American Ninja Warrior (ANW) ranks as one of the most prominent reality TV shows in the United States, preparing to premiere its 16th season on NBC this year. The victor of ANW secures a sizable cash reward, yet broadcasters frequently omit detailed explanations of the prize to the audience. Therefore, we have taken it upon ourselves to elaborate on the American Ninja Warrior prize money and clarify the amount the champion takes home.
Although the show has a considerable history starting from its inception in 2009, only a handful of individuals have managed to claim the prize. Last year, Vance Walker emerged victorious in American Ninja Warrior, winning a substantial sum. We also provide insights into the exact amount he earned for conquering the most challenging course.
How Much is the American Ninja Warrior Prize Money?
The American Ninja Warrior is a highly sought-after sports entertainment reality show, originating from the Japanese show Sasuke. It consists of a series of obstacle courses spread across numerous cities, with several competitors striving to complete them for the grand prize.
The champion of American Ninja Warrior, the individual who finishes all the courses in the shortest duration, wins a cash prize of $1,000,000 (USD$1 million). This is the primary prize money for which contestants compete throughout the season.
Since its 10th Season, American Ninja Warrior has also introduced a consolation prize of $100,000 for the participant who advances the farthest and fastest in the Finals course. Prior to this, if no contestants managed to complete the final challenge, the prize money remained unclaimed.
American Ninja Warrior Prize Pool Breakdown:
The American Ninja Warrior prize structure can be somewhat intricate, and the exact amount winners receive can vary each season. Interestingly, in the 15 completed seasons of the show, with the 16th set to commence in June 2024, only three individuals have successfully claimed the $1 million reward.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the American Ninja Warrior prize structure:
- American Ninja Warrior Champion: $1 Million
- Runner-Up: $0
- Third Place: $0
- ANW Last Ninja Standing: $100,000
- ANW Mega Wall Challenge Winner (Finals): $10,000
- ANW Regional Qualifiers Mega Wall Climber on First Attempt: $10,000
- ANW Mega Wall Climber on Second Attempt: $5,000
- ANW Mega Wall Climber on Third Attempt: $2,500
Moreover, American Ninja Warrior contestants who successfully navigate the regional qualifiers and progress to the Semi-Finals receive coverage for travel and hotel expenses along with a stipend of $750. Apart from these, ANW participants do not receive any payment solely for appearing on the show.
Note: Between Seasons 8 and 10, American Ninja Warrior introduced a rule that divided the $1 million prize money among contestants who completed the final challenge. However, this rule was discreetly revoked starting from Season 11.
American Ninja Warrior Prize Money Throughout the Years:
The prize money for American Ninja Warrior has seen significant growth over the years. The inaugural season of the American reality TV show offered no prize money to the winners, while the second season featured a reward of $250,000, which then increased to $500,000 by the third season.
Here is the detailed history of American Ninja Warrior prize money over the years:
| Season | Year | Winner’s Prize (Total Victory) | Last Ninja Standing Prize | Finals Venue | Cash Winner |
| 1 | 2009 | None | None | Japan | None |
| 2 | 2010 | $250,000 | None | Japan | None |
| 3 | 2011 | $500,000 | None | Japan | None |
| 4 | 2012 | $500,000 | None | Las Vegas | None |
| 5 | 2013 | $500,000 | None | Las Vegas | None |
| 6 | 2014 | $500,000 | None | Las Vegas | None |
| 7 | 2015 | $1,000,000 | None | Las Vegas | Isaac Caldiero |
| 8 | 2016 | $1,000,000 | None | Las Vegas | Not applicable |
| 9 | 2017 | $1,000,000 | None | Las Vegas | Not applicable |
| 10 | 2018 | $1,000,000 | $100,000 | Las Vegas | Not applicable |
| 11 | 2019 | $1,000,000 | $100,000 | Las Vegas | Drew Drechsel |
| 12 | 2020 | $100,000 | None | St. Louis | Not applicable |
| 13 | 2021 | $1,000,000 | $100,000 | Las Vegas | Not applicable |
| 14 | 2022 | $1,000,000 | $100,000 | Las Vegas | Not applicable |
| 15 | 2023 | $1,000,000 | $100,000 | Las Vegas | Vance Walker |
| 16 | 2024 | $1,000,000 | $100,000 | Las Vegas | To be announced |
In 2020, the American Ninja Warrior competition was filmed inside a contained studio in St. Louis rather than its usual venue in Las Vegas. Consequently, the prize money was reduced due to the lower difficulty level.
