The Ball Challenge is a recurring challenge every season on RuPaul's Drag Race. It is traditionally the second-to-last challenge the queens compete in before the final challenge. But in the last few seasons has happened towards the beginning of the season.
Typically, the ball challenge involves the remaining queens receiving two or three runway categories they must design outfits for, one of which must be designed from scratch out of some unconventional materials or based on a certain theme. In addition, the queens are usually required to perform a musical performance they must choreograph and rehearse themselves.
This challenge takes inspiration from actual drag balls, which often include multiple categories of outfits and some sort of dance performance. This ball scene is best shown in the documentary Paris Is Burning, which Drag Race takes much of its inspiration from.
For the first 5 seasons and the first season of All Stars of the show, the ball challenge took place at Final 4. However, starting with Season 6 it took place at Final 5, to accommodate for a queen being eliminated during the final challenge. Within the third season of All Stars the ball features as a challenge during the middle of the season as compared to the ending. In Season 10 and 11, the ball was in the 4th episode and 5th episode respectively, meaning that there were 11 queens and 33 different looks. In Seasons 12 and 13, the ball was in the 4th and 5th episodes respectively, with the top 12 showing 36 different looks.
Ball Winners
Ball Eliminated
All Ball Challenges
Absolut Drag Ball
See "House Ball" Looks
As this ball was sponsored by Absolut Vodka, the queens' 3 outfits each had to represent one of four flavors of Absolut Vodka: citron, mandarin, mango, and raspberry. As the winner of the mini-challenge, Nina Flowers got to assign the themes. Bebe Zahara Benet was the winner of this challenge, and Shannel was eliminated.
Outfit Categories:
- Executive Realness
- Swimsuit
- Evening Grown Extravaganza
| Contestant | Flavors | Placement | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bebe Zahara Benet | Raspberry |
WINNER | ||
 |
 |
 | ||
| Nina Flowers | Mango |
HIGH | ||
 |
 |
 | ||
| Rebecca Glasscock | Citron |
BOTTOM 2 | ||
 |
 |
 | ||
| Shannel | Mandarin |
ELIMINATED | ||
 |
 |
 | ||
The Diva Awards
See "Diva Awards Ball" Looks
This ball took a different format: Rather than taking place under the context of a single ball, the setting given to the queens was one of an awards show. The girls had to perform an opening number as well as put together outfits for 3 different styles of award ceremonies. As the winner of the mini-challenge, Tyra Sanchez was tasked with choreographing the opening number. Tyra also won this challenge, while Tatianna was eliminated.
Outfit Categories:
- Teen Diva Awards
- Diva D.C. Press Awards
- Diva Hollywood Extravaganza Awards
| Contestant | Runways | Placement | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyra Sanchez | 
|
|
|
WINNER |
| Raven | 
|
|
|
HIGH |
| Jujubee | 
|
|
|
BOTTOM 2 |
| Tatianna | 
|
|
|
ELIMINATED |
RuPaul's Hair Extravaganza
See "Hair Ball" Looks
For the first of Season 3's two balls, the queens had to make three outfits centered around hair. Of these three looks, the last one (Fantasy Hair) had to be made entirely out of wigs. Yara Sofia was declared the winner of this challenge, and Shangela was eliminated.
Outfit Categories:
- Historical Hair
- Red Carpet Glamour
- Fantasy Hair Extravaganza (made out of wigs)
| Contestant | Runways | Placement | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yara Sofia | 
|
|
|
WINNER |
| Manila Luzon | 
|
|
|
HIGH |
| Raja | 
|
|
|
HIGH |
| Alexis Mateo | 
|
|
|
BOTTOM 2 |
| Shangela | 
|
|
|
ELIMINATED |
Make Dat Money
See "Money Ball" Looks
Season 3's second ball featured money as a central theme. All categories had to do with money and elegance, and one outfit had to be made entirely out of fake dollars and coins. In addition, the queens had to perform a musical number homaging 42nd Street, involving large coins as a prop. As the winner of the mini-challenge, Yara Sofia received an additional million dollars to work with, but was also tasked with choreographing the performance. Manila Luzon won this challenge, while Yara Sofia was eliminated.
