The National Finals of American Ninja Warrior Season 11 start on Monday, August 26th. This four-week event has already been hyped as one that will produce the first American Ninja Warrior winner since Season 7 when Geoff Britten and Isaac Caldiero both conquered Mt. Midoryama. This year, 86 ninja athletes qualified for the Vegas finals. At the outset of the season I listed the Top 200 ninjas in my Ninja Power Rankings. Which one of these ninjas will be the one to complete all four stages in Vegas and become the third American Ninja Warrior?
86. Karter Ohlson
Ninja Points: 42
Overall Rank: 374
Karter “The Krusher” became the youngest female to qualify for the City Finals at just 19 years old. She fell on Dangerous Curves in Baltimore Qualifying then on Crank It Up in the City Finals. She reached Crank It Up fast enough to earn a spot in Vegas, and will be the youngest woman to ever compete in the National Finals.
Result: Fell on Stage 1 on Double Dipper
85. Caitlyn Bergstrom
Ninja Points: 48
Overall Rank: 343
Caitlyn and her brother Caleb both competed this season and both qualified for the Vegas Finals. In her first year of competition, she competed in Atlanta and fell on the Bouncing Spider in Qualifying and the Ferris Wheel in City Finals. Even though she did not make it to the back half of the course, the tough first half knocked out all the other female competitors and she finished as the top woman in the Atlanta Finals.
84. Jessica Clayton
Ninja Points: 82.21
Overall Rank: 239
Jessica is a single mother of three who serves in the Navy and is a three-time ninja veteran. This will be her first trip to the Vegas Finals. In Atlanta City Qualifying, Jessica nearly became the first mother to hit a buzzer, but couldn’t conquer the Warped Wall. She fell on the Bouncing Spider in the City Finals, but was fast enough to earn her first trip to Vegas.
Result: Fell on Stage 1 on Spin Your Wheels
80t. Zack Scholes, Taylor Amann, Mady Howard, Joe Capobianco
Ninja Points: 84
Overall Rank: 228
These four rookies all reached the fifth obstacle in City Qualifying and the 8th obstacle in City Finals. Joe competed in Baltimore and was one of 22 ninjas to fall on the Angry Birds obstacle in the City Finals. Angry Birds caused a lot of backlash after no ninjas were able to get past it. Zack Scholes competed in Seattle and fell on the treacherous Lightning Bolts in qualifying and the Floating Monkey Bars in City Finals. Mady Howard also competed in Seattle and was one of three women to reach the Floating Monkey Bars. Only Jessie Graff conquered the obstacle with Mady and Sandy Zimmerman falling there. Mady’s time was faster so she earned the second place spot for the female competitors. Taylor Amann was a collegiate pole vaulter (just like Jessie Graff and some other top ninjas) who dominated her runs as part of the Wisconsin team that won Team Ninja Warrior: College Madness. In her first ANW competition, she fell on Coconut Climb in the Oklahoma Qualifiers and made it to the Crazy Clocks with the fastest time among women in the City Finals, finishing ahead of Barclay Stockett.
78t. Ronald Washington, Lucio Battista
Ninja Points: 94.8
Overall Rank: 208
This is Ronald’s third season of American Ninja Warrior and the first time he will be appearing, in the Vegas Finals. He fell in the City Qualifiers in Seasons 8 and 9. After not competing in Season 10, he earned his first spot in the City Finals by reaching the 5th obstacle in Atlanta Qualifying. He made it farther in the City Finals, falling on the 8th obstacle Up For Grabs. Lucio first competed in Season 9 when he fell in Cleveland Qualifiers. This year, he and his handlebar mustache returned to compete in the Baltimore region where he fell on Crank It Up in Qualifying and Angry Birds in the City Finals.
Ronald Washington Result: Fell on Stage 1 on Tire Run
Lucio Battista Result: Fell on Stage 1 on Jumping Spider
77. Conor Galvin
Ninja Points: 98.96
Overall Rank: 199
Conor is a rookie who completed the Baltimore qualifying course with the second-fastest time. This earned him a spot on the Power Tower but he lost to Dave Cavanagh. Despite a brutal 8th obstacle (the Angry Birds) that took out all 22 ninjas that attempted it, Conor made it there fast enough to earn his first trip to Vegas.
Result: Fell on Stage 1 on Tire Run
73t. Seth Rogers, Philip Scott, Caleb Auer, Ben Udy
Ninja Points: 99
Overall Rank: 195
These four rookies all qualified for Vegas in their debut campaigns without hitting a buzzer. All four of them fell on the penultimate obstacle of both courses – the 5th obstacle in City Qualifiers and on the 9th obstacle in City Finals. Seth Rogers was a 19-year old rookie who competed in Los Angeles along with Ben Udy. Ben made a name for himself with his alter-ego “Chad Flexington” on the ninja course. Philip Scott, a 22-year-old with Asperger’s, nearly didn’t compete in the City Finals because of multiple panic attacks, but had an inspirational run to the 9th obstacle in Cincinnati. Caleb qualified for Vegas out of the Atlanta region, one of just 9 ninjas to complete Up for Grabs but the only one to fall on Fallout.
Philip Scott Result: Fell on Stage 1 on Jumping Spider
68t. Sem Garay, Scott Behrends, David Moonen, Caleb Bergstrom, Branden McWilliams
Ninja Points: 100
Overall Rank: 186
All five of these ninjas were rookies this season that completed their respective City Qualifying courses and fell on the 8th obstacle in the City Finals. Caleb Bergstrom competed in Atlanta and is the only one of the group to attempt (and scale) the Mega Wall. He became the youngest ninja to conquer the Mega Wall. Sem Garay is a professional wrestler who competed in Cincinnati. Scott Behrends has a lot to live up to as his sons competed on American Ninjas Warrior Junior. Behrends and David Moonen both competed in the Seattle/Tacoma regional. Branden McWilliams competed in the Baltimore region where the vicious Angry Birds knocked out everyone in the City Finals.
