RECAP: American Ninja Warrior Season 17, Episode 9 (Semifinals 3)
- Cayden Jones
- Jul 29
- 3 min read
Las Vegas turned up the heat this week as American Ninja Warrior aired the final semifinal round of Season 17 in Episode 9. With a stacked lineup of rookies, fan favorites, and returning veterans, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. Only the fastest finishers would lock in their ticket to the National Finals, and every split second mattered.
Let’s break down all the action from a night full of buzzer hits, heartbreaking slips, and gravity-defying moments.
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The Course: 10 Obstacles Standing in the Way
This was no walk in the park - ninjas faced a full 10-obstacle course, testing endurance, precision, and raw strength. The setup included:
Quad Steps
Lunatic Ledges
Log Runner
Crank It Up
V Formation
Warped Wall
Salmon Ladder
Corkscrew
The Dungeon
Invisible Ladder
The pressure was on. Only those who finished fast enough, not just farthest would punch their ticket to the big stage.
Standout Performances: Who Showed Up and Showed Out?
Joe Moravsky - The “Weatherman” Doesn’t Disappoint
One of the most iconic ninjas in the show’s history, Joe Moravsky proved he’s still elite. With a jaw-dropping 35 career buzzer hits, he powered through nine obstacles before falling on the Invisible Ladder. Even without a buzzer this time, his pace could still earn him a spot in the Finals.
Abby Clark & Emily Gardiner - Women Rising
Zuri Hall highlighted the incredible female competitors this season, and they did not disappoint.
Abby Clark made it all the way to Corkscrew, showing grit and power. Though she fell, her fast time keeps her in the Finals conversation.
Emily Gardiner also brought the fight, making it past some early obstacles before Corkscrew ended her run.
Both proved that the women of ANW are forces to be reckoned with.
Surprise Moments & Rookie Heat
A few new names made waves this episode:
Matt D’Amico, a gym owner from Massachusetts, not only impressed the crowd but also finished the course - earning his first-ever trip to the Finals.
Ben Behrends (twin brother of Semifinal 2 standout Caleb Behrends) crushed it, completing all 10 obstacles in 4:16. He’s got the speed and the buzzers to back him up.
Luke Lowell‑Liszanckie, a promising rookie from Shelter Island, NY, fell just two obstacles short of finishing but made a name for himself on the big stage.
Not everyone had a dream run:
Sebastian Ramos made a strong showing before falling at Corkscrew.
Xavier “X” Dantzler, a ninja coach from Queens, had an unfortunate early fall on Log Runner.
Travis Nguyen and Ethan Gardulski both struggled to recover after mid-course fumbles.
And the Finalists Are…
Only six athletes managed to beat the entire course and earn automatic advancement. Their speed and stamina were nothing short of elite.
Ninja | Finish Time |
Jay Lewis | 3:54.99 |
Jackson Erdos | 4:01.20 |
Ben Behrends | 4:16.79 |
Noah Meunier | 4:23.09 |
Josiah Pippel | 4:31.01 |
Matt D’Amico | 5:17.25 |
These six are officially headed to the Season 17 National Finals, and with those blazing fast times, they’ve earned prime positions for the Head-to-Head Races.
Still Buzzing: Kai Beckstrand’s Epic Semifinals 2 Run
Although he ran in last week’s Semifinals 2, Kai Beckstrand is still the talk of the Ninja community. The 19-year-old phenom demolished the course, including Corkscrew, The Dungeon, and Invisible Ladder - and finished with the fastest time of the night. He's clearly one of the top contenders heading into the Finals.
Final Thoughts
Episode 9 wrapped up the Semifinals with a bang. Between Joe Moravsky’s consistency, Matt D’Amico’s rise, and Abby Clark’s grit, we’re seeing a wide-open race heading into Finals.
If this episode proved anything, it’s this: no buzzer is guaranteed, and one slip can send even the best tumbling. With the Finals right around the corner, the field is stacked, the clock is ticking - and we can’t wait to see who conquers Mount Midoriyama.
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