ABOUT THE SHOW
Twenty-six competitors are headed to New Zealand to compete in one of the most intense Real World/Road Rules Challenges ever: The Duel 2. What makes this season different? There will be no teams. That's right; it's every man and woman for themselves. This time around, players will be pushed past their limits as they compete in nine extreme challenges leading up to an epic finale where the winners will split a purse of $300,000.
As has become the norm for every Real World/Road Rules Challenge, expect to see the Challengers plot, scheme and stab one another in the back as they put everything on the line to win!
Who's in? Thirteen men and 13 women -- all veterans of The Real World or Road Rules, and some of the Challenge itself -- will step up to try to claim their share.
The men throwing their hat into the ring are Eric, Nick, Brad, Dunbar, Adam, Mark, Landon, Davis, Derek, Evan, Isaac, CT and Ryan.
The ladies trying their luck in this Real World/Road Rules Challenge are Kimberly, Ruthie, Diem, Katie, Aneesa, Jenn, Tori, Robin, Brooke, Paula, Rachel, Brittini and Shauvon.
Here's how it will work:
After each week's challenge, the Challenger ranks will be thinned as players are sent into The Duel --- a no holds barred, head-to-head battle between two competitors, where one man and one woman will be eliminated. The rules of "The Duel" are simple: win at all costs and send your opponent packing. The winner stays and continues to fight for the money. The loser goes home empty handed ... end of story.
Staying out of The Duel depends on how well players do in the weekly challenges. After each grueling challenge the male winner and the female winner will be safe. These two must then agree on one person to save from The Duel. That person, in turn, will chose someone of the opposite sex to save, and so on down the line. The last man and woman standing are automatically sentenced to The Duel. But they're not out of the game yet, because each will get to choose a same-sex Duel opponent and battle it out until only one is left standing.
In order to ensure survival, players will form alliances and pair up, keeping their friends close and their enemies closer. But make no mistake about it, in the end, friendships will be tested, hearts will be broken and blood will be spilled as players must ultimately stand alone in order to be crowned champions of Real World/Road Rules Challenge: The Duel 2!
As has become the norm for every Real World/Road Rules Challenge, expect to see the Challengers plot, scheme and stab one another in the back as they put everything on the line to win!
Who's in? Thirteen men and 13 women -- all veterans of The Real World or Road Rules, and some of the Challenge itself -- will step up to try to claim their share.
The men throwing their hat into the ring are Eric, Nick, Brad, Dunbar, Adam, Mark, Landon, Davis, Derek, Evan, Isaac, CT and Ryan.
The ladies trying their luck in this Real World/Road Rules Challenge are Kimberly, Ruthie, Diem, Katie, Aneesa, Jenn, Tori, Robin, Brooke, Paula, Rachel, Brittini and Shauvon.
Here's how it will work:
After each week's challenge, the Challenger ranks will be thinned as players are sent into The Duel --- a no holds barred, head-to-head battle between two competitors, where one man and one woman will be eliminated. The rules of "The Duel" are simple: win at all costs and send your opponent packing. The winner stays and continues to fight for the money. The loser goes home empty handed ... end of story.
Staying out of The Duel depends on how well players do in the weekly challenges. After each grueling challenge the male winner and the female winner will be safe. These two must then agree on one person to save from The Duel. That person, in turn, will chose someone of the opposite sex to save, and so on down the line. The last man and woman standing are automatically sentenced to The Duel. But they're not out of the game yet, because each will get to choose a same-sex Duel opponent and battle it out until only one is left standing.
In order to ensure survival, players will form alliances and pair up, keeping their friends close and their enemies closer. But make no mistake about it, in the end, friendships will be tested, hearts will be broken and blood will be spilled as players must ultimately stand alone in order to be crowned champions of Real World/Road Rules Challenge: The Duel 2!
