If the main goal of The Challenge is to win, the secondary goal is to be remembered. These people went out of the game first, but not without giving us reasons to talk about them.
This list focuses on the top competitors who were eliminated as soon as possible. To be clear: each Challenge appearance will be considered separately, and I am only counting people who lost in the first elimination they were eligible to compete in. So, people like Jo and Duel 2 CT won’t be considered, because I’m only looking at eliminations.
10. Sam & Kailah (Ride or Dies)
It’s hard to deny that Kailah and Sam had one of (if not the) strongest relationships on Ride or Dies, and it was refreshing to see a veteran return and bring her new reality star hubby along. Then, they were the first duo to leave. Kudos to the rookies who made this happen, but Kailah likely got screwed because many of the other veterans (her allies) came into the game later.
9. Danny Jamieson (Fresh Meat)
Recently-engaged Danny came onto The Challenge with big aspirations, a lot of allies, a round-one-draft-pick partner, and a huge ego. However, the veterans were going to pick off the rookies one by one, and Danny’s big ego made him the prime target for the first elimination.
8. Trishelle Cannatella (All Stars)
For many people, Trishelle’s first boot on The Inferno is probably more memorable, but technically, the Lifeshield could have sent her into the first male Inferno. So I’m focusing on All Stars.
This season, Trishelle proved why she’s a reality star. She wasn’t afraid to have arguments and bring up old drama. Did it ruin the harmony of All Stars 1? Probably, but her argument with Katie was one of the season’s most memorable moments and it reminded us why the OGs made good TV in their heyday.
7. Robin Hibbard (The Inferno 2)
When people think of The Inferno 2, they often think of Tonya throwing Beth’s clothes in the pool. That memorable moment only happened because of Robin. Her relationship with Mark sparked a fight with Tonya where she called Tonya a slut, whore, and a liar, and it was the third insult that really set Tonya off. While Robin kept her hands clean after the argument, she played a big role in making the season so monumental.
6. Michaela Bradshaw (Spies, Lies, and Allies)
Recent Challenge seasons have gotten slow starts, but on Spies, Lies and Allies, the Survivor players came in with an alliance. Once the format of the game was revealed, they realized they were screwed. Michaela tried to go against the veterans, but then she turned on her own alliance in the very first episode. She lost in the Lair to Michele, but she did help to set the tone for the season.
5. Anastasia Miller (Rivals 2)
I have all the compassion in the world for Anastasia — she had no idea what she was getting into on Rivals 2. She found herself in the middle of a messy love triangle, thought CT actually cared about her, and was hurt when she discovered it was all a game. So, she freaked out. In retrospect, this was understandable, but we’re only looking back at that moment because it’s unforgettable.
4. Derek Chavez (All Stars 2)
Most people on this list played really messy games, but Derek spent his time in Mexico showing his courage in the face of grief. Shortly before the season began, his sister committed suicide — but he appeared on the show, believing she would have wanted him to compete. Ultimately, he was able to return home to his family, but his willingness to talk about his recent trauma gave us the type of real dialogue we used to see on The Real World.
3. Britni Thornton
Final Reckoning was really odd because multiple teams could be considered “first boots.” But, in a season packed with controversy, Britni and Chuck brought a lot of drama. Despite never getting into the main house, she got into many arguments with her partner, and her relationship with Brad was weaponized as a form of mental warfare outside of Redemption.
2. Shauvon Torres (The Duel 2)
When we think of messy first episodes, Shauvon (aka “The Boobs Girl”) probably had the messiest. She was caught boinking CT, and this sparked the biggest fight we’ve ever seen on The Challenge. Then, she tried to take out a strong competitor by calling Aneesa into The Duel. Obviously, she lost, but this only resulted in another fight with a veteran.
1. Ashley Mitchell (War of the Worlds)
After winning Final Reckoning and taking Hunter’s money, Ashely was bound to have a huge target on her back. And on War of the Worlds, people wasted no time taking shots. She lost to Hunter on the first Killing Floor, but after Final Reckoning, this was one of the most monumental eliminations in Challenge history — and it was the first one of the season.
Stop Being Polite 