Season 33 of the MTV hit will introduce 18 new rookie players, made up of reality stars from around the world. Here are their fears, their talents, and the Challenge vets who made an impression
The Challenge: War of the Worlds is upon us and it’s about to be a post-apocalyptic doozy.
For starters, in addition to the usual “gang of misfits” (as Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio so affectionately has called them) we’ve come to love, hate, and expect (Bananas, Cara Maria Sorbello, and CT Tamburello among them), season 33 is bringing 18 rookie players into the game, made up of reality TV stars from around the world, including shows like Love Island, The Bachelor, Survivor Turkey, and Big Brother (both U.S. and U.K).
Since getting to know 18 people in an hour during the premiere (happening tonight at 9 p.m.), we asked each of them to answer a series of questions about their fears, their talents, and which Challenge vets made an impression on them.
Alan Valdez
Original show: Various on Telemundo
Exes or frenemies appearing this season: I’ve never met any of the cast members to start any beef yet.
Memorable moment from previous show: I was tortured at gunpoint. That scene looked and felt realistic and definitely was hard to forget.
Challenge vet he found the most intimidating: CT… from afar, that is! After watching CT beast Bananas on his back — and also having such a hot temper in his younger days — I don’t know if I would want to go against him just yet.
Fears: My biggest fear is ending up paraplegic or paralyzed, so I don’t go searching to jump from high or dangerous places.
Skills that may give a competitive edge: When I was in school I was an all-state athlete in 3 sports (basketball, soccer and track & field — long jump and 100m). I’m fast with tons of endurance. I’ve been lifting weights for over 10 years and am a 3x World Champion Fitness Model. And I’ve never met anyone who can beat me at eating!
Instagram: @alanvaldezofficial
Ashley Cain
Original show: Ex on the Beach U.K.
Exes or frenemies appearing this season: The only person I knew properly before entering the show was Stephen Bear. We’ve had a love-hate relationship over the years and I’ve nearly had to tear his head off a few times but I like the guy at the same time. We are like Batman and the Joker: can’t live with each other, can’t live without each other!
Memorable moment from previous show: Despite all the girls I’ve had and being kicked off most shows I’ve done… returning for the ALL STARS edition as the KING of the show in a gold crown cementing my status as the top dog!
Challenge vet he found most intimidating: Ashley [Mitchell] 100%! The girl is f—ing crazy! There is nothing scarier than a crazy chick!
Fears: One thing I HATE is spiders! Love nor money could get me to do anything but if I have to face a spider, I’m out!
Skills that may give a competitive edge: I was a junior national athlete, held a national record and U.K. rank 1 status at 100m and 200m sprints. I was also a professional soccer player at the top level. So I have incredible stamina and speed, however I am now 17 stone (238 pounds) and purely a powerhouse.
Instagram: @mrasleycain
Chase McNary
Original show: The Bachelorette, Ex on the Beach
Exes or frenemies appearing this season: I am coming into this season with a clean slate.
Memorable moment from previous show: Probably my first one-on-one date with JoJo and we did hot partner yoga. I still get people telling me that it was one of the best scenes of that season.
Challenge vet he found the most intimidating: While all the Vets bought a presence of intimidation purely because they have so much experience, the size, stature, and notoriety of CT was sometimes overwhelming.
Fears: Eating. I have seen some of the things they have had to eat on this show and that makes me very nervous because I can’t even eat mayo on a sandwich.
Skills that may give a competitive edge: I grew up playing competitive hockey for 14 years, and I played rugby in college. I pride myself on my endurance should there be any long distance races.
Instagram: @chase_brody_mcnary
Dee Nguyen
Original show: Geordie Shore
Instagram: @deenguyen
Georgia Harrison
Original show: Love Island
Exes or frenemies appearing this season: Zahida and I once had a big argument over absolutely nothing on Twitter. That may make her a frenemy for now; however, I can see me and her grouping together since we are the only girls from the U.K.
Memorable moment from previous show: I put a dead cockroach in my mouth as a dare.
Challenge vet he found the most intimidating: Cara Maria. Let’s face it, she’s one of The Challenge‘s strongest competitors. (However, it didn’t take long to realize she’s a softie deep down with a huge heart.)
Fears: Spiders! But I’ve got two living in my flat that are no trouble at all. One’s called Bert and the other is called Betty. They stay in their corner and that’s fine with me. A big one, however, would scare me.
Skills that may give a competitive edge: Yoga and running are my favorite sports. Yoga may be low-impact but when it comes to challenges where you need to balance — like heights over water — it could really come in handy.
