ATHENS – A guide to who ‘Gio Kay’, the newcomer on Survivor Greece is, and how his sudden fame has taken over Instagram and TikTok.
Has the name ‘Gio Kay’ popped up on your social media feeds as much as it has ours, and you’re left wondering who he exactly is, where he’s come from, and why he’s suddenly trending and collaborating with major Greek stars in media and music?
Well, let us guide you.
Who is Gio?
Gio Kay, whose full name is Giorgios Karadonis, is a Greek-American record producer and content creator who was born on November 24, 1997 and was raised in Woodbury, NJ, alongside his parents Stathis and Michelle, and brother, Alexander.
He previously attended Gloucester Catholic High School and spent every summer growing up, travelling around Greece.
In 2018, at the age of 21, he decided to move to Greece, as his father, Stathis, became involved with the soccer team ‘Iraklis F.C. (Thessaloniki)’, and took on the role of Vice President.
Karadonis is also known as the founder and CEO of the global entertainment company Aktive Records, where he manages a variety of artists, including his own brother, singer-songwriter Alexander Karadonis, who goes by ‘Lil Benzy’.
Gio, the leader of The Hustle House
The 28-year-old additionally labels himself as an entrepreneur, known for creating ‘The Hustle House’, which he claims is “The First Rap Reality Show in Greece.” It features a variety of major Greek rappers as judges, including Bossikan, Ypo, Dj Silence, Betaf, Dirty Harry, and guest stars including Light, Sin Boy, Kidd, FY and more.
The Hustle House was first introduced through a call for auditions in 2024, and then premiered in Athens in the summer of 2025. It is a project that focuses on Karadonis and his co-stars working closely with new talent in the music world and mentoring them to set goals and develop and grow through their support.
Episodes one, two and three can now be streamed on YouTube, on the Hustle N Flow – a channel created by Karadonis.
Gio’s recent fame
Karadonis recently grabbed people’s attention after trending videos began circulating online regarding his stance on living in the U.S. versus living abroad in Greece, where he highlights advantages and disadvantages, as well as the culture shock he experienced coming to Greece.
His unique take on combining his English words with his Greek is another thing that makes him stand out from other content creators and popular figures online.
Some of his most memorable lines are stated in an interview on ‘Konilo Talks’, the podcast by Konilo, a prominent YouTuber and content creator in Greece.
In this episode, Karadonis describes his upbringing in New Jersey, as well as his love for Greece and Greek nightlife.
During the interview, Konilo asks: “Τι σε έκανε να πεις ότι θα μείνω στην Ελλάδα?” (What was it that made you decide I want to stay in Greece?)
Karadonis responded by saying he was inspired after a night out in Greece.
“Στην Αμερική στα κλαμπ, ένα Grey Goose θα σου κοστίσει 450 ευρώ, με 20% ΦΠΑ και 20% TIP. So πας στα 600-700 ευρώ για ένα μπουκάλι, bro. Εδώ με 100 ευρώ, είχαμε το Grey Goose μέσα στο κλαμπ, you get me – it was fire,” Karadonis said.
Inspiring the next generation
In other interviews, Karadonis reveals how he aims to be a role model for young people and loves to share his wisdom and motivational advice.
The 28-year-old has also stated how he loves to channel an ‘Alexander the Great Mindset’ and frequently quotes philosophers such as Aristotle and Plato. In one clip, he is seen saying that he teaches young people, “don’t do this sh**, do that, do this, do that, you know – νοοτροπία (mindset)” further encouraging them to “read a book” to expand their mindsets.
His other popular videos depict him stating wise quotes and philosophies like “failing to prepare is preparing to fail,” and how you need to “risk it for the biscuit.”
In an interview with a national Greek news channel, he states how he wants “young people to read books, to have that drive inside them and hustle. I want them to be able to achieve something, to find their vision,” Karadonis previously said.
Gio takes Survivor
The 28-year-old is also currently starring in season 13 of Survivor Greece, which kicked off on Sunday, January 11.
TNH reached out to Karadonis for a comment on his experience so far on the show, however, we were informed he is unable to respond until his return from Survivor.
