In the early hours of filming "Koh-Lanta, the Sacred Fire," Esteban was one of the most promising candidates. Since the shipwreck off one of the Caramoan islands, this big guy has not only been comfortable in the aquatic environment, he has shown an exemplary state of mind by staying alongside swimmers in difficulty. After the obstacle course and a first day in survivor mode, the demanding Helena selected him first in her team.
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Unfortunately, the promises of those first moments were not confirmed in the following days. The 40-year-old Chartrain, although very active on the camp, did not know how to shine in the trials. After reunification, its free electron side made it a valuable ally of circumstance at each council. It was only at the moment of the linked destinies that he left the adventure by dragging Clémence into his downfall. Originality of this season, the two candidates had the opportunity to return to the game by opposing each other in a duel won by Esteban. But for Denis Brogniart to rekindle his torch, he had to win in a second duel against Tania. Without success.
Esteban's duels against Clémence (left) and Tania (right) in "Koh-Lanta, the sacred fire" TF1 screenshots (editing)
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LEFIGARO. - You were anxious to make your two children proud, what was their reaction when they discovered the outcome of the course in "Koh-Lanta"?
Esteban. - I confessed my elimination to them the weekend before the broadcast because they didn't know anything about it and I didn't want it to be a shock for them. They are my first supporters and they believe in me so much that I preferred to tell them before watching the episode all together at home. I was apprehensive to find out, I had a lump in my stomach and the regret of not having lasted longer. My children were sad, my son cried a lot. I told them that it was just a game, that the important thing was to hang in there and never give up. I lasted 35 days, that's not nothing.
Your adventure has been marked by this altruism at all times...
In everyday life, I am like that, I get that from my upbringing. I am calm by nature and people who know me often emphasize my kindness. I like to help, I am the first to offer my help to a person on the street if I see that it is necessary. I'm like that, attentive to others, and I'm glad it showed in "Koh-Lanta" as well.
In the context of "Koh-Lanta", haven't you forgotten to think more about yourself?
I have no regrets in this game, I played my way by being a little discreet. But I was not absent, I laughed a lot with the other candidates and they remember me as a fun and benevolent person. I do not have to be ashamed of my career, I certainly owe it to my altruism and this capital sympathy. It is not necessary to be a strategist to go far in "Koh-Lanta".
"These swellings in the face will remain a great mystery, I have no idea where they came from"
Esteban, candidate of "Koh-Lanta"
During the advice of the 15th day of adventure, you declared that you were only at 45% of your possibilities...
It wasn't very wise to say that, that's for sure. When Denis (Brogniart, editor's note) asked me the question, I answered instinctively. But I didn't want to say that I was only giving myself 45% of my potential because in every event, I gave it my all every time. That percentage was the state I was in. After two weeks, with hunger, fatigue and humidity, I was no longer at the maximum of my abilities. It reflected my condition, not my investment.
You showed great promise in the first few days, were you frustrated by your performance?
Yes, it was the downfall. On a daily basis, I am a sporty person but the fundamental difference is that I eat. In the Philippines, I have no excuse, we were all in the same boat. But unlike the others, I quickly withered away. I was one of the tallest guys in the cast, I am 1.90 meters tall and I was quite massive at the start of the game. I lost 15 kilos in total and, even today, I find it difficult to recover.
Your end of adventure was marked by these swellings in the face, what happened to you?
(Laughter.) I was well roomed on Twitter, I had the right to "Adrian" in the manner of Rocky Balboa. These swellings will remain a great mystery, I have no idea of their origin. I woke up one morning, I was like that. When I saw myself on television, I thought of the movie Banzai with Coluche! (Laughter.) I had no itching or pain. The doctor took very good care of me and was able to reassure me.
Esteban on the 33rd day of "Koh-Lanta, the sacred fire" TF1 screen capture
"I'm sure hypnosis could be a weapon in this adventure"
Esteban, candidate of "Koh-Lanta"
Your beautiful understanding with Tania on the sidelines of your duel was exemplary...
There is a real friendship between us, there was no real duel. It was either she won and it was good for her, or I won and so much the better for me. We were two friends who wanted to win and who were going to face each other. Nothing to do with a council where you have the uncertainty of each other's votes. During the last hours we spent together, we exchanged about each other's lives, it was one of the best moments of my adventure. From day one, I considered him extraordinary. She is a solar woman, always smiling.
During your adventure, you have shown some of your skills in the field of hypnosis...
I love magic, and watching Messmer on TV, I was fascinated by his techniques. As an autodidact, I taught myself, I learned from Messmer's full speeches and I read many books on hypnosis. It became a passion. It is a discipline of the mind that can help people. I am more into the practice of show hypnosis to amuse people. If people are very receptive, they may find themselves doing a lot of things, but never against their moral code.
During "Koh-Lanta", did you use this talent?
I am sure that hypnosis could be a weapon in this adventure but I did not want to be said of me that I manipulate minds to win. I only demonstrated it for moments of fun.