Getty Image / Megan Briggs
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the biggest sports stars in the world. The NBA Champion and MVP has a chance to go down as one of the absolute greatest players to ever play.
Meanwhile, there is another legend of our time, except this all-time-great legend is Chris “CT” Tamburello from MTV’s hit show The Challenge. The Challenge, a reality competition show involving physical tasks and mental strategy has been called America’s fifth major sport by sports media superstar Bill Simmons. The show is currently filming its 39th season, and has taken on new popularity in recent years with Paramount+ spinoffs The Challenge: All Stars, The Challenge World Championships as well as a CBS network show The Challenge: USA. And, CT is one of the best to ever do it.
Once known as a complete hot-head who was too temperamental to consistently win despite having all of the tools, CT has turned himself into one of the all-time greats. His Shakespearean tragedy of a love story with the late Diem Brown is one of the franchise’s biggest story lines. The moment where Diem took off her wig that she was wearing due to treatment for ovarian cancer in the 13th season with CT’s encouragement is one of the greatest reality television moments in history. Brown passed away from breast cancer just months after reconciling with CT for the last time in 2014.
Since, CT has been on a mission. After winning just won season of The Challenge before her death, CT has won four since, including back to back wins in seasons 36 and 37 at 40 years old when he was in the best physical shape of his life. His five titles are second most behind Johnny Bananas, and he has earned over $1.3 million from the show.
And, Giannis Antetokounmpo must be a big fan. After he purchased a candy company recently, he sent CT a big gift.
Perks of being a Challenge legend, I guess.