MTV’s “The Challenge” is a battleground of grit and glory. It can also be a serious payday for the cast. From rookies to legends like Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio, contestants earn cash just for showing up, with bigger bucks for those who conquer the final. Here’s a breakdown of how much the cast makes on “The Challenge.”
Base Pay on ‘The Challenge’: From Rookies to Elite
Every Challenge contestant gets a weekly stipend, with no win required. According to Us Weekly, rookies earn $1,000 a week. While returning players snag $3,000-$5,000, depending on their tenure.
Elite players, such as top vets like Devenanzio or CT Tamburello, can score up to $80,000 just for arriving. That figure, from 2020, has likely climbed in the past five years.
In August 2024, Wes Bergmann shocked fans on X by claiming that season 40’s “average” player made $100,000. He explained that this six-figure sum was boosted by a longer season and “bonus weeks.”
Not believing the former contestant, one fan wrote back: “A lot of the cast didn’t get paid 100K. Try again,” to which Wes responded: “For this season, this is about the average after the bonus weeks kick in. Long season equates to larger stipends. Much larger. Do you know who you’re talking to?”
These numbers are significantly higher than what they used to be. Back in 2010, a Reddit post from a Fresh Meat II crew member claimed that base pay for rookies was $500 per week, while the vets were guaranteed $1,000 per week.
Big Wins, Bigger Checks
It’s no secret that finalists on “The Challenge” can cash in big. Ashley Mitchell banked $1 million on Final Reckoning by snagging her partner’s share. Turabi “Turbo” Camkiran took home $750,000 on War of the Worlds. For winning “Total Madness,” Devenanzio and Jennifer West each scored $500,000.
The all-time earner? That would be Jordan Wiseley. He has scored $1.536 million across five wins. Devenanzio’s $1.277 million and Tamburello’s $1.124 million are close behind, thanks to their multiple championships.
These prize pots are often split among winners. And, of course, they dwarf the weekly stipends. But only an elite few reach the end. As Tori Deal explained on the “Official Challenge Podcast,” every contestant deserves to get paid just for showing up.
“My (expletive) is not going on a 40-foot platform, hanging over a helicopter, eating cabbage for no reason, okay? You’re gonna pay me,” Deal said.
Side Hustles Beyond ‘The Challenge’
In addition to their salaries on “The Challenge,” most cast members pad their wallets via side hustles. Sponsorships, like Deal’s fitness deals and Aneesa Ferreira’s brand collabs, are such goldmines that they often outpace show earnings.
Appearances at events like Challenge Mania can also add up. But Bergmann says that press duties are baked into contracts. Social media is also huge for many Challenge stars. With 80,000 Instagram followers, Devin Walker can pull in $1,000-$5,000 per post.
Some invest their winnings or start businesses with their earnings. Wisely launched a fitness app, while Tamburello leans on real estate.
Season 41 of “The Challenge” is currently filming and will likely premiere later this year on MTV.
“The Challenge” is now streaming on Paramount Plus.
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The Challenge Cast Salaries Revealed