The Traitors US Season 4 Episode 8 (“A Queen Never Comes Off Her Throne”) thinned the castle dramatically, with Colton Underwood murdered and Candiace Dillard Bassett banished in a landslide vote.

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Now down to roughly a dozen players, the endgame is heating up fast. With Rob Rausch as the sole remaining original Traitor (and a recruitment cliffhanger looming for Eric Nam), suspicion is rising, alliances are fragile, and the path to the finale is narrower than ever.

Here’s a breakdown of the top contenders most likely to make it to the final roundtable, based on their current positioning, gameplay, and low suspicion levels post-Episode 8.

1. Rob Rausch (Traitor) – The Clear Frontrunner

Rob has played a near-perfect solo game. He let Candiace murder Colton (his own ally) to frame her without getting blood on his hands, spread theories about her around the castle, volunteered for a shield, and avoided using his dagger because he didn’t need it.

His calm demeanor, “bad sportsmanship” quips, and ability to masquerade as a Faithful have kept him safe. As the last Traitor, he’s in prime position—if Eric joins him, they form an unsuspected duo; if not, Rob still has strong social capital. He’s the one to beat heading into the finale.

2. Maura Higgins (Faithful) – Flying Under the Radar

Maura has been a quiet delight, charming in challenges (like the painting mission) and rarely drawing heat.

She’s stayed low-key, avoided major conflicts, and built subtle likability without overplaying. In a shrinking cast, under-the-radar Faithfuls often slide to the end—Maura fits that mold perfectly. Fans and breakdowns highlight her as a safe bet for the finale trio, especially if the group focuses on louder players.

3. Mark Ballas (Faithful) – The Universally Liked Shield

Everyone likes Mark. He’s been consistent, helpful in missions (gallery team in Episode 8), and hasn’t sparked suspicion.

His affable personality makes him hard to target—Faithfuls rarely banish someone “nice” until late. He’s positioned as a strong, non-threatening contender who could coast to the end alongside more strategic players.

4. Natalie Anderson (Faithful) – Untapped Strength & Gamer Edge

Natalie has shown flashes of her Survivor and Amazing Race skills but hasn’t gone full throttle yet. She voted against Tara in the Episode 8 banishment (deflecting from Candiace), proving she’s observant and willing to stir pots quietly.

With more to reveal, her strategic depth could carry her far—especially if she spots Rob’s game. She’s a dark horse with high upside.

5. Eric Nam (Faithful, Potential Recruit) – The Wild Card

Eric’s low-profile run (mostly known as Colton’s friend and “pretty”) makes him a perfect recruitment target.

Rob chose him for the ultimatum, betting on their trust to build a strong pair. If Eric accepts, he jumps from background to power player; if he declines, he’s likely murdered next. His decision could reshape the finale odds dramatically.

Honorable mentions: Kristen Kish (shield winner, smart but visible), Johnny Weir (observant, but potential suspicion), and Dorinda Medley (social but occasionally vocal). Tara Lipinski and Stephen Colletti face more immediate heat.

The castle is shrinking, and with Rob pulling strings, the finale spots will come down to who spots the snake first versus who stays invisible. Episode 9 (February 12, 2026 on Peacock) will reveal Eric’s choice and likely shake things up even more. Who do you think makes it to the end? The heat is on!