Filmed entirely in Thailand, this new chapter brings together a mix of franchise legends and first-timers for what producers are calling the most grueling season yet. The 24 competitors will battle for a share of a $500,000 grand prize, divided into three teams — meaning the only way to cash in is to reach the finish line together as a unit.
Here’s the official Season 42 logline:
“To win, nominated captains must balance their hunger for dominance with the need for loyalty, or risk losing their power while solo players must prove they can be team players or lose their chance at the winnings.”
Season 42 marks a major shift for the franchise, moving off MTV to stream exclusively on Paramount+ for the first time. The Challenge: Cutthroat premieres August 5, with new episodes dropping weekly. Keep scrolling to see the full cast photos and make sure to check back every week for updates on eliminations and game-changing moments.
Adrienne Naylor
Adrienne survived four eliminations on Vets & New Threats before bowing out of the Final in fourth place. She’s returning with a renewed hunger to close the deal.
Alexis “Lete” Lete (‘Deal or No Deal Island’)
The former WWE NXT performer and Miss Indiana USA 2020 makes her Challenge debut hoping to trade her runner-up finish on Deal or No Deal Island for a championship title.
Anna Leigh Wilson (‘The Amazing Race’)
Known for her competitive streak alongside her father on The Amazing Race 35, Anna Leigh goes solo for her freshman season, betting her Challenge knowledge gives her an edge.
The Challenge is leaving MTV behind for a new streaming home, and it’s bringing back a fan-favorite theme to do it: Season 42 is officially titled The Challenge: Cutthroat.
Filmed entirely in Thailand, this new chapter brings together a mix of franchise legends and first-timers for what producers are calling the most grueling season yet. The 24 competitors will battle for a share of a $500,000 grand prize, divided into three teams — meaning the only way to cash in is to reach the finish line together as a unit.
Here’s the official Season 42 logline:
“To win, nominated captains must balance their hunger for dominance with the need for loyalty, or risk losing their power while solo players must prove they can be team players or lose their chance at the winnings.”
Season 42 marks a major shift for the franchise, moving off MTV to stream exclusively on Paramount+ for the first time. The Challenge: Cutthroat premieres August 5, with new episodes dropping weekly. Keep scrolling to see the full cast photos and make sure to check back every week for updates on eliminations and game-changing moments.
Adrienne Naylor
Alexis “Lete” Lete (‘Deal or No Deal Island’)
Anna Leigh Wilson (‘The Amazing Race’)
Cara Maria Sorbello
The two-time champion returns after stepping away last season to be with her mother, chasing a third title that would put her among an elite group of women in the game.
Cassidy Clark (‘Survivor,’ ‘The Challenge: USA’)
The Survivor 43 runner-up saw the Elimination Arena four times on The Challenge: USA 2 before falling short of the Final. She’s putting that near-miss behind her and locking in on a win.
Chris “CT” Tamburello
The five-time champion is looking to bounce back from a disappointing Vets & New Threats run and remind the house why he’s still one of the most feared competitors in franchise history.
Johnny “Bananas” DeVenanzio
The self-proclaimed GOAT hasn’t won since Total Madness and is coming off an early exit from Vets & New Threats. He’s out to end the slump and claim a record eighth title.
Justin Hinsley
After surviving the first elimination of Vets & New Threats only to fall short of the Final, Justin returns for his sophomore season with unfinished business — and a little revenge on his mind.
Michele Fitzgerald (‘Survivor’)
Michele came agonizingly close to becoming one of the few Survivor alums to win a Challenge title, dropping from first to third on karma points during Battle of the Eras. She’s not leaving her fate up to others again.
Victoria “Tori” Deal
The Ride or Dies champ finished fourth on Battle of the Eras and comes back this season ready to finally take home the whole prize.
Will Gagnon
Will’s brute strength and emotional intensity made him a standout on Vets & New Threats until the stake-a-claim twist derailed his near-perfect run. He’s back to finish what he started.
Chris Underwood (‘Survivor,’ ‘The Challenge: USA’)
12th place (Eliminated by Justin Hinsley in “Chain Reaction.”)
The champion of both Survivor: Edge of Extinction and The Challenge: USA 2 is chasing an undefeated streak — this time hoping to avoid the Elimination Arena altogether.
Isabella “Izzy” Fairthorne (‘Too Hot to Handle’)
13th place (Eliminated by Cassidy Clark in “Slide Show.”)
Izzy found both romance and an early exit on her Vets & New Threats debut. She’s back in the house hungry for a win, if she can keep the drama at bay.
Josh Goldstein (‘Love Island’)
14th, 15th, 16th place — tie (removed from game)
The rookie is ready to prove there’s more to him than good looks, betting his leadership skills can carry him deep into his freshman season.
Leonardo “Leo” Dionicio (‘Love Island’)
14th, 15th, 16th place — tie (removed from game)
Leo shook up the house with his strategic gameplay on Vets & New Threats and plans to lean on that same cunning — plus his Love Island charisma — this time around.
Nelson Thomas
14th, 15th, 16th place — tie (removed from game)
Nelson returns to the game following a life-altering car accident, determined to prove he’s still a fierce competitor and to inspire other amputees in the process.
Cory Wharton (‘Teen Mom’)
17th place (Voluntary withdrawal)
Twelve seasons in, Cory is still chasing his first Challenge championship and hoping this is finally the run that gets him there.
Deb Chubb (‘Love Island’)
18th place (Eliminated by Cara Maria Sorbello in “Air Time.”)
The Love Island USA Season 4 fan favorite is banking on her humor and authenticity to get her competition to underestimate her — right up until it’s too late.
Keanu Soto (‘Big Brother’)
19th place (Eliminated by Nelson Thomas in “Knot So Fast.”)
Voted America’s favorite player, Keanu came within reach of a Big Brother win thanks to his social game and physical strength. Now he’s looking to translate that combination into Challenge success.
Sydney Segal (‘Survivor’)
20th place (medical withdrawal)
The Vets & New Threats Rookie of the Year narrowly missed a championship in the Final and isn’t shy about calling herself the best in the game — period.
Nurys Mateo
21st place (Eliminated by Anna Leigh Wilson in “I’ve Got You Pegged.”)
The Battle for a New Champion runner-up is entering this season single and focused, with longtime ride-or-die Nelson Thomas by her side.
Brad Fiorenza
22nd place (Eliminated by Keanu Soto in “Winning Numbers.”)
The OG vet’s only Challenge win came from the original Cutthroat, and he’s hoping that experience carries his team to victory a second time around.
Reilly Smedley (‘Big Brother’)
23rd place (Eliminated by Deb Chubb in “Line ‘Em Up.”)
Reilly won the first Head of Household of her season before getting voted out second. She’s hoping her Challenge debut lasts considerably longer.
Cedric Hodges (‘Big Brother’)
24th place (Eliminated by Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio in “Burn Out.”)
The rookie sensation dodged nearly every elimination on his freshman run before settling for bronze in the Final. This time, he’s aiming for nothing less than gold.
