Nelson Thomas is a contestant from Are You the One? 3. He was a finalist on Invasion of the Champions and Spies, Lies & Allies. He also competed on Rivals III, Dirty 30, Vendettas, Final Reckoning, Total Madness, Double Agents, Ride or Dies, and World Championship.
Biography[]
Invasion of the Champions[]Retrieved from MTV.com With one season and one devastating loss under his belt, tough as nails Nelson is ready to take the reins and steer himself to victory. Growing up on the wrong side of the tracks, Nelson desperately hopes to prove that an inner city kid can rise above and shape his own destiny. He explains, "I came from poverty, I didn't think I was going to college. I fought every day. I did not give up, and I turned my life around. I'm here to win. Point blank." Roaring and ready to go, Nelson vows to take on anyone and anything in order to be the best. But when tensions rise and another Underdog's game backs Nelson into a corner, his red-hot temper will flare. Will Nelson be able to put his pride aside and let sleeping dogs lie? Or will this cocky competitor blow his chances by biting off more than he can chew?
Dirty 30[]Retrieved from MTV.com Throughout Invasion of the Champions, Nelson touted his loyalty to his alliance. But as the number of folks from his inner circle dwindled, so did Nelson's devotion. In a three-way elimination, Nelson made a secret double deal: one with his best friend Cory and another with Shane. The knife in Cory's back was just what Nelson needed to propel himself into the Final.
Vendettas[]Retrieved from MTV.com Nelson is determined to prove that someone from his original MTV show (aka Are You the One?) is capable of winning The Challenge. On Invasion of the Champions, he made it to the Final and captured an impressive second place (only seconds behind CT). Like his pal Cory, Nelson is determined to knock out Veterans like Bananas. Will he make history and finally prove Are You the One? folks can be champions? Or will the old guard come together to knock down this emerging threat?
Final Reckoning[]Retrieved from MTV.com Shane and Nelson competed alongside one another as Underdogs on The Challenge: Invasion of the Champions. Shane made backdoor deals with numerous people on his team and when Nelson caught wind of it, he lashed out at him. Will their history of anger be kicked to the curb to earn each of them their first Challenge win?
Total Madness[]Retrieved from MTV.com Veteran powerhouse Nelson returns to the game hungry as ever for his first-ever Finals win after multiple close calls and disappointing exits. As an elimination beast, Nelson is perfectly suited for the game's latest twist and is utterly fearless when it comes to stepping down onto the elimination floor. Of course, he may find himself there quite often if he doesn't learn to keep his notorious ability to stick his foot in his mouth in check, which has been his downfall on more than one occasion. Hopefully, his best friend Cory can help keep Nelson under control. If he can rein in his hotheadedness, Nelson has a great shot at claiming his long-awaited Challenge crown.
Double Agents[]Retrieved from MTV.com Nelson made one of the most unprecedented and selfless moves in Challenge history, volunteering himself for elimination to ensure his best friend Cory a spot in the Final. Ultimately, this cost Nelson his own chance at the Final, and now, he returns hungrier than ever to lock down his first ever Challenge win. With one of the best elimination records in Challenge history, Nelson stands a good chance to make it far. With renewed focus and a never-back-down attitude, this may be Nelson's time to finally take home the crown.
Spies, Lies & Allies[]Retrieved from MTV.com After being blindsided by his supposed bro Fessy on The Challenge: Double Agents, the fiercely loyal Nelson plans to play his most cutthroat game ever and will run over anyone who stands in his way. As ever, he'll be bolstered by fighting alongside his bestie, Cory, who has often helped to temper Nelson's wild ways. With the motivation of winning money to care for his mother, Nelson has enough passion and drive to make this season his for the taking.
Ride or Dies[]Retrieved from MTV.com Nelly T is back again, and he has been working on his social and political game. Nelson has a reputation for putting others' needs ahead of his own, but this time around, Nelson is finally ready to stand up for himself first and foremost. However, sitting at a whopping 51-day Challenge losing streak, Nelson needs to win -- to earn power and control his fate. Becoming a champion is Nelson's dream, and this time around, his Ride or Die Nurys may make it come true. |
Rivals III[]
Challenge History[]
| Episode | Challenge | Partner | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 | Not in Game | ||
| 3 | Dirty Laundry | SAFE | |
| 4/5 | Out on a Limb | ELIM | |
| 6 | Laps of Judgement | SAFE | |
| 7 | Road to Nowhere | OUT | |
Elimination History[]
| Episode | Elimination | Partner | Opponents | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Weight for Me | WIN | ||
| 7 | Chill Out | OUT |
Notes[]
- Nelson & Amanda were brought into the game prior to the "Dirty Laundry" challenge as replacements for Leroy & Averey.
