Pre-game interviews

• Mike Bloom at RHAP (8/23/25): "Survivor 49 Preseason Interview: Rizo Velovic"
• Mike Bloom at Parade.com (9/4/25): "Rizo Velovic Reveals How He'll Bring His 'Rizgod' Persona to Life"

Post-game interviews

• None yet.

Official CBS Survivor 49 bio excerpts, as preserved by Mike Bloom in Parade.com (August 20, 2025):

"3 Words to Describe You: Optimistic, funny, motivated

Why do you want to be part of Survivor? I want to chase greatness. I want to be one of the best players to ever play this game. Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to play Survivor. Well, now I am here and it’s time to dream bigger. I also want to give my family and friends a reason to gather around weekly. I want to make my friends and family and the entire country of Albania proud. Being the first Albanian descent player to play this game means a lot to me.

What’s one life experience you feel has prepared you for the game? My entire upbringing has prepared me for this game. Being the oldest of two in an Albanian immigrant household, my parents were working 2 jobs to put food on the table, whereas I was expected to live the American dream. Having that much responsibility at such a young age motivated me to make sure my parents’ sacrifices weren’t for nothing. Everything I do is for them.

Which previous player do you identify with the most? David Wright because he is the epitome of perseverance. He never gave up and went from zero to hero. He went from someone anxious to being the player of the season. He never gave up and I identify with that mindset.

Who do you think you will play most like? I hope to play like JT from Tocantins. I want to be a complete player socially, strategically, and physically. I want people to know me for being a great person and having great allies supporting me, but also as someone who isn’t scared.

What will you value in an alliance partner? Someone that is honest, loyal, and predictable. Ideally, I’d like to have a ride or die to the end. Someone who, no matter what, I can count on. But realistically, I want someone who is truthful and whose next move I can predict.

Favorite hobbies: Traveling and visiting new sporting venues across the world, playing basketball, spending time with friends and family. Most importantly, being a suffering NY sports fan.

Pet Peeves: In the real world, people who say they’re going to do something, then don’t. As a fan of Survivor, people who make emotional or illogical decisions.

What is something we would never know from looking at you? I know the entire soundtrack to all the High School Musical and Camp Rock Movies; I’ll gladly go toe-to-toe with anyone who wants to have a karaoke-off.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why? Aside from my parents, has to be John Cena. Growing up, the three constants were Survivor, sports, and wrestling. He is the definition of “never give up.” No matter how hard life got, no matter the obstacles, those 3 words got me through it all. He taught me grit, determination, and optimism. As a kid, seeing him defy the odds motivated me to do the same. He helped instill hustle, loyalty, and respect in me. The man taught me things I still hold onto and will in this game.

Why will you be the Sole Survivor? Survivor takes emotional intelligence, patience, social skills and a ton of luck. Lucky for me, I think I have all of those qualities. Especially, the lucky part. I am adaptable but most importantly I am fun to be around. If the new era has shown me anything, it’s that social game prevails over all. As a student of this game, I am taking that with me as Jeff crowns me the next Sole Survivor."