Since its debut at the end of 2003, MTV Roadies has grown into India’s most popular adventure reality series, evaluating contestants using thrilling physical feats physical challenges, mental obstacles, emotional challenges, and high-voltage drama. Over 20 seasons, the show has unearthed extraordinary individuals–Rannvijay, Ayushmann Khurrana, Prince Narula, and more–who have gone on to become celebrities, influencers, and symbols of resilience. Combining raw grit and emotion-driven storytelling Roadies is one of the more influential and culturally relevant television shows on Indian television.

MTV Roadies Show Theme & Format

Roadies revolves around the concept of a journey, both metaphorically and literally. Contestants travel through India and around the world, taking on challenging tasks with suspense that require physical endurance, tense alliances, moral dilemmas and a strategic game. Each season is guided by a captivating host, most often Sonu Sood, in recent times–along with an array consisting of “gang leaders” who mentor and help contestants. Participants go through an audition, group selections votes-outs, twists that include double-cross or wildcards and the final results are determined by a combination of the performance of their task, their decision-making by mentors, as well as public vote. The prize is vehicles, cash or other rewards based on cause, which are paired with recognition across the nation.

 MTV Roadies Winners & Runner-ups by Season

*Season 20 (also known as Roadies XX) concluded June 2025.

MTV Roadies Season 1 (2003)

The premiere of Roadies featuring Cyrus Sahukar saw Rannvijay Singha take home the show’s first season. The show was telecast all the way from Chennai to Chail and challenged young contestants with a variety of tasks, as well as public voting. The charismatic and tenacious leadership of Rannvijay stood out. He was later an icon of Roadies in the role of host as well as the gang’s leader. The unscripted, raw energy set the stage for the upcoming seasons.

MTV Roadies Season 2 (2004)

Present by Rannvijay Singha himself, Season 2 saw the crowned Ayushmann Khurrana winner, long prior to the Bollywood breakthrough. The tour took him across India with physical and emotional obstacles, and Ayushmann’s mix of grit and emotion has made him a memorable. While the runners-up’s performance is not documented the win has led to a star-making career that went beyond reality television.

MTV Roadies Season 3 (2005)

“Triple the Danger” continued increasing the intensity of tasks from Jaisalmer until Leh. Parul Shahi was only the second woman, and competitor of in the North East to win, beating Rahul Sharma in the final. Her victory boosted inclusivity in Roadies and enthused many women to participate in subsequent seasons.

MTV Roadies Season 4 (2006-07)

Anthony Yeh won this India-based season, beating runner-up Gurbani Judge. The humble, grounded character attracted the attention of viewers. The series was a celebration of the strength of his character and its visible development, while retaining Roadies the concept of growing through challenges.

MTV Roadies Season 5 (2007-08)

It was filmed to take place in India, Thailand and Malaysia The fifth season featured 20 contestants who fought on a global stage. Ashutosh Kaushik emerged champion, defeating Nihal Nikam. His swagger and dynamism earned him the respect of fans and a previous Bigg Boss winner. His Roadies victory helped define the more competitive and aggressive style.

MTV Roadies Season 6 (2008-09)

The season was dubbed “Hell Down Under,” this season set in Australia ended with Nauman Sait and Lonkiri Timung as runner-up. Nauman’s athleticism and his handling of challenges was praised by judges. The season was instrumental in helping Roadies expand its reach across the globe.

MTV Roadies Season 7 (2009-10)

The show was filmed on Kenya in Kenya and Egypt with the title “7 Deadly Sins & 1 Wild Safari,” Anwar Syed emerged victorious ahead of Zaid bin Nazir. The show’s MBA background and well-constructed gameplay provided strategic and physical and emotional.

MTV Roadies Season 8 (2011)

In Brazil This season, the winner was Aanchal Khurana, the second woman to win over Mohit Saggar. Aanchal’s grit and determination in her work have won the hearts of viewers. Her acting career after the show revealed how the show fosters talented individuals.

