‘Alone’ Season 12 Winner Predictions

With the finale of the History Channel’s ‘Alone’ Season 12 fast approaching, only three contestants remain in the unforgiving terrain of South Africa’s Great Karoo Desert.

Premiering on June 12, 2025, this season brought ten skilled survivalists to one of the most challenging climates the show has seen, competing for a $500,000 prize.

‘Alone’ Season 12: Who’s Remaining?

Season 12, episode 8 of “Alone” airs Thursday, August 7, at 9 p.m. Eastern (8 p.m. Central) on the History Channel. The episode picks up with the final three survivalists—Nathan Olsen, Kelsey Loper, and Katie Rydge—each having endured nearly a month of extreme heat, isolation, and limited resources.

The most recent exit came in episode 7, which aired July 31, when 50-year-old Kyrgyzstani-Canadian Baha Mahmutov tapped out after spending 18 days in the wild.

Baha’s departure followed a series of early missteps. In the season opener, he relocated his camp during the peak heat of the day without access to drinking water. He also chose to forgo a ferro rod, instead relying on a bow-drill to make fire—a decision that cost him nearly two full days before successfully creating an ember.

Now, with two of the three finalists being women, fans are buzzing about the possibility of “Alone” crowning its first female winner this season.

Gear Picks & Predictions: Who’s Most Likely to Win?

The gear list for Season 12 reflects the desert conditions. While all contestants brought a pot, multitool, and bow and arrows, other items like tarps and blankets saw varied selection. Notably, the sleeping bag—typically a staple—was removed from this season’s default gear, forcing competitors to adapt with alternate shelter and insulation strategies.

While gear plays a huge role in success on “Alone,” mental stamina and the ability to adapt often determine who makes it to the end.

Australian survivalist Katie Rydge is gaining traction as a fan favorite. Her background in arid climate survival, coupled with smart gear choices, puts her in a strong position. Nathan Olsen, brother of Season 10’s Luke Olsen, is also proving to be a resilient contender, aiming to outlast his sibling’s 20-day record.

Still, Kelsey Loper’s deep wilderness experience, from trapping bobcats to training wild mustangs, makes her a formidable finalist—and fans wouldn’t be surprised to see her go all the way.

As “Alone” continues to test the limits of human endurance, this season’s harsh shift in location and gear options may redefine what it takes to survive.

With just a few episodes remaining, viewers will soon discover whether Katie’s desert-savvy strategy, Nathan’s steady resilience, or Kelsey’s unshakable determination will secure the win. One thing’s for sure: only one will be left standing when the dust settles in the Great Karoo.