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Paula Beckert (née Meronek) is a contestant from The Real World: Key West. She is the champion of Rivals and Rivals II, and was a finalist on The Inferno 3, The Gauntlet III, and The Island. She also competed on The Duel, The Duel II, Fresh Meat II, Cutthroat, and Battle of the Exes.

Biography[]

Retrieved from MTV.com

The Duel[]

Confrontational, yet sensitive; bitchy, yet likeable; damaged, yet self-aware; attractive, yet insecure -- Paula possesses a variety of contradictory personality traits. This Quinnipiac University grad was the first Real Worlder to have a panic attack within the first 12 hours of living in the house -- of course, that may have been brought on by too many drinks and Johnny pointing out her rather obvious eating disorder (a comment that eventually led to a middle school name calling between the two). Despite her seemingly mild demeanor, after a few drinks alter-ego "Paula Walnuts" will be telling you to, "kiss my ass!" After voluntarily seeing a therapist in Key West, Paula is working through issues with her ex-boyfriend (yes, the one who put her in the hospital) despite the concerns of others. Will this sensitive girl be able to handle the intense pressure of this cut-throat competition?

The Inferno 3[]

Confrontational, yet sensitive; bitchy, yet likeable; damaged, yet self-aware; attractive, yet insecure -- Paula possesses a variety of contradictory personality traits. This Quinnipiac University grad was the first Real Worlder to have a panic attack within the first 12 hours of living in the house -- of course, that may have been brought on by too many drinks and Johnny pointing out her rather obvious eating disorder (a comment that eventually led to a middle school name calling between the two). Despite her seemingly mild demeanor, after a few drinks alter-ego "Paula Walnuts" will be telling you to, "kiss my ass!" Paula showed up in Brazil ready to compete in The Duel. Despite her strong will and upper body strength (who knew she was so strong!) she wasn't able to hold on in The Duel and was sent packing. Will this sensitive girl have a better shot at strong arming the competition in the Inferno?

The Gauntlet III[]

Despite her youth, Paula is a Challenge Veteran as she returns for a third go-round. During The Inferno 3, she rose to the top as one of the fiercest competitors, but her lack of alliances nearly cost her a trip to the Final. She arrives to The Gauntlet III fresh out of a relationship, and isn't shy about announcing that she's single.

The Island[]

After coming up short on The Gauntlet III, Paula relocated to New York City and moved in with fellow challenger Ryan. When lines are drawn and people's positions on The Island are at risk, she finds her loyalties questioned and her friendships on the line. Always a flirt, Paula sets her sights on a new guy that she's determined to get -- whether he likes it or not! But is she looking for a new love or a pawn in the game?

The Duel II[]

Confrontational, yet sensitive; bitchy, yet likeable; damaged, yet self-aware; attractive, yet insecure -- Paula possesses a variety of contradictory personality traits. This Quinnipiac University grad is a partier whose crazy, inebriated personality was dubbed "Paula Walnuts." Paula is a veteran's veteran of The Challenge, with The Duel II marking her fifth time in the game. Unfortunately for Paula, she's a four-time loser, who last time out was betrayed by her Island alliance at the last minute and found herself left out of the boat that won the prize. After all these tries, does she still have what it takes to compete? Or is Paula more determined than ever to take a run at finally winning a Real World/Road Rules Challenge?

Fresh Meat II[]

Last seen on The Duel II, Paula returns on Fresh Meat II desperate to finally win a Challenge after multiple crushing defeats. This veteran sums it up best when she begs, "To the gods of Fresh Meat... Please! I need this one!" Paula promises to keep a level head this time around, but the pressures of the game might ignite her famously short fuse. Will this spitfire master her emotions and cruise to victory? Or will she live up to her nickname and go "Walnuts?"

Cutthroat[]

"The last time you saw me, I was screaming and crying and falling down on Fresh Meat II. Yet another loss under my belt," reveals veteran Paula. This six-time Challenge competitor is also a six-time loser and she is more than hungry for her first win. Paula all-too-often finds herself being backstabbed by her friends at the end of the game. However, this time around, she is confident that her friends will stick by her. Paula explains, "I trust Tori, Brad, Tyler, and Dunbar. I know that they have my back." Will Paula's tortured history repeat itself? Or will Cutthroat finally mark an end to her losing streak?

