Boston Rob Mariano Reflects on Survivor Strategy and New Role on Deal or No Deal Island

Boston Rob Mariano, the iconic reality TV competitor, opened up about his cutthroat gameplay on Survivor and his new role as the host of Deal or No Deal Island‘s after show. In an interview with PEOPLE, Mariano, 49, reflected on his aggressive strategies during Survivor: All-Stars in 2003, where he prioritized winning over preserving friendships.

“I legitimately did everything that I needed to do to get to the end,” Mariano said. “I cut throats, I killed friendships, and I expected them to give it to me at the end.” However, the jury awarded the win to Amber Brkich, whom Mariano later married in 2005. Despite the loss, Mariano stands by his gameplay but admits he underestimated the importance of jury perception. “I didn’t take into account that I was going to have to be accountable at the end of it,” he said.

Mariano credits his All-Stars experience with helping him refine his strategy, leading to his victory on Survivor: Redemption Island in 2011. “I had to learn you can’t just treat all these other people just like game pieces,” he explained. “You have to understand they’re people, they have feelings, and act accordingly.”

Now, Mariano is bringing his expertise to Deal or No Deal Island season 2, where he will analyze gameplay on the show’s after show. He emphasized the importance of strategy in facing the Banker, stating, “There is a right and a wrong way to play the temple from a math-based point of view.”

Mariano’s journey began with Survivor: Marquesas in 2004, where he quickly grasped the strategic nuances of the game. “I thought I did good my first time out in Marquesas,” he said. “I didn’t ultimately win, but I understood the strategy better than the people did at the time.”

As Deal or No Deal Island season 2 premieres, Mariano teased his performance, saying, “It’s going to be frigging awesome.” The two-hour premiere airs on Tuesday, Jan. 7, at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.