The Challenge Synopsis: The Duel II is the 17th season of the MTV reality game show, The Challenge. The season is directly subsequent to The Island. The Duel II is the sequel to the show's 13th season, The Duel, and succeeds The Island season. It took place in Queenstown, New Zealand, with former cast members from MTV's The Real World and Road Rules competing along with several cast members from the Fresh Meat challenge. The cast departed for Queenstown, New Zealand on October 27, 2008 and filming ran through early December. This season premiered on Wednesday, April 8, 2009 and concluded on June 17, 2009 with the reunion show.