1 00:00:05,805 --> 00:00:08,975 - Tonight, we're off to the races here in Las Vegas 2 00:00:09,009 --> 00:00:10,910 as some of our best go head-to-head 3 00:00:10,944 --> 00:00:14,347 in the national finals of "American Ninja Warrior." 4 00:00:14,381 --> 00:00:15,815 Hello, everyone, and thanks for joining us. 5 00:00:15,849 --> 00:00:18,184 I'm Matt Iseman. - And I'm Akbar Gbajabiamila. 6 00:00:18,218 --> 00:00:20,553 Matt, this is gonna be intense. 7 00:00:20,587 --> 00:00:23,490 We've got 26 of the best ninjas in the world 8 00:00:23,523 --> 00:00:25,091 about to go head-to-head. 9 00:00:25,125 --> 00:00:26,359 Get your popcorn ready. 10 00:00:26,393 --> 00:00:27,794 - You know it, big man. 11 00:00:27,827 --> 00:00:30,663 Those who win tonight will move on to face Stage 3 12 00:00:30,697 --> 00:00:34,167 and keep their hopes of winning the million dollars alive. 13 00:00:34,200 --> 00:00:37,203 For a preview of the big night, let's go down to Zuri Hall. 14 00:00:37,237 --> 00:00:39,973 - Yeah, guys. This is gonna be exciting. 15 00:00:40,006 --> 00:00:42,542 Our ninjas are gonna do some side-by-side racing 16 00:00:42,575 --> 00:00:45,278 on Stage 2, and they'll have to get through six obstacles 17 00:00:45,311 --> 00:00:46,913 to reach that buzzer. 18 00:00:46,946 --> 00:00:50,583 It starts with a dash across the Striding Steps 19 00:00:50,617 --> 00:00:53,353 and a swing up to the second obstacle, 20 00:00:53,386 --> 00:00:54,921 the Double Salmon Ladder. 21 00:00:54,954 --> 00:00:58,358 Then they'll try to slam the bar inside the steel traps 22 00:00:58,391 --> 00:01:00,226 on Jawbreakers. 23 00:01:00,260 --> 00:01:04,097 That's followed by a big jump onto the Swing Surfer 24 00:01:04,130 --> 00:01:06,299 and a climb up to the fifth obstacle, 25 00:01:06,332 --> 00:01:07,801 Epic Air Surfer, 26 00:01:07,834 --> 00:01:11,104 where ninjas must land the board on the pads. 27 00:01:11,137 --> 00:01:13,473 Finally, it's the Falling Shelves, 28 00:01:13,506 --> 00:01:17,077 with that difficult blind grab on the final shelf. 29 00:01:17,077 --> 00:01:19,579 Win your race, and you're moving on. 30 00:01:19,612 --> 00:01:20,747 [buzzer blares] 31 00:01:20,780 --> 00:01:23,583 And if you lose, you've still got a chance. 32 00:01:23,616 --> 00:01:26,286 The top four non-winners will race each other 33 00:01:26,319 --> 00:01:28,655 to earn the final spots on Stage 3. 34 00:01:28,688 --> 00:01:30,423 Guys. - Yeah, that's right. 35 00:01:30,457 --> 00:01:33,259 - This field includes some "Ninja" legends, 36 00:01:33,293 --> 00:01:35,628 like The Weatherman, Joe Moravsky. 37 00:01:35,662 --> 00:01:38,565 And from Texas, it's the Kingdom Ninja, 38 00:01:38,598 --> 00:01:40,100 Daniel Gil. 39 00:01:40,100 --> 00:01:42,569 Plus, check out these matchups. 40 00:01:42,602 --> 00:01:44,704 Two of the best young ninjas face off 41 00:01:44,738 --> 00:01:46,873 as The Flyboy, Isaiah Thomas, 42 00:01:46,906 --> 00:01:49,342 takes on The Boss, Elijah Browning. 43 00:01:49,376 --> 00:01:52,479 And our reigning champion, Vance Walker, 44 00:01:52,512 --> 00:01:55,215 goes up against one of the all-time greats, 45 00:01:55,248 --> 00:01:57,150 Flip Rodriguez. 46 00:01:57,183 --> 00:01:58,785 We're gonna kick it off with a couple of athletes 47 00:01:58,818 --> 00:02:01,354 with a more than 20-year age difference. 48 00:02:01,388 --> 00:02:03,390 It's our oldest remaining competitor, 49 00:02:03,423 --> 00:02:06,926 39-year-old Sean Bryan, the Papal Ninja. 50 00:02:06,960 --> 00:02:08,928 The Catholic church worker will have to outrun 51 00:02:08,962 --> 00:02:11,398 one of the fastest ninjas on the planet, 52 00:02:11,431 --> 00:02:14,367 18-year-old Kai Beckstrand, who'll be the favorite. 53 00:02:14,401 --> 00:02:15,802 But both these guys know 54 00:02:15,835 --> 00:02:18,071 anything can happen on Stage 2. 55 00:02:18,071 --> 00:02:19,339 [upbeat music] 56 00:02:19,372 --> 00:02:21,508 - Last time I was on Stage 2, 57 00:02:21,541 --> 00:02:23,443 I went out early when I slipped 58 00:02:23,476 --> 00:02:25,145 all the way off the rope on obstacle one. 59 00:02:25,178 --> 00:02:27,147 - Let's go, Kai Beckstrand. 60 00:02:27,180 --> 00:02:29,482 * * 61 00:02:29,516 --> 00:02:32,085 - Oh! - No! 62 00:02:32,085 --> 00:02:34,954 - Just slides down the rope. 63 00:02:34,988 --> 00:02:37,190 - I really didn't get to show what I was capable of. 64 00:02:37,223 --> 00:02:39,626 And I'm super determined going into this Stage 2 run, 65 00:02:39,659 --> 00:02:40,994 so I'm ready to take it all the way. 66 00:02:41,094 --> 00:02:42,729 * * 67 00:02:42,762 --> 00:02:44,798 - Back in season 13, I fell on Stage 2. 68 00:02:44,831 --> 00:02:46,866 - All right. Here we go. 69 00:02:46,900 --> 00:02:48,335 Oh! [air horn blares] 70 00:02:48,368 --> 00:02:50,103 Just missed it. 71 00:02:50,103 --> 00:02:52,405 - It was heartbreaking, so it feels so good to be back. 72 00:02:53,540 --> 00:02:56,309 - Sean Bryan coming up big. 73 00:02:56,343 --> 00:03:00,780 The Papal Ninja in Sin City going back to Stage 2. 74 00:03:00,814 --> 00:03:02,115 - Welcome back. 75 00:03:02,148 --> 00:03:03,650 - This year, coming into Stage 2, 76 00:03:03,683 --> 00:03:05,819 I'm coming in with a lot of confidence, 77 00:03:05,852 --> 00:03:07,620 not only because I've cleared it twice before... 78 00:03:07,654 --> 00:03:09,556 - Divine intervention! 79 00:03:09,589 --> 00:03:12,859 [buzzer blares] He's going back to Stage 3! 80 00:03:12,892 --> 00:03:15,061 - But because I've been training my butt off. 81 00:03:15,061 --> 00:03:18,198 * * 82 00:03:18,231 --> 00:03:20,300 I'm racing Kai Beckstrand, and he's known to be 83 00:03:20,333 --> 00:03:21,701 the fastest ninja in the world. 84 00:03:21,735 --> 00:03:23,536 So I think I might be the dark horse here. 85 00:03:23,570 --> 00:03:27,207 - Kai Beckstrand with the fastest time 86 00:03:27,240 --> 00:03:29,876 we've seen on the course. 87 00:03:29,909 --> 00:03:31,277 - Kai, you're gonna push me to do my best, 88 00:03:31,311 --> 00:03:32,746 and you better watch out. 89 00:03:35,548 --> 00:03:37,417 [cheers and applause] 90 00:03:37,450 --> 00:03:40,186 - Sean Bryan's always got a crew on his sideline, 91 00:03:40,220 --> 00:03:42,389 including his parents. 92 00:03:42,422 --> 00:03:45,458 Kai Beckstrand comes from that big Ninja family. 93 00:03:45,492 --> 00:03:48,161 His parents compete, and so does his brother Luke, 94 00:03:48,194 --> 00:03:49,396 who runs next. 95 00:03:49,429 --> 00:03:51,297 The Beckstrands are making history 96 00:03:51,331 --> 00:03:54,367 as the first brothers to reach Stage 2 together. 97 00:03:54,401 --> 00:03:56,302 Kai Beckstrand is one of the favorites 98 00:03:56,336 --> 00:03:58,004 to win the million dollars. 99 00:03:58,104 --> 00:04:00,607 Sean Bryan's more than double Kai's age. 100 00:04:00,640 --> 00:04:03,276 He's gonna need a flawless run to win this one. 101 00:04:03,309 --> 00:04:06,746 [countdown clock beeping] 102 00:04:06,780 --> 00:04:09,315 We're off and running on Stage 2. 103 00:04:09,349 --> 00:04:12,585 Kai Beckstrand handles the rope cleanly this time. 104 00:04:12,619 --> 00:04:14,054 - Oh, boy. You know, Sean Bryan 105 00:04:14,054 --> 00:04:15,722 can work the Salmon Ladder. - Wow. 106 00:04:15,755 --> 00:04:18,291 Sean Bryan, a machine gun. 107 00:04:18,324 --> 00:04:20,393 Will they link it on Jawbreakers? 108 00:04:20,427 --> 00:04:24,597 We saw some good ninjas fall on this obstacle last year. 109 00:04:24,631 --> 00:04:26,566 Oh, my! Oh, my! - Look at Sean! 110 00:04:26,599 --> 00:04:29,269 - Holding on! - Okay, Sean! 111 00:04:29,302 --> 00:04:31,204 - Sean Bryan, first off. 112 00:04:31,237 --> 00:04:33,707 - Sean's like, you better respect your elder. 113 00:04:33,740 --> 00:04:36,176 - And he goes for the rope on the first swing. 114 00:04:36,209 --> 00:04:38,712 Sean Bryan's taking chances to try and beat 115 00:04:38,745 --> 00:04:40,347 the speedy Kai Beckstrand. 116 00:04:40,380 --> 00:04:42,549 Watch him on the Epic Air Surfer. 117 00:04:42,582 --> 00:04:43,683 - And here comes Kai. 118 00:04:43,717 --> 00:04:45,719 - What a race. Neck and neck. 119 00:04:45,752 --> 00:04:47,220 - Oh, my goodness. 120 00:04:47,253 --> 00:04:49,189 - Sean Bryan does have the edge 121 00:04:49,222 --> 00:04:51,391 in the event of a fall. 122 00:04:51,424 --> 00:04:54,094 Oh, a great shot. Kai pulling ahead! 123 00:04:54,094 --> 00:04:56,096 - Wow, here comes Kai with the big move. 124 00:04:56,096 --> 00:04:57,097 Be careful. 