He’s back! Former ‘Survivor’ champion, Kentucky native back on show for $2 million prize

After winning $1 million on “Survivor” last year, Whitley County native Nick Wilson will be back on the show in 2020 to compete for a $2 million prize.

Wilson, a University of Kentucky graduate, was announced Wednesday as one of the cast members of the show’s 40th season, “Survivor: Winners at War.” The new season will pit 20 former winners against one another for the largest prize in reality TV competition history.

In winning the 37th season last year, Wilson accumulated three straight immunity challenges on his route to the final three, where he outlasted the competition.

Wilson was awarded the Key to the City of Williamsburg after his victory and the mayor proclaimed a “Nick Wilson Day” in the city. He has also gotten engaged and was a guest judge at the Miss Kentucky pageant since his “Survivor” win.

It will be the third time in four seasons Whitley County will be represented on the hit CBS show. Elaine Stott just wrapped up her season on the show, and the Rockholds native nearly made it to the finale before being eliminated last week.

Stott still came away with a $100,000 prize during Wednesday’s finale for being named the fan favorite of singer Sia, who awards money to some castaways.

The new season of “Survivor” featuring Wilson for the second time will begin Feb. 12.

This story was originally published December 19, 2019 at 8:10 AM with the headline "He’s back! Former ‘Survivor’ champion, Kentucky native back on show for $2 million prize."