Survivor type TV Show network CBS genre Reality Where to watch Close Streaming Options

Survivor host Jeff Probst blew everyone’s collective mind at the Game Changers reunion show when he revealed the long-secret final tiebreaker procedure should two people be tied with votes to win by the jury. It turns out that in such a scenario, the third person that is in the final three but not tied for the win then moves over to the jury and casts the deciding vote for the victor.

At least that’s what Probst tried to explain as Brad Culpepper went a little rogue during the explanation and wouldn’t really let him get through it. Still, it was a huge piece of intel that Probst dropped — a piece of intel I had been trying to get out of him for years. (Thanks, Jeff!) But it’s a tiebreaker I heartily endorse. It’s fair. It’s dramatic. Makes sense. Me likey.

But Probst’s revelation did not cover all final-three seasons of the show. That’s because back in the South Pacific and One World seasons, there were three finalists and nine jury members. If you do the math on that, that leaves open the — albeit highly unlikely — possibility of a three-way tie. So what was the plan had each of the three finalists in those seasons received three votes? Then how would the show have determined its winner? THESE ARE THE TYPES OF THINGS THAT KEEP ME UP AT NIGHT!!!!!

So when I met up with Probst in Fiji — where he was filming Heroes v. Healers v. Hustlers (which will premiere Sept. 27) and season 36 (which will air in 2018) — I put him on the spot and asked him straight-up what would have happened in the event of a tie during those seasons.

Unfortunately for me (and you, if you care), Probst expertly ducked my question like the host was avoiding a huge wave crashing down on him while calling a challenge. But watch the video above to see me do my darndest to get the answer. And then post your own best guess as to what that other mystery tiebreaker may have been in the comments below. Best idea wins a virtual high-five!