The selfproclaimed RIZGOD also reveals his nickname strategy. Jeff Probst reacts to hosting a Survivor player named RizGod

The self-proclaimed R-I-Z-G-O-D also reveals his nickname strategy.

Jeff Probst reacts to hosting a Survivor player named RizGod

The self-proclaimed R-I-Z-G-O-D also reveals his nickname strategy.

By Dalton Ross

Dalton Ross is a writer and editor with over 25 years experience covering TV and the entertainment industry. Survivor is kind of his thing.

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September 23, 2025 10:15 a.m. ET

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Rizo Velovic on 'Survivor 49'. Credit:

Jeff Probst has dealt with a lot of characters throughout his first 48 seasons of hosting *Survivor*. Some have fancied themselves an island chanteuse (Wanda Shirk on *Palau*). Some have gone through major caffeine and nicotine withdrawal before his very eyes (Shane Powers on *Panama*). Some put feathers in their hair and spun unbelievable tales while casually slinging a sport coat over their shoulder (Coach from *Tocantins*).

But Probst is about to encounter an entirely different beast on *Survivor 49, *which premieres Sept. 24 on CBS. Well… not a beast, actually. But instead, a God.

Meet Rizo Velovic. "To normal people, I'm Rizo" he explained to ** in Fiji the day before filming on *Survivor 49* began. "To my friends and family, I'm the man, the myth, the legend, R-I-Z-G-O-D, RizGod, baby!"

So who — or what — exactly is the RizGod? Excuse me… let me take that one again: Who — or what — exactly is the man, the myth, the legend, R-I-Z-G-O-D, RizGod, baby? Rizo answers the question in *Survivor* terms. "They always say be yourself but times a hundred [on *Survivor*]. And I'm like, 'Man, RizGod is myself times a hundred!' So I'm just going to do that."

Rizo Velovic on 'Survivor 49'.

Robert Voets/CBS

Ah, but what is Probst going to do? What does the host and showrunner make of the unique, self-proclaimed god-like figure standing over on the Uli tribe mat?

"It's funny to say that a young man who calls himself RizGod is the real deal," says Probst, laughing at the absurdity of it all. "But Rizo *is* the real deal in that he sees himself that way. He's incredibly charming and he has a lot of personality. And I think it might take fans a minute to understand and believe that he's not putting on an act and that he is genuine."

Consider Probst a fan. "I was instantly charmed with him. I found him really fun. He's very proud to be Albanian and be the first player from Albania to appear on *Survivor*. He's playing for his family. He's got this incredible relationship with his younger brother. And even though he's 25, I think young kids are going to relate to him because he comes off as still a teenager because he's exuberant and full of fun and wants to play *Survivor*, and anybody who watches the show knows what that means."

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Indeed, Probst promises the RizGod is not just a wacky character, but an actual gamer. "He's willing to take risks. He knows he could be out early. 'That's okay. I didn't come all this way to sit on my hands.' And I think that's what's one of the things that's really endearing about him."

We also will see different shades of Rizo depending on if he's talking to the camera or to other players. EW was at the Uli tribe camp during the first few days of filming and watched the RizGod in action. Not only did he not tell any of his tribe mates his nickname, but he also deflected when others asked point blank if he had any "rizz" associated monikers.

It seems the RizGod will only truly come out to play in confessional interviews. "Smart players know how this game works," Probst notes. "You put on one persona when you're around other players, you put on a different persona if you've made a truly tight, trusting bona fide alliance, and then you give your absolute truth when you're alone in interviews, and that's what great players know how to do. And it shapes them for the audience in a three-dimensional way, and it shows their ability to play the game."

Jawan Pitts and Rizo Velovic on 'Survivor 49'.

Robert Voets/CBS

***Want to be kept up with all things Survivor? Dig deep and sign up for 's free Survivor Weekly newsletter to have all the latest news, interviews, and commentary sent right to your inbox. ***

******Indeed, Rizo told us before the game that his alter-ego will be kept well under wraps, and unlike some contestants in the past who have asked Probst to address them a certain way, he will not be requesting the Hostmaster General to call him RizGod.

"No, I think that'd be bad for my game," says the player. "I mean, I've already been out in my confessionals saying that I'm the man, the myth, the legend, R-I-Z-G-O-D, RizGod, baby. I don't have any problem telling the audience that that's what I am, but I don't know how well it's going to go with the cast before they even know me."

Of course, that could change with time. "Maybe if we're on day 20 and everybody doesn't give a f--- about what everybody has to say, that's maybe when I'll bring it out just because by that time we're super bonded. But I don't have any intentions. Maybe if I'm in final three and I think I'm going to win, I'll probably tell the jury to cast a vote for the man, the myth, the legend, R-I-Z-G-O-D jokingly. But I don't think I'm going into the game saying that." (Amen.)

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