"Survivor: Cagayan" star Tony Vlachos, a Jersey City cop, is one of four castaways who have a shot at the million-dollar prize and title of Sole Survivor in tonight's finale.

Vlachos has been getting attention for his aggressive game play, having found three idols and orchestrating blindsides. While he hasn't won individual immunity yet, the 39-year-old has managed to avoid the chopping block every tribal council and get closer to the $1 million.

The Jersey Journal got to talk with Vlachos as he made his way to Los Angeles for tonight's finale, which will be broadcast live at 8 p.m. We discussed his game play, new fame and his boldest moves.

How do you feel about coming this far in the game?

I feel excited, amazed, blessed, wonderful and happy. Every positive emotion is what I am feeling.

Aside from finding out who wins, what else are you hoping to learn or talk about at the finale?

I’m looking forward to seeing everyone again, learn about what they’ve been up to, speaking to Jeff and answering any questions regarding my game play. I’m just going along for the ride and will enjoy every moment of it.

How has being on the show changed your life?

I don’t think it’s necessarily changed my life. If anything, being on the show has brought some stressful elements to my world. I feel honored when fans reach out and they are excited about the show and but it can be stressful at times and very time consuming. I don't want the fame, I want the fortune.

What was the most pivotal moment for you this season? Or, which of your decisions or moves do you think was most important in getting you as far as you did?

I think my most pivotal moment was when I began to turn against my own alliance. When I first gave my idol to LJ, it solidified his trust, and then for me to blindside him was a big move. Also, looking for the idols definitely helped me as well.



A lot of viewers expect Vlachos to have a good shot at winning. According to the Star-Ledger's Len Melisurgo, "...Only two players have a legitimate shot at being crowned the Sole Survivor...Tony Vlachos and Chicago college student Spencer Bledsoe." (See his whole analysis of why Vlachos will win--and why he won't.)

Of course, Hudson County residents wouldn't be surprised if Vlachos makes it all the way. Jersey City is, after all, pretty tough, and this guy's dealt with it all. If you haven't heard, the police officer recently saved a 69-year-old who had a heart attack.

And while he started the game in Aparri, which was designated the "Brawn" tribe, contestants shouldn't have underestimated his ability to make strategic moves.

According to his profile on the CBS website, Vlachos sees himself as being most like the notorious "Russell Hantz, because I can be just as devious" and "Boston Rob, because I can be just as slick." He also told The Jersey Journal in an earlier interview that his 14 years on the police force in Jersey City gave him an advantage.

"I felt all the experience on the streets was my training for 'Survivor,'" he said. "I study human behavior, that's what we do out there... I deal with people on the streets that are constantly lying to me. It's a direct parallel to 'Survivor.' You have to outwit somebody on 'Survivor,' you have to outplay them ... to move ahead."

Do you think Tony Vlachos will win? See if he outwitted, outplayed and outlasted on the season finale of "Survivor: Cagayan" tonight at 8 p.m. on CBS.