125 00:04:57,097 --> 00:04:58,264 - Watch this dismount. 126 00:04:58,298 --> 00:04:59,699 - And now Kai's ahead! 127 00:04:59,733 --> 00:05:00,767 Holy moly. 128 00:05:00,800 --> 00:05:03,036 - Right into the Falling Shelves. 129 00:05:03,036 --> 00:05:04,037 - Oh, boy. 130 00:05:04,037 --> 00:05:06,206 - Kai Beckstrand, what a beast. 131 00:05:06,239 --> 00:05:08,708 - Sean Bryan doesn't have a prayer to get in this one. 132 00:05:09,676 --> 00:05:11,444 - Just needs the dismount. 133 00:05:11,478 --> 00:05:14,748 And Kai, for the first time in his career, 134 00:05:14,781 --> 00:05:16,783 will be going to Stage 3. 135 00:05:16,816 --> 00:05:18,685 This has been a blistering pace. 136 00:05:18,718 --> 00:05:20,387 If Sean Bryan gets a buzzer, 137 00:05:20,420 --> 00:05:22,922 he could be one of our fastest non-winners 138 00:05:22,956 --> 00:05:24,591 and go to a runoff race. 139 00:05:24,624 --> 00:05:26,793 He's fallen on this obstacle before. 140 00:05:26,826 --> 00:05:28,128 Oh! Oh, my goodness! 141 00:05:28,161 --> 00:05:29,329 What a save! 142 00:05:29,362 --> 00:05:30,663 What the what? - What a recovery! 143 00:05:30,697 --> 00:05:31,664 - Oh, my goodness! 144 00:05:31,698 --> 00:05:33,066 - Sean Bryan! 145 00:05:33,099 --> 00:05:36,603 I think he had a helping hand from up above. 146 00:05:36,636 --> 00:05:38,438 Man, what a save! 147 00:05:38,471 --> 00:05:40,540 And with his fast time, he could be 148 00:05:40,573 --> 00:05:44,110 in one of our runoff races among the top non-winners. 149 00:05:44,144 --> 00:05:46,880 So the Papal Ninja could still move on. 150 00:05:46,913 --> 00:05:48,114 - Good job! 151 00:05:48,148 --> 00:05:50,283 - Sean Bryan came out taking chances, 152 00:05:50,316 --> 00:05:52,852 and he had the lead with two obstacles left. 153 00:05:52,886 --> 00:05:55,488 But that's where Kai Beckstrand turned it on, 154 00:05:55,522 --> 00:05:57,924 linking moves on Epic Air Surfer 155 00:05:57,957 --> 00:06:00,293 and going right into the Falling Shelves. 156 00:06:00,326 --> 00:06:03,029 He's going to Stage 3. 157 00:06:03,029 --> 00:06:06,800 Now Kai's little brother Luke will get his shot at Stage 2. 158 00:06:06,833 --> 00:06:08,835 But he's facing a big challenge. 159 00:06:08,868 --> 00:06:12,038 He's going against Florida's Nacssa Garemore, 160 00:06:12,072 --> 00:06:15,175 the phenom who made it to Stage 4 last season. 161 00:06:15,208 --> 00:06:17,143 Both these guys are just 16, 162 00:06:17,177 --> 00:06:19,446 but Nacssa has more experience. 163 00:06:19,479 --> 00:06:22,148 - Hey, Luke's trying to get a piggyback ride. 164 00:06:22,182 --> 00:06:24,117 - Well, Luke knows all about piggies 165 00:06:24,150 --> 00:06:25,518 and other farm animals. 166 00:06:25,552 --> 00:06:27,320 He works with them back in Utah. 167 00:06:27,354 --> 00:06:28,688 [animals clamoring] 168 00:06:28,722 --> 00:06:31,091 [country rock music] 169 00:06:31,124 --> 00:06:33,760 - 4-H is a farm animal organization, 170 00:06:33,793 --> 00:06:37,764 and I've been showing my animal in 4-H for four years now. 171 00:06:37,797 --> 00:06:40,467 * * 172 00:06:40,500 --> 00:06:43,069 To take care of the sheep, it is a lot of work. 173 00:06:43,103 --> 00:06:44,804 [sheep bleating] 174 00:06:44,838 --> 00:06:47,707 My responsibilities consist of training it, 175 00:06:47,741 --> 00:06:49,743 walking it, and getting it strong. 176 00:06:49,776 --> 00:06:52,746 * * 177 00:06:52,779 --> 00:06:54,280 - Feel it. Feel it. 178 00:06:54,314 --> 00:06:55,482 - Wow! - Nice! 179 00:06:55,515 --> 00:06:57,884 Luke's going to Stage 2! 180 00:06:57,917 --> 00:06:58,885 [buzzer blares] 181 00:06:58,918 --> 00:07:01,788 He just smashed this course. 182 00:07:01,821 --> 00:07:05,058 - And tonight's run's gonna be a blue ribbon performance. 183 00:07:05,091 --> 00:07:07,694 [sheep bleating] 184 00:07:07,727 --> 00:07:09,295 [animals clamoring] 185 00:07:09,329 --> 00:07:11,031 - Kai's now over on the sideline. 186 00:07:11,064 --> 00:07:12,565 He just hit a buzzer. 187 00:07:12,599 --> 00:07:14,401 Can his brother do the same? 188 00:07:14,434 --> 00:07:16,903 This is a big deal for their parents. 189 00:07:16,936 --> 00:07:19,639 They could have two kids on Stage 3. 190 00:07:19,673 --> 00:07:21,541 - Luke is a 16 seed. 191 00:07:21,574 --> 00:07:23,643 He'll have his hands full going against Nacssa, 192 00:07:23,677 --> 00:07:27,647 who's an 11 and has never fallen on a "Ninja" course. 193 00:07:27,681 --> 00:07:30,050 His mom's on the sideline, 194 00:07:30,050 --> 00:07:31,384 the rest of his family watching 195 00:07:31,418 --> 00:07:33,319 back in Florida. 196 00:07:33,353 --> 00:07:34,788 [cheering] 197 00:07:34,821 --> 00:07:37,791 [countdown clock beeping] 198 00:07:37,824 --> 00:07:39,392 - All right. Here we go. 199 00:07:39,426 --> 00:07:42,062 - Well, Luke's got to know how fast Nacssa is, 200 00:07:42,062 --> 00:07:45,065 and he's got the pedal to the metal, big man. 201 00:07:45,065 --> 00:07:46,966 - Now, we know the Beckstrands can go fast. 202 00:07:47,067 --> 00:07:48,535 Luke trains with his brother. 203 00:07:48,568 --> 00:07:51,771 His brother did it in about a minute and six seconds. 204 00:07:51,805 --> 00:07:53,173 - Well, let's see, can they link it 205 00:07:53,206 --> 00:07:54,541 here on Jawbreakers? 206 00:07:54,574 --> 00:07:56,543 Nacssa looking pretty fluid. 207 00:07:56,576 --> 00:07:57,877 Here comes Luke. What a race! 208 00:07:57,911 --> 00:07:59,112 - Hey, Matt, there's something nerve-racking 209 00:07:59,145 --> 00:08:01,147 when you see a ninja side by side. 210 00:08:02,248 --> 00:08:04,551 - Dead even! - Oh, my goodness. 211 00:08:04,584 --> 00:08:06,219 Oh! - Wow. 212 00:08:06,252 --> 00:08:08,822 - This is what you come to Stage 2 for. 213 00:08:08,855 --> 00:08:11,691 - Luke Beckstrand giving Nacssa all he can handle. 214 00:08:11,725 --> 00:08:13,460 This is synchronized. 215 00:08:13,493 --> 00:08:14,627 And this is big. 216 00:08:14,661 --> 00:08:16,162 Who gets there first? - Nice. 217 00:08:16,196 --> 00:08:18,331 - Luke has the edge into Epic Air Surfer. 218 00:08:18,365 --> 00:08:20,767 - Matt, Luke may be going for his brother's time. 219 00:08:20,800 --> 00:08:22,902 - But we've seen it. You can link these moves, 220 00:08:22,936 --> 00:08:24,404 but it is high risk. 221 00:08:24,437 --> 00:08:26,639 Oh, Luke--no! - Oh...no, Luke! 222 00:08:26,673 --> 00:08:28,141 Luke! 223 00:08:28,174 --> 00:08:29,409 - But it's not done. 224 00:08:29,442 --> 00:08:31,511 Nacssa must finish. 225 00:08:31,544 --> 00:08:33,046 But he can take his time now. 226 00:08:33,046 --> 00:08:34,414 Doesn't have to rush it. 227 00:08:34,447 --> 00:08:36,549 - Nice. Big moves. - And he linked it. 228 00:08:36,583 --> 00:08:38,952 Wow. That is confidence. 229 00:08:39,052 --> 00:08:40,920 - Ooh! - He could have taken his time 230 00:08:40,954 --> 00:08:43,757 to avoid mistakes, but he only has one speed. 231 00:08:43,790 --> 00:08:45,959 He's 16, and he's fearless. 232 00:08:46,059 --> 00:08:49,462 Credit to Luke Beckstrand for pushing Nacssa. 233 00:08:49,496 --> 00:08:52,065 But Nacssa remains perfect. 234 00:08:52,098 --> 00:08:54,334 Never fallen in "Ninja Warrior." 235 00:08:54,367 --> 00:08:56,469 [buzzer blares] - Nice. 236 00:08:56,503 --> 00:08:59,239 Hey, hey, hey! 237 00:09:00,206 --> 00:09:05,011 - That is nine buzzers for Nacssa in just two seasons. 238 00:09:05,045 --> 00:09:06,179 - Hey! 239 00:09:07,580 --> 00:09:09,449 - It started with a piggyback ride 240 00:09:09,482 --> 00:09:12,719 and quickly turned into a barn burner of a race. 241 00:09:12,752 --> 00:09:15,021 Luke Beckstrand actually had the lead 242 00:09:15,021 --> 00:09:17,757 until he missed the pad on Epic Air Surfer. 243 00:09:17,791 --> 00:09:19,859 And Nacssa went flying by. 244 00:09:19,893 --> 00:09:23,363 He's going to Stage 3 for the second straight year. 245 00:09:25,031 --> 00:09:28,201 Still a great year for Luke Beckstrand. 246 00:09:28,234 --> 00:09:30,236 He put up a fight in that race. 247 00:09:30,270 --> 00:09:33,707 But it's Nacssa Garemore who's moving on to Stage 3 248 00:09:33,740 --> 00:09:36,710 for the second straight season. 249 00:09:36,743 --> 00:09:40,046 Tonight, only the best are left, 250 00:09:40,080 --> 00:09:43,083 and they all want to strike it rich in Vegas. 