Instagram: @@georgialouiseharrison
Gus Smyrnios
Original show: Floribama Shore
Exes or frenemies appearing this season: Hunter and I go way back — we are from the same small town, went to the same high school, and played sports together. He was a senior when I was a freshman.
Memorable moment from previous show: I’m definitely known for being confrontational because if I feel something I speak it. Also very passionate, so if I feel an emotion, I show it.
Challenge vet he found the most intimidating: CT, just because he’s known to be a beast!
Fears: I’ve always had a hatred for cold waters!
Skills that may give a competitive edge: I played football, soccer, and baseball in high school. Was a linebacker and was 2nd in the state of Florida in overall tackles my junior year. Unfortunately, I’ve always been a little hot-headed and got into a fight senior year which suspended me for six games, hurting scholarship opportunities.
Instagram: @guscalebsmyrnios
Joao Paulo Andrade (aka JP)
Original show: Ex on the Beach Brazil
Exes or frenemies appearing this season: Not yet.
Memorable moment from previous show: A date I had where I went diving at sea and a bad moment where I argued with a man that was bothering everyone in the house because he wanted to hook up somewhere and there wasn’t any bed available to make that happen.
Challenge vet he found the most intimidating: Bananas and Wes. They know the game, and they could do anything to succeed… including kill their moms.
Fears: It used to be heights, but I believe this is in my past.
Skills that may give a competitive edge: I make great plans and decisions in a short period of time. I was a competitive soccer player and I do CrossFit, which provides me the strength, endurance and pace we’ll always need.
Instagram: @brjotape
Josh Martinez
Original show: Big Brother
Exes or frenemies appearing this season: I didn’t walk in with any enemies but quickly got a target on my back from being a winner of Big Brother. For some reason a few people have a problem with Big Brother alums on this show.
Memorable moment from previous show: When I won $500K! People would say banging the pots and pans was a highlight.
Challenge vet he found the most intimidating: I honestly haven’t watched the past few seasons. The last season I fully watched was Rivals, so the top dogs like CT, Wes, Johnny and Zach are a few I was excited to compete against.
Fears: I hate heights but I’m driven by fear, so I wasn’t really scared of much. Well, aside from Amanda’s drunken nights — then I was terrified (LOL).
Skills that may give a competitive edge: My social skills. I can get along with most and try to see the good everyone… until you f— me over and then you’re screwed.
Instagram: @josh_martinez_
Julia Nolan
Original show: Big Brother
Exes or frenemies appearing this season: I was a little apprehensive to see Da’vonne because we did not have the best relationship on our season of Big Brother as she was one of the houseguests who outed my sister and I as being the “Twin Twist.”
Memorable moment from previous show: Being a part of the famous “Twin Twist” and finally getting to enter the house as an individual player on day 43.
Challenge vet he found the most intimidating: CT! Growing up watching him compete, I knew he was an absolute beast and could take out almost anyone when faced in an elimination.
Fears: I have a fear of needles; I absolutely hate getting shots!
Skills that may give a competitive edge: I did cross country and track when I was in high school.
Instagram: @julianolan
Liz Nolan
Original show: Big Brother
Exes or frenemies appearing this season: I had some Twitter beef with Natalie a couple years back over a former Big Brother player. She then blocked me on social media so that was kind of petty (lol). I’m completely over it now but it’ll be interesting to see how our relationship plays out.
Memorable moment from previous show: Being a part of the famous “Twin Twist,” which viewers hadn’t seen done in over 10 years! It was such a unique experience for my sister and I, and SO different from any other houseguests’ experience on the show.
Challenge vet he found the most intimidating: Wes! He is such a badass and you definitely do not want to get on his bad side!
Fears: I’m a pretty big germaphobe so any kind of competition with a small space and lots of creepy crawlers will freak me out!
Skills that may give a competitive edge: I was a cheerleader and gymnast so I’ll always have that discipline and competitiveness in me. I also work out four times a week and take kickboxing classes, so I’m definitely ready to kick some a**!
Instagram: @liznolan
Mattie-Lynn Breaux
Original show: Party Down South
Exes or frenemies appearing this season: Who wasn’t a frenemy?
Challenge vet he found the most intimidating: All of the Veterans intimated to some extent. Some have been doing this for 10+ years! They have knowledge, friendships, and experience in the game. That is power!
Fears: I’m not comfortable around snakes… human and animal.
Skills that may give a competitive edge: I played on an All-Star travel basketball team, and I also played tee-ball through fast pitch softball recreationally.
Instagram: @mattielynnbreaux
Morgan Willett
Original show: Big Brother, Ex on the Beach
Exes or frenemies appearing this season: Thankfully I left all my exes on Ex on the Beach and none of them followed me onto The Challenge! I’m coming in with no frenemies and just a little bit of emotional baggage from back home.
