The WORST episodes of American Ninja Warrior
Every episode of American Ninja Warrior ever, ranked from worst to best by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The worst episodes of American Ninja Warrior!
The heart-racing obstacle-course competition of ultra-athletes questing for a shot at the fabled Mt. Midoriyama. This American version of the Japanese show Sasuke (aka Ninja Warrior) televises a series of qualification courses across the nation, with the top contenders going to Las Vegas for the finals on the 4-stage "Mt. Midoriyama" obstacle course. In earlier seasons the show was a proving ground to find (and train) American athletes to send to Japan to compete in the original Sasuke tournaments.
#1 - Couples Championship
Season 15 - Episode 17 - Aired 5/27/2024
Twelve elite ninja couples compete together on the world’s most challenging obstacle course with the winners taking home the coveted title of this year’s couple’s champion.
#3 - Las Vegas Finals (4)
Season 4 - Episode 22 - Aired 7/9/2012
Stage 1 continues in Las Vegas. Favorites include Brent Steffensen, Stephen Volcko, Kyle Cochran, Remi Bakkar, and Chris Wilczewski. The finishers move on to Stage 2.
#4 - ANW Woman's Championship
Season 14 - Episode 14 - Aired 5/29/2023
Twelve elite female competitors battle in the American Ninja Warrior Women's Championship. The competitors compete across two daunting courses, and the top four advance to race head to head on the Power Tower. The winner takes home $50,000.
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#5 - Finals 2
Season 17 - Episode 11 - Aired 8/11/2025
The finals continue in Las Vegas where elite ninjas in the country go head-to-head in high-stakes races with the fastest advancing in the competition. Athletes face six obstacles, including Pole Grasper, Floating Monkey Bars, and Piston Plunge.
#6 - Qualifiers 3 & 4
Season 16 - Episode 2 - Aired 6/10/2024
The qualifying rounds continue in L.A. with ninjas from across the country taking on the world's most challenging obstacle course.
#7 - Qualifiers 4
Season 17 - Episode 4 - Aired 6/23/2025
The Qualifying rounds continue in Las Vegas on the world’s most challenging obstacle course. The top 20 athletes of the night advance to the semifinals.
#8 - Qualifiers 4
Season 15 - Episode 3 - Aired 6/19/2023
The qualifying rounds continue in L.A., with ninjas from across the country taking on the world’s most challenging obstacle course. New obstacle “The Cubes” makes its debut.
#9 - Qualifier 2
Season 12 - Episode 2 - Aired 9/14/2020
Ninjas face up to 6 challenging obstacles, including the new Ring Chaser and Rib Run, in addition to the dynamic Ferris Wheel and the iconic Warped Wall. Ninjas include Jesse "Flex" Labreck, JJ Woods, Jamie "Captain NBC" Rahn, and Daniel Gil.
#10 - Semifinals 2
Season 12 - Episode 6 - Aired 10/21/2020
Ninjas face up to 10 brutal obstacles, including the dizzying Corkscrew, the Salmon Ladder, and the iconic Warped Wall. Ninjas include Jessie Graff, Najee Richardson, Joe Moravsky, and Meagan Martin.
#11 - Women's Special Episode
Season 17 - Episode 14 - Aired 9/1/2025
#12 - Finals 3
Season 17 - Episode 12 - Aired 8/18/2025
The finals continue with 32 athletes competing in a new bracket-style tournament to determine the next champion.
#13 - Qualifier 1
Season 12 - Episode 1 - Aired 9/7/2020
Ninjas face up to 6 challenging obstacles, including the new Weight For It, Ring Chaser, and Rib Run, in addition to fan favorites Shrinking Steps, Slingshot, and the iconic Warped Wall.
#14 - Las Vegas Finals 1
Season 16 - Episode 8 - Aired 8/19/2024
The National Finals begin in Las Vegas as the remaining competitors compete in Stage 1 for their chance to win $1 million and become the next American Ninja Warrior.
#15 - Qualifiers 1
Season 17 - Episode 1 - Aired 6/2/2025
Qualifying rounds begin in Las Vegas on the world's most challenging obstacle course. The competition returns bigger than ever by bringing back trailblazers, record-setters, and fan-favorite competitors from the last 16 seasons.
#16 - Las Vegas Finals - Stage 1 (1)
Season 5 - Episode 17 - Aired 8/25/2013
Competitors try stage 1; the giant cycle, rope glider, and the timbers.
#18 - Las Vegas Finals - Stage 1 (2)
Season 5 - Episode 18 - Aired 8/27/2013
#19 - Semifinals 2
Season 15 - Episode 9 - Aired 8/7/2023
The semifinals continue in Los Angeles where the competing ninjas face up to 6 challenging obstacles and race head-to-head for a spot in the national finals.
#20 - Las Vegas Finals - Stage 3
Season 5 - Episode 21 - Aired 9/16/2013
#21 - Finals 1
Season 17 - Episode 10 - Aired 8/4/2025
The finals begin in Las Vegas where elite ninjas go head-to-head in high-stakes, side-by-side races. Athletes face 6 obstacles, including Shrinking Steps, Swinging Frames, and the Salmon Ladder.
#22 - Qualifiers 3
Season 13 - Episode 3 - Aired 6/21/2021
The qualifiers continue with ninjas facing up to 6 challenging obstacles, including the new Air Surfer and Pretzel Twist in addition to the iconic Warped Wall.
#23 - Southeast Regional Finals
Season 4 - Episode 18 - Aired 6/25/2012
The top 30 competitors from the Southeast qualifying round tackle the finals course with a chance to move on to Las Vegas. The back obstacles featured are the Salmon Ladder, Cycle Road, and Cargo Climb. Favorites include David "Flip" Rodriguez, Drew Drechsel, Bull Bullard, Kamerion Wimbley, and Travis Rosen.
#24 - Finals 1
Season 12 - Episode 7 - Aired 10/28/2020
The 28 top ninjas face up to 10 diabolical obstacles, including the new Falling Shelves and Dragonback. Only the top 8 will advance to the final round this year.