The Challenge: Battle of the Eras finale is finally upon us, and fans are gearing up for the conclusion of this milestone season. After 17 intense episodes filled with betrayals, surprising alliances, and physically grueling challenges, the highly anticipated finale is set to air on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at 8/7c on MTV.
The season began in August 2024 and featured 40 contestants divided into four teams of ten, each representing an era of The Challenge's history. After weeks of fierce competition, only eight contestants remain to compete for their share of the $1 million prize.
These finalists include four men, Bananas, Jordan, Kyland, and Derek, and four women, Tori, Rachel, Michele, and Jenny, each representing their respective 'era.'
The penultimate episode, aired on December 18, set the stage for the finale, revealing the final group of competitors after a heated elimination. The finale was originally scheduled to air on Christmas Day, but it was pushed back to New Year’s Day, ensuring fans kick off 2025 with what promises to be a dramatic conclusion.
More about The Challenge: Battle of the Eras finale
The finale of The Challenge: Battle of the Eras will be one of the most challenging yet, as the remaining eight contestants face TJ’s toughest final challenge. The competition has moved from Vietnam to the Philippines, where the contestants are now stationed on a boat named Sinister for the finale.
Each era is represented in the finale except Era 1, which has only Rachel left. Despite her team's early elimination, Rachel is still in the running to become the winner of The Challenge: Battle of the Eras.
For the men, Jordan and Bananas are the frontrunners. Jordan has dominated several challenges this season, while Bananas’ experience as a seven-time champion might come in handy.
Highlights from episode 17
Episode 17 of The Challenge: Battle of the Eras was the perfect setup for the highly anticipated finale.
The episode began with a shift from Vietnam to the Philippines, setting a new stage for the final challenges. Contestants attended a formal dinner, reflecting on their journeys. Tensions flared as Bananas accused Tori of being part of a dominant alliance, though her four individual challenge wins demonstrated her strength.
The last daily challenge added a new layer of pressure, with the last-place male facing a penalty in the final. Jordan secured another win, reaffirming his reputation as a top competitor. Michele claimed her first individual victory for the women, earning her spot in the finale, while Tori underperformed, putting her at risk.
Jordan’s vote for elimination surprised many, as he chose Cara Maria despite their rocky history. The decision showcased the season’s shifting alliances, with Jordan favoring Rachel due to his new alliance.
The elimination saw Cara Maria face off against Tori in a grueling nighttime water challenge aboard the Sinister. After three intense rounds, Tori emerged victorious, eliminating Cara Maria just shy of what would have been her seventh consecutive final.
As The Challenge celebrates its 40th season, Battle of the Eras has brought together some of the franchise’s most famous players and fresh challenges.
Catch the season finale of The Challenge: Battle of the Eras on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at 8/7c on MTV to find out who will emerge victorious.