10 Challengers Who Need a Second Chance

The Challenge 39 is expected to be filming soon, and many rookies are getting their calls. Based on the past three seasons, there are dozens of competitors who have only done one season and are still hoping to get their second shots.

Hopefully, these 10 people had their phones ringing. But, to be clear, this does not mean these people will be on season 39. It does mean I see a lot of potential in them and I’d like to see them again. The criterion for being on this list is quite simple: You’ve only done one season. If you’ve done more than one in any capacity, you don’t qualify… sorry Nam.

10. Priscilla Anyabu

At the start of Spies, Lies and Allies, Priscilla didn’t get too much attention, but when she was sent to The Lair she started playing the game. This forced veterans to finally get sent into eliminations — and while it quickly got her sent into another one, it did mark a pivotal moment in the game.

9. Corey Lay

While Corey didn’t reach the halfway mark on Spies, Lies and Allies, he was ready to fight and compete while he was there. He took pride in defying the odds as a representative of the LGBTQ+ community — and proved that by single-handedly winning the Back Me Up elimination.

8. Ed Eason

Sometimes, replacements get immediate targets. Ed was a bit of an exception on Spies, Lies and Allies. After one elimination, his fun-loving attitude allowed him to make friends quickly. He got respect from a lot of the veterans of the season, despite the fact that he lost to Kyle in Pole Wrestle.

7. Bayleigh Dayton

On Total Madness, Bayleigh was attached to Swaggy throughout the game. But we saw a more emotional and risky player when she had to play by herself. This could have blown up in her face, and it almost kept her from getting her red skull, but she ultimately won an elimination and made the final. Plus, she had the guts to challenge Kaycee and Nany, a feat few competitors dared to do.

6. Ashley Cain

Coming onto The Challenge, Ashley had a lot of buzz surrounding his name. Many of the UK players knew him, and he found himself making waves as part of a UK newbie alliance. Sadly, after this appearance, he had a daughter and she was diagnosed with cancer and she lost the battle. Ashley was with her throughout the whole fight, but now he may be in a position where he can show his competitive side again.

5. Nurys Mateo

Anyone who can break Nelson’s multi-season losing streak deserves some serious credit. Nurys displayed a lot of strength, smarts, and endurance during Ride or Dies and she wasn’t afraid to make risky moves. Ultimately, she lost in the Zone and never got to fight to come back into the game, but she could continue to make waves if she returns in the future.

4. Angela Rumnans

When we look at competitors from The Challenge: USA, few people were able to influence the game as much as Angela. She broke alliances, made shady game moves, and was unafraid to make enemies. If the main series wants to be interesting, this is the type of gameplay it needs.

3. Olivia Kaiser

It’s hard to deny that Olivia wasn’t the standout female on Ride or Dies. She was a bit of a wild card when she arrived, but she definitely put her heart into the game. Her injury in the final sent her home, but there’s no denying she has the drive to endure the most difficult challenges.

2. Natalie Anderson

Anyone who’s won another reality competition show will immediately have eyes on them, and this Survivor winner made a big impression during the first episodes of Double Agents. She sent Ashley home, but then she got medically disqualified, and she hasn’t been back to show her full potential.

1. Horacio Gutiérrez

After only one season of The Challenge, Horacio has become a fan favorite. Rumor has it he won’t be on season 39 due to a soccer commitment, and that will disappoint a lot of people who watched Ride or Dies. During that season, he tied the single-season elimination win record and made the final, but Olivia’s injury meant he had to go home as well. Now, fans are itching to see him get another run, hopefully without a partner.