Sem Garay Result: Fell on Stage 1 on Double Dipper
67. Kendall Ortez
Ninja Points: 104.80
Overall Rank: 183
Kendall Ortez competed as a walk-on in Season 10 and had an early exit in the Dallas Qualifiers. This year, he came back to Oklahoma City and completed the Qualifying course before falling on the Crazy Clocks in the City Finals. He will be making his first appearance in Vegas.
66. Hunter Swan
Ninja Points: 105
Overall Rank: 180
Hunter was a rookie this season who competed in Los Angeles. He couldn’t summit the Mega Wall in Qualifiers and made it to Leaps of Faith, the 9th obstacle, in City Finals.
62t. Nick Fordney, Danell Levya, Brian Burk, Ben Wales
Ninja Points: 115
Overall Rank: 164
All four of these competitors are Season 11 rookies who completed the City Qualifying course and fell on the 9th obstacle of City Finals. Ben Wales and Nick Fordney competed in Oklahoma City while Brian Burk and Danell Levya competed in Los Angeles. Brian “The Burkinator” gained acclaim as his story of being an autistic competitor inspired viewers. Danell Levya was an Olympic Gymnast who won a Bronze at the London 2012 Games and won two Silvers in Rio 2016.
Danell Levya Result: Fell on Stage 1 on Twist and Fly
61. Verdale Benson
Ninja Points: 124.2
Overall Rank: 153
Verdale is in his second season of ninja competition. In Season 10 he fell on a balance obstacle – the Spinning Bridge – in the LA City Finals which ended his rookie season. This year, he once again fell on a balance obstacle – the Diamond Dash – but made it through City Qualifying. In City Finals he made it to the 9th obstacle, Leaps of Faith, which was enough to secure his spot in Vegas for the first time.
60. Jeff Harris
Ninja Points: 124.6
Overall Rank: 151
Jeff has arguably the best mustache in ninja competition and will be making his first appearance in Vegas. After falling early in Season 10 qualifiers, he completed the Oklahoma City qualifying course this season. He reached the 9th obstacle, Snap Back, in the City Finals.
59. Matt Dolce
Ninja Points: 125.4
Overall Rank: 149
Matt reached the City Finals as a rookie in Season 9 but fell on the Salmon Ladder and did not make it to Vegas. After not competing in Season 10, he returned this year and earned his first trip to Vegas by reaching the Floating Monkey Bars in the Seattle/Tacoma City finals.
58. Alex Blick
Ninja Points: 129.4
Overall Rank: 144
Alex first competed as a 19-year old rookie in Season 10. After falling in City Qualifiers, he came back this year and complete the Oklahoma City Qualifying course. He made it to Snap Back in the City Finals and earned his first trip to Vegas.
57. Jody Freeman
Ninja Points: 130
Overall Rank: 143
Jody was a 19-year-old rookie this season who completed the Atlanta Qualifying course. He proved his mettle in the City Finals, making it all the way to the final obstacle but he could not get up the Spider Trap to hit the buzzer.
56. Damir Okanovic
Ninja Points: 134.4
Overall Rank: 140
Damir competed in Seasons 9 and 11 with identical results. In both seasons he fell on the 5th obstacle of City Qualifiers and the 8th obstacle in the City Finals. He qualified for Vegas both times, but his prior appearance ended quickly as he fell on the first obstacle Snake Run.
55. Julius Ferguson
Ninja Points: 140.4
Overall Rank: 135
Julius is in his second year of ninja competition. He will be making his first appearance in the Vegas Finals after reaching the 8th obstacle in City Finals last year but not qualifying for Vegas. This season, he slipped on a balance obstacle for the second straight year in qualifying and once again made it to the 8th obstacle in City Finals. His time in Baltimore was fast enough to the Angry Birds to get him to Vegas.
54. Garrett Lam
Ninja Points: 146.8
Overall Rank: 128
This is Garrett’s third season on American Ninja Warrior and the first time he qualified for the Vegas Finals. Garrett completed the Baltimore Qualifying course and fell on the brutal Angry Birds obstacle in the City Finals. He has gotten slightly better each season, falling in Qualifying in Season 9, reaching the City Finals in Season 10, and now completing a course and making it to Vegas in Season 11.
53. David Wright
Ninja Points: 154
Overall Rank: 125
“The Cake Ninja” is a rookie this season that is fueled by the power of delicious dessert food. He notably ate cake before both of his runs, and was the only rookie competitor this season to complete both the City Qualifying and City Finals courses.
Result: Fell on Stage 1 on Tire Run
52. Anna Shumaker
Ninja Points: 171.96
Overall Rank: 118
Anna is in her third year of ninja competitions. She had an early fall in the City Qualifiers in Season 9 but bounced back in Season 10 to reach the City Finals. Anna made the most of the opportunity, becoming the 11th woman to conquer the Warped Wall, making it all the way to the Giant Cubes. In the Vegas Finals, she was one of many women to fall on Archer Alley. This year, she was one of many women in Los Angeles to fall on Walk the Plank but made it to the City Finals where she reached the Warped Wall but couldn’t conquer it for a second time.