Invasion of the Champions[]
Challenge History[]
| Episode | Challenge | Partner(s) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 | The Over Under | SAFE | |
| 3 | Shell Shocked | Amanda | SAFE |
| 4 | Caged and Confused | ELIM | |
| 5/6 | Knockout | Underdogs | SAFE |
| 7 | Roll with the Punches | SAFE | |
| 8 | Curry Up | ELIM | |
| 9/10 | Fallout | SAFE | |
| 10 | Crossover | SAFE | |
| 11/12 | X-It | ELIM | |
| 12/13 | Caved In | SAFE | |
| 13/14/15 | Final Challenge | Ashley M. | SECOND |
| Nicole | |||
| Camila |
Elimination History[]
| Episode | Elimination | Opponent(s) | Result | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Thai Rise | WIN | ||
| 8 | Bell Ringer | WIN | ||
| 11/12 | Inside Out |  Cory |
WIN | |
Notes[]
- Nelson received $15,000 for finishing the Final Challenge in second place.
- He received an additional $21,250 from the Underdogs team bank account, bringing his total earnings to $36,250.
Dirty 30[]
Challenge History[]
| Episode | Challenge | Partner(s) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Purge | SAFE | |
| Blue Team | WIN | ||
| SAFE | |||
| 2/3 | Cool Under Fire | WIN | |
| 3/4 | Battle Royale | Blue Team | XX |
| 6/7 | Pirates' Treasure | Veronica | WIN |
| 7/8 | Ups and Downs | Green Team | SAFE |
| 8/9 | Talk Thirty to Me | ELIM | |
| 11 | Saved by the Bell | Light Blue Team | DQ |
Elimination History[]
| Episode | Elimination | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Rampage | WIN |
Notes[]
- Nelson was disqualified from the game following the "Saved by the Bell" challenge due to a physical altercation with Derrick K.
Vendettas[]
Challenge History[]
| Episode | Challenge | Team | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Get Off the Rock | SAFE | |
| 2/3 | Who’s Got Balls? | ELIM | |
| 3/4 | #Vendettas | SAFE | |
| 4/5 | Food Wars | Team 7 | SAFE |
| 6/7 | Gasping for Air | Team 1 | SAFE |
| 7/8 | Puppet Master | Blue Team | SAFE |
| 8/9 | Car Crash | Team 1 | WIN |
| 9/10 | Kickin' Ass | Green Team | SAFE |
| 11 | This Land is My Land | Red Team | ELIM |
| 12 | Spanish Treasure | Team 2 | SAFE |
| 12/13 | Help Me, Rhonda | SAFE | |
| 13 | Outside the Box | OUT |
Elimination History[]
| Episode | Elimination | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Balls of Fire | WIN | |
| 11 | Yankin' My Chain | DRAW |
Final Reckoning[]
Challenge History[]
| Episode | Challenge | Partner | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Opening Challenge | SAFE | |
| 2/3 | Wreck Yourself | SAFE | |
| 5 | Shark Bait | SAFE | |
| 6/7 | Off the Rails | SAFE | |
| 7/8 | Dig Deep | SAFE | |
| 8/9 | Don't Push Me Around | SAFE | |
| 10/11 | Dunking for Dinner | SAFE | |
| 11/12 | Sky Bridge | ELIM | |
| 12/13 | Caged In | SAFE | |
| 14/15 | What Goes Up Must Come Down | ELIM | |
| 16/17 | Hit List | SAFE | |
| 17 | Heads Will Roll | OUT |
Elimination History[]
| Episode | Elimination | Partner | Opponents | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | Tread Lightly | WIN | ||
| 15 | Meet Me Halfway |   Cara Maria & Marie |
WIN |
Redemption History[]
| Episode | Elimination | Partner | Opponents | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | King of the Ring | OUT |
Total Madness[]
Challenge History[]
| Episode | Challenge | Partner(s) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Battle Lines | SAFE | |
| 2 | Airdrop Extraction | Team 8 | SAFE |
| 3 | Decode and Detonate | SAFE | |
| 4 | Cold War | Team 2 | SAFE |
| 5/6 | Bomb Squad | Team 3 | SAFE |
| 6/7 | Fast & Furious | Aneesa | SAFE |
| 8 | Decontamination | ELIM | |
| 9 | Tunnel Rats | Team 1 | SAFE |
| 10 | Throne Off | SAFE | |
| 11 | Flag Down | SAFE | |
| 12 | Tanks-A Lot | Team 4 | SAFE |
| 13 | Bloc'd In | Team 2 | SAFE |
| 14 | Running Out of Time | SAFE | |
| 15 | Crash Course | OUT |
Elimination History[]
| Episode | Elimination | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | Pole Wrestle | WIN | |
| 15 | Hall Brawl | OUT |
Double Agents[]
Challenge History[]
| Episode | Mission | Partner | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Decryption | Amber M. | SAFE |
| 2 | Ice Spy | SAFE | |
| 3 | Road Kill | SAFE | |
| 4 | Drone Control | OUT |
Elimination History[]
| Episode | Elimination | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Hall Brawl |  Fessy |
