EJ Snyder on First Man Out: Head-to-Head in the Ultimate Race for Survival
Pitted against elite survivalist Ed Stafford, EJ took on brutal terrain, limited resources, and a race against time in one of the toughest challenges of his career.
First Man Out — EJ Snyder vs. Ed Stafford
Location: Northern Thailand
Challenge Format: 5-Day Survival Race
Episode Type: Pilot / Series Launch
A New Kind of Survival Challenge
World-renowned explorer Ed Stafford had already proven he could survive alone in the wild—but now he wanted more. To truly test himself, he launched a new series: First Man Out, where he races against the world’s toughest survivalists across some of the most unforgiving terrains on Earth.
And to kick it all off, he called on one man: EJ Snyder.
A Survival Race Through the Jungles of Thailand
EJ and Ed faced off in the pilot episode, racing across the dense, mountainous jungles of Northern Thailand. With minimal supplies, no support, and only their skills to rely on, they had 5 days to reach the extraction point—navigating, surviving, and adapting along the way.
EJ Brings the Heat
- As a co-creator and consultant on the show’s structure, EJ helped shape the format behind the scenes—then stepped up as the first challenger to test it.
- Known for his military background, expert tracking, and mental toughness, EJ quickly proved he wasn’t just racing—he was setting the bar.
- In a pivotal moment, despite a fear of tight, enclosed spaces, EJ braved a shortcut through a cave system—saving an entire day’s travel.
Pushing Limits, Setting the Tone
EJ’s debut on First Man Out wasn’t just about survival—it was about mindset, strategy, and heart. His performance helped define the tone for the entire series.
“Improvise, adapt, and overcome”—EJ lived those words every step of the way.