Meet the Cast & Unforgettable Moments of The Amazing Race 37
Every leg brought new twists, emotional highs, and fierce rivalries that kept viewers hooked.
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The Amazing Race 37, which aired in 2025 on CBS, offered a global adventure packed with high stakes, emotional moments, and inventive new challenges. Fourteen teams set off from Los Angeles, crossing continents and cultures for a $1,000,000 prize. This in-depth guide details every team, their backgrounds, key race twists, leg eliminations, and all the defining highlights of the season.
The Amazing Race 37: At a Glance
- Season Premiere: March 5, 2025
- Finale Date: May 15, 2025
- Number of Teams: 14
- Host: Phil Keoghan
- First Place Prize: $1,000,000
- Total Distance Traveled: Over 29,000 miles (47,000 km)
- Countries Visited: 10 (Plus U.S. return)
Meet the Contestants in ‘The Amazing Race’ 2025
The cast of The Amazing Race 37 represents a dynamic mix of backgrounds and relationships—from lifelong friends and married couples to siblings and parent-child duos. Each pair brought unique strengths and stories to the race, making for a season full of standout personalities.
The Full Cast Lineup
| Team | Relationship | Occupations | Ages | Hometowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alyssa & Josiah Borden | Married | Nurse anesthetists | 31, 32 | Philadelphia, PA |
| Bernie Gutierrez & Carrigain Scadden | Friends | Personal trainer, Spa educator | 31, 33 | Dallas, TX & Denver, CO |
| Brett Hamby & Mark Romain | Married | Acrobat, Dancer/Model | 36, 37 | Las Vegas, NV |
| Carson McCalley & Jack Dodge | Best friends | Game streamers | 28, 27 | Brooklyn, NY |
| Courtney Ramsey & Jasmin Carey | Dating | Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner | 33, 34 | Leland, NC |
| Ernest & Bridget Cato | Father & Daughter | Retired Chef, Police Dept. & Account Supervisor | 59, 28 | Chicago, IL & Somerville, MA |
| Han & Holden Nguyen | Siblings | Unknown (portrayed as strong competitors) | — | — |
| Jonathan & Ana Towns | Married | Unknown | — | — |
| Melinda & Erika Papadeas | Mother & Daughter | Unknown | — | — |
| Nick & Mike Fiorito | Brothers | Podcasters | — | — |
| Jeff “Pops” & Jeff Bailey | Father & Son | Lumberjacks | — | — |
Spotlight on Standout Teams
Carson McCalley & Jack Dodge – Winners
Best friends and gaming streamers from Brooklyn, Carson and Jack became fan favorites for their vibrant personalities and clever problem-solving skills. Their friendship and strategic prowess saw them overcoming setbacks to claim victory in Miami, earning them the $1,000,000 prize.
Han & Holden Nguyen – Second Place
Siblings Han and Holden proved to be relentless competitors, displaying grit and teamwork through the toughest legs. Their dynamic often kept them near the front of the pack, and their efforts brought them a hard-fought second place finish.
Jonathan & Ana Towns – Third Place
This married couple navigated personal and race challenges, crediting the journey with strengthening their relationship. Their emotional progression and resilience secured them a podium finish.
Notable Fourth Place: Alyssa & Josiah Borden
The married nurse anesthetists from Philadelphia, Alyssa and Josiah were praised for their teamwork and resourcefulness. Though they just missed the podium, they left an indelible impression.
Race Route, Destinations & Memorable Twists
The Amazing Race 37 was a global trek spanning 10 countries across three continents and over 29,000 miles:
- Start: Los Angeles, California
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- Indonesia
- United Arab Emirates
- Bulgaria
- Italy
- Germany
- France
- Portugal
- Finish Line: Miami, Florida
Modes of Transportation Used
- Air travel
- Rail travel
- Watercraft
- Buses
- Helicopter
- Bicycle
- Gondola
Special Challenges and Game Twists
- Fork in the Road: A new twist requiring teams to split up and complete simultaneous tasks at certain points, testing communication under pressure.
- Driver’s Seat: Placing teams directly in control of transporting themselves, adding a navigation and driving challenge.
- Valet Roulette: Randomized assistance or obstacles based on a draw, adding unpredictability to key moments.
- Returning Elements: Double elimination, Intersection, Live U-Turn Vote, Fast Forward, Double U-Turn, non-elimination leg, Head-to-Head, Scramble.
Leg-by-Leg Elimination Results
The season’s 12 legs winnowed down the competition with a mix of double eliminations, non-elimination reprieves, and intense Head-to-Head matches:
| Leg | Country/Region | Elimination/Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hong Kong | Teams compete in first International leg |
| 2 | Japan | Team Eliminated |
| 3 | Indonesia | Double Elimination |
| 4 | UAE | Non-Elimination |
| 5 | Bulgaria | Team Eliminated |
| 6 | Italy | Team Eliminated |
| 7 | Germany | Team Eliminated |
| 8 | France | Melinda & Erika Papadeas eliminated (6th place) |
| 9 | Portugal | Team Eliminated |
| 10 | US (Miami, FL) | Brett Hamby & Mark Romain eliminated (5th place) |
| 11 | Final Four face off | Alyssa & Josiah Borden eliminated (4th place) |
| 12 | US (Miami) | Winners: Carson McCalley & Jack Dodge |
Additional teams exited throughout the season leading to the final showdown in Miami.
Highlights and Emotional Moments
- Live U-Turn Vote: Teams had to openly vote for rivals to face the tough Double U-Turn challenge, creating dramatic alliances and rivalries.
- Valet Roulette: Chance-based barriers and bonuses impacted even the leading teams, including a detour that nearly cost the winners their top spot.
- Intersection twist: Forced rival teams to work together, yielding unexpected friendships and tension.
- Fast Forward showdown: Teams risked it all for an exclusive route, resulting in high-risk, heart-racing moments.
- Scramble: Multiple tasks to be completed in any order, adding a strategic layer to each team’s approach and frequently shaking up the rankings.
Where Are They Now?
Many teams used their experience to further their careers, charities, or digital followings. Winners Carson & Jack capitalized on their popularity, expanding their streaming platform and engaging with fans about their adventure. Alyssa & Josiah became advocates for health-care heroes onscreen, while other teams enjoyed renewed family bonds and new friendships beyond the race.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who won The Amazing Race 37?
A: Carson McCalley & Jack Dodge, best friends and game streamers from Brooklyn, took first place and the $1,000,000 prize.
Q: What new twists were introduced in season 37?
A: Innovations included the Fork in the Road, Driver’s Seat, and Valet Roulette, all of which increased unpredictability and tested team dynamics in new ways.
Q: How many countries did the teams visit?
A: Teams raced through ten countries (and regions), including stops in Asia, Europe, and ending in the United States.
Q: What made this season unique compared to previous years?
A: Season 37 was known for its unexpected twists each leg, new and returning race mechanics, and the emotional journeys of many of its diverse teams.
Q: Which team was the last to be eliminated before the final leg?
A: Alyssa & Josiah Borden were the last team eliminated, finishing in an impressive fourth place after a nail-biting leg in Miami.
Fan Reactions and Legacy
The 2025 season was celebrated for global diversity, inventive gameplay, and showcasing the power of teamwork. Social media buzzed about the new twists and cast chemistry, with many calling it one of the most memorable seasons in recent years.
Related Content
- Recap of the previous Amazing Race seasons
- Behind the scenes interviews with host Phil Keoghan
- Where are past winners now?
- How to audition for future seasons
For more details, including photos and individual team interviews, tune in to the official Amazing Race web hub and Parade’s ongoing coverage.
References
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