Challenges: MPF percentile
54%
Seasons: 1 | Days played: 26 | Wins: 0 | Final Three: 1
- Survivor 49 (2025) - Second place, 5-2-1.
- Received two jury votes, to finish in second place in Episode 13, "A Fever Dream" (Day 26).
| Challenge stats | Tribal council stats | Jury stats | Overall stats | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | ChW | ChA | ChW% | VFB | VAP | TCA | TC% | wTCR | JVF | TotJ | JV% | SurvSc | SurvAv |
| Survivor 49 | 1.95 | 11.38 | 0.17 | 9 | 4 | 11 | 0.81 | 2.86 | 2 | 8 | 0.25 | 1.23 | 6.31 |
| Career | 1.95 | 11.38 | 0.17 | 9 | 4 | 11 | 0.81 | 2.86 | 2 | 8 | 0.25 | 1.23 | 6.31 |
Sophi Balerdi - Performance ranks
Tribal: VFB% percentile
83%
Tribal: rVAP percentile
92%
Performance ranks are a quick visual measure of the contestant's season vs. historical data from all prior contestants, in three basic (scorable) categories:
1. Performance in individual challenges (MPF), as a measure of "physical game";
2. Ability to vote people out consistently (VFB%, or VFB/TCA), or "strategic game"; and
3. Ability to avoid being voted against (rVAP, or TCA-VAP) - which scales better than a percentage would - for "social/strategic game."
See also: Full glossary for all these abbreviations.
Sophi Balerdi - Challenge record
Survivor 49 challenges 
Tribal/team challenge record (4-for-11; 1 sit-out):
- Survivor 49, Ep. 1 RC: "Cube-Bert Sea" - Works the puzzle with Nicole, but Kele loses.
- Survivor 49, Ep. 1 RC/IC: "Baby Snakes" - Helps haul one snake, but Kele loses (3rd/3).
- Survivor 49, Ep. 2 RC/IC: "Mona Lisas and Mad Ladders" - Crosses the obstacles, works the puzzle with Alex, but Kele loses again (3rd/3).
- Survivor 49, Ep. 3 RC/IC: "Sea of Love" - Crosses obstacle; Kele loses again (3rd/3).
- Survivor 49, Ep. 4 RC/IC: "Stackie Robinson" - Helps carry and stack blocks, but new Hina loses.
- Survivor 49, Ep. 5 RC/IC: "Turn the Cage" - Helps haul the cage, but Hina loses.
- Survivor 49, Ep. 6 RC: "Panic! At the Disc Throw" - Helps push the cart; new Hina wins! (1st/3).
- Survivor 49, Ep. 6 IC: "Let It Slide" - Ties sticks and retrieves the key; Hina wins (1st/3).
- Survivor 49, Ep. 7 RC: "Rolling Stones" - Helps push the ball for the winning team.
- Survivor 49, Ep. 9 IC: "Disconnected" - Sits out, undrafted in schoolyard pick.
- Survivor 49, Ep. 10 RC: "Swing Dings" - Lands the second buoy for the blue winning team.
Individual challenge record (1-for-9): (Mean % finish: 58.9%)
- Survivor 49, Ep. 7 IC: "Hard to Handle" - Fourth out, on the second stage (3rd/6).
- Survivor 49, Ep. 8 RC/IC: "Chimney Sweeps" - Seventh out overall, fourth on yellow team (4th/10).
- Survivor 49, Ep. 9 IC: "Disconnected" - Third woman to drop her disc (3rd/5).
- Survivor 49, Ep. 10 IC: "Teetering on the Edge" - One of several working on the puzzle when Sophie wins (tie-3rd/8).
- Survivor 49, Ep. 11 RC/IC: "Revolver" - Not among the leaders as Steven wins (tie-2nd/7).
- Survivor 49, Ep. 12 RC: "Fun Uncle" - Reaches the sandbag toss, but does not win (tie-2nd/6).
- Survivor 49, Ep. 12 IC: "Gimme One Step" - Second person eliminated, under 3 minutes in (5th/6).
- Survivor 49, Ep. 13 F5 IC: "Counting Crows Nest" - Working on the puzzle as Savannah wins (tie-2nd/5).
- Survivor 49, Ep. 13 F4 IC: "Debby Spoon" - Last to the table maze, but the only one to place any balls; Sophi wins! (1st/4).
Hero challenge/ duel record (0-for-0):
- Survivor 49: None.
Career totals - challenges
| Wins: | 4 |
| Played: | 11 |
| Win %: | 0.36 |
| Sat out: | 1 |
| Wins: | 1 |
| Played: | 9 |
| Win %: | 0.11 |
| Mean % Finish: | 58.9% |
| Wins: | 0 |
| Played: | 0 |
| Win %: | - |
| Mean % Finish: | - |
Sophi Balerdi - Tribal Council record
Survivor 49 Tribal 
Idols held/played (0/0) | Advantages held/played (2/2):
- Survivor 49, Ep. 2: Finds the idol while she's looking with Alex and Jake, tries to hide it again for later, but Alex immediately finds it (Day 5).