Result: Fell on Stage 1 on Double Dipper
51. Dustin Rocho
Ninja Points: 179.62
Overall Rank: 113
Dustin first competed on American Ninja Warrior Season 2 and was a staple of the competition through Season 7. His last year was his best season and the only time he conquered Stage 1. After taking three years off, Dustin returned to competition this season and completed the Cincinnati Qualifiers course. He made it to Slam Dunk in the City Finals, which was enough to earn him his fourth trip to Vegas.
50. Scott Willson
Ninja Points: 195.1
Overall Rank: 105
“The Chess Ninja” has competed on five seasons and will be making his first appearance in the Vegas Finals. After falling on the 5th obstacle in City Qualifiers in 3 straight seasons, Scott got through this year and conquered the Mega Wall. He fell on Leaps of Faith in the LA City Finals, which was enough to earn him his first trip to Vegas.
49. Tyler Smith
Ninja Points: 217
Overall Rank: 94
Tyler has competed on Seasons 8 and 9 of American Ninja Warrior, completing the Qualifying course both times. He reached the Vegas Finals in Season 8 where he fell on the Jumping Spider. In Season 9, he narrowly missed qualifying for Vegas when he fell on the Bar Hop and finished 17th in the Kansas City Finals. This year, he couldn’t summit the Mega Wall and fell on Spinball Wizard in the Cincinnati City Finals.
48. Nate Burkhalter
Ninja Points: 228.73
Overall Rank: 91
Nate’s first season on American Ninja Warrior came in Season 8 after he had waited in the Walk-On Line in two previous seasons and was not selected to run. He made the most of his selection, completing the Oklahoma City Qualifiers course. He fell on the Salmon Ladder but reached the Vegas Finals with a 15th place finish where he fell on Snake Run. In each of the last two seasons, he has reached the back half of the course in the City Finals but come up just shy of earning a return trip to Vegas. This year he fell on the Lightning Bolts in Seattle/Tacoma qualifiers and on the Floating Monkey Bars in the City Finals.
Result: Completed Stage 1
47. Tiana Webberley
Ninja Points: 232.83
Overall Rank: 90
“Sweet T” has competed on four seasons of American Ninja Warrior. She made it to the 5th obstacle on the Los Angeles course in both the Season 8 qualifiers, Season 9 qualifiers, Season 9 City Finals, and Season 10 qualifiers. In Season 10 she surpassed her prior accomplishments, making it all the way to the 9th obstacle in the City Finals. En route, she became the 12th woman to conquer the Warped Wall. Unfortunately, her season ended after that incredible City Finals run due to a broken leg which caused her to withdraw from the Vegas Finals. Tiana came back in Season 11 and had a surprising early fall in City Qualifiers but made it through to the City Finals as a number of other women also failed Walk the Plank. She reached the 8th Obstacle, The Hinge, in the LA City Finals to earn her second straight trip to Vegas.
46. Trevor West
Ninja Points: 270.4
Overall Rank: 82
Trevor was a 20-year-old rookie who took advantage of the new lower age limit to put together a quality season. After falling on the 5th obstacle in Indianapolis Qualifiers, he dominated the course in the City Finals and was the second fastest finisher on the night. His rookie year came to an end on the Jumping Spider in Vegas. This season he completed the Cincinnati Qualifying course but fell on Slam Dunk in the City Finals.
45. Anthony DeFranco
Ninja Points: 275
Overall Rank: 80
Anthony is a two-time Ninja Warrior competitor who has produced nearly identical seasons. In both Season 8 and Season 9 he completed the City Qualifying course with the fastest time of the night then fell on the 8th obstacle of the City Finals. Both were good enough to earn him a spot in the Vegas Finals where he fell on the Jumping Spider both times. After falling on the very first obstacle in Season 10, DeFranco returned to form in Season 11. He completed the Baltimore City Qualifiers and once again fell on the 8th obstacle (Angry Birds) in the City Finals. He narrowly missed the Power Tower in City Qualifiers, finishing 0.36 seconds slower than Conor Galvin and 0.11 seconds slower than Dave Cavanagh.
44. Lorin Ball
Ninja Points: 293.71
Overall Rank: 78
Lorin is a speedster who will either put up the fastest time of the night (as he did in the Denver Qualifiers in Season 9) or take an early exit (as he did in Indianapolis in Season 10). He became the first ninja to record 4 consecutive fastest times on City Qualifier events. Lorin has competed on Ninja Warrior since Season 2 and has reached the Vegas Finals 5 times. In three consecutive years from Seasons 4-6 he made it to Stage 2. Since then, his only other appearance in the Vegas Finals was in Season 9 when he fell on the Double Dipper on Stage 1. This year Lorin completed the Seattle/Tacoma qualifying course and fell on the Floating Monkey Bars in the City Final.
Result: Completed Stage 1
43. Brandon Mears
Ninja Points: 308.83
Overall Rank: 76
Brandon is one of the “Towers of Power” – a duo of firefighters from Chicago who are among the tallest competitors in the competition. Mears is 6’6” and has had a successful ninja career since first competing in Season 5. In Season 7 he became the tallest competitor to clear Stage 1, making it to the Unstable Bridge on Stage 2 before falling. After being knocked out by balance obstacles the last two seasons, Brandon completed the Cincinnati City Finals course to lock up his first trip to Vegas since Season 7.
