The 35-year-old trash-talking "Survivor" veteran is among eight remaining castaways vying for the $1 million grand prize on Sunday's finale of "Survivor: Redemption Island."
He previously competed on the "Marquesas," "All-Stars" and "Heroes vs. Villains" seasons.
Mariano's competition includes former federal agent Phillip Sheppard, beauty queen Ashley Underwood and dancer Natalie Tenerelli.
Four previously ousted players also will return to the game: former NFL player Grant Mattos, Iraq war veteran Mike Chiesl and college students Andrea Boehlke and Matt Elrod.
From what viewers have seen this season, the scheming Mariano calculated the demise of the opposing tribe, as well as that of his allies.
"Redemption Island" is the Nicaragua-set 22nd edition of the CBS outwit, outplay, outlast contest.