251 00:09:43,116 --> 00:09:45,452 But many will go bust. 252 00:09:45,485 --> 00:09:47,120 - Oh! 253 00:09:47,153 --> 00:09:51,491 - Is this finally the year for "Ninja" veteran Joe Moravsky? 254 00:09:51,524 --> 00:09:53,093 - I'm telling you, I'm going to beat it. 255 00:09:53,126 --> 00:09:54,561 I'm gonna beat it. 256 00:09:54,594 --> 00:09:56,496 - Can Vance Walker be the first 257 00:09:56,529 --> 00:09:58,565 to win it all two years in a row? 258 00:09:58,598 --> 00:10:00,066 - I'm ready to roll the dice. 259 00:10:00,066 --> 00:10:01,601 Now I'm just hoping to beat the odds. 260 00:10:01,634 --> 00:10:02,869 - Or will he be taken down 261 00:10:02,902 --> 00:10:05,939 by the fan favorite, Flip Rodriguez? 262 00:10:05,972 --> 00:10:08,475 - Vance, let's dance. 263 00:10:08,508 --> 00:10:11,411 - It's high stakes and high drama 264 00:10:11,444 --> 00:10:15,849 on the national finals of "American Ninja Warrior." 265 00:10:20,053 --> 00:10:21,321 - Welcome back to Vegas, 266 00:10:21,354 --> 00:10:23,890 where we're racing head-to-head on Stage 2. 267 00:10:23,923 --> 00:10:27,193 Minutes ago, it was our biggest matchup of the night 268 00:10:27,227 --> 00:10:30,663 as 6'5" welder, John Mack, faced off 269 00:10:30,697 --> 00:10:33,299 against 6-foot-tall stuntman, Kyle Soderman. 270 00:10:33,333 --> 00:10:35,301 - Matt, this right here is a heavyweight matchup. 271 00:10:35,335 --> 00:10:37,404 - John Mack is known as The Reach 272 00:10:37,437 --> 00:10:39,572 because of his massive wingspan. 273 00:10:39,606 --> 00:10:42,442 But at Jawbreakers, The Reach got rejected. 274 00:10:42,475 --> 00:10:43,443 - Oh! 275 00:10:43,476 --> 00:10:44,711 - So Soderman just had 276 00:10:44,744 --> 00:10:46,913 to finish that obstacle to get the win. 277 00:10:46,946 --> 00:10:49,482 And he earned his third trip to Stage 3. 278 00:10:49,516 --> 00:10:51,117 - Stage 3! Let's go! 279 00:10:51,151 --> 00:10:52,619 - Whoo! Yes! 280 00:10:52,652 --> 00:10:54,087 - Soderman kept going to try 281 00:10:54,120 --> 00:10:56,723 and finish the course, but just like last year... 282 00:10:56,756 --> 00:10:58,324 - Ooh! 283 00:10:58,358 --> 00:10:59,893 - He fell on the final shelf. 284 00:10:59,926 --> 00:11:01,094 - Ah, come on! 285 00:11:01,127 --> 00:11:03,263 - You heard him. "Ah, come on!" 286 00:11:03,296 --> 00:11:04,597 - But it doesn't matter. 287 00:11:04,631 --> 00:11:06,166 He's moving on. 288 00:11:06,199 --> 00:11:08,168 [cheering] 289 00:11:08,201 --> 00:11:10,804 - This crowd is fired up for the duo 290 00:11:10,837 --> 00:11:12,739 that's headed to the start line. 291 00:11:12,772 --> 00:11:15,375 Guys, they are two of our biggest and brightest 292 00:11:15,408 --> 00:11:18,345 young stars, The Boss, Elijah Browning, 293 00:11:18,378 --> 00:11:21,481 facing off against The Flyboy, Isaiah Thomas. 294 00:11:21,514 --> 00:11:23,917 These two have been competing since they were kids 295 00:11:23,950 --> 00:11:25,251 on "Ninja Junior." 296 00:11:25,285 --> 00:11:28,088 They are two of the top athletes in this sport. 297 00:11:28,088 --> 00:11:31,558 But they're not afraid to be mama's boys. 298 00:11:31,591 --> 00:11:34,661 both: [chanting] Flyboy! Flyboy! Flyboy! 299 00:11:34,694 --> 00:11:35,962 - I have the best mom ever. 300 00:11:35,995 --> 00:11:37,497 - [whooping] [buzzer blares] 301 00:11:37,530 --> 00:11:39,466 - She never misses a Ninja comp. 302 00:11:39,499 --> 00:11:40,533 - [cheering] 303 00:11:40,567 --> 00:11:42,302 - We came into the Ninja game, 304 00:11:42,335 --> 00:11:44,004 the closest gym was, like, an hour out, 305 00:11:44,104 --> 00:11:45,939 and she drove me there every day. 306 00:11:45,972 --> 00:11:47,607 - I'm so proud. 307 00:11:47,640 --> 00:11:49,275 He's grown so much, 308 00:11:49,309 --> 00:11:51,978 not just physically, but mentally as well. 309 00:11:52,012 --> 00:11:54,014 He's becoming a man. 310 00:11:54,114 --> 00:11:55,715 - All thanks to my mom's cooking. 311 00:11:55,749 --> 00:11:56,950 [laughter] - Yeah. 312 00:11:56,983 --> 00:11:58,852 - Come on, Elijah! 313 00:11:58,885 --> 00:12:00,487 Let's go, buddy! 314 00:12:00,520 --> 00:12:02,155 - My mom is my biggest hero 315 00:12:02,188 --> 00:12:04,357 because she's going through breast cancer. 316 00:12:04,391 --> 00:12:05,558 How's everything going? 317 00:12:05,592 --> 00:12:07,794 And she is battling it like a champ. 318 00:12:07,827 --> 00:12:09,929 - You know what, buddy? I'm doing great. 319 00:12:09,963 --> 00:12:11,831 I'm excited for some competitions. 320 00:12:11,865 --> 00:12:13,600 Excited to see you back on the course. 321 00:12:13,633 --> 00:12:16,236 He has been so supportive, and just constantly 322 00:12:16,269 --> 00:12:19,072 every day tells me how proud he is of me 323 00:12:19,072 --> 00:12:20,640 and how much he loves me. 324 00:12:20,674 --> 00:12:22,075 - With my mom going through 325 00:12:22,075 --> 00:12:23,543 everything that she's going through 326 00:12:23,576 --> 00:12:25,912 and her still be here to watch my runs, 327 00:12:25,945 --> 00:12:27,681 I'm so grateful for her. 328 00:12:27,714 --> 00:12:29,883 Thank you so much for being here, Mom. 329 00:12:29,916 --> 00:12:31,351 [buzzers blare] 330 00:12:31,384 --> 00:12:33,353 - [screams] 331 00:12:33,386 --> 00:12:34,754 - We're both gonna make our moms proud 332 00:12:34,788 --> 00:12:36,823 no matter what happens, so let's get to it. 333 00:12:36,856 --> 00:12:39,993 [soft music] 334 00:12:40,660 --> 00:12:42,362 - We love you, boys! 335 00:12:42,395 --> 00:12:44,464 - Those moms are already holding hands. 336 00:12:44,497 --> 00:12:46,132 They're gonna watch this run together. 337 00:12:46,166 --> 00:12:48,802 Just shows how close these Ninja families are. 338 00:12:48,835 --> 00:12:50,437 Flyboy is the higher seed. 339 00:12:50,470 --> 00:12:53,106 He's a 12. And The Boss is a 15. 340 00:12:53,106 --> 00:12:55,575 But both these guys know how to go fast. 341 00:12:55,608 --> 00:12:58,111 - This is going to be electric. 342 00:12:58,111 --> 00:13:01,147 [countdown clock beeping] 343 00:13:01,181 --> 00:13:02,849 Go time. Oh! 344 00:13:02,882 --> 00:13:05,151 - Real nimble work there out of Isaiah. 345 00:13:05,185 --> 00:13:06,786 - Matt, this race is gonna be big-time, 346 00:13:06,820 --> 00:13:08,755 prime-time, showtime, all-time, good time 347 00:13:08,788 --> 00:13:10,390 right here on NBC. 348 00:13:10,423 --> 00:13:12,525 - And you can see them being careful on that cradle. 349 00:13:12,559 --> 00:13:15,261 - Whoo! - And Flyboy slightly ahead. 350 00:13:15,295 --> 00:13:18,098 Watch the Jawbreakers. Can anyone link it? 351 00:13:18,131 --> 00:13:19,933 - Nice. Oh, nice linking. 352 00:13:19,966 --> 00:13:22,902 Oh, boy, look at the focus out of Isaiah Thomas. 353 00:13:22,936 --> 00:13:25,772 - Isaiah, great job getting in the lead, 354 00:13:25,805 --> 00:13:27,640 but The Boss keeping it close. 355 00:13:27,674 --> 00:13:28,808 - Nice. All right. 356 00:13:28,842 --> 00:13:30,910 Boss is right there. 357 00:13:30,944 --> 00:13:32,579 Boss's head came off. 358 00:13:32,612 --> 00:13:35,815 - A little low for The Flyboy. 359 00:13:35,849 --> 00:13:37,550 And here comes The Boss. 360 00:13:37,584 --> 00:13:40,320 - Oh, do not let The Boss in there, Matt. 361 00:13:40,353 --> 00:13:42,222 - The Flyboy lands first. 362 00:13:42,255 --> 00:13:45,358 That's important if they both fall on Epic Air Surfer. 363 00:13:45,392 --> 00:13:48,261 So easy to make a mistake with the board placement. 364 00:13:48,294 --> 00:13:49,929 [cheering] 365 00:13:49,963 --> 00:13:51,664 - And especially when you have a ninja 366 00:13:51,698 --> 00:13:53,867 right there side by side. 367 00:13:53,900 --> 00:13:55,802 That's where a mistake-- both: Oh! 368 00:13:55,835 --> 00:13:57,570 - That's exactly what just happened! 369 00:13:57,604 --> 00:13:58,905 Whoa. 370 00:14:00,040 --> 00:14:02,742 - But Boss has to finish. 371 00:14:02,776 --> 00:14:05,278 He needs this dismount. 372 00:14:08,114 --> 00:14:10,684 And he does it. 373 00:14:10,717 --> 00:14:12,052 - Wow. 374 00:14:13,687 --> 00:14:16,489 - You see the respect between these two. 375 00:14:16,523 --> 00:14:18,725 These moms go through so many emotions, 376 00:14:18,758 --> 00:14:20,627 but always supportive. 377 00:14:20,660 --> 00:14:21,961 Well, credit to The Boss. 378 00:14:22,062 --> 00:14:24,130 You see him link a move, pull ahead, 379 00:14:24,164 --> 00:14:25,732 and that put the pressure on Isaiah. 