Memorable moment from previous show: Winning! I was voted as the winner [of Big Brother: Over the Top] by America! And on Ex on the Beach: Having all three of my exes show up… and all of them try to get me back! And slipping and falling on my face while trying to make my one dramatic exit.
Challenge vet he found the most intimidating: Cara Maria is one of the fiercest females to play the game. Then I ended up in her room and she was as sweet as can be! Johnny Bananas is another.
Fears: Drowning, spiders and serial killers. And don’t ask me to eat anything gross.
Skills that may give a competitive edge: I have been a competitive cheerleader my whole entire life, so I definitely am not scared of heights because I’m used to being tossed in the air and flipping my body around. I also used to work at a spin and kickboxing studio.
Instagram: @morganleighwillett
Natalie Duran
Original show: American Ninja Warrior
Exes or frenemies appearing this season: I have the biggest disadvantage socially, because I had no prior friends/ties coming into the show.
Memorable moment from previous show: Breaking my foot and rupturing multiple ankle ligaments in the middle of a race. Up to that point, I was undefeated for two seasons of Team Ninja Warrior.
Challenge vet he found the most intimidating: The one competitor that I kept a close eye on was Cara Maria. She is a seasoned veteran, and is a beast cross-fit athlete.
Fears: Water makes me uncomfortable. I have low body fat, and I’m born and raised in Southern California. My muscles and body shuts down in weather colder than 60 degrees, so if I can avoid the water, I will. Condensation on a cold beer glass even disgusts me.
Skills that may give a competitive edge: I personally LOVE heights, to the point where I meditate on a 25-foot pole at the beach every sunset. I am a seasoned athlete, competing in rock climbing competitions for over 10 years, and have been on American Ninja Warrior for five seasons making it to National Finals.
Instagram: @ninja_natalie
Shaleen Sutherland
Original show: The Bachelor Canada
Exes or frenemies appearing this season: No, thank goodness!
Memorable moment from previous show: When I came out of the limo, I walked towards the Bachelor and stood in front of the mansion to say my speech with the hopes that he would go with the flow.
Challenge vet he found the most intimidating: CT, just because he is definitely a legend.
Fears: Heights.
Skills that may give a competitive edge: I have experience in track & field, and I’m a good swimmer. Also, I go to yoga and dance classes which helps my flexibility.
Instagram: @shaleensutherland
Stephen Bear
Original show: Geordie Shore, Just Tattoo of Us
Exes or frenemies appearing this season: No exes. I came into The Challenge with a girlfriend but I went with someone else while on the show.
Challenge vet he found the most intimidating: Nany! She’s really pretty.
Fears: Getting old and having someone else wiping my bum for me after I do a poo.
Skills that may give a competitive edge: Talking bulls—, flirting with girls, and also I’m good at thumb wars.
Instagram: @stevie_bear
Theo Campbell
Original show: Love Island
Exes or frenemies appearing this season: No.
Memorable moment from previous show: Telling Tyla to leave when Jonny was leaving.
Challenge vet he found the most intimidating: None.
Fears: Spiders and heights.
Skills that may give a competitive edge: I was a track athlete and great overall athlete. There’s nothing I’m not good at.
Instagram: @theo_campbell91
Turabi Camkiran (aka Turbo)
Original show: Survivor Turkey
Exes or frenemies appearing this season: I had no previous acquaintances.
Memorable moment from previous show: I became the champion of Survivor Turkey in 2014 and then the champion again of Survivor All Stars Turkey in 2015. Then in 2018, I took part in Survivor again but towards the season finale, I had an unfortunate injury near my tailbone and after several medical examinations, my boss Acun and the doctors told me that I couldn’t continue competing and that if I did, the physical stress on my injury could result in me becoming paralyzed.
Fears: Fear and intimidation are feelings I’m not familiar with and never have been.
Skills that may give a competitive edge: I also competed in Turkey’s Got Talent years ago and performed a show of aerial silk acrobatics. I also do break dancing. In terms of physical sports, I train regularly in MMA fighting, Muay Thai, Taekwondo and Brazilian jiu jitsu. I also have an artistic and creative side: I enjoy doing origami and craftsmanship, and I built an impressive boat myself from stray wood and tree leaves whilst living on the island during Survivor and actually sailed that boat from one island to another. I also do free running, tricking and I worked as a bartender.
Instagram: @turabi
Zahida Allen
Original show: Ex on the Beach
Instagram: @xzahida
The Challenge: War of the Worlds airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on MTV.