CT Tamburello on ‘The Challenge: Double Agents’ Victory, Future, and Strategic Partnership with Amber Borzotra
At 40 years old, legendary competitor CT Tamburello has once again solidified his status as one of The Challenge’s all-time greats. Securing his fourth career victory in the April 21 finale of The Challenge: Double Agents, Tamburello proved that experience, strategy, and mental fortitude can triumph over raw physicality. Despite his milestone birthday, fans hoping for his retirement will be disappointed – CT is far from ready to hang up his competitive hat. In an exclusive interview with HollywoodLife, the four-time champion delved into his evolving gameplay, his impactful partnership with Amber Borzotra, and what the future holds for his illustrious career on the MTV franchise.
“I’m 40 years old now — it’s easy for me to ride off into the sunset,” CT openly admitted. “But, at the same time, I’m not f***ing leaving! People can say whatever they want, but I have a higher win percentage during my dad bod era than during my 20s. I’m a different player now. I’m a different person. I’m not trying to be the toughest guy there and overpower the challenge. I’m trying to work smarter, not harder.” This statement encapsulates the transformation of a player once known for his explosive temper and physical dominance into a calculated, strategic force. His “dad bod era” success is not just a quirky remark; it’s a testament to his adaptability and the deep understanding he has gained about the intricacies of the game.
A Strategic Partnership: CT and Amber Borzotra Conquer the Final
The finale of Double Agents saw CT paired with rookie competitor Amber Borzotra, a partnership that many underestimated throughout the season. Despite it being their first time working together as a duo, their synergy was undeniable. They successfully outmaneuvered and outlasted three formidable teams: Fessy Shafaat and Kaycee Clark, Leroy Garrett and Nany Gonzalez, and Kam Williams and Cory Wharton, ultimately claiming the staggering $900,000 prize. Amber, who had been consistently overlooked and undervalued by other players, found her perfect match in CT, who recognized her hidden strengths from the outset.
CT expressed his immediate confidence in Amber, recalling, “I was so excited, honestly. I knew she had a lot of heart after the second challenge, then I find out down the line that she also ran a marathon. For me, that’s all I need. If I’m going to be the slowest runner on our team, then we’re in good shape. Just get me there.” His assessment proved prophetic. Amber’s performance exceeded even his high expectations. She tackled the notorious eating portion with gusto, demonstrating a crucial mental toughness. Furthermore, her keen intellect shone through as she played a pivotal role in solving many of the complex puzzles, critical components of any Challenge final.
Beyond her physical and mental contributions, Amber’s unwavering support and situational awareness were vital. CT humorously recalled a moment of peril: “She saved my life when I fell off that kayak!” This highlights the often-unseen moments of teamwork that make or break a team in a final. More subtly, CT observed her thoughtful pacing: “There were times when I felt like she was taking it easy on me with the run. She’d pretend to be looking where to go just so I could catch up to her.” This selfless act of strategic empathy allowed CT to conserve energy and maintain their collective momentum, underscoring the depth of their partnership and mutual respect.
The Brutality of the Double Agents Final
For CT, The Challenge: Double Agents marked his ninth final appearance, a testament to his enduring presence and skill. However, he unequivocally declared this particular final as “absolutely brutal,” citing the extreme elements as the primary reason. The physical and mental toll was immense. “You’re soaking wet, it’s two days, no sleep, no eating, it’s cold,” he recounted, painting a vivid picture of the relentless conditions. Unlike previous finals where localized cold might be a concern, the Double Agents final subjected competitors to an all-encompassing chill.
“No matter what you did, the elements were terrible,” CT emphasized. “I’ve been on a hike before in a final and I remember my fingertips and feet being cold, but this time, my whole entire body was. I felt like if I moved too fast, I was just going to shatter.” This description goes beyond mere discomfort; it speaks to a profound physical vulnerability, where every movement feels precarious. The combination of sleep deprivation, caloric deficit, and extreme cold pushed every competitor to their absolute limit, making CT and Amber’s victory even more impressive. Their ability to persevere through such grueling conditions speaks volumes about their resilience and mental toughness.
