There are many ways to get to the end of a Challenge, but sometimes a sneaky game is the path of least resistance.
These competitors got to the final by using a strong social game to navigate through Challenge seasons. This kept them out of danger’s way, and in some cases, got them the grand prize.
There’s only one hard and fast rule on this list: If you went into any elimination during your season, you won’t be included. Beyond that, all gameplay will be considered. People who won many daily challenges, and were given immunity as a result, are less likely to be on the list. Also, the season’s format will come into play. Sneaking your way to the end of The Inferno is less impressive than doing it on an individual season like The Duel.
10. Cory Wharton (The Challenge: USA 2)
A few people tried to align with both rookies and veterans this season, but Cory was the only one who could pull it off. It may have gotten him into hot water early on, but despite the number of eliminations this season and the risky Hopper, Cory’s name was never called and his ball was never pulled.
9. CT Tamburello (War of the Worlds 2)
When it comes to CT’s Challenge legacy, his win on War of the Worlds 2 feels the most odd. Sure, it’s a victory, but Dad Bod CT had to play a very different game. Despite the fact that he tried to appear neutral, and was the Kyle-appointed leader of his team, he was in alliances and he had to make shady game moves, including throwing a Challenge. Despite this, no one even questioned sending him into elimination — but based on Total Madness, he was probably beatable during this era.
8. Cara Maria Sorbello (Vendettas)
When we look at Cara Maria’s early Challenge days, she was getting thrown into elimination left and right. By the time Vendettas rolled around, her reputation of dominance preceded her. Cara Maria didn’t have definite safety until the final daily challenge, yet nobody dared to call her out due to fear of retaliation. (Though she did win some dailies, she just wasn’t in the Troika.) A lot of people probably regretted that move when she went on to win the final prize.
7. Danny McCray (The Challenge: USA 1)
Although he was the eventual winner, Danny really flew under the radar during his first Challenge. He was the last person to earn the money to run TJ’s final, and he did it during Collect Four, a game that had an element of popularity. Then, he avoided the remaining Arenas and outplayed the other competitors in the final. The funny thing, he avoided every elimination again on the World Championship.
6. Devyn Simone (Free Agents)
It was a bit of a surprise that Devyn made it to the end of Free Agents, and after watching the season, it was a little less confusing (but still confusing). Devyn was a savvy social player, had the right friends in the game, and some people might have considered her a bit of a lay-up. Despite all of this, luck was on her side when she was flipping cards at the draw.
5. Dee Nguyen (War of the Worlds 2)
Coming into the game as a reinforcement, Dee was immediately “othered,” but she was lucky to end up on Team UK. She had many allies and became especially close with Rogan, who was pivotal in holding the UK alliance together. In the final quarter of the game she was close to getting sent to the Proving Ground, but Rogan was convinced it wasn’t her time.
4. Nelson Thomas (Spies, Lies and Allies)
By this point in his Challenge career, Nelson was established in the game, and it wasn’t too surprising to see that the veterans had his back. However, he was on the notoriously awful Ruby Cell, which meant he won absolutely nothing this season. But, if the format is right and your allies are loyal, you don’t always have to win.
3. Nany Gonzalez (Free Agents)
Credit where it’s due, Nany did win more Challenges than Laurel this season, but her ability to skate to the end was heavily dependent on luck and having the right allies. She didn’t play a particularly loud or strategic game, but it’s clear that people like Bananas, CT, Leroy, and even Laurel just had her back.
2. Johnny Reilly (Free Agents)
Nobody on Free Agents got luckier than Johnny Reilly — he was supposed to go into elimination but avoided it because Frank was medically disqualified nobody flipped the kill card. This luck lasted throughout the season, but the fact that he avoided being the direct vote after episode three when he was slated to go into elimination, is a testament to the social game he played.
1. Kyle Christie (Vendettas)
Coming into this season, Kyle had nothing but “vendettas.” Somehow, he made friends with the top dogs and just avoided getting sent into the Ring. This was especially apparent toward the end when friends were stabbing each other in the back, yet Kyle was ushered into the final. And worst of all, he actually made it to the second half and ensured Tony and Leroy wouldn’t get money.
Stop Being Polite 