The Ultimate Retrospective: 5 Reasons Why 'The Challenge: Invasion Of The Champions' Remains A Pivotal Season

Step back into one of the most transformative seasons in MTV history, *The Challenge: Invasion of the Champions*, which first aired in early 2017. This season, the 29th installment of the long-running reality competition, fundamentally changed the game by introducing a dynamic format pitting a fresh crop of "Underdogs" against a legendary group of "Champions." The result was a high-stakes, individual battle royale that delivered one of the most satisfying—and surprising—finales in the show's history, solidifying the legacies of two all-time greats.

As of December 13, 2025, *Invasion of the Champions* is remembered not just for its unique split format, but for the dramatic return of a legend and the rise of a new, controversial champion. From the intense eliminations to the grueling final in Krabi, Thailand, this season is a masterclass in strategic gameplay and physical endurance, providing endless fodder for retrospective analysis and fan debate.

The Complete Roster: Champions and Underdogs Who Battled in Thailand

Filmed in Krabi, Thailand, during late 2016, *Invasion of the Champions* began with a cast of 18 players dubbed "Underdogs"—challengers who had never won a season. Halfway through, eight "Champions" arrived, creating a two-tiered competition structure. The season officially featured 26 contestants, all fighting for a share of the $350,000 prize pot.

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The structure was simple: Underdogs competed amongst themselves until only a few remained, at which point the Champions arrived to test them. Only the strongest Underdogs survived the initial phase to face the legendary veterans.

The Champions (The Invaders)

These eight veterans were brought in to defend their legacy and prove the Underdogs weren't ready for the title. The Champions were:

• CT Tamburello: (Winner) - *The Inferno II* and *Rivals II* Champion.
• Johnny Bananas: (Eliminated) - Six-time Champion.
• Darrell Taylor: (Eliminated) - Four-time Champion.
• Jordan Wiseley: (Eliminated) - *Battle of the Exes II* Champion.
• Zach Nichols: (Eliminated) - *Battle of the Seasons* Champion.
• Camila Nakagawa: (Eliminated) - *Battle of the Exes* Champion.
• Cara Maria Sorbello: (Eliminated) - *Battle of the Bloodlines* Champion.
• Laurel Stucky: (Eliminated) - *Free Agents* Champion.

The Underdogs (The Challengers)

The 18 Underdogs were the heart of the season, competing in the initial phase and battling for a spot in the final stage. The final four Underdogs who earned the right to compete against the Champions were Nelson Thomas, Cory Wharton, Nicole Ramos, and Jenna Compono.

• Ashley Mitchell: (Winner) - From *Real World: Skeletons*.
• Dario Medrano: (Finalist) - From *Are You The One? 2*.
• Nelson Thomas: (Finalist) - From *Are You The One? 3*.
• Cory Wharton: (Finalist) - From *Real World: Skeletons*.
• Nicole Ramos: (Finalist) - From *Battle of the Bloodlines*.
• Jenna Compono: (Finalist) - From *Real World: Skeletons*.
• Kailah Casillas: (Eliminated) - From *Real World: Skeletons*.
• Amanda Garcia: (Eliminated) - From *Are You The One? 3*.
• Shane Landrum: (Eliminated) - From *Road Rules: Campus Crawl*.
• Tony Raines: (Eliminated) - From *Real World: Skeletons*.
• Sylvia Elsrode: (Eliminated) - From *Real World: Skeletons*.
• Marie Roda: (Eliminated) - From *Real World: St. Thomas*.
• Theo Von: (Eliminated) - From *Road Rules: Maximum Velocity Tour*.
• Anika Rashaun: (Eliminated) - From *Real World: Skeletons*.
• Bruno Bettencourt: (Eliminated) - From *Real World: Skeletons*.
• Kassius Bass: (Eliminated) - From *Are You The One? 4*.
• LaToya Jackson: (Eliminated) - From *Real World: St. Thomas*.
• Anthony Bartolotte: (Eliminated) - From *Are You The One? 2*.

