The thrill of competition and the allure of globe-trotting turn **The Amazing Race** into a beloved reality phenomenon. This excitement culminates in a significant prize for the winners, but many fans are left wondering: what really lies behind the curtains of cash? As we explore the payouts from Season 37, let’s unpack the reality of the prize money awarded to contestants.
What Is the Prize Money for Winning **The Amazing Race**?
Finally, on May 15, 2025, **Jack Dodge** and **Carson McCalley** triumphed as the champions of the latest season—grabbing the spotlight and an impressive **$1 million** prize. But let’s break down the math. Winning may sound glamorous, yet the winning duo won’t pocket the entire jackpot. The winnings are classified as income and are subject to taxes, which vary based on the winners’ state of residence.
In a revealing interview with **Roby Sawyers**, an accounting expert from NC State University, he highlighted, “They most certainly will not keep the whole million dollars.” When assessing the impact of federal taxes, he estimated a whopping **$300,000** could be deducted, imposing a hefty 30% tax burden. This is just an average; the specifics may swing depending on surrounding income factors and family size.
But let’s not forget state taxes! For the previous season’s winners, **Kim** and **Penn Holderness**, who hail from the flat-rate tax state of North Carolina, an additional **$50,000** dipped from that prize pool. Weigh in California taxes, where the show is filmed, and estimates could soar as high as **$400,000** in total taxes. “The bottom line is they’re going to be pretty close to $400,000 in total taxes,” **Sawyers** explains.
So, after all deductions, how much might the winners take home? A cool **$600,000**! While it’s a significant sum, the reality is a bit less shiny than it initially seems.
Do 2nd and 3rd Place Win Money on **The Amazing Race**?
Victory isn’t exclusively for the first-place contenders. The second-place team, consisting of siblings **Han** and **Holden Nguyen**, reportedly takes home **$25,000** to split, while the third-place couple, **Jonathan** and **Ana Towns**, nets **$10,000**. Though these figures are frequently discussed in fan circles, CBS has not formally confirmed the payout for non-winning teams.
Do All Contestants on **The Amazing Race** Get Paid?
The payout system extends beyond the top three. According to **Men’s Health**, early eliminations can still yield cash. The first team eliminated reportedly earns **$1,500**, while subsequent finishers see a gradual increase: $2,500, $3,000, and so forth—up to $7,000 for later teams. **Mark “Abba” Abbattista**, a contestant from Season 21, confirmed this structure, noting, “It’s not ‘paid,’ but you get some kind of money for the order that you come in.” Despite this, some contestants often see a financial burden due to lost income during filming. With self-employed individuals facing unique hardships, many wrestle with the true cost of participation.
**The Amazing Race** Contestants Also Win Other Prizes
Surprisingly, monetary rewards aren’t the only incentives for competitors. Teams who secure first place during legs of the race are often rewarded with exciting prizes, from cars to vacations sponsored by brands like **Travelocity** and **Expedia**. However, these prizes come with potential hidden costs. As **Abba** noted, a seemingly generous vacation package could still incur tax burdens. “If the trip is worth $10,000, you owe Uncle Sam $3,500 for it,” he elaborated. Navigating these perks requires careful consideration, as not all winners have the luxury to utilize these trips.
Ultimately, while the allure of **The Amazing Race** is evident with its exotic locations and thrilling challenges, the financial realities reveal a more intricate and sometimes sobering story. Whether walking away with $1 million or a fraction of the winnings, contestants face a mix of excitement and fiscal accountability, ensuring that the race extends beyond the finish line.