Result: Fell on Stage 1 on Diving Boards
42. Dan Yager
Ninja Points: 317.36
Overall Rank: 74
Dan burst onto the ninja scene by reaching Stage 2 as a rookie in Season 7. He suffered a surprisingly early fall in the City Finals in Season 8 but bounced back in Season 9 to reach the Vegas Finals. He was taken out on the Double Dipper on Stage 1. Last year he was taken out by the Ring Jump in Minneapolis qualifiers. For the third straight odd-numbered season, Dan reached the Vegas Finals after failing the Mega Wall in Seattle/Tacoma Qualifiers and being one of just three ninjas to conquer the Floating Monkey Bars in the City Finals before falling on Northwest Passage. That run was good enough to get him to the Power Tower, but he lost the race for the Safety Pass to Karson Voiles.
41. Kevin Carbone
Ninja Points: 318.39
Overall Rank: 73
Kevin made a name for himself in Season 9 as the designer of the Wingnuts obstacle (as submitted through the ANW Obstacle Design Challenge). Kevin came out of the Walk-On line to complete the Daytona qualification course (including conquering his own obstacle) and reached the Vegas Finals. There, he fell on the Jumping Spider. After missing out on Vegas last season, he captured a double buzzer this year including conquering the Mega Wall in the Atlanta Qualifiers. He qualified for the Power Tower in the City Finals but lost to Drew Drechsel.
Result: Completed Stage 1
40. Brian Kretsch
Ninja Points: 340.44
Overall Rank: 70
Brian is one of the few athletes who has competed on all 11 seasons of American Ninja Warrior. He has reached the Vegas Finals five times. Last year he completed the Los Angeles City Qualifiers course and made it to Vegas for the first time since Season 6. Brian has yet to complete Stage 1 after falling on the Propeller Bar last year. This year was arguably the best of his career as Brian completed both the LA City Qualifiers and City Finals courses, reaching the Power Tower as one of just two City Finals finishers. He lost to Flip Rodriguez in the race for the Safety Pass.
Result: Fell on Stage 1 on Spin Your Wheels
39. Michelle Warnky
Ninja Points: 359.09
Overall Rank: 67
Michelle has been competing since Season 5 and has made five appearances in the Vegas Finals. Before last season, each of her prior appearances were made as a Wild Card. Notably, Michelle was the second woman to complete a City Qualifying course, doing it just a week after Kacy Catanzaro in Season 6. In Season 10, she was one of 6 women to complete a City Qualifiers course. Michelle has never completed Stage 1 and fell on the first obstacle. This year, Michelle made history again and became just the second woman to complete a City Finals course (the first since Kacy) in Cincinnati. Jesse Labreck became the third woman to do it later in the same night. Michelle is one of just 12 ninjas to enter Vegas with a “double buzzer” having completed both the City Qualifiers and City Finals courses.
Result: Fell on Stage 1 on Spin Your Wheels
38. Michael Silenzi
Ninja Points: 367.94
Overall Rank: 64
Michael has competed since Season 4 of American Ninja Warrior and reached the Vegas Finals four times. His first trip to Vegas came in Season 4 when he timed out at the Warped Wall. In Season 5 he fell on the Jumping Spider. He returned to Vegas in Season 9 after not making it for three years and had his best season to date, conquering Stage 1. After missing out on Vegas last season, Michael returns after completing the Baltimore qualifying course and falling on Angry Birds in the City Finals.
37. Lucas Reale
Ninja Points: 380.45
Overall Rank: 61
Lucas qualified for the National Finals as a rookie out of the Philadelphia region last season. He fell on the Lightning Bolts in Qualifiers and on the Captain’s Wheel in the City Finals. After clearing Stage 1, he also fell on the Criss Cross Salmon Ladder. This year Lucas completed the Baltimore Qualifying course and fell (like everyone else) on Angry Birds in the City Finals. Lucas was fast enough in the City Finals to earn a spot on the Power Tower but lost to his mentor Dave Cavanagh.
Result: Completed Stage 1
36. Jody Avila
Ninja Points: 469.23
Overall Rank: 57
The “Big Dog Ninja” was one of the top competitors of Season 9 when completed Stage 1 in the Vegas and made it all the way to Wingnut Alley on Stage 2. Unfortunately, Season 10 wound up much the same as his rookie year (Season 8) with Jody stumbling on the 4th obstacle of City Qualifiers, falling on Block Run in Indianapolis. This year has continued Jody’s pattern of good runs in odd-numbered seasons. After coming up short on the Mega Wall, Jody completed the Oklahoma City Finals course.
35. Kenneth Niemitalo
Ninja Points: 473.6
Overall Rank: 55
Kenny is a 5-time American Ninja Warrior veteran. Before last season, his best year came as a rookie in Season 6. That year he completed both the City Qualifiers and City Finals courses and fell on the Spinning Bridge on Stage 1. After 3 years of coming up just short of Vegas, he made his return last year. In Vegas, he timed out on Twist and Fly. Kenny also has one of the best stories on Ninja Warrior, as his on-air profile during Season 8 led to a life-saving kidney donation for his daughter. Since then he used his runs to promote organ donation for two other children in need of transplants. Kenny completed the City Qualifying course in Atlanta this year and made it to the final obstacle in the City Finals but couldn’t get enough traction on the Spider Trap and slipped out.
34. Allyssa Beird
Ninja Points: 477.18
Overall Rank: 53
Allyssa is a school teacher who in Season 9 became the second woman to complete Stage 1. She is making her fourth straight trip to the Vegas Finals. In Season 9 she fell on the Criss-Cross Salmon Ladder. Last season she completed the City Qualifying course for a second straight year and reaching the 8th obstacle in the Philadelphia City Finals. Unfortunately, her run in Vegas ended early when she slipped on the new first obstacle, Archer Alley. This season she was taken out by two ninja-killing obstacles on the difficult Baltimore course. She fell on the dismount to Crank it Up in Qualifiers then on Angry Birds in the City Finals.
