PREVIEW: American Ninja Warrior Season 17, Episode 9, titled “Semifinals 3”
- AqilFitness
- Jul 28
- 3 min read
What to Expect Tonight
Episode title: Semifinals 3 - this episode wraps up the Las Vegas semifinal round with one of the longest, most demanding 10-obstacle courses of the season.
The ninjas will face a lineup of 10 iconic obstacles drawn from past seasons - a celebratory nod to ANW history. Only the fastest 20 competitors from this round will advance to the National Finals, which now feature head-to-head bracket races, replacing the traditional multi-stage Finals format.
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Key Storylines & Contenders
Taylor Greene, who recently snagged her first buzzer this season and shared friendly rivalry vibes with Addy Herman, could be poised for a breakout performance as the field narrows.
Veteran competitors and new challengers alike will confront a brutal reversal of speed versus precision: those who are fast and fluid may dominate, while even tiny mistakes could result in elimination.
Brace for surprising upsets - as teased in the promotional preview, not every favored name makes it through. Expect emotional saves, inspiring perseverance, and inevitable heartbreak on the warped wall and beyond.
Why Semifinals 3 Matters
This is the final cutoff before Nationals. Success here is non‑negotiable for any athlete dreaming of the title.
The course revisits familiar yet fearsome obstacles, so adaptation and muscle memory will be key - combined with race‑pace stamina, since time determines advancement
With several women already making history this season - such as Caitlyn Bergstrom‑Wright and Baylee Beckstrand scaling the warped wall in Vegas semifinals - this episode is another showcase of gender diversity at the top levels.
Predicted Obstacles & Athlete Matchups
Expect some or all of the following signature obstacles (based on past Semifinal runs and retrospectives):
Salmon Ladder, Salmon Ladder variations, Chain Swing, Spider Trap, Warped Wall, Ultimate Cliffhanger, Pizza Party, Road Signs, Falling Shelves – each one testing grip strength, coordination, and nerve.
Top ninjas likely to draw attention:
Isaiah Thomas – previously a Mega Wall winner and strong contender this season.
Colton Skuster, Caleb Bergstrom, Josiah Pippel, Jackson Erdos – all previous qualifier leaders with consistent performance through qualifies and semis.
Addy Herman, Caitlyn Bergstrom‑Wright, Baylee Beckstrand, Taylor Greene - strong female presence continuing to break ceilings this season.
What Fans Will Love
Flashbacks & nostalgia: Iconic obstacles, memorable fan-favorite challenges and past moments revisited in tonight’s lineup.
Head-to-head stakes: Each run matters. Falsifying on one obstacle means you're out - and time matters to advance.
Human moments: Emotional triumphs, aspirational stories, and dramatic eliminations abound, as preview teasers suggest.
Viewing Tips & What to Watch For
What to Look For | Why It Matters |
Fastest completion times | Only top 20 advance to Nationals |
Grace under pressure | Time-based format punishes hesitation |
Return of veteran ninjas | Legend runs against rising stars |
Unexpected fallers or upsets | Adds drama and reshapes expected rankings |
Female competitors’ performances | Continued strong showing and milestone moments |
Notice who might reach or scale the Mega Wall timing threshold, if the course includes it (though uncommon in Semis).
Pay attention to run-off strategies: some ninjas pace themselves early, others sprint fast - and balance can make or break advancement.
Episode Timing
Premiere: Tonight, July 28, 2025
Airs: Typically at 8/7c on NBC, also available to stream on Peacock
Final Take
Episode 9 marks a defining chapter in Semifinals 3 - the last big hurdle before the action shifts to the head-to-head bracket-style Nationals. Fans can expect a high-stakes blend of lightning-fast timings, nail-biting falls, and inspirational performances. With legends returning, rookies rising, and women smashing barriers, it’s poised to be one of the most thrilling ANW nights yet.
Don’t miss it - or bookmark this spot and come back after tonight if you want a breakdown of standout runs, shocks, and who has what it takes for the final bracket battles.
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