THE CAST
RW/RR Challenges: The Duel 2 | Adam
He's not big, but he's quick and he's a master strategist. He also won in the final Gauntlet, outlasting Danny to survive as a member of the Rookies that took the prize on a technicality in that Challenge. Since then, he lived in Los Angeles and Boston before settling in Tempe, Arizona, and is bartending in nearby Scottsdale. And since he's living with five roomates, he's got his share of Real World - style parties, excitement and drama. Now he's headed down under to New Zealand to compete for another big prize. But with all of that partying back at home, is he in shape to survive the punishing challenges that await?
Original Series: The Real World: Paris
Past RW/RR Challenges: Battle of the Sexes 2, The Gauntlet III
Hometown: Beverly Hills, California
RW/RR Challenges: The Duel 2 | Brad
Definitely no stranger to the Challenge, Brad says The Duel is "the final showdown" for him. Newly engaged (to fellow competitor Tori Hall), Brad has been working on his future, finishing up a masters degree and studying for the LSAT law school entrance exams, with plans to provide for his family. Brad has been close to winning several times, but the prize has ultimately eluded him. This time around, Brad intends to stay cool, "playing the game based on good competition, politics and morals." But this veteran challenger knows that deceit is as much part of the game as brute force can be. Will taking the high road lead Brad to the winner's circle? Or will he have to compromise his values to finally walk away with a win?
Original Series: The Real World: San Diego
Past RW/RR Challenges: Battle of the Sexes 2, Inferno 3, The Duel, The Gauntlet III
Hometown: Orland Park, Illinois
RW/RR Challenges: The Duel 2 | CT
A Challenge veteran, CT is no stranger to fans of the series, who know him for being someone who will do anything to win -- including lie, cheat and steal. He's a hard-partier who has been kicked out of past competitions for drinking too much and fighting (remember the black eye he gave Davis before The Inferno 3 even got underway?). Since being on the losing side of the last Gauntlet finale, he's been traveling around the United States. But after finding out he was going to New Zealand for another shot at winning a Challenge, he says he's "been pumping a lot of iron in preparation. I've got more motivation than ever before."
Original Series: The Real World: Paris
Past RW/RR Challenges: The Inferno, The Inferno II, The Gauntlet III
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
RW/RR Challenges: The Duel 2 | Davis
A blonde-haired, blue-eyed Southern boy, Davis used his opportunity on The Real World: Denver to be himself and show the world who he really is. In Africa for The Inferno 3, he was one of the losing Good Guys, who also ended up with a black eye from CT, who got tossed from the game before it started for breaking the rules and throwing a punch. Since then, Davis has been traveling, managing an Atlanta nightclub, learning to DJ, finished his pre-med undergrad studies and getting ready to enter medical school later this year. But before that, he's giving The Duel a shot in New Zealand with his eyes on taking the prize this time out, and with all that medical training, he should be able to heal himself when things get rough.
Original Series: The Real World: Denver
Past RW/RR Challenges: The Inferno 3
Hometown: Marietta, Georgia
RW/RR Challenges: The Duel 2 | Derek
He was possibly the strongest member of the Rookies team on The Gauntlet II, but Derek didn't survive a puzzling challenge, and got sent packing halfway through to the finale. Since then, he's been bartending, playing poker, golf, football, bowling, waterskiing, playing videogames and partying with friends. He says he's still the same "happy-go-lucky" guy Challenge fans have come to know and love, with a few small business ideas in the works. But those are all on hold as Derek is heading to New Zealand for another shot at the prize. Will he be able to use his nice guy attitude to win over alliances, then use his athleticism to excel in the torturous challenges? If anyone's got a chance, it's Derek.
Original Series: Road Rules: Viewers' Revenge
Past RW/RR Challenges: The Gauntlet III
Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida
RW/RR Challenges: The Duel 2 | Dunbar
When we met Dunbar in Sydney, we found out fast that he was more than a little opinionated and more than a little hot-headed. He also struggled to with his feelings for his roommate Ashli while trying to stay faithful to his girlfriend back home. But once back home, he and his girlfriend have made a real go at it and are still living together back in his hometown. He general manager of bar and restaurant operations at a casino and is developing a paddle sports-related non-profit organization to help revitalize the New Orleans region. He's also a fierce competitor who wants a shot at winning this time, after losing his chance when Evelyn took his key and locked him out of the final challenge on The Island. Will he manage to survive in New Zealand?
