The Ultimate Ninja Athlete Association (UNAA) is bringing the heat once again with the World Finals Season 11 - and this one’s shaping up to be a record-breaker. For competitors, gym owners, and obstacle-course enthusiasts, this event represents the pinnacle of the ninja world. It’s where the best meet the best, where families gather to cheer, and where new stars are born.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about the upcoming finals - and why it matters for athletes and gyms right here in Texas.

The Basics: When and Where

The UNAA World Finals Season 11 will take place from July 11 to 16, 2026, hosted at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. It’s a massive venue, packed with energy, spectators, and an atmosphere that feels more like a festival than just a competition.

Most of the action happens between July 14-16, when athletes hit the floor for the main finals competition. The event fills the Giant Expo Hall, while side events like Ultimate OCR and Warriors on a Mission unfold across different halls. It’s a full week of ninja celebration - the kind of event athletes train all year for.

What’s New This Year

Season 11 brings some exciting format updates to keep things competitive but fair for everyone:

• Two guaranteed preliminary runs for every athlete, giving them more chances to shine and secure a strong placement.

• From prelims, the Top 15 or 30 percent (whichever is greater) move on to the Main Event Finals.

• For kids, the format splits into Elite and Amateur classes after the prelims. The top performers move into the Elite division, while the next tier enters the Amateur class - creating fair competition for all skill levels.

And while cash prizes go to the Elite competitors, all kids who make the top 10 in their class earn medals and recognition. It’s not just about the money - it’s about achievement, confidence, and community.

Big Money, Big Motivation

The UNAA continues to raise the bar when it comes to athlete rewards. Over the years, they’ve distributed more than $320,000 in cash payouts and awards to competitors across UNAA, WNAG, and Ultimate OCR events. It’s the largest prize pool in the industry, which shows just how far ninja sports have come.

This financial support fuels passion, drives innovation, and helps more gyms invest in high-quality equipment, training, and athlete development. Whether you’re a competitor or a coach, that growth benefits everyone in the community.

Why It Matters for Gyms and Athletes

If you run a ninja training program or you’re an athlete preparing for competition, these finals set the standard for what’s next. Here’s why:

1. You Get a Blueprint for Course Design

The finals showcase the best of the best - obstacles, transitions, flow, and creativity. Watching how the course is structured can help local gyms, like ours in DFW, design layouts that push athletes while keeping things fun and safe.

2. More Opportunity for Athletes

The two-run system is huge. It gives every competitor a second chance, reduces nerves, and encourages more participation. For parents of younger athletes, this means their kids get more experience and more reasons to stay motivated.

3. Marketing Power for Local Gyms

Use this event in your promotions. “Train for the same finals as the pros” sounds powerful - because it’s true. Hosting UNAA-style courses and following similar competition formats builds credibility and helps attract serious athletes and families.

4. Youth Development and Pathway

The Elite/Amateur class system is a brilliant move. It gives every young athlete a clear path - start where you are, train hard, and earn your way up. It also lets gyms structure classes around skill levels, creating more personalized progressions.

5. Community, Travel, and Family Fun

The finals are more than just a contest; they’re a full-blown event. Families travel, athletes connect, and friendships form that last long after the medals are awarded. For DFW gyms, it’s an inspiring example of how obstacle sports bring people together - whether in a massive arena or a backyard training setup.

Takeaways for Gym Owners and Coaches

If you’re in the fitness or obstacle-course world, here’s how to use the UNAA Finals as inspiration for your own programs:

• Structure your programs around the UNAA pathway. Offer qualifiers, mock competitions, and local events that mimic the official progression from Area → Regional → Finals.

• Promote your programs as “UNAA-style training.” Parents love seeing a clear connection between your classes and national-level events.

• Host viewing parties or recap nights after the Finals to show your community what top athletes are doing — then break down how to train for those same obstacles.

• Offer two-run training events at your gym to give athletes experience with the Finals format.

• Update your obstacle setup each season to match what’s trending in the sport. That keeps your gym relevant and exciting.

The UNAA World Finals Season 11 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting events yet - a celebration of strength, skill, and community that continues to elevate ninja sports worldwide.

For local gyms, trainers, and families, it’s a reminder that the dream is reachable. The kids and adults training today could very well be on that finals stage next year. And that’s exactly the kind of energy we want to bring to every training session - passion, perseverance, and the mindset of a true ninja athlete.

If you’re training or coaching in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, this is your chance to get ahead. Start prepping now, build your confidence, and train like you’re headed for the Finals. Because one day, you might be.

Relevant Articles:

2025 Texas UNAA Area Qualifier Events (Season 11)

Ultimate OCR 3K

Ready to take your ninja-training to the next level? Join the AFTS Team in Grand Prairie and the Dallas Fort Worth area in Texas - where serious athletes and driven beginners train side by side in a supportive, high-energy environment.

👉 Your next step: Drop in for a free trial session this week. Don’t just train. Train like you’re headed to the finals. DM us or call now to reserve your spot!