With the conclusion of The Challenge USA its time to prepare for the MTV iteration of the reality series again as The Challenge Ride or Dies premieres in October. With the cast announced for the season there was the additional information that challengers handpicked their partners for the first time in Challenge history.

This season tests relationships bringing back the tension fans loved about Rivals and Exes. Given that the teams are a mix of only rookies a veteran and a rookie and veteran-only some have a better chance at becoming Challenge champions than others.

17 Johnny Middlebrooks and Ravyn Rochelle

 On Love Island Johnny didnt come off as the most forward-thinking and in a game like this thats a must. Hopefully where he seems like he will lack strategy his partner Ravyn can pick up the slack.However given his big personality and Ravyns career as an actor and influencer they may be targeted from the beginning. Especially considering Johnny is from Love Island and how often challengers look down on contestants from that show.

16 Kim Tränka and Colleen Schneider

 From Prince Charming Germany and the show ahead of its time The Mole Germany Kim and Colleen partner for their rookie season. Its doubtful whether both have much of a relationship with anyone in the house going in.Without anyone else from the same shows as either of them theres less camaraderie compared to other teams in the house. Unless they make a big impression early on these two could easily be thrown into elimination.

15 Olivia Kaiser and Horacio Gutierrez

 After Love Island USA where fans grew upset over her sticking with Korey solely to win the show Olivia returns to TV with Horacio Gutierrez from Exatlón USA.As a team of rookies with one from Love Island they have major targets on their backs based on trends from recent seasons. They may perform well in challenges if given a chance but sometimes veterans determination to send rookies home is too much to fight against.

14 Tommy Bracco and Analyse Talavera

 Tommy competes with fellow Big Brother houseguest Analyse. They may need to warm up to the different strategies needed for the competition but they shouldnt be entirely counted out.As two rookies with more connections in the house thanks to other Big Brother contestants they may not be the first targets but they may be the lowest hanging fruit in an alliance between past houseguests that could cost them the final win.

13 Nelson Thomas and Nurys Mateo

 While he has never won Nelson remains one of The Challenges most dominant players. With Ex on the Beachs Nurys he may make it far in the competition as long as he doesnt get distracted by a showmance like he so often does.This team may have to figure out a way to ensure they stay because Nelson has a history of riding the middle of the pack and nearly making it to the end.

12 Nam Vo and Emmy Russ

 Ultimate Beastmasters Nam and Beauty and the Geek Germanys Emmy team has some Challenge experience thanks to Nams two seasons where he was medically disqualified both times.The two could do well if Nam could stay healthy and compete the way he was in the past alongside Emmy. But its hard to bet on that. Also both would be new to a final which is a totally different game meaning they could possibly gas out.

11 Darrell Taylor and Veronica Portillo

 All it takes is one heights over water challenge to be the beginning of the end for this team. While Veronica may be one of the best players on The Challenge she doesnt always put in the effort she should which may negatively impact Darrell.Hopefully this team means Veronica is finally ready to properly prepare to take on a final with Darrell instead of relying solely on her ability to strategize and avoid eliminations.

10 Turbo and Tamara Alfaro

 After winning the most difficult Challenge final Turbo returns with his girlfriend Tamara. Knowing the excellence he expects in a Challenge partner Tamara must be a major threat to the women in the competition.This is his first Challenge since his departure from the show after an incident in a past season with Jordan Wiseley. If Turbo can focus on competing and keep his temper in check this team could be the one to beat.

9 Laurel Stucky and Jakk Maddox

 One of The Challenges best villains Laurel returns partnered up with Ex on the Peak contestant Jakk. Laurel gets in her own way with her abrasive personality and as long as she can stay a more level-headed competitor she and Jakk can make it to the final.However because shes a threat if Jakk doesnt compete at her level the house may try to eliminate her early giving everyone a better chance in the final.

8 Fessy Shafaat and Moriah Jadea

 While Fessy is a former Big Brother houseguest who could win The Challenge on paper his gameplay shows hes got a ways to go. As a player who blames anything and everything going wrong on his partner Fessy doesnt navigate a team game well.If he finally learned how to be a team player and tighten his strategy while competing like usual Fessy could win the show with Moriah or at least make it deep into the competition.

7 Kailah and Sam Bird

On All Stars Kailah showed the game is more serious now and she is determined to win money for her marriage. However Kailah is still the same competitor who isnt afraid to take a shortcut to better her chances of winning.Taking on The Challenge with Sam and without her go-to alliance they must figure out a new social game. Kailah has proven her strength in physical competitions but has always had the safety net of her friends.

6 Jordan Wiseley and Aneesa Ferreira

 A retired Challenge veteran fans wanted to return Jordan comes back with Aneesa this season. While some are skeptical of their ability to perform in daily challenges as well as in the final Aneesa has never backed down from competing.Aneesa rises to the occasion depending on her partner as the audience saw her and Fessy dominating the competition a few seasons ago. Jordan and Aneesa together could surprise everyone and shouldnt be slept on.

5 Amber Borzotra and Chauncey Palmer

 After her unexpected Double Agents win Amber chose her boyfriend Chauncey for this season. Between her athleticism and experience and his abilities as a personal trainer the two could be better suited to make it in the competition than some other teams. Especially in matters of endurance which many struggle with.However Amber isnt known for working closely with alliances so they may need to strengthen their social game to make it to the end.

4 Kaycee and Kenny Clark

 Kenny enters his rookie season with his sister Kaycee a challenger who deserves more respect. Coming off a big win last season Kaycee will do what it takes to get another win under her belt.Kaycee knows what it takes to compete in a Challenge and wouldnt pick someone who couldnt handle it. With Kaycees strong understanding of strategy and her consistent performances in challenges this team has a great chance of dominating a final.

3 Jay Starrett and Michele Fitzgerald

 One of the luckiest Survivor players Michele teams up with Jay. The trouble with this team is that they could make it far in the game if they decided to work with more people in the house. Instead both are strong competitors and are targeted early every season.If the two can figure out more social strategies to keep themselves in the house with their physical abilities in challenges the two could take the win.

2 Devin Walker and Tori Deal

 As the best Are You The One contestants on The Challenge Devin and Tori have gone from rivals to ride or dies. With both having come close to wins without ever making it this could be their season if they have a solid strategy and trust each other.Devin has stepped up his physical performance in challenges and Tori has only improved at strategizing. Both of them now complement each others strategy and competition style.

1 Johnny Bananas Devenanzio and Nany Gonzalez

 After her many seasons Nany decided to work with Bananas to try and get the elusive Challenge win. With this partnership she and Bananas could finally add Challenge Champion to her resume.Having competed as partners on the show in the past the two know each other well and with Bananas multiple wins he could be what it takes to finally push Nany over the edge of the competition as she wins the whole season.