Original Series: Real World Sydney
Past RW/RR Challenges: Real World/Road Rules Challenge: The Island
Hometown: Natchez, Mississippi
RW/RR Challenges: The Duel 2 | Eric
A big guy with an even bigger personality, Eric is widely known as "Big Easy." He's an average guy who believes in working hard and playing hard, perhaps with more emphasis on the latter. He has recorded an album and is working for a marketing company in Chicago, with designs on opening his own company sometime this year. We last saw the Southern charmer on The Gauntlet III, where his team lost because he passed out and was unable to finish the final challenge. Does he have the stuff to last in The Duel?
Original Series: RW/RR Challenge Fresh Meat
Past RW/RR Challenges: Fresh Meat, Gauntlet III
Hometown: Nicholasville, Kentucky
RW/RR Challenges: The Duel 2 | Evan
A cocky Canadian, Evan is a sweet-talking flirt whose bigger-than-life personality wins over friends easily. He's also a strong athlete who is an attractive alliance partner by just about anyone who is in the Challenge. Since being part of the losing team on The Gauntlet III -- where a technicality (Eric passed out and didn't cross the finish line) kept the Veterans from taking the prize -- Evan has "been trying to get laid as much as possible." In New Zealand, though, this aggressive competitor will be trying to do just one thing: win. Will he survive The Duel 2?
Original Series: RW/RR Challenge Fresh Meat
Past RW/RR Challenges: The Duel, The Gauntlet III
Hometown: Ithica, New York
RW/RR Challenges: The Duel 2 | Isaac
Who didn't fall for the loveable party boy Issac when he was one of the Real World roommates in Sydney? Since returning to the United States, he's kept up the partying, all over the world. He's also found time to raise money, along with fellow Real World -er Cohutta, for children left behind in the wake of ALS and cancer. He also founded ISTOUT headwear, which he describes as a "progressive hat designing company." But now he's up for the Challenge of traveling to New Zealand to try his hand at winning some cash. But he'll be up against a large crew of competitors all trying to do the same thing. Does he have what it takes?
Original Series: The Real World: Sydney
Past RW/RR Challenges: None.
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
RW/RR Challenges: The Duel 2 | Landon
Since taking part in The Gauntlet II, Landon has earned a degree in landscape architecture. While he hopes to head to the West Coast of the U.S. to work and settle down, for now he's racing mountain bikes professionally and working in a bike shop. Pursuing excellence in such a demanding sport and living a healthy lifestyle in the real world will likely help Landon's chances when he's thrown into The Duel. Will his ability to pedal to the front of a field of a thousand racers help him master the insane and backbreaking challenges in New Zealand? Will his success as a solo biker aid in Landon's focus as he chases glory in The Duel?
Original Series: The Real World: Philadelphia
Past RW/RR Challenges: The Inferno 2, The Gauntlet II
Hometown: Madison, Wisconsin
RW/RR Challenges: The Duel 2 | Mark
A self-proclaimed television junkie, Mark has long been involved in the Challenge, participating in the very first, back in 1998, and he's been back several times since. He has also parlayed his stint in the world of MTV reality programming into a career on television, living in Los Angeles and hosting shows on the Game Show Network, Fine Living Network, E!, Fox Reality Network and others. But after about three years away from the Challenge, he's back for another stab. Will Mark's time away from the grueling, backstabbing competition make him vulnerable in New Zealand? Or will his entertainment career be the perfect training for success?
