Where is 'Survivor' Season 44 winner Yamil Arocho now? Puerto Rican salon owner's life changed after winning CBS show

'Survivor' Season 44 winner Yamil 'Yam Yam' Arocho continues to make appearances talking about the show
'Survivor' Season 44 winner Yamil 'Yam Yam' Arocho returned to his native Puerto Rico after his winning streak on the show (X/@itsyamilpr)
'Survivor' Season 44 winner Yamil 'Yam Yam' Arocho returned to his native Puerto Rico after his winning streak on the show (X/@itsyamilpr)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK: In a thrilling turn of events, Yamil 'Yam Yam' Arocho emerged as the final winner of the hit CBS show 'Survivor' season 44 earlier this year. Arocho is a 31-year-old salon owner from Puerto Rico who joined the show as one among eighteen contestants. He has now reportedly returned to his homeland after his winning streak on the show.

As a result of his victory, Arocho won the prize money of $1 million and triumphed over the two contestants who were close on his heels, namely Carolyn Wiger and Heidi Lagares-Greenblatt. 

He continues to make appearances to speak about his time on the show. He has expressed his wish to work with charities that specifically cater to the needs of LGBTQIA+ people of color as he feels that as a forebearer, he could be of benefit to them. 

Yamil Arocho along with his cast-mates from 'Survivor' Season 44 (X/@itsyamilpr)
Yamil Arocho along with his cast-mates from 'Survivor' Season 44 (X/@itsyamilpr)

Yamil 'Yam Yam' Arocho's Immunity Victories in 'Survivor' Season 44

During the course of 'Survivor' Season 44, Arocho won both tribal immunity for his tribe as well as individual immunity for himself.

He showcased his grit and resilience during the challenging 'Last Gap' endurance test on the show, which required him to remain submerged underwater during a rising tide. 

Yamil Arocho was one of six queer contestants on 'Survivor' Season 44. (X/@itsyamilpr)
Yamil Arocho was one of six queer contestants on 'Survivor' Season 44 (X/@itsyamilpr)

Are Yamil 'Yam Yam' Arocho and Carolyn Wiger from 'Survivor' Season 44 together?

The instant connection and dynamic chemistry between 'Survivor' Season 44 winner Arocho and contestant Wiger during their time as fellow contestants on the show have led fans to remark that they would make an entertaining duo if they were to have their own reality television show.

The two come from mutually diverse backgrounds, with Arocho being a Puerto Rican salon owner while Wiger works as a drug counselor in Minnesota's Twin Cities area. 

Carolyn Wiger proved to be a tough competitor for every contestant on 'Survivor' Season 44. (Instagram/@car0lynr0se)
Carolyn Wiger proved to be a tough competitor for every contestant on 'Survivor' Season 44 (Instagram/@car0lynr0se)

The duo were members of the original Tika tribe on the show and were hilarious together, owing to their ability to break into an argument and then reconcile effortlessly moments later. 

Where is 'Survivor' Season 44 runner-up Heidi Lagares-Greenblatt now?

Heidi Lagares-Greenblatt finished 'Survivor' Season 44 in second place and took home the $100,000 cash prize money. After the show ended, Heidi returned to her Pittsburgh home to spend time with her extensive family.

She now spends her time traveling across the United States and is still making memories with her cast mates and her children.

Heidi tours across the country as a speaker. (Instagram/@heidilagares)
Heidi tours across the country as a speaker (Instagram/@heidilagares)

When does 'Survivor' Season 45 premiere?

'Survivor' Season 45 is scheduled to premiere on September 27, 2023, on CBS at 8 PM ET.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Sean Reagan’s past shapes a rescue in ‘Boston Blue’ Season 2 Episode 6 as Mika Amonsen discusses continuing the character’s ‘Blue Bloods’ story.
2026-11-14T19:02:59.000Z
Left Bank Pictures has responded to a tragic incident at the Edinburgh studio used for ‘Dept. Q’ as police inquiries into the circumstances continue.
2026-11-14T15:25:47.000Z
A fan-favorite ‘Matlock’ star shares a behind-the-scenes update as the CBS drama prepares for its Season 3 return.
2026-11-14T14:08:57.000Z
‘Gilmore Girls’ documentary ‘Drink Coffee, Talk Fast’ brings back familiar cast members, including Jared Padalecki and Scott Pattersonts
2026-11-14T10:08:21.000Z
'CSI' veteran Marg Helgenberger was once one of the highest-paid small-screen actresses
2026-11-14T09:17:43.000Z
Dexter sets his sights on the Jaw Splitter in Season 2, Episode 3, while a fan theory links the mysterious killer to actor Jack Dylan Grazer.
2026-11-14T07:37:35.000Z
‘Law & Order: SVU’ showrunner Michele Fazekas addresses Benson and Stabler’s future after their emotional reunion in the milestone 600th episode
2026-11-14T07:25:13.000Z
‘Station 19’ alum Jay Hayden joins ‘Fire Country’ Season 5 as Mason Ellis, whose return to Edgewater sparks a new conflict between Bode and Jake
2026-11-14T06:34:18.000Z
CBS brings ‘Marshals’ and ‘Tracker’ back to its Sunday lineup on November 15 with new episodes following a one-week break for ‘Cupertino.’
2026-11-14T05:54:18.000Z
Boone and Mickey's relationship gets complicated with Emmy's arrival in 'Sheriff Country'
2026-11-14T04:43:33.000Z