- Survivor 49, Ep. 6: Finds the Knowledge is Power advantage at Hina during a group search; tells nobody (Day 12).
- Survivor 49, Ep. 12: Finally plays her KiP as it expires, but plays it on Steven, whose advantage has already been played (Day 23).
- Survivor 49, Ep. 13: Finds the challenge advantage for the F5 IC and uses it, but it doesn't help much (Day 24).
VFB - Votes for the person booted (9/11):
| Tribal | Voted | Boot (totals) | VFB? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ep1 | Nicole | Nicole Mazullo (voted out, 5-1) | Yes |
| Ep2 | Annie | Annie Davis (voted out, 4-1) | Yes |
| Ep3 | Jeremiah | Jeremiah Ing (voted out, 2-[0]) | Yes |
| Ep4 | Jason | Matt Williams (voted out, 4-2-1) | - |
| Ep5 | Jason | Jason Treul (voted out, 5-1) | Yes |
| Ep7 | Steven | Nate Moore (voted out, 7-4) | - |
| Ep9 | Alex | Alex Moore (voted out, 6-2-1) | Yes |
| Ep10 | Jawan | Jawan Pitts (voted out, 5-3-1) | Yes |
| Ep11 | Sophie | Sophie Segreti (voted out, 6-1) | Yes |
| Ep12 | Steven | Steven Ramm (voted out, 4-1) | Yes |
| Ep13 | Kristina | Kristina Mills (voted out, 4-1) | Yes |
| 11 | TOTALS | 9 | |
VAP - Votes against (4):
- Survivor 49, Ep. 2: One vote, from Annie.
- Survivor 49, Ep. 9: Two votes, from Kristina and Steven.
- Survivor 49, Ep. 12: One vote, from Steven.
Jury votes received (2/8):
- Survivor 49, Ep. 13: Received two jury votes, from MC and Kristina, to finish in second place, 5-2-1.
Career totals - Tribal Council
| Advantages held/ played: | 2/2 |
| Idols found: | 0 |
| Idols played: | - |
| Votes voided: | - |
| VFB: | 9 |
| Tribals: | 11 |
| VAP: | 4 |
| Made: | 0 |
| For winners: | - |
| Received: | 2 |
| Total jurors: | 8 |
Sophi Balerdi - Pictures
Survivor 49 image gallery -
Official CBS pre-game interview shot -
On the boat, Day 1 -
Opening sequence confessional, about being ready to lie and manipulate -
Greeting Probst -
Working the puzzle, Ep1 RC -
Bonding with Nicole -
Listening to Alex's journey report -
Forming a tight three with Alex and Jake -
Pre-challenge lineup, Ep1 IC -
The losing Keles -
After this vote, Annie wants to target Alex or Jake -
Kele, Ep1 Tribal -
Listening to Nicole -
Telling Jake that Annie wants him out, Ep2 -
Kele leading, Ep2 RC/IC -
Trying to work the puzzle -
The losing Keles, again -
Helping Alex retrieve his Beware idol -
Found it ... hiding it for later -
Kele, Ep2 Tribal -
Talking to Probst -
Talking about being on the disaster tribe, Ep3 -
Worrying about Jake -
Learning Jake has officially been pulled from the game, pre-Ep3 RC/IC -
Another challenge, another loss -
So ... now what? -
Snooping on Alex and Jeremiah's chat -
Kele, Ep3 Tribal -
Two-member tribe, Ep4 -
Good riddance! Ep4 swap -
The new Hina tribe -
Finally! I'm saved! -
Bonding with Nate -
Connecting with Savannah -
Learning about Matt's pre-airport job -
Hauling blocks, Ep4 RC/IC -
On the losing team again, sigh -
Rizo has news -
Talking to Jason -
Hina, Ep4 Tribal -
Listening to Nate -
Listening to Nate's journey report, Ep5 -
Hina trailing, Ep5 IC -
Lost again -
Getting kind of tired of losing -
Hina, Ep5 Tribal -
Listening to Savannah -
The new NEW Hina tribe, Ep6 swap -
Rizo wins it for Hina! Ep6 RC -
Reward feasting -
Finally! Some food! -
Rizo suggests they look for an advantage -
Yay! This is sure to pay off! -
Retrieving a key, Ep6 IC -
Hina wins! -
Time to merge! Ep7 -
Sage explains the Ep6 Tribal -
Reunited with Alex -
Officially merged, pre-Ep7 RC -
Yellow team wins! Ep7 RC -
Starting line, Ep7 IC -
Reward feasting -
Merge tribe, Ep7 Tribal -
Listening to Steven -
The yellow team, Ep8 RC/IC -
Chimney Sweeps-ing -
Yellow wins! -
Reward feasting -
Savannah has news, Ep9 -
Sophie wants to join the alliance -
Watching from the sit-out bench, Ep9 RC -
Jawan and Sage aren't with you guys... -
Starting line, Ep9 IC -
Lewatu, Ep9 Tribal -
Talking to Probst -
Starting line, Ep10 RC -
Sage wins it for blue! -
Reward feasting -
Pre-challenge lineup, Ep10 IC -
Not catching Sophie on the puzzle -
Making a move on Jawan -
Lewatu, Ep10 Tribal -
Listening to Sophie -
Sage wants to work together, Ep11 -
Declining the "strenuous" journey offer -
Things that will not happen -
Listening to Steven's journey report -
Pre-challenge lineup, Ep11 IC -
Stacking blocks -
Sigh... -
Sage wants to target Sophie -
Lewatu, Ep11 Tribal -
Listening to Rizo -
Accurate! Ep12 -
Trying to land sandbags, Ep12 RC -
Sanctuary reward, thanks to Savannah -
Thinking of maybe not stealing Rizo's idol after all -
Tres Leches alliance officially named -
Time for letters from home -
Starting line, Ep12 IC -
Getting inspiration from a letter from home -
Lewatu, Ep12 Tribal -
Trying to play Knowledge is Power against Steven's advantage (Fail) -
My advantage was great until it wasn't ... Ep13 -
Sigh -
Lsitening to the advantage scramble instructions -
Found it! -
"You have an advantage in today's challenge" -
Trying to catch Savannah on the puzzle -
Savannah vetoes targeting Sage -
Lewatu, F5 Tribal -
Pre-challenge lineup, F4 IC -
Sophi in last place -
Assembling the table maze -
Sophi wins immunity! -
Guaranteed a spot in the Final Three -
Talking about her decision to not be lobbied by anyone -
Announcing her firemaking decision, F4 Tribal -
The Final Three, morning 26 -
Cheers! -
Morning 26 breakfast -
Leaving camp for the last time -
The final three, ready to face the jury -
Answering questions -
Watching the jury vote reveal -
Clapping for Savannah -
Explaining what "Lewatu" actually means, the Aftershow
Sophi Balerdi - Interviews
Survivor 49 interviews Pre-game interviews
- Mike Bloom at Parade.com (9/1/25): "Sophi Balerdi is Playing for Her Late Superfan Grandmother"
- Mike Bloom at RHAP (9/2/25): "Survivor 49 Preseason Interview: Sophi Balerdi"
Post-game interviews
- Dalton Ross at EW.com (12/18/25): "Sophie Balerdi reveals why she was the 'happiest Survivor loser ever'"
- Mike Bloom at Parade.com (12/18/25): "Survivor 49 Runner-Up Sophi Balerdi Reveals She Almost Put Herself in Firemaking Against Savannah"
- Rob Cesternino at RHAP (12/18/25): "Survivor 49 Finalist Exit Interviews"
Sophi Balerdi - Bio
Survivor 49 bio Official CBS Survivor 49 bio excerpts, as preserved by Mike Bloom in Parade.com (August 20, 2025):
"3 Words to Describe You: 3 Words to Describe You: Spicy, thoughtful, relentless
Why do you want to be part of Survivor? Just like Dee from S45, Survivor is a symbol of my American dream. Survivor helped my grandma learn to speak English. It was the heart of our whole relationship. She was my best friend and I originally applied to give her an extra special season while she was sick. After she passed, I didn’t stop applying. I’m here to play in honor of her. In honor of her sacrifices and my parents who moved to America so that I can have opportunities like playing Survivor!
What’s one life experience you feel has prepared you for the game? Leaving the Miami bubble to go to grad school in North Carolina. I went from being one of many Cuban girls to being the only Hispanic girl in my program. It was a culture shock in the best way. I learned a lot academically but also about myself. I learned that I do well in environments where I’m different and usually gravitate to those who are the most different than me. I feel Survivor will be similar.
Which previous player do you identify with the most? Who do you think you will play most like? I don’t want to sound cliche, but I want to play my own game, but one inspired by the baddies who came before me. I identify with Natalie Anderson. She was underestimated but held her own and was strong every time she has played. I want to play a combination of Cirie’s and Genevieve’s game. Strategic and ruthless but with strong emotional connections.
What will you value in an alliance partner? Somebody who will be real with me, and tell me when I’m being too much / paranoid and check me instead of coming after me right away. I like constructive criticism and tough love. That’s how I am with my family and friends. I consider that to be a form of loyalty just as much as voting together.
Favorite hobbies: Running, Salsa Dancing, Pickleball, Watching the Real Housewives.
Pet Peeves: 1) Men with Peter Pan syndrome. Get off the dating apps and stop terrorizing my beautiful single friends. 2) People who don’t return their shopping carts
What is something we would never know from looking at you? I have seen every Real Housewife franchise and Marvel Movie. Superfan of both.
Why will you be the Sole Survivor? I believe I can split emotion from game. I am not coming into this experience with any muscles, any athletic background, etc. But I do know how to talk. I am going to leverage my ability to scratch the surface with people and connect deeply. I am coming here to make real, genuine relationships and friends, who will be at my wedding one day and that’s why they’ll never see it coming. I will be loyal to my allies to a certain point, but to win you have to be the most loyal to yourself. I believe I can make those decisions."