Stephen Fishbach

Stephen Andrew Fishbach is a contestant from Survivor: Tocantins and Survivor: Cambodia.

He is known for his strong strategic play in the game, described by Coach Wade as "The Wizard," and earning him a spot in the final two. However, a poor performance in the Final Tribal Council gave a unanimous win to his close ally J.T. Thomas.

Profile

Stephen Fishbach believes he's a cutthroat player who can manipulate his way to SURVIVOR success, though you couldn't tell that by looking at his non-threatening appearance. The first one to tell you he resembles a Muppet, Stephen plans to sidetrack his competition with his goofy charm and quirky sense of humor.

Aided by his quick wit and prankster personality, this Internet marketing director could very well be a major player behind the scenes. A Yale graduate, Stephen certainly has the right mix of brains and charisma to disarm his fellow castaways. This New Yorker believes people will be inclined to trust him but claims "that would be their mistake, because then I strike!"

Described by his friends as wild, smart and ambitious, Stephen's biggest pet peeve is when somebody is “overconfident or cocky.” He plans to use that type of person to his advantage by forming a bond and then subtly prompting them to carry out his decisions. A strategist, Stephen prides himself on being able to pretend to agree with someone's idea while replacing it with his own.

In his free time, Stephen keeps himself active and fit by boxing and lifting weights. He also takes part in urban combat activities, namely the Idiotarod, which he describes as a great event where "five idiots drag a shopping cart from Brooklyn to Manhattan." Among his reasons for why he believes he will excel at SURVIVOR, Stephen lists "he's strategic and devious."

Stephen currently resides in New York, N.Y. His birth date is January 24.

Survivor: Tocantins

Stephen Fishbach was placed on the Jalapao tribe. He was reassured that he wasn't going to be the first to go upon seeing Sandy Burgin. After the supply raid, the tribes was asked to vote for the weakest based solely on first impressions. Like most of his tribe, Stephen voted against Sandy. Instead of eliminating her, she and Sierra Reed was given a helicopter ride to their respective camps. Upon seeing J.T. Thomas, Stephen viewed him as a "good old boy" and won't be able to get along with him. When they arrived at camp, Sandy didn't built shelter. The next day, Jalapao built a decent shelter. At the first challenge of the season, Timbira barely won out over Jalapao. After the loss, Carolina Eastwood started bossing people to improve the camp. Aggravated with Carolina and impress by Sandy's performance in the challenge, the tribe voted out the former over the latter. After Carolina's boot, The tribe receive flint.

The tribe made fire very quickly. The tribe bonded when they searched for protein in the form of termites. Stephen was clueless when Taj Johnson revealed her husband's last name was George. At the challenge, Stephen helped his team scored a point. Jalapao won immunity and fishing gear. Stephen bonded with J.T. while fishing. Stephen would gladly play into the "eager, goofy best friend" if it meant that J.T. would carry him far. The next decided to make a pact to the end. Jalapao won the next three challenges. Everyone enjoyed the victories and knowing that Timbira was miserable. Taj aligned herself with Stephen, informing them about the Exile Alliance. Timbira finally broke Jalapao's winning streak by winning immunity. Like everyone else, Stephen was disappointed because they was about to have a 7-5 advantage. Stephen, Taj, and J.T. discussed whether to vote out the strong but antisocial Sandy or the weak yet pleasant Sydney Wheeler. In the end, the trio agree with sending Sandy home.

Stephen and Taj found the Hidden Immunity Idol. Taj gave Stephen the idol because he had pockets. Jalapao won the next challenge for a trip to the Charmin Cafe. Unfortunately, Stephen was selected by Brendan Synnott to join him on Exile Island. He was unsure about placing his fate in the hands of the Exile Alliance. Although J.T. nearly won immunity for Jalapao, Timbira won because of Spencer Duhm's poor defense. Everyone agreed that Spencer was the weakest and he was unanimously voted out. Sydney was concerned she would next to go because Stephen and J.T.'s friendship. The reward challenge was very close, but Timbira won. They chose to exile Joe Dowdle and he decided bring Erinn Lobdell with him. Taj made an fake idol to fool Joe. Taj wanted to tell J.T. about the idol to secure his trust. J.T. told Stephen that he had seen the idol in Taj's bag. Stephen explained that he and Taj was planning on telling them, further solidifying their friendship. Timbira lost the challenge again, meaning Jalapao had their numbers disadvantage worsen to 4-6. The friends tried to get Joe to vote out Sydney, but he refused. Stephen and J.T. considered the possibility of voting out Taj because Stephen technically had the idol. In the end, the alliance stayed loyal and Sydney was voted off in a 3-2 vote.

