The 10 Most Powerful Moments in 'American Ninja Warrior' History

This summer , over 70,000 people will go for and contend to become theSeason 8 American Ninja Warrior , starting with the show ’s season premiere June 1st at 8 necropsy on NBC.ANW ’s challenges tryout both the physical and emotional limits of the athlete – and very often the interview at abode as well .

To prepare for the screwball - strong raw season , we engage theArmchair Ninja Podcast ’s Richard Carroll to outrank the most memorable and emotional moments from the retiring few time of year , highlighting the inspire effort of strength that keep us come back for more . Because even when the warriors fall , we love view them rise up for their buyback .

10. Flip Rodriguez disqualified for tapping the water

Season 6 , Episode 6 , " Miami Qualifying"A veteran top competitor and fan favorite , Rodriguez underestimated how stuffy he was to the water and accidentally touched it with his backside . This got him cut from the competition in the qualifying round , and nearly go the visibly devastated Flip to quit the sport wholly . observer call up the moment " unthinkable " – and it reminded Ninja wannabe that not even a professional ’s status in the competition is ever certain .

9. Sam Sann scales the warped wall with an injured leg

time of year 5 , Episode 7 , " Denver Qualifying"In his mid-40s , Sann was one of the older ninjas on the course of instruction . After injuring himself on the Delta Bridge , it did not look like he would be capable to cover the course . Somehow , he was able to push through the hurting , climb the warped wall , and become an picture of the athletics in the process .

8. Yusuke Morimoto finishes the Stage 3 course

time of year 6 , Episode 15 , " USA vs. the World"Six seasons in , no American jock had ever complete the incredibly difficult leg 3 class . During the external contention that followed the regularANWseason , Morimoto from Japan finally demonstrated that it could be done , and American Brian Arnold quickly replicated the feat .

7. Michael Stanger completes the course for his wife

Season 7 , Episode 2 , " Kansas City Qualifiers"When his wife was diagnose with a rarefied , final genetic disorderliness , Michael found that he needed to be more fit to take charge of her properly . The Stangers put a end for him to contend onAmerican Ninja Warriorto help oneself his progression . Every time of year has tragic and inspirational stories , but Michael was able to do what so many could not . He climb the warped wall , bringing his wife and millions of fans to tears .

6. Meagan Martin completes the Jumping Spider

time of year 6 , Episode 12 , " National Finals in Las Vegas , Part 1"The Jumping Spider regularly get out even the most accomplished ninjas year after year . Martin was able to do what no other woman had done in Vegas – in her greenhorn twelvemonth , no less . Although stuntwoman Luci Romberg had flap the obstruction in Japan many years in the beginning , for modernANWfans , this was a tremendous milepost for woman in the sport . Host Akbar ’s emotional chemical reaction was echoed around the country .

5. Brent Steffensen completes the Ultimate Cliffhanger

Season 4 , Las Vegas Finals ( degree 3)In the first time of year that Mount Midoriyama was build up in America , it looked like none of the ninjas would get to attempt Stage 3 . Only Brent was capable to , make out level 2 at the very last instant and moving on . Not only did he build , he surpass , and his completion of the Ultimate Cliffhanger was a young milestone for the Americans . This furnish a marvellous termination for the then - new revitalized show and insure that interview would desire to see more the next class .

4. Kevin Bull goes upside down to defeat Cannonball Alley

Season 6 , Venice City FinalsIt ’s severe to call back that Kevin was a walking - on when he complete one of the most amazing and iconic moves inANWhistory . After the novel and hard obstacle took out all 14 former athletes to make the attempt , it seemed like it might really be inconceivable to nail . get originative , Kevin grabbed the third ball with his feet , swing back and forth while upside down before flip over and safely landing on the other side .

3. Geoff Britten completes Stage 3 by the tips of his fingers

Season 7 , " Vegas Finals , Part 3"In a fantastic display of mind over body , Geoff Britten completed the Stage 3 line through sheer willpower and the tips of his fingerbreadth . On the Flying Bar , where many top contender had failed before , Geoff ’s suitcase tease on the very last bar , and he nearly fell . summons up the last of his strength , he somehow launched to the final political program and break down , bringing the Vegas crowd to their foot .

2. Kacy Catanzaro becomes the first woman to finish a City Finals course

Season 6 , Dallas City FinalsKacy broke down barriers for distaff athletes twice in one season . Despite being only 5 ft tall , she became the first char to discharge the 14 ft warped wall and progressed to the City Finals . What bechance next transformed the mutation and urge on million of women and new girls around the world . By make out the very difficult row , Catanzaro showed that there are no terminus ad quem to what you could accomplish , least of all height or gender , if you work hard and believe in yourself .

1. Isaac Caldiero and Geoff Britten are the “First American Ninja Warriors” – depending on who you ask

No other moment inAmerican Ninja Warriorhistory sparkle as much emotion as the Season 7 Vegas Finale . buff were angered and confused by the rule , rapt over Geoff and Isaac ’s accomplishments , and heartbroken with the all - or - nothing terminal outcome .

In a controversial finale that still divides buff nearly a yr later , Isaac and Geoff contend for the $ 1 million prize , which , ultimately , only one of them could pull ahead . Geoff climbed the 75 ft R-2 first and , remarkably , deal to do it under the 30 - second limit reach , earning him the title of " First American Ninja Warrior " in many multitude ’s eyes . Isaac followed and was able to beat Geoff ’s time by several secondment , get ahead the hard currency prize and make him the " First American Ninja Warrior " to many others .

american ninja warrior isaac caldiero