Outfit Categories:
- Cocktail Attire After 5
- Evening Gown Eleganza (made out of fake money)
| Contestant | Runways | Placement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manila Luzon | 
|
|
WINNER |
| Raja | 
|
|
HIGH |
| Alexis Mateo | 
|
|
BOTTOM 2 |
| Yara Sofia | 
|
|
ELIMINATED |
The Fabulous Bitch Ball
See "Bitch Ball" Looks
This season's ball took inspiration from dogs. The three looks were themed after dogs, and the third look had to be inspired by a dog assigned to each queen. For this third look the queens would walk the runway with their assigned dog. As the winner of the mini-challenge, Chad Michaels got to assign each queen her dog, but was also tasked with choreographing the opening number. Sharon Needles was the winner of this challenge, while Latrice Royale was eliminated.
Outfit Categories:
- Daytime Dog Park
- Pooch in a Purse
- Canine Couture (inspired by assigned dog)
| Contestant | Runways/Dog Breed | Placement | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharon Needles | 
|
|
Poodle
|
WINNER |
| Phi Phi O'Hara | 
|
|
Bloodhound
|
HIGH |
| Chad Michaels | 
|
|
Chinese-Crested
|
BOTTOM 2 |
| Latrice Royale | 
|
|
Pomeranian
|
ELIMINATED |
Dynamic Drag Dous
See "Superhero/Supervillain" Looks
For the first edition of All Stars, each team had to present Superhero and Supervillain look, in addition to create a compelling legend that includes their backstory, missions, and superpowers. Chad and Jujubee play the superheroes of their teams, while Raven and Shannel play the villains.The two teams were also asked to choreograph a opening number to the original theme song. Team Shad was the winning team and, as the losing team, team Rujubee had to lip sync against each other, but in the end Ru called a double Shantay, and for the first time in the show, all 4 contestants moved on to the finale.
Outfit Categories:
- Secret Identity
- Superhero vs Supervillain
| Team | Contestant | Runways | Placement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team Shad | Chad Michaels |  |
 |
WINNERS |
| Shannel |  |
 | ||
| Team Rujubee | Jujubee |  |
 |
BOTTOM 2 |
| Raven |  |
 | ||
Sugar Ball
See "Sugar Ball" Looks
Season 5's ball was themed after candy, with a candy-centric opening number and candy-themed outfit categories, with a requirement that the third outfit of the ball be made entirely out of candy. As the winner of the mini-challenge, Alaska received additional time selecting her materials from the candy table before the other girls, but was also tasked with choreographing the opening number. Alaska would go on to win this challenge, while Detox was eliminated.
Outfit Categories:
- Super Duper Sweet 16
- Sugar Mama Executive Realness
- Candy Couture (made out of candy)
| Contestant | Runways | Placement | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska |  |
 |
|
WINNER |
| Roxxxy Andrews |  |
 |
 |
HIGH |
| Jinkx Monsoon |  |
 |
 |
BOTTOM 2 |
| Detox |  |
 |
 |
ELIMINATED |
Glitter Ball
See "Glitter Ball" Looks
This ball was inspired by glitter, jewels, and other precious materials. Each girl was tasked with creating an outfit inspired by a certain gemstone (diamond, sapphire, ruby, topaz, and rose quartz) assigned to them. As winner of the mini-challenge BenDeLaCreme got to assign each girl's theme, but also had to choreograph the opening number. This challenge was won by Adore Delano, while BenDeLaCreme went on to be eliminated.
Outfit Categories:
- Banjee Girl Bling
- CEO Platinum Card Executive Realness
- Dripping In Jewels Eleganza (inspired by assigned gemstone)
| Contestant | Runways/Gemstone | Placement | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adore Delano |  |
 |
Diamond |
WINNER |
| Bianca Del Rio |  |
 |
Sapphire |
HIGH |
| Courtney Act |  |
 |
Ruby |
LOW |
| Darienne Lake |  |
 |
Topaz |
BOTTOM 2 |
| BenDeLaCreme |  |
 |
Rose Quartz |
ELIMINATED |
Hello, Kitty Girls!
See "Hello Kitty Couture" Looks
Season 7's ball took a different approach: rather than requiring the queens to make 3 outfits, one from scratch, with an opening number, this ball had no opening number and the queens were only required to produce 2 outfits, with the caveat that both had to be made from scratch. As the week's special guest judge was Hello Kitty, both of the looks were Hello Kitty-inspired: the first was creating a new best friend for Hello Kitty in the style of a Hello Kitty character (with large, cartoonish blocky heads being given to each queen), and the second was a traditional outfit made out of Hello Kitty merchandise. Violet Chachki was the winner of this challenge, while Katya was eliminated.