Nany’s Unforeseen Choice and CT’s Growth
One of the most talked-about moments leading into the final was Nany Gonzalez’s decision to choose Kyle Christie as her partner instead of CT before the last elimination, a move that automatically sent CT and Amber into the final. To this day, the rationale behind Nany’s choice remains a mystery to CT. “To this day, I don’t know why. I’ve asked her! I feel like I should send her a Christmas gift or something,” he quipped. Nany, however, downplayed the gesture. CT speculated, pondering if she thought any chosen partner would face elimination next, and perhaps she wanted him to pick her afterward. Regardless of her intentions, her decision inadvertently paved the way for CT’s victory, adding another layer of intrigue to the season’s strategic dynamics.
CT’s journey on The Challenge has been one of profound personal and strategic growth. He reflected on how he has matured as a player, drawing parallels to his own past behavior when offering advice to Fessy Shafaat. “There were teammates that I’ve had [in the past] that I treated like [Fessy treated his partners]. One in particular is Veronica [Portillo]. I learned from those mistakes.” This self-awareness is a hallmark of CT’s evolution from a volatile young competitor to a seasoned veteran. He acknowledges Fessy’s hunger for victory: “I get it. Fessy’s coming in hot — he has a lot to prove. He’s selfish. He knows what he wants.”
However, CT advises a more tempered approach, based on his own hard-won lessons. “But I don’t know that I would handle it the same way he’s handling it. I’ve been there before. I’d go in and whenever I didn’t win I’d blame everyone else instead of being positive. I think that will come down the line for him.” CT’s wisdom here is invaluable; he emphasizes that while ambition is important, a lack of self-reflection and an inability to be a true team player can ultimately hinder long-term success on The Challenge. His counsel for Fessy is clear: “I try to tell him, ‘I relate to you, but pump the brakes.’ Down the line, you’re going to make things harder for yourself.” This is a powerful message about the importance of humility, collaboration, and learning from defeats rather than deflecting blame.
Overcoming Final Concerns and Seizing Victory
Going into the Double Agents final, CT approached the challenge with a healthy respect for all his competitors. “I can honestly say, every team in the final looked solid. Every team had a great season. They performed above and beyond and I don’t make the mistake of underestimating anybody. I try to be open-minded that anybody’s a threat.” This veteran mindset, honed over years of competition, prevents complacency and ensures he remains focused on the task at hand.
His primary concern revolved around his partner, Amber, and her endurance for the grueling, multi-day final. “My major concern when we were running was I didn’t want Amber to come out of the gate and gas out and not pace herself. It was a major concern.” Rookie competitors often struggle with pacing in finals, pushing too hard too early and burning out. However, Amber proved to be an exceptional partner, alleviating all of CT’s worries. “But then she just wouldn’t f***ing stop moving!” he exclaimed, highlighting her relentless drive and surprising stamina.
Their teamwork and consistent performance were so strong that they often found themselves ahead of the curve. “Throughout the entire final, me and Amber were finishing checkpoints before other people even showed up. We were just looking at each other like….yo…I think we’re going to do this.” This shared realization, born from their dominating pace, fueled their motivation. They maintained a laser focus, pushing through the physical and mental barriers. “But we just kept focusing. We just kept saying, ‘Don’t even think. Go, go, go.’” This mantra, devoid of overthinking, allowed them to maintain their momentum, one step and one checkpoint at a time, ultimately leading them to their hard-earned victory.
The Enduring Legacy and Future of a Champion
CT Tamburello’s win on The Challenge: Double Agents is more than just another notch in his belt; it’s a testament to his evolving legacy. His ability to adapt his game from brute force to strategic prowess, combined with his unparalleled experience, makes him a formidable opponent regardless of his age. His partnership with Amber Borzotra also highlights the importance of recognizing and nurturing the strengths of teammates, especially those who are underestimated.
As CT firmly stated, he’s not “f***ing leaving” the franchise anytime soon. His continued presence promises more thrilling seasons, tactical masterclasses, and perhaps even more additions to his impressive four-time champion record. Fans can look forward to witnessing the ongoing journey of a true Challenge icon who continues to redefine what it means to be a dominant force in reality television competition, proving that age is just a number when it comes to heart, strategy, and the drive to win.