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The Iconic Final and The Rise of Two Unexpected Champions

The finale of *Invasion of the Champions* is a legendary moment that secured the status of two very different competitors: CT Tamburello and Ashley Mitchell. The final challenge itself was a grueling, multi-stage event in Krabi, Thailand, involving a series of physical and mental checkpoints.

CT Tamburello: The Redemption Arc

CT Tamburello's win was one of the most celebrated in the show's history. After a long hiatus from the show, and having struggled in previous finals, CT returned to the game focused and in peak physical condition. He was the first male Champion to cross the finish line, securing his second career victory and a significant portion of the prize money.

His performance was a masterclass in endurance and strategy, cementing his reputation as one of the most dominant forces to ever compete on *The Challenge*. He was able to defeat fellow finalists Dario Medrano, Nelson Thomas, and Cory Wharton.

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Ashley Mitchell: From Underdog to Champion

Ashley Mitchell’s victory was arguably the biggest surprise of the season. Known for her volatile personality and dramatic flair, many fans and cast members underestimated her ability to perform in a grueling final.

She overcame her own mental battles and outperformed the other female finalists, Nicole Ramos and Jenna Compono, to take the female title. This win marked her first of two career victories and established her as a major player in the franchise, eventually making her one of the highest-earning female competitors in *Challenge* history.

The Controversial Format That Sparked Fan Debate

While the season is highly rated, the format of "Underdogs vs. Champions" was a major source of controversy among the fanbase and even the cast.

The "Protected" Underdogs

In the initial phase, the Underdogs were only eliminated by other Underdogs. This meant that the Champions, who were supposedly the ultimate test, were not a threat until the very end. The main fan complaint was that the Underdogs were not truly "beating the champs" in elimination rounds to earn their stripes.

Champions Battling Champions

Once the Champions arrived, they competed in their own elimination rounds against each other. This led to big names like Johnny Bananas and Cara Maria Sorbello being eliminated by fellow Champions, which some viewers felt wasted the potential for epic Underdog vs. Champion matchups.

For example, the elimination of a legend like Darrell Taylor by CT Tamburello, while a great moment for CT, didn't serve the season's core premise of the Underdogs proving themselves against the best. Despite this, the format did force the Champions to fight for their spot, making the final cast incredibly strong.

LSI Keywords and Topical Entities for Deeper Context

To truly understand the depth of *The Challenge: Invasion of the Champions*, it's essential to recognize the key storylines and topical entities that defined the season:

• CT's Second Win: This season is frequently cited as the start of CT's late-career dominance, proving he could win as a solo competitor after years of partnership formats.
• The Underdog Alliance: The cohesive alliance of players like Nelson Thomas, Cory Wharton, and Shane Landrum was instrumental in controlling the early game and ensuring their numbers remained strong for the invasion.
• The Krabi, Thailand Final: The exotic and challenging filming location in Southeast Asia provided a visually stunning and physically brutal backdrop for the final race.
• Dario's Final Performance: Dario Medrano, a strong Underdog, had a surprisingly competitive run in the final, often overshadowing more established male Underdogs.
• The Bananas/Cara Maria Rivalry: The long-standing beef between these two veterans was a key dramatic element, showcasing the internal politics of the Champion group.
• Ashley M.'s Mental Instability: Her journey was marked by intense emotional swings, making her eventual victory over her personal demons and the competition all the more compelling for fans.

The Lasting Legacy of Invasion of the Champions

Ultimately, *The Challenge: Invasion of the Champions* is a pivotal season that successfully revitalized the long-running series. It introduced a format that was later refined in subsequent seasons, such as *Dirty 30* and *Vendettas*, focusing on individual achievement and high-stakes elimination.

More importantly, it delivered a feel-good victory for CT Tamburello and launched the career of Ashley Mitchell, two players who would go on to become multi-time champions. The season proved that new talent could compete with the legends, but only after surviving a brutal gauntlet of their own making. It remains a must-watch for any fan looking to understand the modern era of *The Challenge*.