380 00:14:25,765 --> 00:14:27,233 - Yeah, he knew that, too. 381 00:14:27,267 --> 00:14:29,602 If he could just put pressure on him, just like that. 382 00:14:29,636 --> 00:14:32,505 Wow, he's about to get another Stage 2 buzzer. 383 00:14:32,539 --> 00:14:35,241 - Well, this race absolutely delivered. 384 00:14:35,275 --> 00:14:38,545 One more move, the blind grab, and he lands it. 385 00:14:38,578 --> 00:14:40,747 The Boss is gonna get that buzzer. 386 00:14:40,780 --> 00:14:42,916 - Let's go! [buzzer blares] 387 00:14:42,949 --> 00:14:45,285 - And he is pumped. 388 00:14:46,586 --> 00:14:51,124 Elijah Browning will get another shot on Stage 3. 389 00:14:51,157 --> 00:14:53,226 - Good job, Elijah! - Let's go, Elijah! 390 00:14:53,259 --> 00:14:54,694 Let's go! 391 00:14:55,595 --> 00:14:57,931 - Man, congratulations on that. 392 00:14:57,964 --> 00:15:00,900 Go celebrate with Mama Renee. 393 00:15:00,934 --> 00:15:03,370 It was close until Epic Air Surfer. 394 00:15:03,403 --> 00:15:06,406 Elijah linked moves to pull slightly ahead, 395 00:15:06,439 --> 00:15:08,475 and Flyboy tried to match him, 396 00:15:08,508 --> 00:15:11,244 but he came up just a little short and bounced off. 397 00:15:11,277 --> 00:15:14,180 The Boss comes up with the W. 398 00:15:14,214 --> 00:15:17,517 - Isaiah, you were looking so good out here. 399 00:15:17,550 --> 00:15:19,386 Talk to me a little bit about what happened 400 00:15:19,419 --> 00:15:20,687 when Elijah passed you. 401 00:15:20,720 --> 00:15:22,489 I'm curious to know. Did you see that? 402 00:15:22,522 --> 00:15:24,090 Did that change your strategy at all 403 00:15:24,124 --> 00:15:25,592 or what you were thinking of? 404 00:15:25,625 --> 00:15:27,627 - Honestly, I didn't even know he passed me. 405 00:15:27,660 --> 00:15:29,763 I just had a plan, and I tried following through 406 00:15:29,796 --> 00:15:30,764 with the plan, and I fell. 407 00:15:30,797 --> 00:15:32,065 Congratulations to Elijah. 408 00:15:32,098 --> 00:15:33,266 That's my guy. 409 00:15:33,299 --> 00:15:34,868 Happy he's on Stage 3 again. 410 00:15:34,901 --> 00:15:36,102 Next time. 411 00:15:36,136 --> 00:15:37,604 - Well, that's why you're a champion athlete. 412 00:15:37,637 --> 00:15:38,672 That's why the kids in the back 413 00:15:38,705 --> 00:15:39,839 are calling your name right now. 414 00:15:39,873 --> 00:15:41,274 We've got Mom in the corner. 415 00:15:41,307 --> 00:15:43,076 Come on in, Mom. Show her some love. 416 00:15:43,076 --> 00:15:44,878 Congratulations on a great season. 417 00:15:44,911 --> 00:15:47,781 - A great run by these two mama's boys. 418 00:15:47,814 --> 00:15:50,617 And we'll see The Boss on Stage 3. 419 00:15:51,718 --> 00:15:53,153 [upbeat music] 420 00:15:53,186 --> 00:15:55,522 More great races are just ahead, 421 00:15:55,555 --> 00:15:59,492 including the fun-loving, cat-loving Jackson Twait, 422 00:15:59,526 --> 00:16:02,729 trying to hold off teenager Cal Plohoros. 423 00:16:02,762 --> 00:16:04,397 Plus, one of the greatest ever, 424 00:16:04,431 --> 00:16:06,733 the Kingdom Ninja, Daniel Gil, 425 00:16:06,766 --> 00:16:10,236 takes on upstart college kid, Colton Skuster. 426 00:16:10,270 --> 00:16:12,772 All coming up on the national finals 427 00:16:12,806 --> 00:16:15,875 of "American Ninja Warrior." 428 00:16:22,048 --> 00:16:23,216 - High schooler Noah Meunier 429 00:16:23,249 --> 00:16:25,118 had the fastest time on Stage 1. 430 00:16:25,151 --> 00:16:26,186 [buzzer blares] 431 00:16:26,219 --> 00:16:27,454 - Yeah! 432 00:16:27,487 --> 00:16:29,055 [cheers and applause] 433 00:16:29,055 --> 00:16:30,523 That was pretty fun. 434 00:16:30,557 --> 00:16:33,226 - So he's the number one seed tonight on Stage 2. 435 00:16:33,259 --> 00:16:36,296 And the unenviable task of beating him fell 436 00:16:36,329 --> 00:16:39,566 to the 26th seed, New Jersey's Joe Meissner. 437 00:16:39,599 --> 00:16:41,234 - Let's go! 438 00:16:41,267 --> 00:16:43,103 - Although a heavy underdog, 439 00:16:43,136 --> 00:16:45,238 Meissner actually took a small lead 440 00:16:45,271 --> 00:16:47,140 through the first two obstacles. 441 00:16:47,173 --> 00:16:48,942 But it didn't last. 442 00:16:48,975 --> 00:16:50,143 - Oh, no! 443 00:16:50,176 --> 00:16:51,745 He rushed it! - Oh. 444 00:16:51,778 --> 00:16:54,347 - That meant Meunier just had to finish Jawbreakers 445 00:16:54,381 --> 00:16:55,582 to get the win, 446 00:16:55,615 --> 00:16:56,583 which he did. 447 00:16:56,616 --> 00:16:58,485 [cheers and applause] 448 00:16:58,518 --> 00:17:01,554 - The Massachusetts teenager just kept going. 449 00:17:01,588 --> 00:17:04,591 He made it all the way to Stage 4 last year as a rookie, 450 00:17:04,624 --> 00:17:07,027 and looks a contender to get there again. 451 00:17:07,060 --> 00:17:08,094 [buzzer blares] 452 00:17:10,430 --> 00:17:12,032 - Now adjust your glasses, man, 453 00:17:12,065 --> 00:17:13,900 because you're going to Stage 3. 454 00:17:13,933 --> 00:17:15,468 - Let's go! 455 00:17:16,870 --> 00:17:20,040 - Up next, two ninjas who like to put on a show. 456 00:17:20,073 --> 00:17:24,044 Fun-loving 26-year-old Jackson "Cat Daddy" Twait 457 00:17:24,077 --> 00:17:27,213 takes on 18-year-old Cal Plohoros, 458 00:17:27,247 --> 00:17:30,817 an aspiring actor from Chester Springs, Pennsylvania. 459 00:17:30,850 --> 00:17:33,053 These two don't like to sit still, 460 00:17:33,086 --> 00:17:36,556 and both recently made big changes in their lives. 461 00:17:37,791 --> 00:17:39,893 Cal just graduated high school. 462 00:17:39,926 --> 00:17:42,295 And while he waits for his big break as an actor, 463 00:17:42,328 --> 00:17:45,532 he has a new goal in showbiz, to be a stuntman 464 00:17:45,565 --> 00:17:48,068 like his mentor, Flip Rodriguez. 465 00:17:48,068 --> 00:17:51,905 And Cal thinks Stage 2 is the perfect training ground. 466 00:17:51,938 --> 00:17:53,573 - These are all my favorite obstacles, 467 00:17:53,606 --> 00:17:55,408 all the bar stuff, the big throws, 468 00:17:55,442 --> 00:17:57,977 the powerful moves, racing, going fast. 469 00:17:58,078 --> 00:18:00,547 It's--it's gonna be so much fun. 470 00:18:00,580 --> 00:18:02,682 - Ninja Cal's opponent, Jackson Twait, 471 00:18:02,716 --> 00:18:04,217 is still in high demand 472 00:18:04,250 --> 00:18:07,053 as a house and pet sitter across the country. 473 00:18:07,087 --> 00:18:08,521 - It's nice to meet you. 474 00:18:08,555 --> 00:18:11,124 - But now he's overseeing something new-- 475 00:18:11,157 --> 00:18:12,325 weddings. 476 00:18:12,359 --> 00:18:14,194 The Iowa native has been performing 477 00:18:14,227 --> 00:18:16,496 marriage ceremonies, and he hopes he doesn't 478 00:18:16,529 --> 00:18:18,531 get cold feet tonight. 479 00:18:18,565 --> 00:18:20,500 - I'd like to say one of my strengths is consistency, 480 00:18:20,533 --> 00:18:21,701 but I don't know if I'd say 481 00:18:21,735 --> 00:18:23,103 I've been consistent on Stage 2, 482 00:18:23,136 --> 00:18:26,606 other than I've been a consistent faller on Stage 2. 483 00:18:26,639 --> 00:18:28,942 - Oh, he's down! 484 00:18:29,042 --> 00:18:30,944 - We're gonna turn that around tonight, though. 485 00:18:32,412 --> 00:18:33,880 - You have to consider Jackson Twait 486 00:18:33,913 --> 00:18:35,048 the favorite here. 487 00:18:35,081 --> 00:18:36,383 He's the number six seed, 488 00:18:36,416 --> 00:18:38,184 is 7 inches taller than Cal, 489 00:18:38,218 --> 00:18:40,520 and has much more experience. 490 00:18:41,621 --> 00:18:43,957 Cal's got a loud group on his sideline, 491 00:18:44,057 --> 00:18:48,128 including his mom, Ivette, and friend, Flip Rodriguez. 492 00:18:48,161 --> 00:18:50,630 And Jackson Twait has his mom and girlfriend 493 00:18:50,663 --> 00:18:52,165 leading his sidelines. 494 00:18:52,198 --> 00:18:54,067 [cheers and applause] 495 00:18:54,100 --> 00:18:56,636 The Cat Daddy's never finished a Stage 2 course. 496 00:18:56,670 --> 00:18:58,071 He wants it this year. 497 00:18:58,104 --> 00:19:00,540 [countdown clock beeping] 498 00:19:00,573 --> 00:19:03,043 - Uh-oh, it's go time. 499 00:19:03,076 --> 00:19:04,678 - Twait with a height advantage, 500 00:19:04,711 --> 00:19:08,448 but Cal Plohoros keeping up and a little ahead. 501 00:19:08,481 --> 00:19:10,817 - And Cal Plohoros, super explosive. 502 00:19:10,850 --> 00:19:12,886 - Wow. - And Twait's got to be 503 00:19:12,919 --> 00:19:15,221 explosive like a cat if he's gonna keep up. 504 00:19:15,255 --> 00:19:17,891 - Well, this is Cal's first time on Stage 2. 