Survivor 50 Challenge Comes to Louisville

Mega Caverns hosts competition with chance to win trip to finale

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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As part of the 50th season celebration, "Survivor" has hidden immunity idols in every state, and Kentucky's location was at the Mega Caverns in Louisville. Hundreds of fans lined up to tackle the physical challenge course in hopes of finding the idol and winning a trip to the season finale.

Why it matters

The "Survivor" franchise is one of the longest-running reality TV shows, and its 50th season is a major milestone. The nationwide idol hunt is generating excitement and engagement with fans across the country, including in Louisville where the Mega Caverns provided an exciting challenge location.

The details

The "Survivor 50" challenge at Mega Caverns required participants to put on helmets and harnesses and tackle a physical course in search of the hidden immunity idol. Siblings Tina and David Jackson, longtime "Survivor" fans, were among those who waited in line for the chance to compete. Lena Frank, who is trying to collect idols in multiple states, said the Kentucky challenge was more physical than others she's attempted.

  • The "Survivor 50" challenge took place on February 13, 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky.
  • The 50th season of "Survivor" premieres on February 25, 2026.

The players

Tina Jackson

A "Survivor" fan who attended the challenge event with her brother.

David Jackson

Tina Jackson's brother, who drove six hours from Ohio to participate in the "Survivor 50" challenge in Kentucky.

Lena Frank

A "Survivor" fan attempting to collect immunity idols in multiple states for a chance to win a trip to the season 50 finale.

David Tenczar

The regional producer of the "Survivor 50" challenge, who will be traveling to four more states after the Kentucky event.

Tyler Smith

The operations manager at the Mega Caverns, who is grateful the location was chosen to host the "Survivor 50" challenge.

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What they’re saying

“It's been really fun to, like, meet people in line who have a lot of similar things in common with us. And talk 'Survivor' and casting for season 50, and who we're excited about seeing.”

— Tina Jackson (WLKY)

“I would be very excited. I would be so starstruck, just to be at the finale.”

— Lena Frank (WLKY)

“We're here to kind of engage the audience. Get everyone out here. They're meeting each other in line, getting to talk about the show, favorite seasons, favorite alumni, people who have been on the show. Everybody's in a really good mood.”

— David Tenczar, Regional Producer (WLKY)

What’s next

The winner of the Kentucky immunity idol challenge will be entered into a sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip to the finale of "Survivor 50".

The takeaway

The "Survivor 50" challenge in Louisville demonstrates the enduring popularity of the long-running reality TV show and its ability to engage fans across the country, even 50 seasons in. The physical challenge at the Mega Caverns provided an exciting opportunity for local "Survivor" enthusiasts to participate in the show's milestone celebration.