Who’s Still Alive Going Into the Final Season of "Game of Thrones"?

Killing season approaching.

The end is nigh. The White Walkers are coming. And Cersei’s wine cellar is about to get drained.

That’s right, you can’t live in denial any longer: Game of Thrones is approaching its endgame. There’s even a trailer to prove it.

Ahead of its eighth and final season, debuting in Australia on Foxtel from 15 April, theories about who will end up straddling the Iron Throne are flying thick and fast. (Hottest of takes: Hot Pie is a dark horse contender. It could happen!)

But if you’re hoping to make a truly educated guess before the last episode airs in May of 2019, you’re gonna need a reminder of who is actually alive and therefore eligible to snatch the crown.

Now, we’re not gonna judge you for not having memorised the names of the survivors of the first seven seasons. It certainly doesn’t help that a few of them returned from the dead.

According to this Game of Thrones wiki, there are (somehow) hundreds of characters still breathing. However, this includes such single-episode players as "Dothraki man having sex" and "Meereenese homeless mother", and we’re not so sure they have the best claim to the throne. (Either way, we wish "Ros's dissatisfied customer" all the best in his quest for the highest seat in the land.)

So, to make life easier for those putting in their final picks for Game of Thrones' ultimate victor, we’ve whittled the contenders down to a manageable 44.

Below, check out our list of the potential Game of Thrones champions. A word of wording: prepare to cross plenty of these names off as the season progresses. Things are going to get bloody, that’s for damn sure. (Spoilers for S1-7 ahead.)

Aeron Greyjoy
Archmaester Ebrose
Arya Stark
Beric Dondarrion
Bran Stark
Brienne of Tarth
Bronn
Cersei Lannister
Daario Naharis
Daenerys Targaryen
Davos Seaworth
Eddison Tollett
Edmure Tully
Euron Greyjoy
Gendry
Gilly
Gregor Clegane
Grey Worm
Hot Pie
Jaqen H'ghar
Jaime Lannister
Jon Snow
Jorah Mormont
Kitty Frey
Lyanna Mormont
Meera Reed
Melessa Tarly
Melisandre
Missandei
Podrick Payne
Qyburn
Robin Arryn
Roslin Frey
Samwell Tarly
Sandor Clegane
Sansa Stark
Talla Tarly
The Night King
Theon Greyjoy
Tormund Giantsbane
Tycho Nestoris
Tyrion Lannister
Varys
Yara Greyjoy

Did we miss a likely contender? Let us know!

Game of Thrones S8 begins on Foxtel Now and Fox Showcase in Australia on Monday 15 April.

Header Image: HBO