diff --git a/src/cvars.cpp b/src/cvars.cpp
index 0c23a2a97..986cc1e7c 100644
--- a/src/cvars.cpp
+++ b/src/cvars.cpp
@@ -803,6 +803,7 @@ consvar_t cv_capsuletest = OnlineCheat("capsuletest", "Off").values(capsuletest_
 consvar_t cv_debugcheese = OnlineCheat("debugcheese", "Off").on_off().description("Disable checks that prevent farming item boxes");
 consvar_t cv_debugencorevote = OnlineCheat("debugencorevote", "Off").on_off().description("Force encore choice to appear on vote screen");
 consvar_t cv_debuglapcheat = OnlineCheat("debuglapcheat", "Off").on_off().description("Permit far waypoint jumps and disable lap cheat prevention");
+consvar_t cv_debugnewchallenger = OnlineCheat("debugnewchallenger", "Off").on_off().description("Do not restart the map to toggle Duel mode");
 consvar_t cv_forcebots = OnlineCheat("forcebots", "No").yes_no().description("Force bots to appear, even in wrong game modes");
 
 void ForceSkin_OnChange(void);
diff --git a/src/k_kart.c b/src/k_kart.c
index 937339a25..b3fcd6005 100644
--- a/src/k_kart.c
+++ b/src/k_kart.c
@@ -13517,7 +13517,8 @@ void K_CheckSpectateStatus(boolean considermapreset)
 
 	// Reset the match when 2P joins 1P, DUEL mode
 	// Reset the match when 3P joins 1P and 2P, DUEL mode must be disabled
-	if (i > 0 && !mapreset && gamestate == GS_LEVEL && (numingame < 3 && numingame+i >= 2))
+	extern consvar_t cv_debugnewchallenger;
+	if (i > 0 && !mapreset && gamestate == GS_LEVEL && (numingame < 3 && numingame+i >= 2) && !cv_debugnewchallenger.value)
 	{
 		Music_Play("comeon"); // COME ON
 		mapreset = 3*TICRATE; // Even though only the server uses this for game logic, set for everyone for HUD