Recently, the Challenge Mania Podcast had a discussion where they tried to identify the most “complete” Challengers — competitors who bring entertainment, drama, politics, confessionals, and competition.
This is an interesting question, and the hosts (Derrick Kosinski and Scott Yager) identified Will as someone who’s the complete package in the new generation.
Generally, these “complete” Challengers are the ones who tend to get invited back and become mainstays on the show. Looking at more recent Challenge seasons, which competitors could fit this mold?
Note: I agree with their assessment of Will, but I won’t put him on this list because Challenge Mania already recognized him.
Cassidy Clark
The Challenge: USA 2 may have been buried from public view, but the season was fairly well-received. One of the fresh faces who stood out was Cassidy Clark, a Survivor alumna who landed in multiple eliminations due to fractured trust with other Survivor players. This allowed her to become an underdog, and she had surprising storylines, such as a fling with Josh and an unexpected romantic moment with Michele. Many people were rooting for her, and while she was eliminated right before the final, production finally brought her back for season 42.
Justin Hinsley
On Vets & New Threats, Justin was quickly identified as a non-threat. He received sympathy from Derek C., but not enough sympathy to keep him safe from the first Arena. To the surprise of most viewers, Justin won that first elimination and sent Rogan home. Throughout the season, Justin exceeded expectations and outperformed many of the veterans. He used his power to make decent moves, and he established a strong partnership with Nany. The pair nearly made the final, even though he kinda stabbed his friend Will in the back, but he was sent home in the last Arena.
Dee Vallardares
Coming onto Vets & New Threats, Dee made an immediate impression as Bananas’ top pick (and romantic interest). The duo won the first daily challenge, and Dee kind of became an honorary member of Bananas’ veteran alliance. Then, she formed a secret rookie alliance and caused drama when Will became jealous of her romance with Bananas. There was always something strategic and villainous about Dee, but she was also a strong player. While she lost in the Arena with Derrick, it was really through no fault of her own. Dee was a part of many of the most noteworthy moments on Vets & New Threats, and she seems primed to return to the show… if she wants to.
Jay Starrett
When Jay debuted on Total Madness, he made a good impression by winning in the first two Apocalypses, including a victory against CT. He was an underdog, and viewers were very sympathetic when Rogan aggressively sent him home in the third elimination. That underdog mentality carried over to Double Agents, but when he returned to Ride or Dies, something changed. Jay played a more strategic game, and successfully targeted some of the veterans—only to get bitten by karma as soon as he fell out of power. Then, he fell deeper into the strategic and villainous role on Battle for a New Champion. He was the ringleader of the majority house alliance, and it felt like he got a little too drunk on power. This led to a falling out with Nurys, but Corey sought revenge on Jay and eliminated him in a mid-final elimination. While Jay seems to get a little better each season, it’s rare to see someone who can bounce between the underdog and villain roles like Jay can.
Nurys Mateo
When Nurys debuted on Ride or Dies, she immediately got camera time with her quick romance with Johnny M. Then, she found herself involved with Jordan, but her most impressive moments came when she was competing. She helped Nelson win his first daily Challenge in years, and their success wasn’t a one-time thing. When she returned for Battle for a New Champion, she was heavily involved in the season’s drama. She made alliances, got backstabbed, and won multiple eliminations. She nearly won the entire season, but Emanuel outperformed her in the final. While her time on Battle of the Eras was short-lived, she made a huge impression in her two episodes by highlighting her then-relationship with Horacio and addressing her beef with Olivia in a Hall Brawl.
Stop Being Polite 