‘The Challenge’ Legend CT Tamburello Reveals What Keeps Pulling Him Back After 22 Seasons

CT Tamburello has spent more than two decades competing on “The Challenge,” and apparently, saying goodbye is easier said than done.

Bravo and Cocktails may not always report on “The Challenge,” but we love our “Castle Daddy” from “The Traitors.” Now, the reality TV veteran is revealing why he keeps returning to the MTV franchise despite repeatedly saying he’s ready to retire.

CT, 46, spoke to People ahead of “The Challenge: Cutthroat,” season 42 of the long-running competition series. He admitted he has attempted to walk away several times.

“I’ve done so many of these, like growing up in this world, it’s my life. And every time — I swear after every season nowadays — I always say I’m gonna retire again,” CT said. “I think I [retired] three times by now.”

CT Tamburello Says He Always Wants ‘One More’ Season

CT made his “Challenge” debut on “The Inferno” in 2004 and has since competed on 22 seasons, winning five times. Despite that lengthy résumé, enough time away from the show usually leaves him wanting to return.

“But then, after a little bit of time goes by, you start to miss it,” he explained. “And then it’s like, one more. Okay, wow. Last one, last one.”

CT compared competing on the show to visiting “Neverland,” explaining that contestants receive a “golden ticket” without knowing where the competition will take them until they reach the airport.

For “Cutthroat,” CT’s latest adventure takes him back to Thailand, a location where he has already earned three of his five wins.

The new season features six rookies alongside returning competitors, including Cory Wharton, Johnny Bananas, Cara Maria Sorbello, Nelson Thomas and Sydney Segal. The cast will be divided into three teams as they compete for a $500,000 prize.

New episodes of “The Challenge: Cutthroat” drop Wednesdays at 12 a.m. PT on Paramount+.

Have any of our cocktailers had a crush on CT for the past 20 years like us? Let us know what you think in the comments below.