33. Michael Torres
Ninja Points: 480.09
Overall Rank: 52
Safety Pass
Michael is in his fourth year of ninja competition. He qualified for Vegas in each of his first two years, reaching Stage 2 as a rookie and falling on the Jumping Spider in Season 9. Last year, he came up just short, falling on the dismount of The Hinge in Minneapolis City Finals. Had he completed the landing, he would have earned a third trip to Vegas. Instead, he finished just outside the Top 15. This season, the “Baby Faced Ninja” came up short on the Mega Wall but conquered the Cincinnati City Finals course and comes to Vegas armed with the Safety Pass after defeating Ethan Swanson on the Power Tower.
32. Karsten Williams
Ninja Points: 492.02
Overall Rank: 50
Karsten is a veteran ninja who is making his sixth straight trip to Vegas. He has fallen on Stage 1 each of the last five seasons, splashing out on the Double Dipper last year. Karsten couldn’t make it up the Mega Wall in Oklahoma City Qualifiers but he came back and conquered the City Finals course for the first time since Season 6.
31. Casey Suchocki
Ninja Points: 502.2
Overall Rank: 49
Casey started his ANW career as a Walk-On in Season 8 where he completed the Atlanta Qualification course and made it to the penultimate obstacle in the City Finals. In Vegas, his season came to an end on the Jumping Spider. This will be his third appearance in the Vegas Finals with his best run coming last year when he defeated Stage 1 and fell on Deja Vu on Stage 2. This year, he completed the City Qualifying course in Atlanta then fell on Up For Grabs in the City Finals.
30. Brett Sims
Ninja Points: 502.24
Overall Rank: 48
Brett has been competing since Season 2 and last year earned his his second trip to the Vegas Finals. In his first appearance in Vegas, he timed out at the Warped Wall. Season 10 was his best ANW season to date, completing both the Miami Qualification and City Finals courses. Like last year, Brett and Ryan Stratis have a bet that whoever falls first has to shave their beard. Just like last year both Sims and Stratis collected double buzzers in City Qualifiers and Finals. Last year’s bet was settled in Vegas when Brett fell on the Double Dipper and Ryan made it to Jeep Run. Will Brett save his facial hair this year?
Result: Fell on Stage 1 on Spin Your Wheels
29. Chris DiGangi
Ninja Points: 527.02
Overall Rank: 46
Chris was one of the early competitors on Ninja Warrior, reaching the Vegas Finals in Season 4 and nearly missing in Season 5. After taking two seasons off, he returned in Season 8 but could not complete the first half of the course. He has not made it past Stage 1 in Vegas since his return, falling on the Flying Squirrell in Season 9 and on the Double Dipper in Season 10. This year, Chris fell on the Slingshot in Cincinnati qualifiers and completed the City Finals course along with his fiance Jesse “Flex” Labreck.
Result: Completed Stage 1
28. RJ Roman
Ninja Points: 531.32
Overall Rank: 45
The bass guitar player showed off his grip strength as a rookie last season. RJ fell on the Slipper Summit in Miami Qualifiers and the Crazy Clocks in the City Finals. These runs were good enough to earn him a trip to Vegas where he dominated Stage 1 and made it to Wingnut Alley on Stage 2. This year, he completed the Atlanta qualifying course and made it to the final obstacle in City Finals but couldn’t get to the top of the Spider Trap.
Result: Completed Stage 1
27. Dave Cavanagh
Ninja Points: 554.03
Overall Rank: 42
Safety Pass
Dave is known as the “King of the Walk-Ons” after competing from the Walk-On line in his five prior seasons. He qualified for Vegas for the first time in Season 9 and made it to Stage 2. Last year he cleared the Qualification course for the fourth time in his career. In the Philadelphia City Finals he fell on Spinball Wizard and earned a second straight trip to Vegas where he fell on the Jumping Spider. This year he won both the Speed Pass and the Safety Pass in Baltimore.
26. Sean Darling-Hammond
Ninja Points: 576.59
Overall Rank: 41
Sean qualified for Vegas as a rookie in Season 7 and fell on the Jumping Spider. After an early fall in Season 8 he had a bounce-back Season 9 when he made it to Stage 2 and fell on Wingnut Alley. Last year, he completed the Qualification course in Minneapolis and made it to the Iron Maiden in the City Finals before being taken out by the Jumping Spider once again in Vegas. He did not hit a buzzer this year, falling on the Lightning Bolts in Seattle/Tacoma Qualifiers and the Floating Monkey Bars in the City Finals.
25. Brian Burkhardt
Ninja Points: 610.76
Overall Rank: 39
Brian qualified for the Vegas Finals for the first time during Season 9 in his second year of ANW competition. His season came to an end on the Jumping Spider. Last season he barely made it through City Qualifiers after falling on the Tuning Forks in Dallas, but made the most of the opportunity to continue by making it all the way to Stage 2 in Vegas where he fell on Wingnut Alley. This year he failed on the Mega Wall then fell on Snap Back in the Oklahoma City course.
24. Barclay Stockett
Ninja Points: 647.43
Overall Rank: 38
This will be Barclay’s third appearance in the Vegas Finals. In Season 9 she made history, becoming the shortest competitor to complete the Jumping Spider and the Warped Wall. She eventually timed out before being able to attempt the final obstacle. Barclay’s second attempt at Stage 1 came to an end on Jeep Run. She was able to get revenge during USA vs The World when she completed Stage 1, hitting her first buzzer in Ninja Warrior competition. This season she fell on the Coconut Climb in the Oklahoma City Qualifiers and made it to the Crazy Clocks in the City Finals. This was the third straight season she fell on the 8th obstacle in the City Finals.
