The Amazing Race 38: Full Cast List, Shocking New Twists, And The Big Brother Crossover That Changed Everything
The Amazing Race 38 has officially concluded its historic, high-stakes run, wrapping up one of the most talked-about seasons in the show's history on December 10, 2025. This season was a monumental reality television crossover event, featuring a cast entirely composed of fan-favorite former Houseguests from the hit show Big Brother, bringing a new level of strategic gameplay and pre-existing rivalries to the global competition.
For fans craving fresh, unique content, this season delivered on every promise, pitting thirteen established reality TV personalities and their partners against a challenging European route and unexpected twists from the very start. Host Phil Keoghan guided the teams through a relentless race that saw alliances form and crumble faster than ever before, all in pursuit of the coveted $1 million prize.
Meet The Amazing Race 38 Cast: The Big Brother Crossover Teams
Season 38 was officially dubbed the "Big Brother Legends Edition," featuring a full roster of 13 teams, each with at least one person who had previously competed on Big Brother. This unprecedented casting choice meant that viewers were treated to established dynamics, rivalries, and friendships that instantly raised the stakes of the competition.
- Jas Bains & Jag Bains (Winners)
The brothers from Omak, Washington, entered the race with a strong competitive spirit and a knack for dominating challenges, ultimately taking home the $1 million prize.
- Kyland Young & Taylor Hale (Second Place)
Kyland, a former Big Brother contestant, teamed up with Taylor, a fellow Houseguest, forming a formidable pair known for their strategy and calm under pressure.
- Joseph Abdin & Adam Abdin (Third Place)
The brothers, one of whom was a notable Big Brother alum, rounded out the final three, showcasing consistent performance throughout the various legs of the race.
- Rachel Reilly & Brendon Villegas
Known affectionately as "Brenchel," this iconic reality TV couple brought their intense, high-energy dynamic from multiple previous seasons of both Big Brother and The Amazing Race.
- Janelle Pierzina & Britney Haynes
Two of the most beloved and strategic players in Big Brother history, Janelle and Britney, teamed up as a duo of legends, creating a powerhouse of wit and competitive drive.
- Nicole Franzel & Victor Arroyo
This married couple, who met and fell in love during their time in the Big Brother house, returned to the reality TV circuit, aiming to add a *Race* victory to their storied history.
- Jeff Weldon & Jackie Ibarra
Another pair who found love on reality television, Jeff and Jackie brought their combined experience and competitive fire to the starting line.
- Cody Nickson & Jessica Graf
The couple, who previously won The Amazing Race 30, returned for an all-stars season, making them immediate frontrunners and threats to the other teams.
- Enzo Palumbo & Jack Palumbo
Enzo, a veteran of two Big Brother seasons, raced alongside his brother Jack, relying on their strong familial bond to navigate the stressful challenges.
- Natalie Negrotti & Stephanie Negrotti
Natalie, a former NFL cheerleader and Big Brother contestant, partnered with her sister Stephanie, forming a new team dynamic for the global competition.
Major Twists and The Unforgettable European Route
The Amazing Race 38 was characterized by a series of game-changing twists that kept the teams—and viewers—on their toes. The producers leaned heavily into the reality TV crossover, ensuring a season of non-stop drama and intense competition.
One of the most notable changes was the introduction of a surprise Pre-Race Challenge. For the first time in the show's history, teams faced their initial task before even reaching the traditional starting line. This immediate pressure test set the tone for a season where nothing was guaranteed.
Additionally, Season 38 made a significant format change by eliminating all Non-Elimination Legs. This meant that every single Pit Stop was a potential elimination, dramatically increasing the urgency and stress for the teams. The competition was relentless, with no chance for a reprieve, forcing the contestants to race with maximum intensity every single leg.
The race began in the historic and vibrant cities of Europe, a continent known for its diverse culture and complex travel logistics. The starting city was Amsterdam, Netherlands, where teams immediately faced their first challenges navigating the city's iconic canals and intricate streets.
From there, the teams journeyed through other central European hubs, including the stunning architecture of Prague, Czech Republic, and the thermal baths and grand boulevards of Budapest, Hungary. These locations presented a mix of physical and mental Detour and Roadblock challenges, testing the teams' communication, problem-solving skills, and cultural adaptability. The final, dramatic leg of the race brought the remaining teams back to the United States, concluding with a frantic dash to the finish line in New York City.
The Impact of the All-Stars Format on Strategy and Gameplay
The decision to cast only former *Big Brother* contestants and their partners fundamentally altered the strategic landscape of The Amazing Race. Unlike typical seasons where teams start as strangers to each other, the Season 38 cast had pre-existing relationships, rivalries, and alliances, which immediately came into play.
The race saw an immediate formation of a "Big Brother Alliance," though the extreme pressure of the race quickly tested these bonds. Strategic entities like the U-Turn and the Yield became weapons used with a level of calculated precision rarely seen in past seasons. Teams like Rachel and Brendon ("Brenchel"), who had prior Amazing Race experience, were immediate targets, forcing them to rely on their established teamwork to survive the early eliminations.
The gameplay was a masterclass in reality TV strategy:
- Pre-Game Alliances: Teams with strong historical ties, like Janelle and Britney, attempted to work together, sharing information about flights and tasks.
- Strategic Sabotage: Knowing their competitors' weaknesses from their time as Houseguests, some racers attempted to subtly mislead or misdirect rival teams during challenges.
- The Scramble Twist: This season introduced a "Scramble Twist" in certain legs, forcing teams to complete tasks in an order of their choosing, adding a layer of strategic decision-making that favored the more analytical *Big Brother* minds.
Ultimately, the season demonstrated that while a strong strategic mind is crucial, nothing beats consistent performance, strong communication, and sheer physical endurance. The Bains Brothers, Jas and Jag, proved to be the ultimate team, consistently placing near the top, navigating the European logistics, and mastering the final leg in New York City to claim the title of The Amazing Race 38 Champions.
As the curtain closes on this historic reality TV crossover, fans are already buzzing about the future. While Season 38 was a self-contained "All-Big Brother" event, the success of the format has opened the door for potential future seasons featuring contestants from other CBS reality staples like *Survivor* or *Love Island*, ensuring the global trek competition remains one of the freshest and most exciting shows on television. The official announcement for The Amazing Race 39 is highly anticipated, with viewers eager to see what new countries, challenges, and twists Host Phil Keoghan will unveil next.
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