We’re back with a new season of The Challenge: USA. Just like I did last season, I’m going to be checking out the top players from each episode rather than writing a full recap. The show is up on Paramount+, so if you want to see the full thing, stream it over there.
10. Alyssa Lopez
Though she’s one of the smaller players on the blue team, Alyssa found herself in a position of power this week. And she’s not going to bend to the veterans’ game. She was the only person that didn’t vote for Luis or Ameerah, and she sent a clear message to her team.
9. Cassidy Clark
It was the luck of the draw, but Cassidy became the blue team captain. Then, her team won the first daily challenge of the season. I doubt her randomly-assigned captain position will have much value later in the season, but for this episode, she gets serious kudos for assembling a great team.
8. Tori Deal
During the draft pick, Tori was quickly snatched up because she recently won Ride or Dies. Then, she helped her team carry their statues to victory during Storm the Castle, so she did bring her winning energy into The Challenge: USA 2 — at least for one episode — and she quickly emerged as a leader on her team.
7. Luis Colón
As one of the only two Amazing Race players, Luis quickly got a target on his back that resulted in him being nominated for elimination. While the Hopper could keep him safe, he could also have the chance to prove he’s a strong player in the game.
6. Cory Wharton
Cory was the first male picked in the draft — before other veterans like Wes and Bananas. He proved Cassidy was smart for picking strength because he helped the blue team run to victory in Storm the Castle, and his veteran status helped him earn a lot of respect when the blue team was in their deliberation process.
5. Ameerah Jones
Alyssa S. didn’t have the power to keep her Big Brother house guest safe, but it became clear that she does have rookies on her side. If she survives with week, she’s going to come back with a vengeance, and an alliance that might be able to make some moves.
4. Alyssa Snider
Like many other seasons, episode 1 started with a familiar tone. All of the veterans are making moves and protecting one another. Alyssa was one of the people in an awkward position. She won the daily Challenge, but she had to watch as her best friend Ameerah was voted into elimination. While she’s frustrated, the fact that she has many other Big Brother and Survivor players supporting her proves that there are other alliances that could make moves.
3. Josh Martinez
Early into the season, Josh has a lot of eyes on him, and it’s not just for bad reasons. He was the red team captain, returns to the show in his best physical shape ever, and is putting his feud with Paulie in the past. While his team lost Storm the Castle, he received zero votes in the Hopper, so he’ll be safe for another week.
2. Michele Fitzgerald
Coming into this game, Michele has two Survivor seasons and two Challenge seasons under her belt. While she has her accomplishments, she also earned a reputation of being an emotional player. This resulted in her getting three votes at the secret vote, one being from Jonna who is her teammate.
1. Jonna Mannion
Being the first girl picked must be a huge ego boos for Jonna. While she must be feeling good to have her accomplishments recognized, this could also put a big target on her back later this season. Perhaps she knows this, because she took a huge risk by casting her vote for Michele, her own teammate.
Stop Being Polite 