Rivals[]

Always the bridesmaid but never the bride, Paula has too often been left behind as her so-called allies claim victory. This Real World: Key West alum has never won a final in her seven seasons on The Challenge. Some blame Paula's losing streak on her misplaced loyalty for her shady friends. Others blame her tendency to "go Walnuts" under pressure. One way or another, finally securing victory will mean having to work with a longstanding rival. When asked about her new partner, Paula asserts, "She is made of greed and she has stolen money from the bank of Paula." Will Paula be able to keep her animosity towards her rival in check long enough to secure a win?

Battle of the Exes[]

Paula was attracted to Dunbar on their first show together, The Island, and the twosome had a fleeting hookup. Later on The Duel II, after a jealous Paula caught Dunbar kissing opposing team member Kimberly, she successfully orchestrated Kimberly's elimination, causing Dunbar to dub Paula, "the worst friend he's ever had." Ever since then, their relationship has been rocky at best, as Paula clearly states, "What did I do in life to end up being attached to this man? I cannot be with him! He's annoying and obnoxious." Dunbar, as well, seems to be worried about his newest partner, professing, "Paula needs to learn to trust and listen to me. And that's probably not going to happen because -- oh yeah -- she hates me!" It seems as though the only thing this pair of exes can agree upon is their mutual hatred.

Rivals II[]

Heads turned and jaws dropped when one of the game's most fearless players was teamed with a total bundle of nerves. The last time these two competed together, Emily sent Paula home from Battle of the Exes. However, a win still eludes Emily, while Paula arrives at the house as the defending Rivals champion. Emily relates, "Paula is a nut case. She is panicky and stressful. But she knows how to win a Final. She's done it before and that's something I can't say." Paired with such a huge physical threat, Paula already feels like she hit the jackpot when it comes to Rivals II, remarking, "I literally could not ask for a better partner. She is all quads and traps and muscles. She's like a lost X-Man or something." This veteran pair may have what it takes to compete in a Final, but they have to contend with a target on their backs from the moment they enter the game.

The Duel[]

Challenge History[]

Episode Challenge Partners Result
1 Reaching Out SAFE
2/3 Ring Toss SAFE
3 Pass with Care Tyler SAFE
4 Roller Derby OUT

Elimination History[]

Episode Elimination Opponent Result
4 Pole Wrestle AneesaDuelIcon
Aneesa
OUT

The Inferno 3[]

Challenge History[]

Episode Challenge Team Result
1 Unbraided Good Guys SAFE
2/3 Ladder Race SAFE
3 Battering Ram SAFE
4 Wrap and Roll SAFE
5 Rope Burn SAFE
6 Reversible Climbing Wall SAFE
7 Grape Smash SAFE
8 Steady as You Go SAFE
9 Leaps and Bounds SAFE
10 Dog Day Afternoon SAFE
11 Hand Car SAFE
12 Giraffic Park WIN
13 Captain's Chair SAFE
14 Hook Me SAFE
15 Nothin' but Net ELIM
16 The Big Five LOSER

Elimination History[]

Episode Elimination Opponent Result
15 Shimmy WIN

Notes[]

  • Paula received $10,000 from the Good Guys team bank account.

The Gauntlet III[]

Challenge History[]

Episode Challenge Team Result
1 Tug of War Veterans WIN
Piñata Pit WIN
2 Screw You WIN
Roped In WIN
3 Wring Out WIN
Blind Man's Maze SAFE
4 Push It WIN
Man Overboard WIN
5 Assembly Required SAFE
Walk the Plank WIN
6 Pole Push WIN
I Dig You WIN
7 Over the Edge SAFE
Mexican Blanket WIN
8/9 Chill Out ELIM
Well-Balanced SAFE
9 Army Strong LOSER

Elimination History[]

Episode Elimination Opponent Result
8 Sliders WIN

The Island[]

Challenge History[]

Episode Face-off Vote Result
1 Leaning Tower Tonya SAFE
2 Ring Wrestle Abram SAFE
3 The Rack Rachel SAFE
4 Ball Buster WIN
5 Bridge It Tyrie SAFE
6 Rat in a Cage Cohutta SAFE
7 Timber Colie SAFE
8 Water Bound SAFE
Final Challenge LOSER

Elimination History[]

Episode Elimination Opponents Result
4 Ball Buster WIN

The Duel II[]

Challenge History[]

