American Ninja Warrior Season 17, Episode 8 – Semifinals 2

Cayden Jones
Jul 21
2 min read

What We Know So Far

Semifinal contestants are drawn from the top 20 from the qualifiers.
We’ve confirmed the qualifiers who advanced into the Top 20, including names like Colton Skuster, Evan Lavallee, Colt Elder, Kaden Lebsack, Donovan Metoyer, Ashton Myler, Jonathan Godbout, David Campbell, Anabella Heinrichs, and others who cleared the course across Weeks 1 - 6

Course Format & Stakes

This episode featured the classic 10‑obstacle semifinal course, a format returning for the first time since Season 14 - designed to test speed, upper‑body strength, and course composure. Like Semifinals 1, completion of the course doesn’t guarantee advancement; judges take the fastest finishers to determine who moves on to the National Finals in Las Vegas.

Course Highlights & Key Failures

According to NBC Insider, the course was even tougher this week, incorporating nostalgic fan-favorites. Obstacles included iconic challenges from past seasons - though the specific lineup wasn’t fully disclosed in spoilers.

Notable eliminations: Several veterans and rookies peaked mid-course, buckling under the pressure. While full placement details weren’t released, the tone was: “high‑flying semifinalists battled an even tougher course as pressure builds” 
Top performers: A handful of elite ninjas powered through with blazing times. As with Episode 7, the story remains: the fastest advanced, rather than anyone who simply completed it unscathed.

NINJA WARRIOR TRAINING EQUIPMENT

1) Home Ninja Obstacle Course Line with Holds

2) Balance Obstacle - Slackline

3) Atomik Climbing Holds - Hanging Pipes

4) Atomik Climbing Holds - Hanging Balls

5) Ninja Warrior Chalk

6) Grip Strength Trainer

7) Obstacle Course/ Ninja Warrior Crash Pad

8) Zipline

Who Advanced?

While NBC Insider didn’t provide a full ranking, the structure mirrors Semifinals 1: fastest finishers overall earned spots to Vegas. From last week, this meant top performers from both genders based on time and depth of their runs.

Expect news in Episode 9 regarding the full list of advancing Ninjas.

Emotion & Highlights

High stakes fueled emotional highs and lows. Veteran underdogs pushed limits, while new faces made surprising leaps - continuing a trend from Semifinals 1.
The show spotlighted iconic obstacle runs, complete with nostalgic commentary about returning to roots.

What Comes Next?

Episode 9 (Finals Preview): Set in Las Vegas, upcoming episodes will tee up the full head‑to‑head, bracket-style Finals - new this season with 32 competitors racing directly.
Expect preview teasers of matchups and course variations tailored for direct ninja combat.

Final Take

Semifinals 2 ratcheted up the challenge, putting both competitors and viewers on edge. The extended course format tested more grit and stamina, narrowing the field to the elite fastest. With Nationals just around the corner, drama, heartbreak, and redemption loom large.