505 00:19:17,924 --> 00:19:19,793 Jackson Twait was here last year. 506 00:19:19,826 --> 00:19:22,328 Ran into a buzz saw with Nacssa Garemore. 507 00:19:22,362 --> 00:19:23,830 - Yeah, that was a hard one, 508 00:19:23,863 --> 00:19:26,833 but he's learned so much from that in this competition. 509 00:19:28,134 --> 00:19:30,203 - Oh, neck and neck! 510 00:19:31,504 --> 00:19:33,506 Cal was the first one down. 511 00:19:33,540 --> 00:19:36,343 - Nice, big jumps here on Swing Surfer. 512 00:19:36,376 --> 00:19:38,111 - Well, Akbar, with all the success we've seen... 513 00:19:38,144 --> 00:19:39,813 - Time that dismount. - You really can't 514 00:19:39,846 --> 00:19:41,915 be conservative here. 515 00:19:41,948 --> 00:19:44,084 And Twait not using the rope! 516 00:19:45,385 --> 00:19:47,153 And he is the first one off. 517 00:19:47,187 --> 00:19:48,822 - That's it. Good move. 518 00:19:48,855 --> 00:19:52,258 - This is where Jackson fell last year on Epic Air Surfer. 519 00:19:52,292 --> 00:19:54,060 Gave himself a big edge right there. 520 00:19:54,060 --> 00:19:56,863 - Hey, man, look at the big, explosive movement from Cal. 521 00:19:56,896 --> 00:19:58,298 It's Cal and Cat. 522 00:19:58,331 --> 00:20:00,467 - Cal linking it! 523 00:20:00,500 --> 00:20:03,103 - And he starts shooting ahead. 524 00:20:03,136 --> 00:20:04,804 - And Twait is behind. 525 00:20:05,939 --> 00:20:08,174 And Ninja Cal now has the edge. 526 00:20:08,208 --> 00:20:11,211 - It's a back and forth. - Oh-ho! 527 00:20:11,244 --> 00:20:12,779 What an incredible race. 528 00:20:12,812 --> 00:20:14,180 - He's got to jump on it now. 529 00:20:14,214 --> 00:20:15,648 - And you can see Twait being cautious 530 00:20:15,682 --> 00:20:19,252 to get his dismount as Cal is up on the Falling Shelves. 531 00:20:19,285 --> 00:20:23,523 - Cal has been so intense this entire season. 532 00:20:23,556 --> 00:20:25,025 He wants it badly. 533 00:20:25,058 --> 00:20:26,559 - Cal came in as the underdog, 534 00:20:26,593 --> 00:20:29,863 but now he's one move away from a trip to Stage 3. 535 00:20:29,896 --> 00:20:31,564 Here comes the blind grab. 536 00:20:31,598 --> 00:20:33,166 This is where you use those biceps. 537 00:20:33,199 --> 00:20:35,035 - And look at that! 538 00:20:35,068 --> 00:20:37,404 And Ninja Cal's gonna do it. 539 00:20:37,437 --> 00:20:38,471 [buzzer blares] 540 00:20:38,505 --> 00:20:40,473 The biggest buzzer of his career. 541 00:20:40,507 --> 00:20:42,842 - [yelling] 542 00:20:42,876 --> 00:20:45,612 - And Jackson Twait's gonna get a buzzer. 543 00:20:45,645 --> 00:20:46,713 [buzzer blares] 544 00:20:46,746 --> 00:20:48,481 He still has a chance to move on. 545 00:20:48,515 --> 00:20:51,151 But Cal's crew is rushing the podium. 546 00:20:51,184 --> 00:20:54,154 [excited yelling] 547 00:20:54,187 --> 00:20:57,157 [upbeat music] 548 00:20:57,190 --> 00:20:59,826 The Cat Daddy showed his catlike quickness 549 00:20:59,859 --> 00:21:01,094 going over the wall. 550 00:21:01,127 --> 00:21:02,629 That gave him a brief lead. 551 00:21:02,662 --> 00:21:04,964 But Cal came storming from behind, 552 00:21:05,065 --> 00:21:07,434 linked his moves on Epic Air Surfer, 553 00:21:07,467 --> 00:21:09,703 and sailed through the Falling Shelves 554 00:21:09,736 --> 00:21:11,738 to pull off the upset. 555 00:21:13,540 --> 00:21:16,142 - Cal, congratulations. That was incredible. 556 00:21:16,176 --> 00:21:18,311 When you knew that Jackson was right behind you, 557 00:21:18,345 --> 00:21:20,947 talk to me about the mindset, how you got through that one. 558 00:21:20,980 --> 00:21:22,349 - It was terrifying, honestly. 559 00:21:22,382 --> 00:21:24,918 I've--I've never done a backwards catch 560 00:21:24,951 --> 00:21:26,353 on a Falling Shelf ever. 561 00:21:26,386 --> 00:21:29,089 That was my first time trying it, and I got it. 562 00:21:29,089 --> 00:21:30,824 And it was-- it just felt surreal. 563 00:21:30,857 --> 00:21:33,126 I was like, wait, am I about to go to Stage 3? 564 00:21:33,159 --> 00:21:35,095 And it's happening. 565 00:21:35,095 --> 00:21:36,563 This is real life. - Exactly. 566 00:21:36,596 --> 00:21:38,298 It's happening. This is real life. 567 00:21:38,331 --> 00:21:40,567 Congratulations. Y'all celebrate. 568 00:21:40,600 --> 00:21:42,335 Matt, Akbar, back to you. 569 00:21:42,369 --> 00:21:46,206 - So Ninja Cal is moving on, and Jackson Twait has 570 00:21:46,239 --> 00:21:48,775 the second fastest time for a non-winner. 571 00:21:48,808 --> 00:21:50,844 He could end up in our runoff race, 572 00:21:50,877 --> 00:21:53,880 so his night might not be over. 573 00:21:53,913 --> 00:21:57,217 Ever wonder what it looks like to race down Stage 2? 574 00:21:57,250 --> 00:21:59,019 Here's a behind-the-scenes look 575 00:21:59,119 --> 00:22:02,288 presented by the Wells Fargo Active Cash credit card, 576 00:22:02,322 --> 00:22:05,325 which gives fans unlimited access. 577 00:22:06,126 --> 00:22:08,695 Here comes the Swing Surfer. Here we go. 578 00:22:08,728 --> 00:22:10,063 Boom. 579 00:22:10,063 --> 00:22:12,565 [upbeat music] 580 00:22:12,599 --> 00:22:15,735 Gonna bounce across Epic Air Surfer. 581 00:22:15,769 --> 00:22:20,106 * * 582 00:22:20,140 --> 00:22:22,842 Now on to the Falling Shelves. 583 00:22:22,876 --> 00:22:26,079 * * 584 00:22:26,112 --> 00:22:27,280 - Aah! 585 00:22:27,313 --> 00:22:29,582 - Now, that is cool right there. 586 00:22:29,616 --> 00:22:33,453 Coming up, he's changed lives off the course 587 00:22:33,486 --> 00:22:35,755 and given us amazing memories on it. 588 00:22:35,789 --> 00:22:38,425 [buzzer blares] - Oh! Yo! 589 00:22:38,458 --> 00:22:42,262 - But this could be the final run for Austin Gray. 590 00:22:42,295 --> 00:22:43,730 - I've loved every minute of it. 591 00:22:43,763 --> 00:22:46,299 The only thing left is trying to get to Stage 4. 592 00:22:46,332 --> 00:22:50,737 - We'll see him next on "American Ninja Warrior." 593 00:22:56,710 --> 00:22:59,412 - Daniel Gil's one of the most decorated ninjas in history. 594 00:22:59,446 --> 00:23:03,049 He's climbed the tower for a million dollars twice. 595 00:23:03,049 --> 00:23:05,919 Now the worship leader from Houston is in search 596 00:23:05,952 --> 00:23:08,154 of his third trip to Stage 4. 597 00:23:08,188 --> 00:23:10,657 But to keep his season alive, he'll have to outrun 598 00:23:10,690 --> 00:23:13,526 Utah college student, Colton Skuster, 599 00:23:13,560 --> 00:23:15,962 who sometimes wears a monkey suit when he runs. 600 00:23:16,062 --> 00:23:19,065 But tonight, he's showing off that ripped physique. 601 00:23:19,065 --> 00:23:21,835 - Yeah, he's got 180 pounds of muscle on him, 602 00:23:21,868 --> 00:23:23,970 15 pounds more than Gil, 603 00:23:24,070 --> 00:23:25,605 and he's 3 inches taller. 604 00:23:25,638 --> 00:23:28,475 But Daniel does have more Ninja experience. 605 00:23:28,508 --> 00:23:30,810 Daniel has extra motivation 606 00:23:30,844 --> 00:23:32,412 to win that million dollars this season. 607 00:23:32,445 --> 00:23:33,813 - Yeah! 608 00:23:33,847 --> 00:23:35,682 - His wife, Abby, is expecting a baby girl. 609 00:23:35,715 --> 00:23:39,285 She's leading a big group down on the sidelines. 610 00:23:39,319 --> 00:23:42,255 And Colton has his parents and other friends from Utah 611 00:23:42,288 --> 00:23:43,390 cheering for him. 612 00:23:43,423 --> 00:23:44,858 [cheers and applause] 613 00:23:44,891 --> 00:23:46,860 You'd think Colton Skuster would be intimidated 614 00:23:46,893 --> 00:23:49,896 going up against Gil, one of the best ever. 615 00:23:49,929 --> 00:23:51,631 But he looks loose. 616 00:23:51,664 --> 00:23:53,299 [countdown clock beeping] 617 00:23:53,333 --> 00:23:54,801 Well, you got to think Gil is the favorite, 618 00:23:54,834 --> 00:23:56,102 but, Akbar, there's a reason 619 00:23:56,102 --> 00:23:57,337 we run the races. - Whoo! 620 00:23:57,370 --> 00:23:59,172 The young'un against the grizzly vet, 621 00:23:59,205 --> 00:24:01,041 and look how fast the vet's moving. 622 00:24:01,041 --> 00:24:02,308 Okay, Daniel Gil. 623 00:24:02,342 --> 00:24:05,211 - Well, Daniel Gil, a man on a mission. 624 00:24:05,245 --> 00:24:07,480 Twice made it to Stage 4. 625 00:24:07,514 --> 00:24:09,716 Both times come away empty-handed. 626 00:24:09,749 --> 00:24:11,818 - And now looking to make it back for a third time, 627 00:24:11,851 --> 00:24:13,953 but he's got to get through this race right here. 628 00:24:14,054 --> 00:24:17,057 You can see how patient he is, but explosive. 