Alvar Seguí edges out Maica Benedicto in tense 'Supervivientes 2026' final challenge as José Manuel Soto eliminated

The Poseidon's Altar test

The final night of «Supervivientes 2026» was decided through a specially designed obstacle circuit outside the Mediaset España facilities. Following the elimination of José Manuel Soto, the three remaining finalists — Alba Paul, Alvar Seguí and Maica Benedicto — faced the first decisive game: El altar de Poseidón. The challenge required contestants to assemble a ladder from colored pieces, climb to the top of a podium and light one of two torch stands.

In a segment loaded with nerves, Alba Paul delivered the surprise by becoming the first to advance to the next phase. This left Maica and Alvar locked in a neck-and-neck race for the last available spot. The madrileño, who held immunity, struggled during the opening moments but eventually recovered. In a tight head-to-head that kept the entire studio in suspense, he edged past the murciana, who collapsed to her knees in tears.

“Congratulations, guys.”

Maica herself felt frustrated with her performance, but she will still have one chance left: she will face the loser of the second game in the penultimate vote of the entire contest.

José Manuel soto's farewell

Before the final games began, the fourth-place result was determined. José Manuel Soto was eliminated after receiving just over 15% of the votes cast via the Mediaset Infinity app. The 65-year-old andalusian singer, the oldest contestant on the island, took the decision with grace.

“For me it has been a gift to get this far. It's been thanks to the help of my colleagues, the support of the public, and the perseverance and patience I've had too, because it hasn't been easy for me to be away from my family for so many days. I'm happy, I really mean it. I think the decision is fair, and I wish the best to the three of them and that everything ends well.”

His exit marked the end of a 97-day adventure that tested his resilience and earned him praise from fans for a journey of physical endurance.

The mirror reveals physical toll

Before the final, the four survivors faced another awaited moment: seeing their own reflection for the first time in nearly 100 days. The transformations were stark. José Manuel Soto, now with a thick white Caribbean beard, deeply tanned skin and notable muscle loss, exclaimed spontaneously.

“My god! I look like Santa Claus.”

He admitted the toll was visible: "I see myself a little old, honestly it's striking." Maica Benedicto was equally shocked. She covered her mouth and confessed she felt "shocked" after so many days without any contact with her image. Beyond the weight loss, she was most struck by the radical haircut she had undergone during the adventure. Alvar Seguí, for his part, joked that he had arrived with extra kilos and was now in the best shape of his life.

Looking ahead

While the finale unfolded, Mediaset España was already promoting its next project. Ion Arramendi, presenter of «Tierra de nadie», announced the third edition of «Supervivientes All Stars», which will pick up the baton immediately after the current season concludes.