“I have unmasked the traitors, those are my two trophies,” Faroek Özgünes said after his elimination from the final round table of De Verraders on Nov. 8, 2026, HBVL reported.
The 62-year-old journalist from Sint-Truiden reached the final stage alongside Stephanie Coorevits, Noah Mavuela, and Veerle. Following an emotional final plea, Coorevits secured the remaining spot among the final three players with support from Noah and Veerle. Özgünes immediately recognized that a traitor had forced him out of the game, ending his run just short of the finish line.
Özgünes stated that he viewed Noah and Veerle as his core pillars during the final stretch. Despite trusting them to follow his lead, he noted that Coorevits successfully swayed them during the decisive vote, according to HBVL.
Newsmonkey reported that tension had built up throughout the endgame following a strategic shift involving the Coin of Truth. Danira Boukhriss originally held the coin before passing it to Noah Mavuela, neutralizing a plan by traitor Thomas Smith.
Meanwhile, Özgünes had targeted Coorevits due to her connection with Kürt Rogiers, sparking a fierce table debate that ultimately led the group to eliminate innocent player Bert De Kock under Smith’s influence, as documented by Newsmonkey.
Özgünes acknowledged that fellow contestants frequently accused him of playing a solo game without group consultation. He explained to HBVL that he actually feared the faithful more than the traitors because he could protect himself against the latter using a shield. Once caught in the tunnel vision of the faithful, he felt entirely vulnerable.
Opting for a rational and analytical approach, Özgünes admitted his direct demeanor sometimes shocked viewers. He deliberately avoided emotional arguments, recognizing that the traitors relied on emotional manipulation to steer the competition.
Noah Mavuela and Veerle secured their places in the final three alongside Coorevits following the last round table.
Under the influence of traitor Thomas Smith, the group voted to eliminate Bert, who subsequently revealed he was a faithful player, according to Newsmonkey.
Özgünes watched the broadcast on television with a smile, noting to HBVL that he felt satisfied with playing his own game despite failing to convince the other faithful.
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