OUT |
Spies, Lies & Allies[]
Challenge History[]
| Episode | Mission | Partner(s) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Compromised | Priscilla | SAFE |
| 2 | Heli Heist | SAFE | |
| 3 | Sea Cave Recon | SAFE | |
| 4 | Undercover Comms | SAFE | |
| 5 | Mindfield | SAFE | |
| 6/7 | Turning Agents | SAFE | |
| 8 | Dive Bomb | SAFE | |
| 9 | Bombshell Battle | Big T | SAFE |
| 10 | Diamond Dash | Sapphire Cell | SAFE |
| 11 | Satellite Sabotage | SAFE | |
| 12 | Brush Contact | Ruby Cell | SAFE |
| 13 | Sunken Intelligence | SAFE | |
| 14 | Submerged | SAFE | |
| 15 | Boom Raiders | SAFE | |
| 16 | Million Dollar Heist | SAFE | |
| 17 | Dead Drop | SAFE | |
| 18 | SAFE | ||
| 18/19 | Final Mission | Orange Cell | FOURTH |
Elimination History[]
| Episode | Elimination | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19 | Back Me Up |  Kyle |
OUT |
Ride or Dies[]
Challenge History[]
| Episode | Challenge | Partner(s) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bolas for Blood |  Nurys |
SAFE |
| 2 | Balancing Act | SAFE | |
| 3 | Build Me Up | SAFE | |
| 4 | Hold On for Me | WIN | |
| 5 | Royal Relay | SAFE | |
| 6 | Down the Line | SAFE | |
| 7 | Peaking Blinders | WIN | |
| 8 | Double Trouble | SAFE | |
| 9 | Haul or Nothing | SAFE | |
| 10 | Last Life | Faysal's Team | WIN |
| 11 | Spin Class | WIN | |
| 12 | Chopper Drop | OUT |
Elimination History[]
| Episode | Elimination | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | Spearheaded |  Faysal |
OUT |
World Championship[]
Challenge History[]
| Episode | Challenge | Partner | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Qualifier | Did Not Play | |
| 2/3 | Chain Game |  Jujuy |
OUT |
Elimination History[]
| Episode | Elimination | Partner | Opponents | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Tether Brawl | Jujuy |
  KellyAnne & Tristan |
OUT |
Post-Challenge[]
- Nelson appeared on MTV's Ex on the Beach 2 alongside Angela Babicz, Jay Starrett, Jozea Flores, Morgan Willett, Nicole Ramos, and Nurys Mateo. He entered the beach in Episode 4 as Nurys's ex and temporarily left in Episode 11. He returned to the beach in Episode 13.
- Nelson was set to appear on MTV's Ex on the Beach UK 10 as Kayleigh Morris's ex, but the series was never broadcast due to a cast member committing suicide after filming.
- Nelson participated in the special six-part documentary series, The Challenge: Untold History, in 2022.
- Nelson appeared during the launch special of Battle for a New Champion on a video call during Ride or Die Nurys Mateo's intro package.
- Nelson made a surprise appearance during Episode 14 of Battle of the Eras where he spoke to Cory Wharton over video call, giving updates on his leg following his car accident and amputation.
Trivia[]
- Nelson and Darrell Taylor are the only contestants to compete in an elimination that was declared a draw.
- Nelson holds the record for the most consecutive daily challenge losses, with 54.
- Nelson is the sixth contestant to reach a Final Challenge without winning any competitions, following Jenn Grijalva, Kenny Santucci, Robin Hibbard, Cheyenne Floyd, and Devin Walker. He is followed by Callum Izzard, Tristan Phipps, Zara Zoffany, Yeyo de Gregorio, Danny McCray, and Tori Deal.
- Nelson is the third contestant to lose an elimination during a Final Challenge, following Hunter Barfield and Rogan O'Connor. He is followed by Nany González, KellyAnne Judd, Mark Long, Aneesa Ferreira, Jordan Wiseley, Jay Starrett, and Moriah Jade.
External Links[]
| Rivals III Contestants | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Invasion of the Champions Contestants | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Dirty 30 Contestants | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Vendettas Contestants | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Final Reckoning Contestants | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Total Madness Contestants | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Double Agents Contestants | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Spies, Lies & Allies Contestants | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Ride or Dies Contestants | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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