Outfit Categories:
- Hello Kitty BFF Realness (done in the style of a Hello Kitty character)
- Hello Kitty Eleganza (made out of Hello Kitty merchandise)
| Contestant | Runways | Placement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violet Chachki |  |
 |
WINNER |
| Ginger Minj |  |
 |
HIGH |
| Pearl |  |
 |
HIGH |
| Kennedy Davenport |  |
 |
BOTTOM 2 |
| Katya |  |
 |
ELIMINATED |
RuPaul Book Ball
See "Book Ball" Looks
Season 8 returned to the traditional ball theme, this time inspired by books. As RuPaul's semi-autobiographical novel had recently been released, Ru tasked the girls with telling their life story across three outfits, from being a child to a full-fledged drag queen. The final outfit came with the additional challenge of being made entire out of books. Further the opening number paid tribute to Strangers With Candy by having each queen perform as Jerri Blank. As winner of the mini-challenge, Chi Chi Devayne was tasked with choreographing the opening number. Kim Chi won the challenge, while Derrick Barry was eliminated.
Outfit Categories:
- Baby Drag Realness
- That's My Mama Realness
- Book Couture (made out of books)
| Contestant | Runways | Placement | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kim Chi |  |
 |
 |
WINNER |
| Chi Chi DeVayne |  |
 |
 |
HIGH |
| Naomi Smalls |  |
 |
 |
HIGH |
| Bob the Drag Queen |  |
 |
 |
BOTTOM 2 |
| Derrick Barry |  |
 |
 |
ELIMINATED |
Gayest Ball Ever
See "Gayest Ball Ever" Looks
For this season's ball, Ru threw the gayest ball ever. Each of the outfit categories was based around traditionally "gay" symbols, and the opening number involved the "gayest Olympic sport of all:" ribbon twirling. One of the categories was based on the Village People, and for the look each girl had to create an outfit inspired by one of the Village People (construction worker, cowboy, cop, leather biker, and Native American) assigned to them. As winner of the mini-challenge, Sasha Velour got to assign the theme to each queen, and also had to choreograph the opening number. Shea Coulee won this challenge, while Alexis Michelle was eliminated.
Outfit Categories:
- Rainbow-She-Betta-Do
- Sexy Unicorn
- Village People Eleganza Extravaganza (inspired by assigned Village People character)
| Contestant | Runways/Theme | Placement | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shea Couleé |  |
 |
Construction Worker |
WINNER |
 | ||||
| Sasha Velour |  |
 |
Cowboy | HIGH |
 | ||||
| Trinity Taylor |  |
 |
Cop | LOW |
 | ||||
| Peppermint |  |
 |
Biker | BOTTOM 2 |
 | ||||
| Alexis Michelle |  |
 |
Native American |
ELIMINATED |
 | ||||
Episode 3: "Musas y Criaturas Mitológicas"
Outfit Categories:
- Musa
- Criaturas Mitológicas
| Contestant | Looks | Placement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belika Rubik |  |
 |
WINNER |
| Estrella Astral |  |
 |
SAFE |
| Nina LeBlanc |  |
 |
LOW |
| MortFina |  |
 |
BOTTOM 2 |
| Ágata Görë |  |
 |
ELIMINATED |
Pop Art Ball
See " Warhol Ball" Looks
For the top six of the third season of All Stars RuPaul threw the Pop Art Ball, also called the Andy Warhol Ball. In the mini challenge the queens had to get into quick drag and pose for Pop Art Portraits, which Aja won. For the main challenge the queens had to design two looks, one on a soup can that showcases their All Star brands with slogans and flavours, and the other a Studio 54 Dance Club inspired look, which was showcased with the queens riding in on a white horse. Trixie Mattel & Bebe Zahara Benet were the top two all stars of the week with Bebe winning the lipsync, while Aja was eliminated.
Outfit Categories
- Soup Can Realness (Label made to advertise their brand)
- Studio 54 Disco Eleganza (inspired by 70's disco)
| Contestant | Runways | Placement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bebe Zahara Benet |  |
 |
WINNER |
| Trixie Mattel |  |
 |
TOP 2 |
| BenDeLaCreme |  |
 |
SAFE |
| Kennedy Davenport |  |
 |
SAFE |
| Shangela |  |
 |
BOTTOM 2 |
| Aja |  |
 |
ELIMINATED |
The Last Ball on Earth
See "The Last Ball on Eart" Looks
This season, Ru surprised the queens by holding a ball early, while there were still 11 queens left in the competition. This ball was inspired by climate change, with the first two looks themed around climate change and the final look themed around leaving Earth. This final look (Martian Eleganza Extravaganza) had to be designed by the queens using intergalactic-themed materials. Due to this ball happening with 11 queens, there was no performance component to it. The winner of this challenge was Aquaria , while Dusty Ray Bottoms was eliminated.
