Idol Hands

Idol Hands
Recurring Survivor Challenge
Description:	A recurring balancing challenge
Appearances:	United States Philippines Cagayan Australia All Stars Heroes v Villains Brains v Brawn II New Zealand Thailand Quebec Survivor Québec (2023) South Africa Champions

Idol Hands is a recurring Survivor challenge. Debuting in Survivor: Philippines, it has since reappeared in Cagayan.

Rules

Facing off one against one in a fenced off circle, a castaway from each tribe would hold a wooden idol on top of a platform that they would hold in one hand. They would use the other free hand to attempt to knock their opponent's idol off the platform. The castaway whose idol hit the ground last would score one point for their tribe.

History

United States

In Philippines, the challenge was used right after the absorption of Matsing. Malcolm scored the final point of the challenge , winning muffins, cookies, coffee, biscuits, and tea for Tandang.

In Cagayan, the challenge appeared once again as a Reward Challenge. Trish, Tony, and Woo all scored points for Solana, winning their tribe the right to loot the Aparri camp.

Australia

The challenge was played for tribal reward in Brains v Brawn II. In addition to the idol on each person's handle, each competitor would also have to knock off a separate idol on their opponent's post elsewhere in the play area. By the end of the fourth round, both the Brains and Brawn tribes were tied. Ultimately, Morgan Mitchell beat Karin Gunatilake in the final round to take the game point for Brains.

South Africa

In Champions, the challenge was used as the first duel between former tribe captains Mark Fish and Corné Krige, who competed for the first Salvation Cup and the right to negate one vote against any player at the next Tribal Council. Mark won the challenge 3-0, becoming the first holder of the Salvation Cup.

Winners

• United States
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Quebec
• South Africa

Episode	Challenge Type	Winners
Philippines "Got My Swag Back"	Tribal Reward	Tandang
Cagayan "We Found Our Zombies"	Tribal Reward	Solana

Episode	Challenge Type	Winners
All Stars Episode 5	Tribal Reward	Mokuta
Heroes v Villains Episode 6	Tribal Reward	Heroes
Brains v Brawn II "The Vault"	Tribal Reward	Brains

Episode	Challenge Type	Winners
Thailand Episode 3	Tribal Reward	Chani

Episode	Challenge Type	Winners
Survivor Québec (2023) Episode 21	Tribal Reward	Tiyaga

Episode	Challenge Type	Winners
Champions Episode 10	Salvation Duel	Mark Fish

Gallery

• United States
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Quebec
• South Africa

Artis vs. Dana. (Philippines)

Abi-Maria and Dawson face off in Philippines.

RC takes on Denise in Philippines.

Tony at the challenge in Cagayan.

Spencer vs. Woo (Cagayan).

David and Shaun face off in Champions v Contenders (2019).

John and David face off in All Stars.

Phoebe at the challenge in All Stars.

Nick competing in All Stars.

Adam and Dave face off in Thailand.

Sylvain loses to Maryse in Survivor Québec (2023).

Corné and Mark fight for the Salvation Cup in Champions.

Trivia

• This challenge appeared in two seasons that began with three tribes. However, at the time the challenge was used, only two tribes remained.
• This challenge was only used in seasons filmed in the Philippines. 
• Both tribes that won this challenge produced the runner(s)-up and 5th placers on their seasons.
• Shonee Bowtell competed in this challenge twice; she won once.