Original Series: Road Rules
Past RW/RR Challenges: Real World/Road Rules Challenge, Battle of the Seasons, Battle of the Sexes, Battle of the Sexes 2, The Gauntlet 2
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
RW/RR Challenges: The Duel 2 | Nick
You'll remember Nick as one of the roommates from The Real World: Hollywood. The Jamaican-born ladies' man has been pursuing his career in entertainment since appearing on the show, hosting fashion shows, fundraisers and other events. He also appeared on an episode of of Tyra Banks' Sex in Tyra's City, where he offered a New York bachelor's perspective on New York women. He's in the midst of forming his own production company and developing an online video show. But how does all of this prepare him for The Duel? It's a question time can answer for this Challenge newcomer.
Original Series: The Real World Hollywood
Past RW/RR Challenges: None.
Hometown: New Rochelle, New York
RW/RR Challenges: The Duel 2 | Ryan
Ryan started out on a challenge, but didn't make it very far in the Fresh Meat season. He also returned for two more, but got bounced from The Gauntlet 3 and was among the runners-up on The Island. He's a manipulator, he's witty and he's got plenty of attitude. And he's back for a fourth run at the money. Will he be able to distance himself from this enormous field of competitors on The Duel? Or will he find himself fulfilling his usual role of walking away empty handed?
Original Series: RW/RR Challenge Fresh Meat
Past RW/RR Challenges: The Gauntlet 3, The Island
Hometown: New York, New York
RW/RR Challenges: The Duel 2 | Aneesa
Another veteran of the games, Anessa is not afraid to speak her mind, make an alliance or pull the rug out from under another competitor. She's the real deal. Since her last turn in the challenges, she had successful knee surgery which "has made my life easier," according to Anessa. She'd dancing again and has plans to move to New York City to pursue a career in music while returning to school. Now she's also ready to take on all comers in New Zealand for a shot at the prize. Will Anessa prevail in this round of The Duel?
Original Series: The Real World: Chicago
Past RW/RR Challenges: Battle of the Sexes, Battle of the Sexes 2, The Duel, The Inferno III
Hometown: Narberth, Pennsylvania
RW/RR Challenges: The Duel 2 | Brittini
We feel like we hardly know Brittini. An aspiring model, she moved into the Hollywood house after the late-season departure of two of the original roommates. A flirt who loves to party, Brittini enjoys being the center of attention and is used to getting what she wants. That could be trouble for her when she gets to New Zealand, where flirting might get her somewhere, but petulance usually won't. Will Brittani be able to swim the shark infested waters of the Challenge or will this first-timer get swamped in a sea of egos and outrageous personalities?
Original Series: The Real World: Hollywood
Past RW/RR Challenges: None
Hometown: Tempe, Arizona
RW/RR Challenges: The Duel 2 | Brooke
Despite being raised by parents who are clinical psychologists, Brooke seems more than a little crazy. She's best known for losing it in Denver when her roommate Davis tells her that he doesn't think she's the most beautiful girl in the world, a room-ripping apart performance won her the Best Meltdown honor at the Real World Awards. Seemingly averse to anything athletic, Brooke has been involved in just one past Challenge, which saw her ousted in the early rounds of The Gauntlet II. Did that experience give her the motivation she needed to prepare for a different strategy this time around?
Original Series: The Real World: Denver
Past RW/RR Challenges: The Gauntlet III
Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee
RW/RR Challenges: The Duel 2 | Diem
An army brat who gathered most of her personality makeup from living in the southern United States, Diem has proven herself to be a formidable competitor in past challenges. Her interest in how others overcome adversity has led Diem to a career in television journalism. She currently serves as the Los Angeles reporter/host for London's Sky Showbiz and spends time raising money and support for cancer sufferers through her L4TC charity. In past challenges, we've been there as Diem got seriously involved with CT, a fellow competitor who will also be in New Zealand for The Duel. And even though she will have to work hard to keep her emotions in check, she's got her eyes on the prize. "I have tons of goals this year," Diem says, "and winning the challenge would expedite the funding of them!"