629 00:24:17,090 --> 00:24:18,224 - You can also see, though, 630 00:24:18,258 --> 00:24:20,060 he's not taking any risks, Akbar. 631 00:24:20,060 --> 00:24:21,494 He's not trying to link it. 632 00:24:21,528 --> 00:24:23,697 I think he knows, just stay ahead of Skuster-- 633 00:24:23,730 --> 00:24:25,065 but here comes Colton! 634 00:24:25,065 --> 00:24:26,399 - And the young fella, he's right there. 635 00:24:26,433 --> 00:24:27,634 He's hanging in there. 636 00:24:27,667 --> 00:24:29,302 - He's rocking those jungle pants. 637 00:24:29,336 --> 00:24:31,938 Let's see how the wild man handles the Swing Surfer. 638 00:24:31,971 --> 00:24:33,073 - He's gonna have to get moving. 639 00:24:33,073 --> 00:24:34,074 He's tying it up. 640 00:24:34,074 --> 00:24:36,242 - Look at this. - Uh-oh. 641 00:24:36,276 --> 00:24:39,546 - Gil just staying a few steps ahead. 642 00:24:40,880 --> 00:24:43,416 And Gil now gonna be going on the Epic Air Surfer 643 00:24:43,450 --> 00:24:45,952 with Colton Skuster in his peripheral. 644 00:24:45,985 --> 00:24:48,688 The college kid's never been on Stage 2 before. 645 00:24:48,722 --> 00:24:50,523 He's seeing how tough it can be. 646 00:24:50,557 --> 00:24:52,292 Well, we'll see Colton on this obstacle. 647 00:24:52,325 --> 00:24:55,862 So challenging. Gil is such a precision ninja. 648 00:24:55,895 --> 00:24:58,131 - Nice. Look at him, hair flowing. 649 00:24:58,164 --> 00:25:00,934 You know when his hair starts flowing, he starts flowing. 650 00:25:01,034 --> 00:25:03,103 He's in his flow, Matt. 651 00:25:03,136 --> 00:25:04,604 - And look at this. 652 00:25:04,637 --> 00:25:06,206 Oh, Gil makes it. 653 00:25:06,239 --> 00:25:07,707 [cheers and applause] 654 00:25:07,741 --> 00:25:09,142 And here comes Skuster. 655 00:25:09,175 --> 00:25:11,044 You can see Gil just just stole a glance back. 656 00:25:11,077 --> 00:25:12,312 - Yeah, he looked back, said, where you at, 657 00:25:12,345 --> 00:25:14,080 young fella? Keep up. 658 00:25:15,215 --> 00:25:18,885 - Oh, my! And Skuster's here 659 00:25:18,918 --> 00:25:21,054 on the Falling Shelves. 660 00:25:21,087 --> 00:25:25,225 - And Skuster is 19 years old, and he's huffing and puffing. 661 00:25:25,258 --> 00:25:26,393 - Here's the move, Akbar. 662 00:25:26,426 --> 00:25:28,962 Can Gil make this blind grab? 663 00:25:29,062 --> 00:25:30,130 - Here he goes. 664 00:25:30,163 --> 00:25:32,899 He's got that-- oh, switch to the biceps. 665 00:25:32,932 --> 00:25:34,601 Nice! - And Gil does it! 666 00:25:34,634 --> 00:25:36,803 [buzzer blares] He's going back to Stage 3 667 00:25:36,836 --> 00:25:39,239 for the fourth time in his career. 668 00:25:39,272 --> 00:25:41,408 [upbeat music] 669 00:25:41,441 --> 00:25:44,144 But Skuster is still in it. 670 00:25:44,177 --> 00:25:46,246 Our top four non-winners will compete 671 00:25:46,279 --> 00:25:48,648 in runoff races for the final spots. 672 00:25:48,682 --> 00:25:50,650 Skuster could be one of them. 673 00:25:50,684 --> 00:25:52,552 - Ooh. 674 00:25:52,585 --> 00:25:53,987 * * 675 00:25:54,087 --> 00:25:56,222 - Colton Skuster finishes-- [buzzer blares] 676 00:25:56,256 --> 00:25:58,425 His first time on Stage 2. 677 00:25:58,458 --> 00:26:01,261 Didn't win, but an impressive run for him. 678 00:26:01,294 --> 00:26:03,897 - Yeah, look at the young fella giving props 679 00:26:03,930 --> 00:26:06,032 to the OG, Daniel Gil. 680 00:26:06,032 --> 00:26:07,734 [cheers and applause] 681 00:26:07,767 --> 00:26:09,769 - Wow, these races are really delivering. 682 00:26:09,803 --> 00:26:11,037 - Yes, they are. 683 00:26:11,071 --> 00:26:13,606 - And we've got another good one up next. 684 00:26:13,640 --> 00:26:16,509 - Okay, guys. This one is gonna be fun. 685 00:26:16,543 --> 00:26:19,145 They've both got impressive résumés, 686 00:26:19,179 --> 00:26:22,215 but these two "Ninja" greats are in different places 687 00:26:22,248 --> 00:26:23,283 in their careers. 688 00:26:23,316 --> 00:26:26,152 At 37, James "The Beast" McGrath 689 00:26:26,186 --> 00:26:27,887 is having a Ninja resurgence. 690 00:26:27,921 --> 00:26:30,457 Austin Gray is 27 691 00:26:30,490 --> 00:26:33,593 and has been the runner-up twice on "Ninja Warrior." 692 00:26:33,626 --> 00:26:36,763 But he's ready for the next chapter in his life. 693 00:26:36,796 --> 00:26:38,565 [cheering] 694 00:26:38,598 --> 00:26:40,400 - Up next is a hotshot rookie 695 00:26:40,433 --> 00:26:42,602 we're expecting big things from. 696 00:26:42,635 --> 00:26:43,937 - I got into Ninja 697 00:26:43,970 --> 00:26:46,506 when I really didn't know anything about life. 698 00:26:46,539 --> 00:26:48,208 You know, I was pretty much fresh out of high school, 699 00:26:48,241 --> 00:26:50,543 and the challenges that Ninja presents is what 700 00:26:50,577 --> 00:26:52,912 has allowed me to grow into the person I am. 701 00:26:52,946 --> 00:26:56,216 - Oh! I can't believe it! What? 702 00:26:56,249 --> 00:26:59,085 - Now I've decided that this is gonna be it for me. 703 00:26:59,085 --> 00:27:01,087 This is my last year. 704 00:27:01,121 --> 00:27:05,525 - Austin is going to the championship race! 705 00:27:05,558 --> 00:27:06,860 - Seven seasons of "Ninja Warrior," 706 00:27:06,893 --> 00:27:09,029 you're bound to rack up the amazing moments. 707 00:27:09,029 --> 00:27:10,363 But the most important would be 708 00:27:10,397 --> 00:27:14,300 that Share Your Spare has been tremendously successful. 709 00:27:14,334 --> 00:27:17,904 - Austin Gray, who donated a kidney a few years ago 710 00:27:17,937 --> 00:27:20,240 and wears a Share Your Spare T-shirt 711 00:27:20,273 --> 00:27:22,409 to encourage others to do the same. 712 00:27:22,442 --> 00:27:24,044 - The Big Ask, The Big Give 713 00:27:24,077 --> 00:27:25,679 is the National Kidney Foundation's 714 00:27:25,712 --> 00:27:28,181 free resource to help patients find a living donor. 715 00:27:28,214 --> 00:27:30,050 * * 716 00:27:30,050 --> 00:27:32,752 I've been able to inspire 50 people to donate a kidney 717 00:27:32,786 --> 00:27:35,522 because they saw my story on "American Ninja Warrior." 718 00:27:36,456 --> 00:27:38,591 It's been an amazing career. 719 00:27:38,625 --> 00:27:40,193 I've loved every minute of it. 720 00:27:40,226 --> 00:27:43,396 - Yeah, he wants everybody up there to celebrate. 721 00:27:43,430 --> 00:27:45,665 - But I'm ready for new challenges. 722 00:27:45,699 --> 00:27:47,767 The only thing left is trying to get to Stage 4. 723 00:27:47,801 --> 00:27:50,203 And we're gonna leave it all out there, do the best we can, 724 00:27:50,236 --> 00:27:51,905 and see if we can get on that rope. 725 00:27:55,075 --> 00:27:57,544 - In what might be his final run, 726 00:27:57,577 --> 00:27:59,479 Austin's girlfriend, Jaelyn, 727 00:27:59,512 --> 00:28:02,015 and good friend Nate Hansen will be on the sideline. 728 00:28:02,048 --> 00:28:04,584 The Beast has his number one fan watching 729 00:28:04,617 --> 00:28:06,753 back in Massachusetts, his fiancée, 730 00:28:06,786 --> 00:28:08,054 "Ninja" great, Allyssa Beird. 731 00:28:08,088 --> 00:28:09,923 - You got it, babe. Come on, hon! 732 00:28:10,023 --> 00:28:12,659 - Austin Gray doesn't want to end his career tonight. 733 00:28:12,692 --> 00:28:14,027 He's the four seed. 734 00:28:14,027 --> 00:28:16,863 The Beast is a 23, so he's the underdog. 735 00:28:16,896 --> 00:28:20,433 [countdown clock beeping] 736 00:28:20,467 --> 00:28:21,868 - All right. The Beast can hold his own. 737 00:28:21,901 --> 00:28:23,203 Ooh, look at him sprint like he's 738 00:28:23,236 --> 00:28:24,471 in high school or something. 739 00:28:24,504 --> 00:28:26,039 - Well, he had a track background. 740 00:28:26,072 --> 00:28:27,040 - What? - And he's going, 741 00:28:27,073 --> 00:28:28,174 but here comes Gray. 742 00:28:28,208 --> 00:28:29,409 Look at this. - I didn't know 743 00:28:29,442 --> 00:28:30,477 he could run that fast. - Oh! 744 00:28:30,510 --> 00:28:32,212 Austin Gray linking it. - Okay. 745 00:28:32,245 --> 00:28:33,947 Austin Gray may not be able to run fast, 746 00:28:34,047 --> 00:28:35,882 but he can ninja fast. My goodness. 747 00:28:35,915 --> 00:28:38,318 - And McGrath is gonna have to sell out. 748 00:28:38,351 --> 00:28:40,754 - James McGrath can't keep up with that. 749 00:28:40,787 --> 00:28:43,590 - Well, linking those moves gave him a huge edge, 750 00:28:43,623 --> 00:28:45,625 a full obstacle ahead. 