Over the years, there have been some Grade-A reality TV stars in the world of competition. Between mind games and physical challenges, fans know that only the strong survive. Let’s take a deep dive into who might rank at the top of our list for Best Competition Reality Show Stars of all Time …
Best Competition Reality Show Star: Dr. Will Kirby did a number on Big Brother housemates
In 2001, Big Brother was still at its height and competing well against Survivor. The ratings were helped when Dr. Will Kirby stepped onto the scene and into the house. The dermatologist helped transform the game fans knew forever. Between his ability to manipulate and dashing good looks, hardly anyone stood a chance against the charmer. Throughout the ether, Will is regarded as the founding father of Big Brother, and there is no denying he left quite a legacy.
He will always be known as the Season 2 winner. Most recently, Will announced he would be stepping down from his role as jury roundtable host on the CBS reality show. Will has hosted the show since 2013 but is now ready to pass the baton.
Best Competition Reality Show Star: Kelly Clarkson sang her heart out on American Idol
I can’t believe I almost forgot the Season 1 winner of American Idol. Kelly Clarkson came onto the scene as a tiny but fiery singer from Texas who caught the eye of Simon Cowell. I’ll say it once, and I’ll say it again: the women do so well on and off the singing show that there was no way Kelly wasn’t going to do well. In 2002, Kelly rocked America and got them to vote for her each week as she nailed song after song. After winning, she got a record deal with RCA Records and released 10 studio albums. She has also won three Grammys and now has her own talk show on NBC.
Best Competition Reality Show Star: Jill Ashlock played Outlast like it was the Hunger Games
Netflix’s Outlast is only two seasons in, but the competition show isn’t playing around. Filmed in Alaska, the players were told there was only one rule. Even though contestants could plot to their hearts’ content, they could only win if they were a part of a team. Season 1 showed that Team Alpha wasn’t afraid to get their hands dirty, as Jill Ashlock proved. As the numbers started to dwindle, viewers watched the game turn dirty. Jill felt no remorse about bullying other players and even stealing their sleeping bags. Thankfully, good prevailed over evil, but Jill left a lasting impression.
Best Competition Reality Show Star: Jonny Fairplay was anything but fair on Survivor
With the new Millennium just starting, CBS aimed to introduce viewers to a new series revolving around a group of castaways. Survivor hit in 2000 and captivated viewers as they watched contestants fight it out between a series of mental and physical challenges for their chance at a $1 million prize. Jonny Fairplay is easily one of the most recognizable villains from the series. Jon became notorious for his “dead grandma” lie during the Pearl Islands seasons. Ultimately, his lie got him to third, but he was voted out right before the last challenge and vote.
Best Competition Reality Show Star: Jonathan Baker and Victoria Alynette Fuller couldn’t get along on The Amazing Race
I love The Amazing Race. The rush of literally running around the world with a backpack and partner seems crazy. However, season 6 competitors Jonathan Baker and Victoria Alynette Fuller were a bit too much for viewers’ palates. They were married then but could not work together to save their lives. Leg five showed Johnathan becoming so angry with Victoria after losing a foot race that he shoved her. Even though they consistently came in at the top, their arguing led to disaster during their stop in Ethiopia. The couple misread a clue and ended up coming in 6th overall.
Best Competition Reality Show Star: The Challenge heartthrob has to be CT Tamburello
Hands down, The Challenge King is CT Tamburello. The man is a legend and a machine who knows nothing but winning. CT got his big break on The Real World: Paris and joined The Challenge in its eighth season. The Boston native won his first games in 2013. In total, CT has won five seasons and won two spin-off series. CT is so good at mind and physical games that he went on to compete and win the second season of The Traitors.
Best Competition Reality Show Star: Johnny Bananas is all about the money
Johnny Bananas might be best known as CT’s backpack after a powerful elimination or taking all of the money from Sarah Rice. But he is a pretty amazing competitor. MTV fans got to know him on The Real World: Key West when he showed up in a banana suit. But with seven wins under his belt, there is no denying Johnny is one of the GOATs. The MTV star is known for his mind games and ability to charm the pants of the ladies of the house. While he could often be seen as the villain, he had the mind for The Challenge, and he is always a joy to watch.
Best Competition Reality Show Star: Sandra Diaz-Twine is the first Survivor contestant to win twice
Anyone who loves Survivor knows that Sandra Diaz-Twine is the queen of the island. She won the first two seasons she appeared in, Survivor: Pearl Islands and Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains, which crowned her the show’s first two-time winner. Sandra loved the game so much she returned as a mentor on Survivor: Island of Idols. What was great about Sandra was that she was first looked at as a liability due to her brash attitude. However, her ability to persuade others is what made her a star.
Best Competition Reality Show Star: Richard Hatch was the first Survivor winner
Richard Hatch was a lot for some viewers. Even though he won the title of the first-ever Survivor, he rubbed many the wrong way with his arrogance. Richard annoyed his fellow castaways with his constant nudity, but he did have superb fishing skills, which helped many of them eat. Richard had a rough personality to get along with, so it came as a surprise when he formed an unlikely friendship with Rudy Boesch, a conservative military man. Love him or hate him, Richard knew how to outwit, outplay, and outlast.
Best Competition Reality Show Star: Phaedra Parks had us all rooting for her on The Traitors
Never have fans seen a traitor do the job so well as Phaedra Parks. Our witty Southern belle was the last original traitor on her season to be banished. But she made The Traitors Season 2 what it was thanks to her witty remark. After her banishment, Season 2 became the first season of its franchise, where no original traitor made it to the finale. Phaedra played a game that was mostly under the radar. But her best superpower was being able to flip the script during a roundtable when she was in danger of elimination.
TELL US – WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE REALITY TV COMPETITOR?
