HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Dan Link, a well-known face from the reality TV series Naked and Afraid, emerged victorious in the latest edition of the show, Naked and Afraid: Last One Standing.
The series, which puts contestants through extreme survival challenges, reached its thrilling conclusion on Sunday, Sept. 15, with Link clinching the top prize of $100,000.
Leading up to the finale
Before the finale aired, fans and friends eagerly awaited the outcome, hoping Link would win after coming in second place during a previous season.
Katherine Ritter, a friend of Link, expressed her high hopes, saying, “Last time we got to watch Dan Link on Naked and Afraid, and he made second place. We were all holding our breath. It was such a nail-biter. This time, we’re super hopeful he’s going to win and bring home $100,000.”
Joshua Duffin, another supporter, echoed these sentiments: “Hey, guys. Last time, we had the premiere at our house, and it was so unfortunate he didn’t win. He worked so hard. This year, I’m hoping he wins and takes it home to Hawaii.”
Janiv Grafi, a fan of the show, was enthusiastic about Link’s chances. “Watching him every season is super fun. He’s the most badass person I know, so I’m sure he’s going to get this one. It’s been amazing. I think he won. Yeah.”
Another friend highlighted the intensity of the competition. “It’s intense. Being 40 days out in the wilderness, naked, deprived of everything is insane. There are only five days left, and six people are still in the challenge. That’s a huge number. There’s still so far to go to be crowned the last one standing.”
Link’s pre-show insights
In a pre-show interview with KHON2.com, Link shared his thoughts on the challenges ahead.
“I know that there’s a fire challenge coming up, a friction fire challenge. That’s exactly what we faced in the previous season of Last One Standing. It was absolutely grueling and tough. The conditions in South Africa were wet and cold, and it broke us physically and mentally.”
He continued, “Seeing this challenge again, knowing it will cut the final six down to three, is daunting. But it’s also exciting. I’ve done it before, but every situation is different. You have to adapt to the materials and the environment.”
Link, known for his competitive spirit, admitted he gets a rush of adrenaline during the challenges.
“I don’t consider myself super competitive, but when the clock starts, the adrenaline rushes, and I become extremely competitive. I think that’s what will happen here as well.”
He identified his greatest competitor as Ky.
“Ky is smart, quick, and an excellent survival author," explained Link. "She’s incredibly skilled and knows what it takes to win. I’m rooting for her as my biggest competitor and ally. If she wins, I’ll be jumping up and down for her.”
Link also mentioned other competitors. He said, “Jeff and Gary are tough, but sometimes they get lucky. Fernando is a dark horse, smart and adaptable. It’s really anybody’s game at this point.”
The grand finale
As Link's local Hawaii ohana and hanai watched with bated breath to see if their dear freind was able to dominate the competition, the final episode showcased the remaining six contestants. b
They battled through intense bushcraft challenges. Link and his fellow competitors were pushed to their limits, each trying to outlast the others in the harsh wilderness.
Link’s victory was celebrated with a mixture of relief and joy. “Winning this competition feels surreal,” Link said after the finale. “I started this journey almost by accident, thinking it would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I didn’t consider myself a survivalist, just someone with a background in biology working in a marine national monument. But here I am, the last one standing.”
He reflected on the journey, mentioning how he began on a 14-day challenge and was invited back for more.
“I came in second place on my first season and won this time; it’s been an incredible journey," he said. "I’m still dealing with imposter syndrome, especially facing off against such talented survivalists like Ky.”
Link also shared his pride in representing a minority in the outdoor community.
“Sometimes, you don’t see yourself represented in the survival world if you’re a minority or a queer person," Link explained. "It makes you wonder if you belong. But being able to be an example for others is important.”
The legacy of “Naked and Afraid”
Naked and Afraid first aired in 2013 and has since gained popularity for its extreme survival challenges.
The series places contestants in remote locations with minimal supplies, testing their survival skills and endurance. Spin-offs like Naked and Afraid: Last One Standing add competitive elements, further intensifying the challenges.
With Link’s victory, the latest season of Naked and Afraid: Last One Standing comes to a thrilling close, showcasing the resilience and determination of its contestants.
Fans and friends are celebrating Link’s success, eager to see what comes next in his remarkable journey.