After its premiere in 2009, “American Ninja Warrior” gave many something new to strive for: ninja warrior. Ninja gyms sprung up all over the country. More people sought to be the strongest, fastest, and have the highest endurance. The $1 million prize money given to winners of “American Ninja Warrior” was also a nice motivator.
But, after 16 seasons of watching competitors complete obstacles, producers felt it was time to revamp “American Ninja Warrior.” The obstacles remained, but there would be no more iconic Rope Climb. Beginning with Season 17, the format changed, and the prize money awarded shifted from $1 million to $250,000.
ANW Season 17’s Focus on Speed Courses May Have Contributed to Lower Prize
Beginning with Season 17, “American Ninja Warrior” began awarding $250,000 to the competitor who bests the rest of the contestants in the championship round. There would be no more Mount Midoriyama, the name given to the Las Vegas Finals that included the iconic Rope Climb. Instead, the competitors would have head-to-head races. Strength and endurance were still essential, but speed would be the deciding factor in advancing.
An email was sent from “The ANW Team” to those who had applied to be part of Season 17, informing them of the new changes.
According to the letter, changes included “iconic obstacles” and “fan favorite ninjas from the past.” There would now be “three rounds of competition” and “speed courses” instead of stages and Mt. Midoriyama. But most crucial, the prize would now be $250,000.
According to the letter (via realityblurred.com), the lesser amount was due to the change from a series of more difficult obstacle stages to a focus on beating fellow contestants’ speeds.
“The future of ninja is speed courses, be it in the Olympics, or local competitions, so for this season we’re adapting our National Finals,” the letter read.
“There will be no Stages 1, 2, and 3, nor the rope climb on Stage 4,” it continued. “Instead, those who advance will compete on a series of side-by-side racecourses featuring memorable obstacles from the show’s history.”
The Evolution of ‘American Ninja Warrior’ Prize Winners
There has been a notable disappointment from fans about the lower cash prize. But, it’s unsurprising that producers may be trying to keep the show entertaining while also keeping it financially successful.
For the first six seasons, there were no winners of “American Ninja Warrior” who received the $1 million prize. It wasn’t until Season 7 that the first winner was crowned, when Isaac Caldiero won. Four seasons later, Drew Dreschel won in Season 11. But when Vance Walker won two seasons in a row, in both Season 15 and 16, changing the prize money may have been a necessary cost-saving decision to keep the show viable.
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