With the conclusion of The Challenge USA, it’s time to prepare for the MTV iteration of the reality series again as The Challenge: Ride or Dies premieres in October. With the cast announced for the season, there was the additional information that challengers handpicked their partners for the first time in Challenge history.
This season tests relationships, bringing back the tension fans loved about Rivals and Exes. Given that the teams are a mix of only rookies, a veteran and a rookie, and veteran-only, some have a better chance at becoming Challenge champions than others.
Johnny Middlebrooks and Ravyn Rochelle
On Love Island, Johnny didn’t come off as the most forward-thinking, and in a game like this, that’s a must. Hopefully, where he seems like he will lack strategy, his partner Ravyn can pick up the slack.
However, given his big personality and Ravyn’s career as an actor and influencer, they may be targeted from the beginning. Especially considering Johnny is from Love Island and how often challengers look down on contestants from that show.
Kim Tränka and Colleen Schneider
From Prince Charming and the show ahead of its time, The Mole , Kim and Colleen partner for their rookie season. It’s doubtful whether both have much of a relationship with anyone in the house going in.
Without anyone else from the same shows as either of them, there’s less camaraderie compared to other teams in the house. Unless they make a big impression early on, these two could easily be thrown into elimination.
Olivia Kaiser and Horacio Gutierrez
After Love Island USA, where fans grew upset over her sticking with Korey solely to win the show, Olivia returns to TV with Horacio Gutierrez from Exatlón USA.
As a team of rookies with one from Love Island, they have major targets on their backs based on trends from recent seasons. They may perform well in challenges if given a chance, but sometimes veterans’ determination to send rookies home is too much to fight against.
Tommy Bracco and Analyse Talavera
Tommy competes with fellow Big Brother houseguest, Analyse. They may need to warm up to the different strategies needed for the competition, but they shouldn’t be entirely counted out.
As two rookies with more connections in the house thanks to other Big Brother contestants, they may not be the first targets, but they may be the lowest hanging fruit in an alliance between past houseguests that could cost them the final win.
Nelson Thomas and Nurys Mateo
While he has never won, Nelson remains one of The Challenge's most dominant players. With Ex on the Beach’s Nurys, he may make it far in the competition, as long as he doesn’t get distracted by a showmance like he so often does.
This team may have to figure out a way to ensure they stay, because Nelson has a history of riding the middle of the pack and nearly making it to the end.
Nam Vo and Emmy Russ
Ultimate Beastmaster’s Nam and Beauty and the Geek ’s Emmy team has some Challenge experience thanks to Nam’s two seasons, where he was medically disqualified both times.
The two could do well if Nam could stay healthy and compete the way he was in the past alongside Emmy. But it’s hard to bet on that. Also, both would be new to a final, which is a totally different game, meaning they could possibly gas out.
Darrell Taylor and Veronica Portillo
All it takes is one “heights over water” challenge to be the beginning of the end for this team. While Veronica may be one of the best players on The Challenge, she doesn’t always put in the effort she should, which may negatively impact Darrell.
Hopefully, this team means Veronica is finally ready to properly prepare to take on a final with Darrell instead of relying solely on her ability to strategize and avoid eliminations.
Turbo and Tamara Alfaro
After winning the most difficult Challenge final, Turbo returns with his girlfriend, Tamara. Knowing the excellence he expects in a Challenge partner, Tamara must be a major threat to the women in the competition.
This is his first Challenge since his departure from the show after an incident in a past season with Jordan Wiseley. If Turbo can focus on competing and keep his temper in check, this team could be the one to beat.
Laurel Stucky and Jakk Maddox
One of The Challenge’s best villains, Laurel returns partnered up with Ex on the Peak contestant, Jakk. Laurel gets in her own way with her abrasive personality, and as long as she can stay a more level-headed competitor, she and Jakk can make it to the final.
However, because she’s a threat, if Jakk doesn’t compete at her level, the house may try to eliminate her early, giving everyone a better chance in the final.
Fessy Shafaat and Moriah Jadea
While Fessy is a former Big Brother houseguest who could win The Challenge on paper, his gameplay shows he’s got a ways to go. As a player who blames anything and everything going wrong on his partner, Fessy doesn’t navigate a team game well.
If he finally learned how to be a team player and tighten his strategy, while competing like usual, Fessy could win the show with Moriah, or at least make it deep into the competition.
