honesty, determination and grit to the competition.
"Survivor" splits 18 contestants into three tribes for 28 grueling days without food on the beaches of Fiji. Tribes compete in physical and mental challenges to avoid elimination. Halfway through the game, the remaining players merge into one tribe and compete individually for the title of Sole Survivor and the coveted one-million-dollar prize.
Kyle quickly became a fan favorite for his down-to-earth attitude and honesty in a game often dominated by deception. His authenticity resonated with viewers, but his impressive performance in challenges solidified his reputation. Kyle won four immunity challenges, a feat that few contestants achieve.
“It’s an emotionally tough game; it breaks you down mentally and physically,” Kyle states. “But I had a guaranteed shot to show the world where we come from [Northern Michigan], and I took that as my main goal and hoped it would play to my favor.”
However, for Kyle, the challenges faced in "Survivor" paled in comparison to those he faced in real life. Growing up in the foster care system, Kyle was in and out of 26 different homes before his high school graduation. Kyle reflected on his tumultuous upbringing: "Life straight up dealt me a recipe for disaster, and I baked a brownie with it.”
Kyle’s motivation for competing on "Survivor" was deeply personal: He wanted to secure a stable financial future for his two children. His family provided the drive he needed to excel in the game, both in terms of challenges and in navigating the social dynamics of the tribe.
The road to "Survivor" began with an exciting and thorough interview process, during which Kyle was impressed with the genuine and kind casting team. He explained that the anticipation of the casting process was intense, but the team's camaraderie made him feel comfortable.
“I kept my eyes focused on where I wanted to go,” Kyle explains. “I was open and honest along the way, no matter what questions they asked.”
Once cast, he focused on preparing his body and mind for the grueling competition. His gym routine emphasized muscle memory and stretching to help him stay focused during long challenges.
“I wanted the [physical] pain not to exist so it wouldn’t be distracting,” Kyle explained.
This preparation paid off in his immunity wins, which were vital to his survival in the game. In "Survivor", strong competitors are often targeted early to prevent them from dominating gameplay. However, Kyle’s unique combination of challenge wins and genuine authenticity shielded him from elimination, helping him advance further in the game.
Ultimately, Kyle was the 11th castaway voted out of "Survivor 47", claiming the fourth jury spot and an 8th-place finish in the game. Show host Jeff Probst snuffed his torch in an emotional farewell, with Kyle hugging each remaining competitor and thanking them for their friendship.
Kyle credits his success to the unwavering support of his family and the encouragement of his small hometown community in Northern Michigan. Local and familial support inspired his gameplay and fueled his determination to overcome any obstacle on and off the Fijian island.
“Anything you do in life, you should always give 100%,” Kyle states. “I give a buck 20.”
Kyle explains his drive to give 120% stems from his desire to provide his family with a secure life and to represent the often-forgotten small-town people who live in Northern Michigan.
To learn more about Kyle, follow him on Instagram @kyle.rhen or watch CBS’s "Survivor Season 47."