Rob Mariano, the long-time contestant on CBS reality series 'Survivor', finally won the show on Sunday evening (15th May 2011). Rob Mariano, known as 'Boston Rob', was crowned the champion of 'Survivor: Redemption Island' following his fourth stint on the programme, reports the Associated Press
Mariano won last night's final by a considerable distance, earning eight of the nine votes cast against Phillip Sheppard and Natalie Tenerelli. The 35-year-old, who takes home the $1 million cash prize, said he had felt confident ahead of the season finale, saying, "You don't know for sure until the votes are read, but I had a pretty good feeling. I played my heart out. I love this game, but you've got to get lucky along the way, too. I know what it takes". Mariano, who previously competed on the 'Marquesas', 'All-Stars', and 'Heroes vs Villains' seasons, said he knew it would be tough competing in the final, adding, "It's really, really difficult. I'm really, really happy things happened the way they did this time". 'Redemption Island', which took place in Nicaragua, was the 22nd season of the popular 'Survivor' series. Season 23 will take place in the South Pacific and is scheduled to premiere in the fall.
Just hours before yesterday's finale, Rob Mariano had tweeted "Having dinner backstage with the cast, getting ready for the Survivor finale", before stating "Game on". After his victory, 'Boston Rob' told his followers, "Thanks for all the congrats... great night for me and my family".