751 00:28:45,658 --> 00:28:47,594 - Austin Gray's running with a purpose. 752 00:28:47,627 --> 00:28:50,163 He doesn't want this to be his last one on "Ninja." 753 00:28:50,196 --> 00:28:51,798 - But keep in mind, it's not over 754 00:28:51,831 --> 00:28:54,067 till a buzzer gets hit, big man. 755 00:28:54,067 --> 00:28:56,503 - Okay. That's true, Matt. That's true. 756 00:28:56,536 --> 00:28:58,705 - And The Beast is making up some ground. 757 00:28:58,738 --> 00:29:00,273 He's still fighting. 758 00:29:00,306 --> 00:29:01,775 Well, Austin recalls, last year, 759 00:29:01,808 --> 00:29:05,011 Josiah Pippel was ahead of him and fell right here. 760 00:29:05,011 --> 00:29:08,014 So Austin knows he's got to finish this race. 761 00:29:08,014 --> 00:29:09,616 And here comes The Beast. 762 00:29:09,649 --> 00:29:11,284 - Yeah, yeah. He's right there behind you. 763 00:29:11,317 --> 00:29:12,886 You can hear him breathing. 764 00:29:12,919 --> 00:29:15,021 Austin cannot make a mistake. 765 00:29:15,021 --> 00:29:17,323 - Well, I'll tell you what, Akbar, I don't mind The Beast. 766 00:29:17,357 --> 00:29:18,825 I think he's just gonna put pressure-- 767 00:29:18,858 --> 00:29:20,093 oh, no, here he comes! - Ooh. 768 00:29:20,126 --> 00:29:21,761 He's putting real pressure on him. 769 00:29:21,795 --> 00:29:23,897 - I thought The Beast was just gonna hope 770 00:29:23,930 --> 00:29:26,032 Austin made a mistake on the Falling Shelves. 771 00:29:26,066 --> 00:29:29,169 It's even! The Beast is not backing down. 772 00:29:29,202 --> 00:29:31,504 Oh, my! 773 00:29:31,538 --> 00:29:33,506 - Oh, boy. - And The Beast regrouping. 774 00:29:33,540 --> 00:29:35,542 Gray is flying. - Oh, man. 775 00:29:35,575 --> 00:29:37,544 - It comes down to this blind grab. 776 00:29:39,546 --> 00:29:41,047 Got it! 777 00:29:41,081 --> 00:29:43,316 - And Austin Gray's out of there. 778 00:29:43,350 --> 00:29:45,051 [buzzer blares] - Austin Gray does it. 779 00:29:45,051 --> 00:29:47,053 [cheers and applause] 780 00:29:47,087 --> 00:29:49,255 But James McGrath is still in this. 781 00:29:49,289 --> 00:29:51,791 Keep in mind, the top four non-winners 782 00:29:51,825 --> 00:29:53,827 will have a second chance. 783 00:29:55,295 --> 00:29:58,298 - And McGrath--nice. - Just keeps pushing it. 784 00:29:58,331 --> 00:30:01,067 - All right, this one's gonna tax the biceps right here. 785 00:30:01,101 --> 00:30:02,569 Let's go. Rock with it, baby. 786 00:30:02,602 --> 00:30:03,737 Come on. 787 00:30:03,770 --> 00:30:05,338 Whoo! That was beautiful. - Got it! 788 00:30:05,372 --> 00:30:07,574 - Beauty and The Beast. - And he's smiling. 789 00:30:07,607 --> 00:30:09,342 The Beast has done it. [buzzer blares] 790 00:30:09,376 --> 00:30:11,745 Austin won, but James gave himself 791 00:30:11,778 --> 00:30:14,080 a good chance to stay alive. 792 00:30:16,116 --> 00:30:18,818 Austin Gray linked his moves on Jawbreakers 793 00:30:18,852 --> 00:30:21,721 and got some separation, and then closed it out 794 00:30:21,755 --> 00:30:24,024 with big moves on Epic Air Surfer 795 00:30:24,057 --> 00:30:25,992 and the Falling Shelves. 796 00:30:26,026 --> 00:30:29,529 McGrath made a big move on Swing Surfer to make up ground 797 00:30:29,562 --> 00:30:32,298 and landed the blind grab at the end. 798 00:30:32,332 --> 00:30:33,900 * * 799 00:30:33,933 --> 00:30:36,036 Well, Austin, congratulations. 800 00:30:36,069 --> 00:30:38,138 Your "Ninja" career isn't over yet. 801 00:30:38,171 --> 00:30:39,973 The Beast, keep your head up. 802 00:30:40,006 --> 00:30:42,308 Remember, the top four non-winners 803 00:30:42,342 --> 00:30:43,510 could get a second chance. 804 00:30:43,543 --> 00:30:44,878 Right now, you're in third, 805 00:30:44,911 --> 00:30:47,681 so you've got a good shot of being in our runoff. 806 00:30:47,714 --> 00:30:49,249 - Good job, boys! 807 00:30:50,717 --> 00:30:51,685 - Coming up... 808 00:30:51,718 --> 00:30:53,553 - We're having a baby. 809 00:30:54,854 --> 00:30:56,823 - It's a boy for the Bergies. 810 00:30:56,856 --> 00:30:58,958 So Caleb Bergstrom could really use 811 00:30:58,992 --> 00:31:00,060 that million dollars. 812 00:31:00,093 --> 00:31:01,127 all: Aww. 813 00:31:03,229 --> 00:31:05,632 - He'll try to keep his season alive 814 00:31:05,665 --> 00:31:08,201 against Colorado's Max Feinberg 815 00:31:08,234 --> 00:31:11,905 when "American Ninja Warrior" returns. 816 00:31:17,077 --> 00:31:18,445 - Welcome back to Las Vegas. 817 00:31:18,478 --> 00:31:20,447 We're midway through the night on Stage 2. 818 00:31:20,480 --> 00:31:22,682 And remember, those who win here on Stage 2 819 00:31:22,716 --> 00:31:24,718 will move over there to take on 820 00:31:24,751 --> 00:31:27,687 the upper-body gauntlet that is Stage 3. 821 00:31:27,721 --> 00:31:30,190 - And that's where "Ninja" legends are made. 822 00:31:30,223 --> 00:31:31,524 But if you survive it, 823 00:31:31,558 --> 00:31:35,161 you can climb Stage 4 for a million dollars. 824 00:31:36,663 --> 00:31:39,399 - And up next on Stage 2, we've got a showdown 825 00:31:39,432 --> 00:31:41,468 between two top ninjas. 826 00:31:41,501 --> 00:31:45,605 On one side, it's Colorado college student, Max Feinberg. 827 00:31:45,638 --> 00:31:48,141 He'll be facing Florida's Caleb Bergstrom, 828 00:31:48,174 --> 00:31:50,710 who's the youngest of the Bergstrom Ninja family. 829 00:31:50,744 --> 00:31:53,113 We used to call him Baby Bergie, 830 00:31:53,113 --> 00:31:56,216 but now he's gonna have to give up that title. 831 00:31:56,249 --> 00:31:58,985 [upbeat music] 832 00:31:59,019 --> 00:32:01,354 - I have even more motivation to win it all this year. 833 00:32:01,388 --> 00:32:03,490 - There are some big changes coming our way. 834 00:32:03,523 --> 00:32:05,158 We're having a baby. 835 00:32:05,191 --> 00:32:06,726 - Are you serious? 836 00:32:06,760 --> 00:32:08,261 [screams] 837 00:32:08,294 --> 00:32:11,131 - A few weeks ago, we had a gender reveal. 838 00:32:11,164 --> 00:32:12,198 [all cheer] 839 00:32:12,232 --> 00:32:13,867 - So we're really excited to welcome 840 00:32:13,900 --> 00:32:15,935 our baby boy into the world. 841 00:32:15,969 --> 00:32:17,871 all: Aww. 842 00:32:20,340 --> 00:32:21,841 - One day when my son is potentially 843 00:32:21,875 --> 00:32:24,077 on "American Ninja Warrior," whether I'm competing 844 00:32:24,077 --> 00:32:26,079 against him or right there supporting him, 845 00:32:26,112 --> 00:32:27,647 I can't wait to be there as his dad. 846 00:32:28,915 --> 00:32:30,283 - Yes! 847 00:32:30,316 --> 00:32:33,319 Going to Stage 4. 848 00:32:33,353 --> 00:32:36,556 And his wife comes to greet him. 849 00:32:36,589 --> 00:32:38,758 - I know I'm not competing just for myself tonight. 850 00:32:38,792 --> 00:32:41,494 I have Ashley and our little baby cheering me on. 851 00:32:41,528 --> 00:32:43,997 * * 852 00:32:44,097 --> 00:32:45,398 [baby coos] 853 00:32:47,133 --> 00:32:49,502 - Congrats to Caleb and Ashley. 854 00:32:49,536 --> 00:32:50,804 - Let's go! - She's on the sideline 855 00:32:50,837 --> 00:32:53,340 with other members of the Bergstrom bunch. 856 00:32:53,373 --> 00:32:56,576 Max Feinberg is very close with his family. 857 00:32:56,609 --> 00:33:00,480 He always wears pink to raise awareness for breast cancer. 858 00:33:00,513 --> 00:33:03,116 His mom, Debbie's, a breast cancer survivor. 859 00:33:03,149 --> 00:33:05,051 She'll be on the sideline with his dad 860 00:33:05,051 --> 00:33:06,686 and other friends. 861 00:33:06,720 --> 00:33:08,421 Don't let the glasses fool you. 862 00:33:08,455 --> 00:33:09,622 Max can go. 863 00:33:09,656 --> 00:33:11,524 He's been to Stage 3 before. 864 00:33:11,558 --> 00:33:14,627 But he's the underdog in this race, a 22 seed, 865 00:33:14,661 --> 00:33:16,863 facing Caleb, who's a five. 866 00:33:16,896 --> 00:33:19,599 [countdown clock beeping] 867 00:33:19,632 --> 00:33:23,403 Caleb Bergstrom has been on fire the past two seasons. 868 00:33:23,436 --> 00:33:25,338 Didn't hit the water last season, 869 00:33:25,372 --> 00:33:27,640 and hasn't fallen so far this year. 870 00:33:27,674 --> 00:33:30,143 But they are dead even on the Double Salmon Ladder. 871 00:33:30,176 --> 00:33:32,712 He climbed for a million dollars last season, 872 00:33:32,746 --> 00:33:35,582 and looking like he wants to get back there again. 873 00:33:36,883 --> 00:33:39,085 He's starting to pull away. 874 00:33:39,119 --> 00:33:41,221 Anything can happen on Stage 2. 