Reality television personality Jessi DiPette, 30, from Virginia Beach, is making waves once again as a contestant on the second season of the popular Amazon Prime Video series, “Beast Games.” The show, hosted by renowned YouTuber James Stephen “Jimmy” Donaldson, known as MrBeast, features 200 contestants competing in a series of physical and mental challenges for a grand prize of $5 million. The first episodes of the new season were released on February 7, 2024.
From Fitness Instructor to Reality Star
DiPette first gained attention two years ago when she competed on Netflix’s “Squid Game: The Challenge.” Her aspirations extend beyond “Beast Games,” as she is currently auditioning for an undisclosed televised vocal competition, hoping to one day join the cast of NBC’s “The Traitors.”
In “Beast Games,” contestants are divided into two teams: Strong and Smart. DiPette secured her place on the Strong team after submitting a recording of herself performing exercises at her local gym, including push-ups, sit-ups, and pull-ups. Reflecting on her team, she remarked, “When I got there and saw the people on the Strong team, they’re like literal Olympians, American Ninja Warriors, like people with guns,” referring to their impressive physiques.
Challenges and Triumphs on Set
Despite her initial self-doubt, DiPette proved her strength during the competition. She recalled a pivotal moment where she had to perform 75 push-ups in a tiebreaker round, stating, “Actually in a tiebreaker round, I ended up doing 75 push-ups for my life.” This determination helped her stay in the running as the competition progressed.
Filming took place over 25 days in June and July, culminating in memorable experiences for DiPette. One highlight was when MrBeast invited her to guest emcee a significant challenge. “Of course, it didn’t make it on the final cut of the show,” she said with a laugh, “but it was pretty cool.”
The second season of “Beast Games” will continue to release new episodes weekly, leading to its season finale on February 25, 2024. As DiPette navigates the challenges of reality competition, her journey reflects the determination and spirit that define the genre.