Season 42, titled The Challenge: Cutthroat, opens with host T.J. Lavin wasting no time. T.J. Lavin in 'The Challenge' Jonne Roriz/Paramount+How the game worksThe 24 Challengers hit the streets of Bangkok first, with the top eight finishers earning a chance at becoming team captains. Johnny "Bananas" DeVenanzio is already pledging to "f--k my team in every way possible — no lube." Picking teamsThe next morning, T.J. splits the house into Blue, Gray, and Orange, led by Anna Leigh, Chris, and Justin respectively — then drops the twist. Bananas flips every light to orange before the clock runs out, ending it early and sending Cedric home as the first Challenger eliminated from Cutthroat.