Original Series: RW/RR Challenge Fresh Meat
Past RW/RR Challenges: The Duel, The Gauntlet III
Hometown: West Hollywood, California
RW/RR Challenges: The Duel 2 | Jenn
The party animal of the Denver season of The Real World, Jenn is a fun-loving former Oakland Raiderette cheerleader who, as of late, has been dancing professionally with the San Francisco-based team La Femme Panache. She was one of the Bad Asses on The Inferno III, but got blown out four weeks before the finale. She made it into a boat on The Island, but her team was nearly sunk and ultimately lost the final race for the money. She's on her way to New Zealand to try her luck one more time. Will the third time in the Challenge be the charm for Jenn?
Original Series: The Real World: Denver
Past RW/RR Challenges: The Inferno III, The Island
Hometown: Martinez, California
RW/RR Challenges: The Duel 2 | Katie
Katie was the winner in her first Challenge entry, The Inferno, and saw defeat in the final mission in The Gauntlet. So, no doubt about it, she's a pro who comes to win. Since we last saw Katie, she's been living in Chicago and is finishing up film school with an eye on getting "a real job" and marrying her boyfriend. But right now she's focused on New Zealand and there isn't anyone there who can afford not to keep an eye on her. She's been training hard to prepare and says that she's sick of "relying on a bunch of pretentious, manipulative, deceitful liars." What does that mean for the rest of The Duel competitors? Katie says firmly, "It's all me this time."
Original Series: Road Rules: The Quest
Past RW/RR Challenges: The Inferno, Battle of the Sexes 2, The Gauntlet 2, Fresh Meat
RW/RR Challenges: The Duel 2 | Kimberly
A charming Southern belle who nonetheless found ways to offend her Real World: Hollywood roommates, Kimberly has spent her time since leaving her roommates chasing her dreams. She and a friend opened the Klutch boutique in Los Angeles, and Kimberly is still striving to become a host on E! She says her first meeting with the entertainment channel "went great" and she's got a second audition coming up soon. The thing is, none of that will matter in New Zealand, where she's bound to have her mettle tested by a host of challengers. Does she have what it takes to make it in The Duel?
Original Series: The Real World: Hollywood
Past RW/RR Challenges: None
Hometown: Columbia, South Carolina
RW/RR Challenges: The Duel 2 | Paula
Confrontational, yet sensitive; bitchy, yet likeable; damaged, yet self-aware; attractive, yet insecure -- Paula possesses a variety of contradictory personality traits. This Quinnipiac University grad is a partier whose crazy, inebriated personality was dubbed "Paula Walnuts." Paula is a veteran's veteran of the Challenge, with The Duel 2 marking her fifth time in the game. Unfortunately for Paula, she's a four-time loser, who last time out was betrayed by her Island alliance at the last minute and found herself left out of the boat that won the prize. After all these tries, does she still have what it takes to compete? Or is Paula more determined than ever to take a run at finally winning a Real World/Road Rules Challenge?
Original Series: The Real World: Key West
Past RW/RR Challenges: The Duel, The Inferno III, The Gauntlet II, The Island
Hometown: Meriden, Connecticut
RW/RR Challenges: The Duel 2 | Rachel
Another Challenge competitor who could be considered a veteran's veteran, Rachel is back for a sixth shot at the prize. She works as a personal trainer in Miami and should be considered a hardcore competitor. Rachel has been a Bad Ass and she's taken her chances in a game that she has described as "ugly." She has also been in her share of emotional entanglements, including a shower with Veronica and Abe in the first Gauntlet and a much deeper connection with Jenn on The Island. Can Rachel keep her heart focused on winning in New Zealand?