Result: Timed out on the Warped Wall on Stage 1
23. Dan Polizzi
Ninja Points: 668.51
Overall Rank: 37
Dan is one of the “Towers of Power,” along with fellow firefighter Brandon Mears. Dan has competed since Season 5 on American Ninja Warrior and had a streak of strong performances in even-numbered seasons. He previously reached the Vegas Finals in Season 6 and Season 8 did not conquer Stage 1. In Season 10 he completed the Indianapolis qualifying course and made it to the final obstacle in the City Finals but couldn’t reach the summit of the Spider Trap. He completed Stage 1 for the first time and made it to Deja Vu on Stage 2. This is the first time Dan has reached the Vegas Finals in an odd-numbered season. He bounced back after falling on the Slingshot in City Qualifiers to complete the Cincinnati City Finals course.
Result: Completed Stage 1
22. Nick Hanson
Ninja Points: 688.1
Overall Rank: 35
The Eskimo Ninja hails from Unalakleet, Alaska and is known for his training videos where he does obstacles in sub-zero temperatures. Nick has been on the ninja circuit since Season 7 and will be making his fourth straight appearance in the Vegas Finals. In Season 8 he completed the Flying Squirrel but the buzzer sounded as he reached the top of the cargo net before he could hit the buzzer. He completed Stage 1 in Season 9 and fell on the Criss-Cross Salmon Ladder. Season 10 was unfortunately a repeat of Season 8 in Vegas for Nick as he timed out while climbing the Cargo Net. Nick fell on two ninja-killing obstacles, the Lightning Bolts in City Qualifiers and the Floating Monkey Bars in City Finals.
21. Grant McCartney
Ninja Points: 713.61
Overall Rank: 32
The “Island Ninja,” a flight attendant hailing from Hawaii, and known for his dance moves after hitting the buzzer. McCartney finally made it back to Vegas after finishing just outside the qualification line the last two seasons. In his last two trips to Vegas, he fell on the Double Salmon Ladder (Season 7) and Down-Up Salmon Ladder (Season 8) on Stage 2. Grant completed the Mega Wall in City Qualifiers but after a fall on Slam Dunk had to sweat through some other competitors before his spot in Vegas was ensured.
Result: Completed Stage 1
20. David Campbell
Ninja Points: 728.3
Overall Rank: 31
The Godfather has taken part in every season of American Ninja Warrior. He qualified for Vegas but fell on Stage 1 in Seasons 4, 5, 6, and 7. He barely missed qualifying in Season 8 but came back stronger than ever in Season 9. David completed Stage 1 and made it to Wingnut Alley in Stage 2. In Season 10 he completed both the Los Angeles City Qualifiers and City Finals courses but was derailed in Vegas by the Double Dipper. This season, David completed the City Qualifiers and earned a spot on the Power Tower but came up short against Hunter Guerard. He did not need the Speed Pass as he reached Leaps of Faith in the City Finals and qualified for Vegas for the 7th time.
Result: Timed out on Twist and Fly on Stage 1
19. Travis Rosen
Ninja Points: 732.87
Overall Rank: 30
Travis has been competing since Season 2 and reached the Vegas Finals each of the last 8 seasons. His best year came in Season 5 when he reached Stage 3, falling on the Floating Boards. Before last season, Travis had only fallen on Stage 1 once, a slip on Snake Run in Season 8. Travis had one of the worst falls of Season 10 when he slipped off the Double Dipper and broke his ankle when his foot jammed into the landing pad. He nearly did not return to competition this season, but was able to rehab his broken ankle and complete the City Qualifying course. Since the current format of American Ninja Warrior competition was adopted, Travis has never fallen on a City Qualifiers course. He is also the first American to complete the rope climb on Stage 4 when he did it as part of the USA vs The World event in 2014.
Result: Fell on Stage 1 on Diving Boards and announced his retirement from American Ninja Warrior
18. Ethan Swanson
Ninja Points: 766.36
Overall Rank: 27
“The Swan” is in his 6th year of competition. He is also known as “The Daredevil” for his stunts on buildings and bridges around Chicago. His best seasons were in Season 8 and Season 10 when he made it all the way to Stage 2 in Vegas. This season has been one of Ethan’s best as he completed both the City Qualifiers and City Finals courses in Cincinnati. He reached the Power Tower both times, winning the Speed Pass in City Qualifiers but finishing second to Michael Torres in the City Finals.
17. Ryan Stratis
Ninja Points: 799.46
Overall Rank: 26
“Straticus” has competed on every season of American Ninja Warrior and is known for his beard and fist pumps. Like last season, he once again has a friendly competition with Brett Sims to see who will make it the farthest and the loser has to shave his beard. Like last year, both Brett and Ryan completed both the City Qualifiers and City Finals courses. Ryan made it farther than Brett in Vegas last year, though both fell on Stage 1. This will be his 7th appearance in the Vegas Finals where he had reached Stage 2 three times.
Result: Completed Stage 1 (and won the Beard Bet with Brett Sims)
16. Hunter Guerard
Ninja Points: 800.99
Overall Rank: 25
“The Lizard” was one of the top rookies in Season 9, making it all the way to Wingnut Alley on Stage 2. Last season, he fell on the penultimate obstacles in the Minneapolis City Qualifiers and City Finals. Hunter completed Stage 1 for the second straight season but splashed down on Deja Vu. This year, he secured a spot in Vegas by earning the Speed Pass by defeating David Campbell on the Power Tower. Hunter did not make it back to the Power Tower in the City Finals, falling on Leaps of Faith.
