For more than two decades, The Challenge has introduced fans to some of reality television’s fiercest competitors. While The Challenge: Cutthroat features plenty of newcomers hoping to make a name for themselves, several of the show’s biggest legends are proving they can still compete at the highest level well into their 40s.
From seven-time champion Johnny Bananas to fan favorites CT Tamburello, Cara Maria Sorbello and Brad Fiorenza, here’s how old the oldest cast members are on The Challenge: Cutthroat.
Related: Who Wins ‘The Challenge: Cutthroat’? Season 42 Spoilers, Eliminations, Disqualifications and Finalists
Who Are the Oldest Cast Members on ‘The Challenge: Cutthroat’?
Among the Season 42 cast, these four competitors are the oldest:
- CT Tamburello
- Brad Fiorenza
- Johnny Bananas
- Cara Maria Sorbello
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How Old is CT Tamburello From The Challenge?
CT Tamburello is 46 years old, making him the oldest competitor on The Challenge season 42.
Born on July 16, 1980, CT made his reality television debut on The Real World: Paris in 2003 before becoming one of the most accomplished competitors in Challenge history.
Early in his career, CT earned a reputation for his explosive personality and unmatched physical dominance. As the years went on, he transformed into one of the franchise’s most respected veterans, winning multiple flagship championships on Rivals II, Invasion of the Champions, War of the Worlds 2, Double Agents and Spies, Lies & Allies.
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One of the most unforgettable moments in Challenge history came during the original Cutthroat in 2010. Appearing as a Mercenary, CT faced Johnny Bananas in an elimination fans still refer to as the “Bananas Backpack.” After the two men were strapped together, CT simply hoisted Bananas onto his back and carried him across the arena in a matter of seconds, instantly creating one of the most iconic moments the series has ever produced.
Outside The Challenge, CT won season 2 of The Traitors in 2024, becoming the first male Faithful to win the U.S. version of the competition.
How old is Brad Fiorenza From ‘The Challenge’?
Brad Fiorenza is 45 years old.
Born on Nov. 11, 1980, Brad first entered MTV’s reality universe on The Real World: San Diego in 2004 before becoming one of the franchise’s most respected physical competitors.
Over the years, Brad reached multiple Challenge finals before finally winning his first flagship championship on the original Cutthroat in 2010. After taking several years away from the flagship series, he returned as a veteran on The Challenge: All Stars before making additional appearances on milestone seasons.
Known for his athleticism and longevity, Brad continues to prove he can compete against players more than a decade younger.
Related: How to Watch ‘The Challenge: Cutthroat’ Season 42: Streaming, Premiere Date and Time
How Old is Johnny Bananas From The Challenge?
Johnny Bananas is 44 years old.
Born John Devenanzio on June 22, 1982, Bananas first appeared on The Real World: Key West in 2006 before launching what has become the most decorated career in Challenge history.
Across more than 20 seasons, Bananas has won a record seven championships, making him the franchise’s all-time winningest competitor.
He’s also responsible for one of the biggest moments in reality television history. After he and Sarah Patterson Rice won Rivals III, Bananas famously chose to keep the entire prize rather than split it with his partner, a controversial decision that ended one of the show’s most memorable rivalries.
Now in his mid-40s, Bananas enters Cutthroat chasing his first championship since Total Madness in 2020.
Related: ‘The Challenge’ Season 42: Cast, Premiere Date, Trailer and More
How Old is Cara Maria Sorbello From ‘The Challenge’?
Cara Maria Sorbello is 40 years old, making her the oldest woman competing on The Challenge: Cutthroat.
Born on May 12, 1986, Cara Maria debuted on Fresh Meat II in 2010. Initially viewed as an underdog, she gradually developed into one of the greatest female competitors in franchise history.
She has since won Battle of the Bloodlines, Vendettas and Champs vs. Pros, while reaching numerous finals and building one of the strongest competitive résumés ever assembled by a woman on The Challenge.
Known for her resilience, CrossFit training and determination in elimination rounds, Cara Maria remains one of the biggest threats entering season 42.
Together, they’ve competed on dozens of Challenge seasons, won multiple championships and created many of the franchise’s most unforgettable moments. As The Challenge: Cutthroat unfolds, these veterans will once again try to prove that experience can be just as valuable as youth.
The Challenge: Cutthroat season 42 premieres Wednesday, August 5 at 3 a.m. ET/12 a.m. PT on Paramount+ with two back-to-back episodes. Subsequent new episodes drop every Wednesday at the same time.
