CT Tamburello, a familiar face on the reality competition series “The Challenge,” has returned for the latest season entitled “The Challenge: Cutthroat,” which is currently available for streaming on Paramount+. The seasoned competitor, who has left a significant mark on the show, recently shared his thoughts with PEOPLE about his ongoing commitment to the series, despite contemplating retirement on several occasions.
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The 46-year-old star first joined “The Challenge” during its eighth season in 2004, known as “The Inferno.” Over the years, Tamburello has participated in an impressive 22 seasons and emerged victorious five times. However, he has repeatedly flirted with the idea of stepping back from the competition.
“I’ve done so many of these, like growing up in this world, it’s my life,” Tamburello explained. “Every time — I swear after every season nowadays — I always say I’m gonna retire again.” With a light-hearted chuckle, he added, “I think I [retired] three times by now.”
Despite making these retirement declarations, the allure of the show ultimately draws him back. “After a little bit of time goes by, you start to miss it,” he acknowledged. This sentiment leads him to commit to “one more” season, promising, “Okay, wow. Last one, last one.” It seems that each time he steps away, the call of the competition becomes increasingly difficult to resist.
Tamburello likened the experience of being part of “The Challenge” to an enchanting adventure, drawing comparisons to “Neverland” from Peter Pan and the whimsical world of Willy Wonka. “You don’t know where you’re going until you get to the airport,” he remarked. “You say final goodbyes, and then you open up your ticket to see where you’re going and get taken off into this magical land across the world, and you get to be a big kid.”
For the current season, “The Challenge: Cutthroat,” this “magical land” is Thailand—an exotic backdrop where Tamburello has achieved three of his five victories. While he relishes the thrill of competition, he admitted with a laugh that bunking in shared accommodations is one aspect he could do without.
The latest season features a mix of veteran contestants and six new entrants, competing in teams for a grand prize of $500,000. Notable returnees alongside Tamburello include Cory Wharton, Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio, Cara Maria Sorbello, and Nelson Thomas, as well as last season’s runner-up, Sydney Segal.
New episodes of “The Challenge: Cutthroat” are released weekly, with fresh content becoming available every Wednesday at midnight Pacific Time. Fans of the series can expect more high-stakes challenges and dramatic alliances as the competition unfolds.
As CT Tamburello embarks on yet another round of the series, his passion and dedication to the show remain evident. Time after time, he has shown that the reality competition landscape is not only a career for him but a personal journey filled with memorable experiences and lifelong friendships. With a personality that continues to resonate with viewers, he remains a beloved figure in the world of reality television.