15. Tyler Gillett
Ninja Points: 802.17
Overall Rank: 24
Tyler was also one of the top rookies in Season 9, completing Stage 1 and making it to the Wave Runner on Stage 2. Tyler continued his success in his sophomore campaign, completing the Minneapolis Qualifying course then falling on the Iron Maiden in the City Finals. He had a repeat performance in Vegas, conquering Stage 1 and falling on Stage 2’s third obstacle – Deja Vu. Tyler, a lifelong Ninja Warrior fan, making his 3rd straight appearance in Vegas after completing both the Atlanta City Qualifiers and City Finals courses.
14. Karson Voiles
Ninja Points: 841.92
Overall Rank: 23
Safety Pass
Karson has competed since Season 5 and will be making his fifth Vegas Finals appearance. He has reached Stage 2 in his three prior appearances in Vegas in Seasons 7, 9, and 10. All three times he fell on the penultimate obstacle, Roulette Row in Season 7 and Wingnut Alley in Seasons 9 and 10. This year, Karson comes to Vegas with some extra ammunition after winning the Safety Pass in the Seattle/Tacoma City Finals.
Result: Completed Stage 1
13. Josh Salinas
Ninja Points: 861.48
Overall Rank: 21
Josh was one of the top rookies of Season 9, making it all the way to Wingnut Alley on Stage 2. In Season 10, he repeated the feat of completing the Qualifying course in Dallas and took it one step farther by conquering the City Finals course as well. In Vegas he made it back to Wingnut Alley but once again saw his season come to an end on Stage 2’s penultimate obstacle. This year, Josh has yet to hit a buzzer after failing to summit the Mega Wall and falling on Snap Back in the Oklahoma City Finals.
12. Chris Wilczewski
Ninja Points: 886.49
Overall Rank: 19
Chris has competed since Season 2 and had an excellent year in Season 10 after taking Season 9 off due to a near-death experience where he almost drowned in Lake Michigan. In the Philadelphia City Qualifiers he finished with the fastest time of the night and won $10,000 by scaling the Mega Wall. He kept up his speed in the City Finals and once again completed the course with the fastest time of the night. This season, he was one of many top ninjas to fall victim to the Baltimore course, slipping on the Mega Wall and falling on the impossible Angry Birds obstacle. Chris has completed Stage 1 in all four of his Vegas Finals appearances but has yet to conquer Stage 2.
11. Mathis Owhadi
Ninja Points: 914.21
Overall Rank: 16
Safety Pass
Mathis “The Kid” Owhadi exploded onto the Ninja scene last year as a 19-year-old. In Ninja vs Ninja he was a member of Daniel Gil’s team “Iron Grip.” He had impressive head-to-head wins over ninja superstars Grant McCartney and JJ Woods. The younger age limit in ANW this year gave him the opportunity to compete and he made the most of it, completing both the Dallas City Qualifiers and City Finals courses. In Vegas he completed Stage 1 and made it to the penultimate obstacle of Stage 2, Wingnut Alley. This year, Mathis has continued his impressive streak. He couldn’t make it up the Mega Wall in City Qualifiers but completed the City Finals course and defeated his mentor Daniel Gil on the Power Tower to earn a Safety Pass.
10. Kevin Bull
Ninja Points: 915.46
Overall Rank: 15
Kevin was another walk-on who had one of the most memorable moments in ANW history. In Season 6 as a rookie he was the first ninja to beat Cannonball Alley by grabbing the third ball between his knees and swinging upside down to the landing pad. Since then, Kevin has used his platform as a well-known ninja to build awareness for alopecia. His best year came in Season 7 when he made it to Stage 3 and fell on the Ultimate Cliffhanger. He has reached the Vegas Finals in six straight seasons. After reaching Wingnut Alley on Stage 2 in Season 9, he continued a trend of failing Stage 1 in even-numbered seasons (seasons 6, 8, and 10). This year Kevin completed the City Qualifying course but fell on the Leaps of Faith in the LA City Finals.
Result: Fell on Stage 1 on Twist and Fly
9. Adam Rayl
Ninja Points: 941.84
Overall Rank: 13
Adam is a concrete worker from Arizona with insane grip strength. He reached Stage 2 in all three of his seasons competing on American Ninja Warrior. Like so many others he fell on Wingnut Alley in Season 9 after being one of just 9 competitors to complete a City Finals course. Last season he was one of six competitors to scale the Mega Wall in City Qualifying. He completed the LA City Finals course for the second straight year and conquered Stage 1 for the third time. His run came to an end on the Criss Cross Salmon Ladder when the bar got uneven and he couldn’t make the correction. This season he surprisingly has not yet hit a buzzer as he slipped on the Spin Hopper in City Qualifiers and fell on Leaps of Faith in the LA City Finals.
Result: Completed Stage 1
8. Jessie Graff
Ninja Points: 1004.64
Overall Rank: 10
Wonder Woman is real and her name is Jessie Graff. Jessie made history in Season 8 when she became the first woman to complete Stage 1 in Vegas. She topped that performance in the USA vs The World special when she became the first woman to complete Stage 2. In Season 9, she was one of just 4 competitors in the Daytona City Finals to reach the final obstacle, the Elevator Climb. She was poised to defeat Stage 1 again but came up just short on the Flying Squirrel when her jump to the cargo net came up short and she fell into the water. Last season she qualified for Vegas but withdrew from the competition because she was doing stunt work for the Wonder Woman 1984 film. This year, Jessie will be back in Vegas after completing the Seattle/Tacoma Qualifying course and being one of just 3 ninjas to reach the ninth obstacle Northwest Passage.