Everyone was concerned about Joe's knee, which was infected from a previous challenge. The tree mail implied a feast of the winner. Instead, they arrived to a merge feast. J.T named the tribe Forza. Coach Wade approached Stephen and J.T to recruit them in alliance. Stephen was amazed at how easily the former Timbira tribe was willing to turn on each other. Unfortunately, Joe was medically evacuated because of his knee. Despite that, the Jalapao Three was in control of the game. Erinn also defected to the Jalapaos'. Stephen was exiled and he discovered that there was no new Idol. Despite that, Stephen learned to make fire. Brendan was the first to go because his idol and strength. Stephen was exiled again and still no hint of a new Idol. Stephen sat out of the Immunity Challenge for pizza. Debbie Beebe beat out Sierra for immunity. The Jalapao Three decided to blindside Tyson Apostol because of his dominance in challenge, without telling Sierra. Stephen won the reward challenge, and had his allies accompany him. When they returned, Coach told them that Sierra was trying to reorganize the original Timbira to expel Jalapao from the game (In truth, It was Debbie was doing this). When Sierra learned of this, she outright accused them of lying. After careful consideration, Stephen and J.T. decided to vote Sierra for causing drama.

Knowing she was in danger, Debbie threw Coach under the bus. Debbie even stated that she would give up the Final Immunity Challenge so Stephen and J.T. could make the final two together. The Jalapao Three deemed Debbie the biggest threat for her strategic mindset and athleticism. At the Survivor Auction, Stephen bought a mystery Item for $140 dollars. The item turned out to be chicken hearts, much to everyone's horror. Like the others, Stephen conceited to Taj having the smartphone to call her family. Taj exiled herself to allow everyone to spend time with their loved ones. Stephen enjoyed the time with his brother. Despite the horrible start to the immunity challenge, Stephen won. Everything went as plan and Debbie was voted out. On the way back to camp, They informed Coach that Debbie was targeting him. J.T selected Stephen to join him on reward. J.T. won immunity and Stephen became the swing vote between Erinn and Coach. Stephen ultimately voted out Coach.

Taj and Stephen decided to vote out J.T. if he doesn't win immunity. However, he won immunity. Fearful of her winning immunity and taking J.T., Stephen convinced J.T. to turn on Taj. Stephen was afraid to win the Final Immunity Challenge, because he would break his promise to J.T.. Erinn wanted to take Stephen to the end too. Thankfully, J.T. won immunity and honored his alliance with Stephen by taking him to the Final Tribal Council.

At Final Tribal Council, Stephen pleaded his case to the jury by saying how much he had grown and he and J.T. had the same strategic mindset. After the Tribal Council, Stephen assumed that Sierra was the swing vote. At the reunion as the votes was being read, Stephen quickly realized that he was shut out by J.T.. He was right and J.T. won unanimously.

Voting History

Stephen's Voting History
Episode	Stephen's Votes	Voted Against Stephen
1	Carolina	-
2	Jalapao Tribe Immune
3	Jalapao Tribe Immune
4	Sandy	-
5	Spencer	-
7	Sydney	-
8	No Tribal Council
9	Brendan	-
10	Tyson	-
11	Sierra	Erinn
12	Debbie	Individual Immunity
13	Coach	-
14	Taj	-
14	Ineligible	-
Jury Votes for Stephen	-
Runner-Up, Day 39

Post-Survivor

Stephen previously dated Survivor: China contestant Courtney Yates.
Stephen currently writes blogs on Survivor for People.com
Fishbach also works on Survivor Know-it-alls with Rob Cesternino.
On January 9, 2010, Stephen attended Survivor's 10-year anniversary party.
On April 12, 2015, Stephen performed former castmate J.T. Thomas' wedding ceremony.^[1]

Trivia

Stephen is the only finalist to not receive Jury votes at a Final Two Tribal Council.
Coach Wade affectionately refers to Stephen as "The Wizard".
Every contestant Stephen voted for was successfully voted out.
Stephen lost 30 pounds after 39 days in Tocantins.
Stephen is one of the three castaways competing on Survivor: Cambodia to have previously reached 39 days in their previous season along with Kelly Wiglesworth and Woo Hwang.
Stephen is the only returnee from Survivor: Tocantins not to be on Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains.