Survivor 46 Winner Revealed

Survivor 46 Castaway Venus Vafa Is Feuding With the Empire State Building

Q Burdette, Liz Wilcox, Venus Vafa, Charlie Davis, Kenzie Petty, Ben Katzman, and Maria Gonzalez on ‘Survivor.’ CBS

Kenzie Petty, a 29-year-old hair salon owner from Charlotte, North Carolina, emerged as the champion of Survivor 46 after a thrilling 26-day battle in Fiji.

In the finale on Wednesday, May 22, Petty secured victory with a 5-3-0 vote against her fellow castaways Charlie Davis and Ben Katzman. Throughout the competition, she stood out for her likable personality, ability to build strong relationships, and talent for getting along well with others. She clinched the win by earning immunity in a fire-making challenge, solidifying her title as the "sole survivor" and claiming the $1 million prize.

Before Petty's win, the final three contestants presented their arguments to a jury made up of their fellow competitors. Petty highlighted her strong social skills and mentioned that she began the game on the struggling Yanu tribe, which went 11 days without fire-starting equipment but she managed to progress far in the game.

During a recent interview with Parade, Petty shared that her talent for building connections and earning others' favor played a key role in her success in the competitive game.

"To be a hairstylist, being socially savvy is key," she explained. "As a business owner, especially as a young woman, being socially savvy is crucial. I not only need to connect well with my employees, but also establish my presence among other entrepreneurs and business professionals in my city. It's not easy, especially as someone who is heavily tattooed, young, and a woman. I've had to work hard to earn respect, but I always do it with a smile on my face, and I truly enjoy the challenge."

She added, "In addition to being socially savvy, I also have a strong intellect. However, sometimes it may not be immediately obvious. I might come across as a bit scatterbrained, but it's all part of a bigger plan, a divine plan. My husband, Jackson, has always been supportive and encouraging, reminding me of my intelligence, humor, and likability. With his encouragement, I know I can succeed."

She’s got a lot to celebrate these days. On Sunday, May 12, Petty announced that she’s pregnant with her first child.

"I've become an expert at keeping secrets and going on adventures this year. But today is the perfect day to share the exciting news with all of you - WE'RE HAVING A BABY!!" she excitedly announced on Instagram. "Our sweet little Petty will be arriving in September."

She also had kind words for her partner, whom she married in September 2023.

She expressed her gratitude to Jackson, the best husband in the world, for making her a momma and being her partner in crime, life, and parenthood. She is forever grateful for him and for starting their little family.

Many Survivor alums congratulated Petty in the comments section.

“Oh so MOTHER mother,” Survivor 42 winner Maryanne Okecth replied while Dee Valladares, the most recent champion, responded, “Congrats mama!!!”

Editor's P/S:

The article chronicles Kenzie Petty's remarkable journey to victory on "Survivor 46." Her triumph is a testament to her exceptional social skills, ability to form strong connections, and unwavering determination. Petty's success underscores the importance of building genuine relationships in competitive environments and leveraging one's unique strengths to achieve goals.

Beyond her victory, the article highlights Petty's personal journey and the challenges she has faced as a young, tattooed woman in business. Her resilience and unwavering optimism serve as an inspiration, demonstrating that with hard work, perseverance, and a supportive network, it is possible to overcome obstacles and achieve success. Petty's pregnancy announcement adds a heartwarming touch to her story, symbolizing a new chapter in her life filled with joy and fulfillment.