Outfit Categories:
- Alaskan Winter Realness (actually a swimsuit category)
- Miami Summer Realness (actually a winter wear category)
- Martian Eleganza Extravaganza (made out of space-themed materials)
| Contestant | Runways | Placement | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aquaria |  |
 |
 |
WINNER |
| Kameron Michaels |  |
 |
 |
HIGH |
| Miz Cracker |  |
 |
 |
HIGH |
| Blair St. Clair |  |
 |
 |
SAFE |
| Eureka |  |
 |
 |
SAFE |
| Mayhem Miller |  |
 |
 |
SAFE |
| Monique Heart |  |
 |
 |
SAFE |
| The Vixen |  |
 |
 |
SAFE |
| Asia O'Hara |  |
 |
 |
LOW |
| Monét X Change |  |
 |
 |
BOTTOM 2 |
| Dusty Ray Bottoms |  |
 |
 |
ELIMINATED |
The Monster Ball
See "Monster Ball" Looks
Following Season 10, the ball challenge was held when there was still 11 queens left in the competition. This ball was inspired by Halloween, with the first look being inspired by the idea of trick or treating and the second look being inspired by witches. The final look (MILF Eleganza: Monster I'd Like To Freak) had to be designed using halloween appropriate and themed materials. Due to this ball happening with 11 queens, there was no performance component to it. The winner of this challenge was Brooke Lynn Hytes and Ariel Versace was eliminated.
Outfit Categories:
- Trampy Trick or Treater
- Witch, Please!
- MILF Eleganza: Monster I'd Like to Freak
| Contestant | Runways | Placement | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooke Lynn Hytes |  |
 |
 |
WINNER |
| Plastique Tiara |  |
 |
 |
HIGH |
| Yvie Oddly |  |
 |
 |
HIGH |
| A'keria Chanel Davenport |  |
 |
 |
SAFE |
| Nina West |  |
 |
 |
SAFE |
| Ra'Jah O'Hara |  |
 |
 |
SAFE |
| Scarlet Envy |  |
 |
 |
SAFE |
| Vanessa Vanjie Mateo |  |
 |
 |
SAFE |
| Silky Nutmeg Ganache |  |
 |
 |
LOW |
| Shuga Cain |  |
 |
 |
BOTTOM 2 |
| Ariel Versace |  |
 |
 |
ELIMINATED |
The Ball Ball
See "The Ball Ball" Looks
Like the two previous seasons, Season 12's ball challenge was held early with 12 queens left in the competition. This ball took the "ball" theme literally, with the first two looks inspired by sports and the final look incorporating ball-shaped materials. Due to this ball happening with 12 queens, there was no performance component to it. The winner of this challenge was Gigi Goode, while Rock M. Sakura was eliminated.
Outfit Categories:
- Lady Baller
- Basketball Wife Realness
- Balls to the Wall Eleganza (incorporated ball-shaped materials)
| Contestant | Runways | Placement |
|---|---|---|
| Gigi Goode |  |
WINNER |
| Jaida Essence Hall |  |
HIGH |
| Nicky Doll |  |
HIGH |
| Crystal Methyd |  |
SAFE |
| Heidi N Closet |  |
SAFE |
| Jackie Cox |  |
SAFE |
| Jan |  |
SAFE |
| Sherry Pie |  |
SAFE |
| Widow Von'Du |  |
SAFE |
| Aiden Zhane |  |
LOW |
| Brita |  |
BOTTOM 2 |
| Rock M. Sakura |  |
ELIMINATED |
The Charles Family Backyard Ball
See "The Charles Family Backyard Ball" Looks
RuPaul with her sisters (Rozy and Renae Charles) threw a Charles Family Backyard Ball and the top 5 queens had to present two fresh looks: one to represent a fake country cousin of RuPaul (an original play-cousin persona and crash the party with a comedic backstory) and a second to be assembled by hand using objects that can be found in a backyard. At the end, the Top All Star of The Week was Miz Cracker which meant that the other contestants were up for elimination by default. Cracker lost the lip sync for her legacy against the "Lip Sync Assassin" of the week (Roxxxy Andrews) and so the other 3 queens voted for Alexis Mateo to be eliminated.
