Last week, in the ultimate episode of Challenge 36: Total Madness, we saw Jenny MF West become a Champion, beating everyone in the final, including:

six-time winner Johnny Bananas (now 7x)

professional football player Kaycee Clark

reigning champ Rogan O’Connor and

6' 5" D1 collegiate athlete Fessy Shafaat

That’s impressive, full stop, but even more jaw-dropping when you realize it was only her second season of The Challenge. And therefore, by Gauntlet 2 and 3 rules, she was a rookie.

This is quite the feat. Experience matters on The Challenge, and some of our favourite competitors took a long damn time to win. Cara, Sarah, Brad, and Paula needed 8 seasons to finally become a champion; CT nine; and Aneesa is still ring-less after 13 attempts (and 2 spin-off appearances).

(Others: Leroy is 0 for 11; Nany 0 for 9; Jenna 0 for 9 if you count Champs vs Stars 1; Diem + Shane 0 for 8 including CvS2; Beth, Cory,+ Jemmye 0 for 7; Adam King, Danny J, Theresa, Big Easy, Theresa, + Tyrie 0 for 6. Tony would be in this last group but he won Champs vs Stars 2 so I’ll give him a pass)

To come on the show and find such quick success, especially in the modern era where it is much harder to win, is impressive. So let’s recognize

All the people who won a Challenge season as a rookie

Nota bene: in the early seasons, there were a lot of winners and many of them were rookies, so it’s not as impressive in my eyes. On Bloodlines and the Fresh Meats, by the format, a debut was guaranteed to win. Still difficult, but.

Jenny West — Total Madness