It’s not uncommon for stars to quickly fall head over heels in love while filming a reality TV show — and The Challenge competitors are no exception.
While many fans didn’t think Paulie Calafiore and Cara Maria Sorbello would create a real bond after meeting on Final Reckoning in 2018, but they proved the haters wrong. The duo went on to compete alongside each other on War of the Worlds later that year and War of the Worlds 2 in 2019.
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She added at the time: “I absolutely would love to marry [Paulie]. I’ve never said that before, but [Paulie is] the person that I see for the rest of my life. … Like, this is my best friend.”
Scroll through the gallery below to see more Challenge couples whose romance lasted outside the house:
Kam Williams and Leroy Garrett
After meeting on Vendettas in 2018, the pair had an instant connection. Though they had an up and down romance over the years, they got back together in August 2019 and moved in together in Texas in 2020. The couple are now parents to son Kingston, who they welcomed in May 2022, and daughter Aria, who they welcomed in March 2024.
Williams and Garrett eloped on their sixth anniversary in August 2025, with their two children in attendance.
“We have been engaged for a while, and honestly we were just ready to get married already. Why wait even longer planning a huge, elaborate wedding?” Williams told People. “We knew an elopement style was for us. I didn’t want to be stressed. At first, we considered Chicago because we love the city and it’s such a fun mini-getaway from Michigan. But with two kids, staying in-state was way easier and less stressful logistically.”
Zach Nichols and Jenna Compono
The couple met during Compono’s first season, Battle of the Exes II, in 2014. They dated on and off for years, and he proposed in December 2019. In February 2021, they announced they were expecting their first baby together. In March 2021, the pair tied the knot. Son Anthony was born in September 2021 with his younger sister, Liliana, following in December 2022. Compono and Nicholas revealed in August 2023 that they were expecting baby No. 3, whom they welcomed later that year. In August 2025, they welcomed their fourth child, a daughter named Francesca.
Sean Duffy and Rachel Campos
In 1998, the Real World: Boston alum met the Real World: San Fransico star during the first season of The Challenge, Road Rules: All Stars. They tied the knot the following year. She went on to be a Fox News correspondent while Duffy is a politician. He resigned from Congress in 2019 when Campos became pregnant with their ninth child, who they learned would have health complications.
Cara Maria Sorbello and Paulie Calafiore
Despite a rocky start, Sorbello and Calafiore couldn’t deny the sparks after meeting in 2018 on Final Reckoning. After a brief split, they got back together in 2019 and moved in together in Montana.
In August 2024, the couple faced breakup rumors. At the time, a source told Us that they were still pursuing their connection.
In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly in March 2026, Calafiore confirmed he and Sorbello were over.
“[There were] just certain viewpoints when it came to things we just didn’t align on,” he shared. “It was tough. You’re dating somebody for seven years. We’re best friends.”