American Ninja Warrior Champions’ Payouts:
Throughout the 15-year tenure of American Ninja Warrior, only three individuals have managed to secure the $1 million grand prize. These victors include Isaac Caldiero, Drew Drechsel, and Vance Walker. Additionally, only two other men, Geoff Britten and Daniel Gil, have completed the final challenge and achieved ‘Total Victory.’
Britten ended Season 7 as the runner-up, losing to Isaac Caldiero and did not receive any prize money. This sparked a significant controversy which led to a rule change in American Ninja Warrior, allowing the prize money to be divided among all who completed the final challenge.
However, this rule was rescinded after Season 10 as the show reverted to its original format, where the fastest contestant to finish the final challenge wins the entire $1 million. Daniel Gil, another unfortunate competitor, finished second in Season 11 and did not win any money as Drew Drechsel emerged victorious. Nonetheless, he won the Power Tower Playoff in 2020 and earned $100,000.
1. Isaac Caldiero:
Isaac Caldiero is the pioneer in conquering ‘Mount Midoriyama’ and winning the substantial prize money. He navigated through all the obstacles in the Season 7 finale (2015) of American Ninja Warrior, becoming the first to claim the $1 million prize.
Caldiero, originally a busboy and professional rock climber from Orem, Utah, achieved fame after his victory in ANW Season 7, becoming a national celebrity. He also competed in Seasons 5, 6, and 10 but did not replicate his earlier success.
2. Drew Drechsel:
Drew Drechsel became the second individual to win the $1 million prize as he claimed victory in American Ninja Warrior Season 11 (2019). He also earned $100,000 for being named the ‘Last Ninja Standing,’ amounting to a total of $1.1 million.
Unfortunately, Drew Drechsel faced multiple child sex offense charges and has pleaded guilty to two felonies. This has irrevocably damaged his reputation, leading NBC to sever all connections with him and remove footage featuring Drechsel from all seasons he participated in.
3. Vance Walker:
Vance Walker is the most recent and youngest winner of the $1 million prize from American Ninja Warrior, securing his victory in Season 15 (2023). He also received $100,000 for being the ‘Last Ninja Standing’ and an additional $10,000 for conquering the 18.5-foot tall Mega Wall.
Walker, diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at 18 months, overcame the condition and secured a cumulative $1.11 million. Additionally, as a double champion of American Ninja Warrior Junior, he pocketed an extra $15,000 in awards.
Final Reflections:
American Ninja Warrior is set for another thrilling season this year, with numerous participants striving for the coveted $1 million prize. It’s grossly unfair that only the swiftest contestant who conquers the rigorous obstacle course receives the monetary reward.
Every individual who completes the formidable obstacle course should be assured a financial reward. Despite various appeals for NBC to introduce prizes for runner-ups, there has been no response. Given the immense success of the show, this should pose no issue for the broadcasters.
Hopefully, adjustments are made to benefit the dedicated athletes who pour their hearts into training for the exhilarating reality show. What are your thoughts? Share them in the comments.
Common Inquiries:
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about the American Ninja Warrior prize money:
How much do you earn for participating in American Ninja Warrior?:
American Ninja Warrior does not offer a fixed payment for appearing on the reality TV program. The sole $1 million prize is awarded to the contestant who completes the entire obstacle course, including the ‘Final Climb,’ in the quickest time. There are also some smaller awards, such as $100,000 for ‘Last Ninja Standing’ and $10,000 for conquering the ‘Mega Wall.’
Does American Ninja Warrior provide rewards for runner-ups?:
No, runner-ups do not receive any monetary rewards in American Ninja Warrior; only the individual who conquers the entire obstacle course or season claims the $1 million cash prize. Geoff Britten and Daniel Gil are two unfortunate runner-ups who didn’t receive any prize money despite completing the final challenge.
Has anyone secured the $1 million prize on American Ninja Warrior?:
In the 15-year history of American Ninja Warrior, only three participants have won the $1 million reward. Isaac Caldiero emerged as the first winner of the substantial prize after completing the obstacle course in 2015. Drew Drechsel (2019) and Vance Walker (2023) are the other two contestants who have achieved the $1 million victory.
What is the reward for winning American Ninja Warrior Junior?:
American Ninja Warrior Junior offers $15,000 for the champion, $7,500 for the runner-up, and $5,000 for the third-place finisher.
Has anyone claimed victory on American Ninja Warrior multiple times?:
No one has claimed the American Ninja Warrior championship more than once, and only three men have obtained the $1 million prize in the 15-year history of the show. However, several men have reached the Finals and even Stage 4 multiple times.