Outfit Categories:
- Country Cousin Realness (a play-cousin persona with a comedic backstory)
- Backyard Eleganza (assembled with items that can be found in a backyard)
| Contestant | Runways | Placement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miz Cracker |  |
 |
WINNER |
| Jujubee |  |
 |
HIGH + BOTTOM 4 |
| Shea Couleé |  |
 |
HIGH + BOTTOM 4 |
| Blair St. Clair |  |
 |
LOW + BOTTOM 4 |
| Alexis Mateo |  |
 |
LOW + ELIMINATED |
The Snow Ball
See "The Snow Ball" Looks
Outfit Categories:
- Executive Holiday Party Realness
- Après the Après Ski: Icy Walk of Shame
- Ice Queen Eh-Laganza!
| Contestant | Runways | Placement | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scarlett BoBo |  |
 |
 |
WINNER |
| Priyanka |  |
 |
 |
SAFE |
| Rita Baga |  |
 |
 |
BOTTOM 2 |
| Jimbo |  |
 |
 |
ELIMINATED |
The Bag Ball
See "The Bag Ball" Looks
As previous seasons, this season's ball was held with 12 queens left in the competition. The queens had to present three outfits centered around bags, with the first look inspired by bag phrases, the second look accessorized with a Coach Create bag designed by themselves, and the final look made entirely out of bags. Due to this ball happening with 12 queens, there was no performance component to it. The winner of this challenge was Gottmik while Joey Jay was eliminated.
Outfit Categories:
- Mixed Bag (a punny look that includes the word "bag" in its description)
- Money Bags (executive look accessorized with a Coach Create bag)
- Bag Ball Eleganza (look made entirely out of bags)
| Contestant | Runways / Theme | Placement | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gottmik | Bodybag |  |
 |
WINNER |
 | ||||
| Rosé | Bagpipes |  |
 |
HIGH |
 | ||||
| Utica Queen | Doggie Bag |  |
 |
HIGH |
 | ||||
| Denali | Airbag |  |
 |
SAFE |
 | ||||
| Elliott with 2 Ts | Giftbag |  |
 |
SAFE |
 | ||||
| Kandy Muse | Bag of Tricks |  |
 |
SAFE |
 | ||||
| Olivia Lux | Punching Bag |  |
 |
SAFE |
 | ||||
| Symone | Fun Bags |  |
 |
SAFE |
 | ||||
| Tina Burner | Brown Baggin' It |
 |
 |
SAFE |
 | ||||
| Tamisha Iman | That Old Bag |  |
 |
LOW |
 | ||||
| LaLa Ri | Bag of Bones |  |
 |
BOTTOM 2 |
 | ||||
| Joey Jay | IV Bag |  |
 |
ELIMINATED |
 | ||||
Trivia
- This is the longest running challenge in Drag Race herstory, being featured at least once in all regular seasons and in three All Stars Seasons.
- All Stars 2 and All Stars 4 are the only seasons to not have a Ball Challenge, and had a makeover instead.
- This makes All Stars 1, 3 and 5 the only All Stars to feature a ball (The odd number seasons).
- All Stars 2 and All Stars 4 are the only seasons to not have a Ball Challenge, and had a makeover instead.
- Season 3's Money Ball, All Stars 1's Dynamic Drag Dous, Season 7's Hello Kitty Ball, All Stars 3's Pop Art Ball and All Stars 5's The Charles Family Backyard Ball are the only balls to have two categories walked in as opposed to three.
- Season 3 is the only season to have two balls: the Hair Ball on episode 11 and the Money Ball on episode 13.
- Yara Sofia and Shannel had the biggest placement difference between their two balls, Yara winning the Hair Ball but being eliminated in the Money Ball, and Shannel being eliminated in the Absolut Drag Ball but winning the Dynamic Drag Dous.
- Bebe Zahara Benet is the only queen to win two Balls, winning Season 1's Absolut Ball and All Stars 3's Pop Art ball.
- Season 3's, Season 4's, Season 5's, Season 6's and Season 7's balls were used as inspirations in the Design Challenge in episode 1 of Season 8.
- Season 12 and Season 13's balls both hold the record for most outfits shown on the mainstage in a single episode, with 36 outfits being worn.
- Raja, Manila Luzon, Yara Sofia, Chad Michaels, Shannel, Raven, Bebe Zahara Benet, Kennedy Davenport, BenDeLaCreme, Shangela, Shea Couleé, Miz Cracker and Blair St. Clair are the only queens to have participated in two balls.
- Alexis Mateo and Jujubee are the only queens to have participated in three balls.
- Coincidentally, both of them were up for elimination every time they participated on a ball challenge.
- Canada's Drag Race is the first foreign season to adopt the Ball Challenge from her American sister franchise.