American Ninja Warrior Season 18 Confirmed: Here Are the Ninjas Who’ve Received the Call!
- Hayden Wilcox
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
American Ninja Warrior has officially been renewed for its 18th season, slated to film in Las Vegas this fall for a summer 2026 premiere on NBC, with episodes streaming on Peacock. Hosts Matt Iseman, Akbar Gbajabiamila, and sideline reporter Zuri Hall are all set to return as the action intensifies.
One of the most thrilling changes this year? A supersized three-lane racecourse, where three competitors will go head-to-head in a new “race course” round. The National Finals will continue its full racing format, and the champion will walk away with $250,000.
BUY NINJA WARRIOR TRAINING EQUIPMENT
8) Zipline
Ninja Warriors Confirmed (So Far)
Here’s the lineup of athletes you’ve seen reported or featured as confirmed so far. For many, this is their debut in the televised competition - but even still, they’ve already made waves in the Ninja community.
Jason Behrends: A standout from American Ninja Warrior Junior, Jason rose to fame in Season 17 when he became the shortest ninja ever to clear a city qualifying course and later complete a semifinals course, despite measuring just 4′ 11″. He earned the nickname Biggie Smalls and packs a strong presence in the Ninja world.
Kherington “KK” Andrews: At just 15, KK is already a decorated athlete in the Ninja scene and has competed in Season 17. A track & field athlete based in Texas, she trains with notable ninjas like Daniel Gil.
Megan Budway: A music teacher turned Ninja trainer, Megan debuted on Season 13 and has appeared on at least three additional seasons, including Season 17. She now works as a gym director and streams widely about fitness and ninja training.
Matt D’Amico
Jackson Erdos
Anabella Heinrichs
Zhanique Lovett
Colton Skuster
KK Andrews
Hayes Dyer
Avery Glantz
Zuri Harrison
Brendan Kelly
Peace Lopez
Nam Phan
Cohen Smith
Nick Warren
Enzo DeFerarri Wilson
Deren Perez
Weston Boswell
Ixchel Valentino
What Makes Season 18 Special
All-Star Hosts: Matt, Akbar, and Zuri return to guide both viewers and ninjas through every buzzer-beating moment.
Race Round Upgrade: The new three-lane racecourse ups the intensity - three ninjas go head-to-head in every heat.
$250K Prize: Continuing what started in Season 17, the grand prize remains $250,000 for the victor.
Casting Underway: Submit your application now - deadline was July 21, 2025—and filming is scheduled for this fall in Las Vegas.
Know someone on this list who hasn’t been officially confirmed yet? Drop a tip in the comments or check back here as casting updates are released!
LOCAL TO DFW AND NEED SOME EXPERT GUIDANCE OR LESSONS FROM TRAINERS WITH OVER 12 YEARS OF NINJA WARRIOR AND OBSTACLE COURSE EXPERIENCE? OUR TEAM HAS YOU COVERED!
BOOK NOW WITH AQILFITNESS TRAINING SOLUTIONS
Comments