7. Flip Rodriguez
Ninja Points: 1089.38
Overall Rank: 9
Safety Pass
Flip started in freerunning and parkour, which he has turned into a career as a stuntman. His ninja skills were initially strongest in agility and explosion but since his debut in Season 3 his climbing and grip strength skills have improved. He has qualified for the Vegas Finals 7 times and he has reached Stage 2 five times. In both Season 7 and Season 9 he did what he needed to do to get through Roulette Row and Wingnut Alley but fell on the dismount to the landing pad. In each of the last two seasons, Flip has not completed the City Qualifiers course but come back to complete the City Finals. This year he earned a safety pass by defeating Brian Kretsch on the Power Tower.
Result: Fell on Stage 1 on Diving Boards
Used Safety Pass to re-try Stage 1 and Completed
6. Jesse Labreck
Ninja Points: 1400.53
Overall Rank: 7
Jesse “Flex” Labreck has qualified for Vegas in all four of her competitive seasons. She has yet to complete Stage 1 during regular competition, coming up just short on the final obstacle each of the last two years. Jesse completed a City Qualifying course each of the last three seasons and this year broke through to become just the third woman ever to complete a City Finals course. Jesse also completed Stage 2 in the 2018 USA vs The World event.
Result: Fell on Stage 1 on Twist and Fly
5. Daniel Gil
Ninja Points: 1515.74
Overall Rank: 5
Daniel has been one of the top ninjas since his rookie year in Season 7 and is making his 5th straight appearance in the Vegas Finals. As a rookie he completed Stage 1 and made it to Roulette Row on Stage 2. His only appearance on Stage 3 came in Season 8 and ended on the Ultimate Cliffhanger. He has completed both the City Qualifiers and City Finals courses in 4 straight seasons including this year. In Oklahoma City Qualifiers he conquered the Mega Wall and earned the Speed Pass. However, after completing the City Finals course he lost on the Power Tower by just fractions of a second to his protege Mathis Owhadi. Daniel has conquered Stage 1 4 times but has fallen on Stage 2 each of the last two seasons.
Result: Completed Stage 1
4. Joe Moravsky
Ninja Points: 1608.36
Overall Rank: 4
“The Weatherman” Joe Moravsky has been the most consistent ninja in the competition. From his rookie year in Season 5 up through Season 8 he did not fall anywhere other than on Stage 3 in Vegas. In Season 8 he gassed out in the City Finals on the Invisible Ladder and later fell on Stage 2 in Vegas. He came back and dominated Season 9, reaching Stage 3 once again and finishing as the Last Man Standing (for the second time in his career). Joe is out for revenge in Vegas this year after falling on the Double Dipper on Stage 1 last year. He had the unfortunate luck of competing in Baltimore where damp conditions prevented even the best ninjas from conquering the Mega Wall in Qualifying and the impossible Angry Birds knocked out everyone in the City Finals.
3. Sean Bryan
Ninja Points: 1644.29
Overall Rank: 3
“The Papal Ninja” was one of just three athletes to complete Stage 2 in Season 9 and one of just 2 to do it in Season 10. Sean is the only ninja to complete Stage 2 in each of the last two seasons. He fell on the Ultimate Cliffhanger on Stage 3 both times. Sean suffered a training injury where he broke his ankle before this season but was able to rehab in time to compete and completed the Seattle qualifiers course and earned the Speed Pass. In the City Finals he fell on the Floating Monkey Bars but returns to Vegas for the third straight season.
2. Najee Richardson
Ninja Points: 1765.01
Overall Rank: 2
“The Phoenix” Najee Richardson is a former gymnast who suffered a career-ending injury and reinvented himself as a ninja superstar. Najee burst onto the scene when he reached Stage 2 in Season 8. In Season 9 he was one of just 3 ninjas last year to complete Stage 2, making it to the Ultimate Cliffhanger on Stage 3. He continued his run of success last year, winning $10,000 by conquering the Mega Wall in the Philadelphia City Qualifiers then finishing the City Finals course as well. Najee once again completed Stage 1 but ran out of time on the final obstacle of Stage 2 which involved swimming underwater and triggered an asthma attack. He got his revenge on the water obstacle and completed Stage 2 during the USA vs The World event. This season, like Joe Moravsky, Najee also slipped on the Mega Wall and fell on Angry Birds on the Baltimore courses.
Result: Fell on Stage 1 on Tire Run
1. Drew Drechsel
Ninja Points: 2792.56
Overall Rank: 1
Safety Pass
The “Real Life Ninja” remains at the top of the power rankings after he was the Last Man Standing in Season 10 and completed the Ninja Hat Trick in Season 11. Drew conquered the Mega Wall, won the Speed Pass on the first Power Tower, then completed the City Finals Course and won the Safety Pass on the second Power Tower. He has competed on American Ninja Warrior since Season 4 as well as on Sasuke in Japan. This will be Drew’s 7th appearance in the Vegas Finals and he has beaten Stage 1 every time. He fell on the Hang Climb on Stage 3 in both Season 7 and Season 8. On the 2017 edition of USA vs the World, Drew memorably put in headphones before his run and completed Stage 3. Incredibly, Drew has reached Stage 3 in three of the last four seasons, including last year when he fell on the Ultimate Cliffhanger. He got redemption on the Ultimate Cliffhanger in the USA vs the World special and made it all the way to Cane Lane, which was enough to secure a spot in the finals for Team USA. In the finals, Drew completed the Stage 4 rope climb and won the title for the USA. Drew has beaten all the elements of Mt. Midoryama, will he do it in succession and win the million dollars?