Episode Challenge Partners Result
1/2 Last Man Standing SAFE
2 Freezing as Puck Evan SAFE
3 All Shook Up SAFE
4 Luging My Mind Dunbar SAFE
5 Don't Let Go SAFE
6 Dangle Duo SAFE
7 Burnt OUT

Elimination History[]

Episode Elimination Opponent Result
7 Back Off OUT

Fresh Meat II[]

Challenge History[]

Episode Challenge Partner Result
1 Dirty Mouth SAFE
2 I'll Be There for You SAFE
3 Water Logged OUT

Elimination History[]

Episode Elimination Partner Opponents Result
3 Lost and Found OUT

Cutthroat[]

Challenge History[]

Episode Challenge Team Result
1 Gas Problems Red Team SAFE
2 Brain Buster SAFE
3 Bed Head WIN
4 Bottleneck Stampede WIN
5 Surf's Up SAFE
6 Sky Hook SAFE
7 Gimme a Hand SAFE
8/9 High Ball SAFE
9/10 Riot Act DQ

Elimination History[]

Episode Elimination Opponent Result
9/10 Pole Me Over DQ

Notes[]

  • Paula was disqualified from the game during the "Pole Me Over" elimination due to repeatedly grabbing the boundary chains.

Rivals[]

Challenge History[]

Episode Challenge Partner Result
1 High Dive ELIM
2 Car Crusher WIN
3 Sync or Swim WIN
4 Hammock Crawl SAFE
5 Against the Current SAFE
6 Catch and Release SAFE
7 Sawed Off WIN
8/9 Bombs Away WIN
9/10 Final Challenge WINNER

Elimination History[]

Episode Elimination Partner Opponents Result
1 Hands On WIN

Notes[]

  • Paula received $50,000 for winning the Final Challenge.
    • She received an additional $2,000 for winning the "Car Crusher" and "Bombs Away" challenges, bringing her total earnings to $52,000.

Battle of the Exes[]

Challenge History[]

Episode Challenge Partner Result
1 Give Me Some Honey SAFE
2 Hook Up SAFE
3 Mental Connection WIN
4 Rolling in the Deep SAFE
5 Don't Rock the Boat SAFE
6 Lube Me Up ELIM
7/8 Race to the Altar OUT

Elimination History[]

Episode Elimination Partner Opponents Result
6 Banded Together WIN
8 Hall Pass OUT

Rivals II[]

Challenge History[]

Episode Challenge Partner Result
1 Game of Inches WIN
2 XXX Games WIN
3 Mind Over Splatter WIN
4 Stumped WIN
5 Frog Smash SAFE
6 Frenemies WIN
7 Blind Leading the Blind SAFE
8 Swingers SAFE
9 Rampage WIN
10/11 Color Correction SAFE
11/12 Dream Island WINNER
Nightmare Island

Notes[]

  • Paula received $62,500 for winning the "Nightmare Island" Final Challenge.
    • She received an additional $1,500 for winning the "Game of Inches," "Mind Over Splatter," and "Rampage" challenges, bringing her total earnings to $64,000.

Post-Challenge[]

  • Paula attended The Real World Awards Bash in 2008.
  • Paula and Evan Starkman served as commentators for the Spring Break Challenge.
  • Paula appeared on the MTV television special, We <3 Diem, in 2014 to honor the life of Diem Brown.

Trivia[]

External Links[]

