Advertisement

‘Survivor’ Season 41 finale: Toronto woman 1st Canadian to ever win

Erika Casupanan. Photo: Robert Voets/CBS Entertainment 2021 C

For the first time ever, a Canadian has won Survivor.

On Wednesday’s three-hour Season 41 finale, Torontonian Erika Casupanan took top prize, becoming the first Canadian winner in the reality series’ long-running history.

Casupanan won the US$1-million prize, beating out four other finalists to be crowned the season’s Survivor.

Originally from Niagara Falls, Ont., the 32-year-old communications manager tearfully pointed out in the finale that she was also one of the few women to win the show in recent years.

Over the previous 15 seasons of Survivor, 12 of the winners have been men.

Story continues below advertisement

Casupanan celebrated her win, which was announced to the cast and crew of the show back in May, following along with the broadcast on Twitter.

Breaking news from Canada and around the world sent to your email, as it happens.

Previous seasons have seen the winner announced in a live finale, months after the rest of the season was shot, but the show has had to adjust amid the pandemic.

After the episode aired, the show shared a special video message to Casupanan from her fellow castaways.

Story continues below advertisement

“You’re an icon in my eyes,” said one cast member, while another added, “You played an incredible game.”

Sponsored content

AdChoices