MTV Roadies Season 9 (2012)

“Everything or Nothing” took competitors from India as well as in the U.S. Vikas Khoker won with determination and a tactical mind beating Himani Sharma. His calm under pressure showed Roadies growing maturity.

MTV Roadies Season 10 (2013)

The event was dubbed “Battle for Glory,” this edition focused on India included Palak Johal take on Ramandeep Kaur Dhillon. Palak was the third female winner, proving the power of mental endurance and strength are as important as the physical strength.

MTV Roadies Season 11 (2014)

In set in the Himalayas, Season 11 was won by Nikhil Sachdeva, who overcame personal challenges. Utkarsh Khanna came in second. The story of Nikhil’s fitness journey added the victory an emotional significance.

MTV Roadies Season 12 (2015)

“X2: Your Road, Your Gang” introduced gang leaders. Prince Narula’s gang won, with him as champion despite being a contestant-turned-leader, and Gurmeet Rehal as runner-up. The power and charisma of Prince Narula changed his role in the Roadies format.

MTV Roadies Season 13 (2016)

“X4: Your Gang, Your Glory” included the world’s largest travel destination, Bhutan. Karan Kundrra’s gang member Balraj Singh Khehra won over Navdeesh Singh. Strategy and physical fitness was the key factors. Balraj’s season was a benchmark for his athletic ability.

MTV Roadies Season 14 (2017)

“Roadies Rising” featured Neha Dhupia as gang leader. Shweta Mehta was victorious in a heart-wrenching final against Baseer Ali. Her triumph over personal trauma was extremely inspiring. The season was celebrated for its dramatic storytelling and arcs of the contestants.

MTV Roadies Season 15 (2018)

“Xtreme” returned with Rannvijay as host. Kashish Thakur Pundir was the winner although the runner-up’s name is not as well-known. Kashish’s physical fitness and mental strength helped her through the tough tasks.

MTV Roadies Season 16 / Real Heroes (2019)

The show was rebranded to “Real Heroes,” Season 17 was crowned Arun Sharma as a wildcard contestant who defeated Ankita Pathak. He took on an organization that was socially responsible and earned national acclaim. The competition was focused on the importance of compassion and goal-setting and also the challenges.

MTV Roadies Season 18 (2022)

Roadies travelled across South Africa under host Sonu Sood. Ashish Bhatia, along with Nandini G were the first double winners. Jashwanth Bopanna and Yukti Arora were the first runners-up. The tournament was a celebration of collaboration and celebration of a variety of talents.

MTV Roadies Season 19: Karm Ya Kaand (2023)

The show was hosted by Sonu Sood, with gang leaders Rhea Chakraborty, Prince Narula, and Gautam Gulati, Vashu Jain (Gang Rhea) emerged champion over Siwet Tomar, who finished second (Gang Prince). The show incorporated high-voltage action with the story of redemption as well as collaboration.

MTV Roadies Season 20: Roadies XX (2025)

For the latest season (aired in early 2025), Kushal Tanwar aka Gullu (from the group led by Elvish Yadav) was the winner and narrowly beat first-place finisher Hartaaj Gul by only 32 second during the final competition. The win was followed by controversies–Hartaaj claimed favoritism–but Gullu’s consistent performance and fan support ultimately secured his triumph.

Conclusion

In the span of two decades and twenty seasons MTV Roadies has traced the growth of Indian youth’s ambitions, from physically gruelling strength to a socially aware hero from the undervalued underdogs to transformational women as leaders. The winners such as Rannvijay, Ayushmann, Parul, Prince, and Gullu are a reflection of different times and styles, such as courage and authenticity, as well as resilience and the need to be there. Roadies continues to draw millions of viewers with its dramatic arcs, amazing tasks, and true-life stories. When Season 20 comes to an end, the path to follow is clear who will be the next owner of the Roadies legacy after that?