He already won $1 million on ‘Survivor.’ Is this Boise man on his way to TV riches again?
If you’re a “Survivor” fan, you know all about Ben Driebergen.
A Boise real estate agent and Capital High School graduate, Driebergen won the show in 2017 — and the $1 million that came with the honor.
Driebergen, 39, has become a bona fide reality TV personality. He took fifth place on “Survivor” in 2020.
And now he’s hanging tough on “The Challenge: USA,” which is three-quarters of the way through its season.
As a former Marine who served in Iraq, Driebergen knows about toughness. He’ll need it to have a shot at earning the $500,000 prize.
Players on “The Challenge” are alumni of shows such as “Survivor,” “The Amazing Race” and “Big Brother.” On “The Challenge,” they go head-to-head in hardcore physical and mental battles.
Going into last week’s competition, Driebergen had been struggling on “The Challenge.” He confessed as much on the show.
“On ‘Survivor,’ I was known for winning,” he said. “Here on ‘The Challenge,’ I have expected to win every challenge, and I have failed miserably.”
Driebergen’s solution? Ally with other contestants for now — then get cutthroat in the finals. “... I like doing things the hard way sometimes,” he explained.
Driebergen’s luck finally changed during the episode, where he was featured prominently. Rather than giving away a spoiler, we’ll let you catch up via streaming if you’d like.
Otherwise, tune in to CBS at 8 p.m. Wednesdays to watch the remaining one-hour shows. (The season ends Sept. 14 with back-to-back episodes. Check local listings in case their air time is different.)
More than half of the 28 competitors have been eliminated. Meanwhile, with four shows left, Driebergen is still grinning and wearing his beloved cowboy hat.
If Idaho’s reality star does end up winning? Fans will see him yet again. Winners of “The Challenge: USA” qualify to compete in “The Challenge: Global Championship,” which will raise the stakes with international contestants.