Original Series: Road Rules: Campus Crawl
Past RW/RR Challenges: Battle of the Sexes, The Gauntlet, Battle of the Sexes 2, The Inferno II, The Island
Hometown: New York, New York
RW/RR Challenges: The Duel 2 | Robin
We met this one-time Coyote Ugly bartender in San Diego. Since then, she's become a veteran of the challenges, with four under her belt so far, but nary a win to her credit. She's been selling real estate and working on finishing her college education, but is taking time off to compete in New Zealand. Robin has been known to show her temper when alcohol is involved, but says she's learned her lesson and is ready to take charge. "I think I finally realized why I don't win," she says. "I need to stop worrying about everyone liking me and worry about liking myself." Will this new attitude allow Robin to take home the prize this time around? "Whether I win or lose this challenge, the real win for me is not fall back into my old ways and be the Robin I know I am."
Original Series: Road Rules: San Diego
Past RW/RR Challenges: Battle of the Sexes 2, The Inferno II, The Duel, The Island
Hometown: Tampa, Florida
RW/RR Challenges: The Duel 2 | Ruthie
Ruthie is well known as an unafraid ass kicker who emerged as a leader during her two turns in the Battle of the Sexes challenges. Since facing her demons while on The Real World: Hawaii, she has traveled to colleges and universities across the United States to speak about being responsible with alcohol, as well as on social issues like diversity, racism and conflict resolution. She has also brought her alcohol awareness discussion to the U.S. military. "I don't say not to drink," she says. "I just say to be safe about it." She's also studying music supervision and cinematography and remains very active, the latter being helpful for her appearance in The Duel. And there's no denying that keeping a sober head in this game will be a substantial asset.
Original Series: The Real World: Hawaii
Past RW/RR Challenges: Battle of the Sexes, Battle of the Sexes 2
Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii
RW/RR Challenges: The Duel 2 | Shauvon
We haven't seen Shauvon since she moved out of The Real World: Sydney house after reconciling with her long-term boyfriend -- whose earlier demand that she choose between a career and marriage led to their breakup. A journalism major at the California State University Sacramento, Shauvon insists that she's smarter than she looks and has designs on becoming a news reporter. Now she's going to New Zealand for her first run through a Challenge. Does she have what it takes to win?
Original Series: The Real World: Sydney
Past RW/RR Challenges: None
Hometown: Sacramento, California
RW/RR Challenges: The Duel 2 | Tori
This girl is a winner. She's a former Miss Virginia Teen USA and Miss Virginia USA. She's also a solid athlete with a pretty good track record. On Road Rules, she made it to the end, netting herself a share of a handsome reward. In The Gauntlet III, this drama queen almost threw in the towel, but stuck it out and was part of the Rookies team that took the prize. Newly engaged to fellow Gauntlet III challenger Brad and living in Chicago, Tori is pursuing a degree in elementary education. But teaching kids will have to wait. She thinks this Duel "will be a great vacation," but it's bound to be harder than that. Will she be able to teach a few lessons in New Zealand as she claws her way towards the winner's circle?
Original Series: Road Rules: Viewer's Revenge
Past RW/RR Challenges: The Gauntlet III
Hometown: Midlothian, Virginia
The Buried Life (S.1 Ep.4)
The 'Buried Life' crew arrives in Memphis to cross off number 74 - 'help deliver a baby' and Dave feels in over his head.
The 'Buried Life' crew arrives in Memphis to cross off number 74 - 'help deliver a baby' and Dave feels in over his head.
Life of Ryan (S.3 Ep.4)
Ryan learns that he has to get his spending under control as well as cut back on his party lifestyle if he wants to keep his edge.
Ryan learns that he has to get his spending under control as well as cut back on his party lifestyle if he wants to keep his edge.
The Real World: D.C. (Ep.6)
A fight between Ashley and Andrew escalates from silly to serious and Mike is torn between his Colorado boyfriend and DC prospects.
A fight between Ashley and Andrew escalates from silly to serious and Mike is torn between his Colorado boyfriend and DC prospects.
Taking the Stage (S.2 Ep.1)
A back-to-school talent show gives new students a chance to team up with music and dance performances, and Mia makes a tough decision about the future of her band.
A back-to-school talent show gives new students a chance to team up with music and dance performances, and Mia makes a tough decision about the future of her band.
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