In the 26th edition of Koh Lanta, titled The Cursed Tribe, only eight contestants remain, including past winners Ugo and Frédéric. Recent eliminations stirred drama, particularly with Cassandre’s betrayal by Gustin, leading to Ugo’s assistance in her revenge. Following his exit, Gustin reflected on his actions and maintained a friendship with Cassandre. Both contestants emphasized the competitive nature of the game while expressing no hard feelings towards each other after the competition concluded.
The Final Eight in Koh Lanta: The Cursed Tribe
With only eight contestants remaining in the thrilling competition of Koh Lanta’s 26th edition, known as The Cursed Tribe, hope is alive for those vying for the grand prize of 100,000 euros. Among these adventurers is Ugo, a seasoned player who has previously tasted victory. This 42-year-old naturalist guide first made waves when he won the 12th season in 2013, set in Malaysia. This season, he faces another former champion, Frédéric, who previously conquered the game in The Sacred Fire season.
Drama Unfolds: Eliminations and Alliances
The tension escalated recently as Maxim was eliminated, extinguishing his torch during a dramatic Council led by host Denis Brogniart. Cassandre, caught in the web of linked destinies, also faced elimination despite her earlier return from the cursed island. Feeling betrayed by Gustin, whom she had considered an ally, Cassandre vowed to seek revenge after realizing he hadn’t warned her of the impending danger. Ugo came to her aid by providing an immunity necklace, enabling her to eliminate Gustin in a surprising turn of events.
After his exit aired on November 5, Gustin took to social media to post a celebratory video of himself sabering champagne, a response to the criticism he faced from viewers. However, he has since reflected on his actions, revealing a more thoughtful perspective on his relationship with Cassandre. Contrary to the perception of them as enemies, Gustin shared that they have maintained a friendship post-filming, as evidenced by a photo he posted with her and Thibault, captioned: ‘I didn’t win the 100k but I gained friends for life.’
In an interview with TV Magazine/Le Figaro, Gustin elaborated on his reasons for not alerting Cassandre about her risk during the Council meeting. He admitted that his mind was preoccupied with the next meal rather than the unfolding drama. Although he empathized with her frustration, he felt overwhelmed by her accusations, which hindered his ability to communicate effectively. Gustin acknowledged that Cassandre was influenced by Ugo and the former Yellow tribe members, asserting that if she had made her own choices, she wouldn’t have confronted him so harshly.
Ultimately, Gustin conceded that he had spoken ‘a bit of nonsense’ during their exchanges. He expressed his fatigue and the challenges of navigating the linked destinies, where he feared for his own survival. Despite the turmoil, he praised Cassandre for her support throughout the adventure, recalling how she cared for him during tough times. He admitted that without her presence, he might have quit the competition early on.
When Cassandre was interviewed by Lyon Femmes, she emphasized that Koh Lanta is ultimately a game. She clarified that once their adventure concluded, there was no lingering animosity toward anyone, including Gustin. Her remarks reflect a willingness to move past the competition’s challenges, highlighting the friendships formed along the way.