Gary Centeno, the 33-year-old actor, has emerged as the grand winner of La Isla: Desafío Extremo following an intense final. The competition tested his physical and mental endurance to its limits. Centeno secured the $200,000 first-place prize, triumphing over formidable rivals Martín Salvador and Jason Romo.
In an exclusive interview, Centeno revealed the critical strategies and profound motivations that propelled him to victory. His approach centered on an unwavering focus, particularly during the final challenge involving target practice with small balls. He deliberately chose to ignore his competitors’ progress.
“The key to the final was simple, but powerful,” Centeno confessed. “I didn’t look at absolutely anything; if he was ahead of me, I didn’t care, I was focused on my own task.” He further explained his decision to filter external input: “I spoke with Mauricio Islas and told him: ‘Mauricio, I’m only going to listen to you.’ Only you, and literally I blocked out everyone.”
This absolute concentration proved essential as Centeno battled extreme physical fatigue. He admitted that his legs were screaming for him to stop during the third run of the lengthy circuit. Despite the exhaustion, his mental discipline made the difference, allowing him to pull ahead.
“I arrived first in the last two passes,” he recounted. “He got tired, something I never thought he would do more than me. I feel that God arranged everything, gave me that last reserve, and helped me calm my nerves.” This mental edge, combined with an inner calm, became his greatest asset.
Beyond strategy, Centeno drew immense strength from his faith and the memory of his deceased mother. He described her as a constant source of inspiration throughout the demanding competition. “The strength from God, which I asked my mom for so much, who is in heaven, was my angel, my motor,” he shared. “She was with me at all times and I felt she gave me the energy I needed.”
His living family also played a crucial role in his motivation. Centeno highlighted his partner and daughter, Luna, as indispensable pillars of support. “My daughter and my partner were my motor,” he revealed. “Without her, I couldn’t be there; we are a team. I won, but she won too.” He carried a drawing of a little monster from his daughter every day as a tangible reminder of her love.
While Luna could not attend the final due to a passport issue, Centeno’s excitement about their reunion was palpable. He has many plans to celebrate with her, including taking her to see snow for the first time. His tenderness and emotion are clear as he anticipates their shared moments after the grueling competition.
Centeno’s victory underscores how a combination of focused strategy, deep personal faith, and unwavering family support can be decisive in extreme challenges. He stressed the importance of selective attention: “Every game you learn something, and in this final I learned to block everything that distracted me and only trust what I needed to hear.”
Gary Centeno not only secured the title and the $200,000 prize but also leaves behind a powerful lesson in resilience and the human spirit. His journey on La Isla: Desafío Extremo exemplifies how mental strategy and emotional anchors can lead to triumph. “When we trust in ourselves and in our motors, we can reach places we never thought possible,” he affirmed. With his win, Centeno plans to share his prize with his daughter, honor his mother by helping others, and cherish the family reunion he eagerly awaited.