The Duel Contestants
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WesDuelIcon
BradDuelIcon
SvetlanaDuelIcon
AneesaDuelIcon
CTDuelIcon
DiemDuelIcon
EvanDuelIcon
KinaDuelIcon
EricDuelIcon
RobinDuelIcon
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BethDuelIcon
NehemiahDuelIcon
CaseyDuelIcon
KennyDuelIcon
PaulaDuelIcon
Paula
TylerDuelIcon
TinaDuelIcon
JohnnyDuelIcon
Winner
Runner-Up
Eliminated
Disqualified
The Inferno 3 Contestants
AbramInferno3Icon
DerrickDuelIcon
EvelynInferno3Icon
JanelleInferno3Icon
KennyInferno3Icon
TonyaInferno3Icon
AceInferno3Icon
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JohnnyInferno3Icon
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Paula
SusieInferno3Icon
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ColieInferno3Icon
DannyInferno3Icon
RachelInferno3Icon
TyrieInferno3Icon
CTDuelIcon
Winner
Runner-Up
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The Island Contestants
DerrickIslandIcon
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Paula
RobinIslandIcon
RyanIslandIcon
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DaveIslandIcon
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Winner
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Eliminated at Face-off
Key Stolen
Quit
Fresh Meat II Contestants
LandonFM2Icon CarleyFM2Icon
KennyFM2Icon LaurelFM2Icon
JillianFM2Icon PeteFM2Icon
JennFM2Icon NoorFM2Icon
RyanFM2Icon TheresaFM2Icon
EvelynFM2Icon LukeFM2Icon
WesFM2Icon MandiFM2Icon
CJFM2Icon SydneyFM2Icon
DannyFM2Icon SandyFM2Icon
KatelynnFM2Icon BrandonFM2Icon
PaulaFM2Icon JeffFM2Icon
Paula & Jeff
SarahFM2Icon VinnyFM2Icon
DarrellFM2Icon CaraMariaFM2Icon
Winners
Finalists
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Disqualified
Cutthroat Contestants
BradCutthroatIcon
DunbarCutthroatIcon
ToriCutthroatIcon
TylerCutthroatIcon
AbramCutthroatIcon
CaraMariaCutthroatIcon
LaurelCutthroatIcon
LukeCutthroatIcon
SarahCutthroatIcon
EmilyCutthroatIcon
JennCutthroatIcon
PaulaCutthroatIcon
Paula
DerrickCutthroatIcon
JohnnyCutthroatIcon
TheresaCutthroatIcon
CamilaCutthroatIcon
DanCutthroatIcon
BrandonCutthroatIcon
MelindaCutthroatIcon
ChetCutthroatIcon
KatieCutthroatIcon
TyCutthroatIcon
EricCutthroatIcon
AyiiiaCutthroatIcon
ShauvonCutthroatIcon
VinnyCutthroatIcon
MandiCutthroatIcon
JDCutthroatIcon
EmileeCutthroatIcon
DerekCutthroatIcon
Winner
Finalist
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Disqualified
Medically Disqualified
Quit
Rivals Contestants
JohnnyRivalsIcon TylerRivalsIcon
EvelynRivalsIcon PaulaRivalsIcon
Evelyn & Paula
KennyRivalsIcon WesRivalsIcon
CaraMariaRivalsIcon LaurelRivalsIcon
LeroyRivalsIcon MichaelRivalsIcon
JennRivalsIcon MandiRivalsIcon
AdamKRivalsIcon CTRivalsIcon
JasmineRivalsIcon JonnaRivalsIcon
EvanRivalsIcon NehemiahRivalsIcon
KatelynnRivalsIcon SarahRivalsIcon
BrandonRivalsIcon TyRivalsIcon
CamilaRivalsIcon TheresaRivalsIcon
DavisRivalsIcon TyrieRivalsIcon
AneesaRivalsIcon RobinRivalsIcon
AdamRRivalsIcon
Winners
Finalists
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Battle of the Exes Contestants
CamilaExesIcon JohnnyExesIcon
CTExesIcon DiemExesIcon
EmilyExesIcon TyExesIcon
MarkExesIcon RobinExesIcon
DunbarExesIcon PaulaExesIcon
Dunbar & Paula
AneesaExesIcon RachelExesIcon
AbramExesIcon CaraMariaExesIcon
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Winners
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Medically Disqualified
Rivals II Contestants
CTRivals2Icon WesRivals2Icon
EmilyRivals2Icon PaulaRivals2Icon
Emily & Paula
FrankRivals2Icon JohnnyRivals2Icon
CaraMariaExesIcon CookeRivals2Icon
JordanRivals2Icon MarlonRivals2Icon
CamilaRivals2Icon JemmyeRivals2Icon
AneesaRivals2Icon DiemRivals2Icon
KnightRivals2Icon PrestonRivals2Icon
JonnaRivals2Icon NanyRivals2Icon
LeroyRivals2Icon TyRivals2Icon
JasmineRivals2Icon TheresaRivals2Icon
TreyRivals2Icon ZachRivals2Icon
DerekRivals2Icon RobbRivals2Icon
SarahRivals2Icon TrishelleRivals2Icon
AnastasiaRivals2Icon JessicaRivals2Icon
DunbarRivals2Icon TyrieRivals2Icon
NaomiRivals2Icon
Winners
Finalists
Eliminated
Disqualified
Quit
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