RECAP: American Ninja Warrior Season 17 - Episode 5: Qualifiers 5
- AqilFitness
- Jul 1
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 2
🎯 Episode Overview
Season 17 picks up the intensity in Las Vegas as Qualifiers 5 unfolds. Following the same six-obstacle format with a Mega Wall challenge at the end, this week features Quad Steps, Fly Wheels, Log Runner, Spin Cycle, Ferris Wheel, and the Warped Wall. Classic obstacles have made a triumphant return this season, celebrating ANW’s nostalgic roots.
NINJA WARRIOR TRAINING EQUIPMENT
8) Zipline
🏅 Standout Performances & Highlights
Kai Beckstrand stole the spotlight with a blistering run. Not only did he best his brother Luke’s time by roughly two seconds, but he also conquered the Mega Wall - and pocketed the $10,000 bonus - crediting the funds from last season toward upgrading his home gym.
Luke Beckstrand, though finishing slightly behind Kai, still secured a spot among the top 20 to advance.
Additional ninjas who successfully completed the course and punched their ticket to the semifinals include:
Sean Bryan (0:56.55)
Hans Hertz (1:11.59)
Evan White (1:16.65)
Max Feinberg (1:22.19)
Alex Nye (1:44.81)
Andreas Johnson (1:59.79)
Carter Ray (1:59.81)
Taylor Greene (2:29.31)
Nicholas Coolridge (3:04.43)
Brian Kretsch (3:21.64)
Mady Howard (3:32.95)
Zhanique Lovett (3:58.76)
Davyon Hancox – stopped on Ferris Wheel (1:11.84)
Brittney Durant – Ferris Wheel (1:22.05)
Glenn Davis – Ferris Wheel (1:39.09)
Landon Nagao – Ferris Wheel (1:51.73)
Clayton Reeves – Ferris Wheel (1:53.12)
Daniella Blanchard – log runner (0:30.48)
Arnold Hernandez – Ferris Wheel (times above)
Ninja Warrior Training/ Lessons in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX with AqilFitness: https://www.aqilfitnesstrainingsolutions.com/sign-up
🔄 Tactical Twists & Course Dynamics
The return of classic obstacles like Quad Steps, Log Runner, and Ferris Wheel brings back the old-school challenge that both veterans and newcomers love
Split-second decisions come into play again with the Mega Wall: Those who beat the clock gain a second shot at conquering it - just like Kai did.
Hosts Matt Iseman and Akbar Gbaja-Biamila continue highlighting upsets and redemptions:
“This season is really looking at the future of Ninja but also celebrating the past… we saw some upsets that you never would've predicted… and redemptions that just made your heart swell.”
🧭 Cultural & Inspirational Vibe
This season’s unique structure combines modern competition with nostalgic reverence. As host Akbar Gbaja‑Biamila explains, ANW is evolving into a community and sport that transcends television—a pathway to future platforms like the 2028 modern pentathlon.
This ethos resonates with contestants like Daniel Gil, who emphasized the series' communal energy:
“You can really feel the energy while watching the show. I think that's part of the draw…”
🚀 Looking Ahead
With the top 20 (plus our standout women) earned their spots, the semifinals are next - but not before we get more jaw‑dropping runs, mechanical surprises, and emotional comebacks. The bracket-style format looming later in the season means every millisecond holds weight.
📝 Episode 5 Recap Summary
What worked:
The return of fan-favorite obstacles added strategic throwback flavor.
Standout athletes like Kai turned potential into explosive performance.
Emotional and unexpected moments kept the audience invested.
What to watch for:
Who will top the growing leaderboard as qualifiers wrap up?
How will newcomers fare as the field tightens?
Can the momentum carry through to the semifinals?
🎥 Where to Watch
If you missed a replay, catch Episode 5 now on Peacock or revisit the highlights on NBC’s platforms. With the semifinals on the horizon, it’s shaping up to be a wild, transformative ride for Season 17.
Komentari