875 00:33:41,254 --> 00:33:43,623 Caleb Bergstrom's building up a good lead, 876 00:33:43,656 --> 00:33:45,225 but it ain't over. 877 00:33:45,258 --> 00:33:48,294 Max Feinberg knows what it takes to finish Stage 2. 878 00:33:48,328 --> 00:33:50,730 He did it two years ago. 879 00:33:50,764 --> 00:33:52,932 Caleb makes the jump to the rope. 880 00:33:52,966 --> 00:33:56,403 Max is gonna need to make up some ground. 881 00:33:56,436 --> 00:33:58,772 And Bergstrom holding that edge he got 882 00:33:58,805 --> 00:34:02,108 on the Jawbreakers, but here comes Feinberg. 883 00:34:02,142 --> 00:34:05,478 And the Epic Air Surfers, so easy to make a mistake, 884 00:34:05,512 --> 00:34:07,347 as we've already seen tonight. 885 00:34:07,380 --> 00:34:09,049 - Caleb Bergstrom is not letting up on his speed. 886 00:34:09,049 --> 00:34:10,316 - Wow. - Ooh, he came really close. 887 00:34:10,350 --> 00:34:12,085 Right there on the edge. The last one. 888 00:34:12,118 --> 00:34:14,054 Be careful. - This is a long dismount. 889 00:34:14,054 --> 00:34:15,955 - Yes, it is. - No problem. 890 00:34:16,056 --> 00:34:18,558 - You got this, baby, come on! 891 00:34:18,591 --> 00:34:21,194 - Goes right up onto the Falling Shelves. 892 00:34:21,227 --> 00:34:24,597 But Caleb Bergstrom keeping his foot on the accelerator. 893 00:34:24,631 --> 00:34:27,200 - It's that blind grab that I'm a little concerned. 894 00:34:27,233 --> 00:34:28,368 - This is it. 895 00:34:28,401 --> 00:34:30,070 What does he have left? 896 00:34:31,538 --> 00:34:32,639 And he grabs it. 897 00:34:32,672 --> 00:34:34,307 He's gonna do it. 898 00:34:35,442 --> 00:34:36,943 [buzzer blares] 899 00:34:36,976 --> 00:34:38,611 With a baby on the way, he's got extra motivation. 900 00:34:38,645 --> 00:34:42,515 And he just took another step towards that million dollars. 901 00:34:42,549 --> 00:34:46,086 [upbeat music] 902 00:34:46,086 --> 00:34:49,189 But with his quick pace, Max Feinberg gets a buzzer, 903 00:34:49,222 --> 00:34:51,091 he's not out of it. 904 00:34:51,124 --> 00:34:53,259 - Whoa. - So impressive. 905 00:34:53,293 --> 00:34:55,328 - Whoa-hoh-hoh-hoh! 906 00:34:55,362 --> 00:34:57,764 - And we may see him in our runoff race. 907 00:34:57,797 --> 00:35:00,333 [buzzer blares] 908 00:35:02,469 --> 00:35:05,538 Caleb Bergstrom has been unstoppable this year. 909 00:35:05,572 --> 00:35:07,240 He just sprinted through this course 910 00:35:07,273 --> 00:35:09,509 with one of the fastest times of the night. 911 00:35:09,542 --> 00:35:11,077 He's headed for Stage 3 912 00:35:11,111 --> 00:35:14,080 for the second straight season. 913 00:35:14,114 --> 00:35:16,649 The dad-to-be has reason to celebrate. 914 00:35:16,683 --> 00:35:19,052 And, Max, you have the second fastest time 915 00:35:19,085 --> 00:35:20,587 among the non-winners. 916 00:35:20,620 --> 00:35:22,889 Rest up because you might be racing again, buddy. 917 00:35:22,922 --> 00:35:24,190 - Thank you so much. - Great job. 918 00:35:24,224 --> 00:35:25,592 - Thank you. 919 00:35:26,793 --> 00:35:28,862 - And now Max's best friend will get 920 00:35:28,895 --> 00:35:30,530 his shot at Stage 2. 921 00:35:30,563 --> 00:35:32,732 He's one of the favorites to win it all, 922 00:35:32,766 --> 00:35:36,069 the two-time Last Ninja Standing Kaden Lebsack. 923 00:35:36,102 --> 00:35:38,772 He's facing 21-year-old Sam Folsom, 924 00:35:38,805 --> 00:35:41,074 a rising star in his own right. 925 00:35:41,074 --> 00:35:43,610 But this race is redemption for Kaden Lebsack, 926 00:35:43,643 --> 00:35:45,879 who had never fallen on "Ninja Warrior" 927 00:35:45,912 --> 00:35:48,448 until Stage 2 last season. 928 00:35:49,716 --> 00:35:52,085 - It's been two seasons since I made it to Stage 3. 929 00:35:52,118 --> 00:35:54,521 Season 15... [audience gasping] 930 00:35:54,554 --> 00:35:56,623 - Oh, no! - Oh, my goodness. 931 00:35:57,791 --> 00:35:59,492 - The ending didn't go the way I wanted to. 932 00:35:59,526 --> 00:36:01,895 - For the first time in his "Ninja" career, 933 00:36:01,928 --> 00:36:04,030 Kaden Lebsack is down. 934 00:36:04,030 --> 00:36:06,499 - When I hit the water, it was definitely very shocking. 935 00:36:06,533 --> 00:36:08,868 And looking up and seeing Elijah crush it, 936 00:36:08,902 --> 00:36:10,503 it definitely humbled me. 937 00:36:10,537 --> 00:36:12,205 It's not the way I wanted to go. 938 00:36:12,238 --> 00:36:15,508 - Kaden Lebsack was a Vegas favorite to win it all. 939 00:36:15,542 --> 00:36:18,578 - A remarkable streak comes to an end. 940 00:36:18,611 --> 00:36:21,848 - But I'm back on Stage 2 and I'm ready for some redemption. 941 00:36:21,881 --> 00:36:23,850 I'm going against Sam Folsom. 942 00:36:25,185 --> 00:36:27,787 I've trained with him a bunch, and I'm pretty close with him. 943 00:36:27,821 --> 00:36:29,122 It's definitely gonna be difficult 944 00:36:29,155 --> 00:36:30,156 racing against my friend. 945 00:36:30,190 --> 00:36:31,925 - Oh, my goodness. [laughter] 946 00:36:31,958 --> 00:36:34,828 - But hopefully I can beat Sam and move on. 947 00:36:34,861 --> 00:36:37,831 And I have no intention of hitting the water this time. 948 00:36:39,966 --> 00:36:41,167 - He's not kidding. 949 00:36:41,201 --> 00:36:43,336 Sam Folsom is having a great year. 950 00:36:43,370 --> 00:36:45,238 Won the Safety Pass in semis, 951 00:36:45,271 --> 00:36:47,073 and even won the Couples Championship 952 00:36:47,073 --> 00:36:49,209 earlier this year with his girlfriend, 953 00:36:49,242 --> 00:36:51,845 Isabella Wakeham, who's on his sideline. 954 00:36:52,979 --> 00:36:56,082 And Sam may be a 25 seed going against Kaden, 955 00:36:56,082 --> 00:36:58,184 who's a two seed, but that's misleading 956 00:36:58,218 --> 00:37:00,720 because both these guys can go fast. 957 00:37:00,754 --> 00:37:02,455 Kaden's mom on edge. 958 00:37:02,489 --> 00:37:03,790 She's gotta be thinking 959 00:37:03,823 --> 00:37:05,558 about that fall here last year. 960 00:37:05,592 --> 00:37:08,261 [countdown clock beeping] 961 00:37:08,294 --> 00:37:09,662 - Oh, boy. Look at this. 962 00:37:09,696 --> 00:37:11,664 - This may be the best race of the day. 963 00:37:11,698 --> 00:37:12,832 They can both fly. 964 00:37:12,866 --> 00:37:14,034 And this is so crazy. 965 00:37:14,034 --> 00:37:16,236 Kaden Lebsack says he hates speed. 966 00:37:16,269 --> 00:37:18,038 - With authority! 967 00:37:18,038 --> 00:37:19,873 - Oh, just synchronized. 968 00:37:19,906 --> 00:37:21,174 Lebsack linking it. 969 00:37:21,207 --> 00:37:22,409 - Lebsack is not messing around. 970 00:37:22,442 --> 00:37:23,576 He's got to point to prove-- - Oh! 971 00:37:23,610 --> 00:37:25,779 Oh, he went--oh, no! 972 00:37:25,812 --> 00:37:28,148 - He missed it. 973 00:37:30,250 --> 00:37:35,088 - Kaden Lebsack, another heartbreak on Stage 2. 974 00:37:35,121 --> 00:37:36,556 - What the what? 975 00:37:36,589 --> 00:37:39,826 - The man who was perfect his first two seasons 976 00:37:39,859 --> 00:37:42,629 now has two falls on Stage 2. 977 00:37:42,662 --> 00:37:44,330 Wow, well, let's look at this again. 978 00:37:44,364 --> 00:37:46,499 He was out in front on Jawbreakers 979 00:37:46,533 --> 00:37:48,635 and just missed on the left side. 980 00:37:48,668 --> 00:37:50,670 Didn't get the bar inside. 981 00:37:50,704 --> 00:37:53,073 And his season is over. 982 00:37:55,342 --> 00:37:58,078 Well, Sam Folsom's going to Stage 3. 983 00:37:58,078 --> 00:38:00,680 The only question, will he have a buzzer? 984 00:38:00,714 --> 00:38:03,583 [cheers and applause] 985 00:38:04,751 --> 00:38:07,721 Kaden Lebsack, still one of the best to ever do it. 986 00:38:07,754 --> 00:38:10,557 But we say it again and again in "Ninja Warrior," 987 00:38:10,590 --> 00:38:12,559 everyone falls. 988 00:38:12,592 --> 00:38:13,693 - Hurry, but don't rush. 989 00:38:13,727 --> 00:38:15,095 That's the key. 990 00:38:17,163 --> 00:38:18,631 And Sam Folsom-- 991 00:38:18,665 --> 00:38:20,200 [buzzer blares] - Let's go! 992 00:38:20,233 --> 00:38:23,937 - He's heading to Stage 3 for the first time. 993 00:38:24,037 --> 00:38:25,872 Just a great moment for him. 994 00:38:25,905 --> 00:38:28,942 [cheers and applause] 995 00:38:30,377 --> 00:38:32,178 But you have to feel the heartbreak 996 00:38:32,212 --> 00:38:34,814 for Kaden Lebsack, who's down with Zuri. 997 00:38:34,848 --> 00:38:36,716 - Kaden, I am so sorry. 998 00:38:36,750 --> 00:38:38,518 I know you're disappointed right now. 999 00:38:38,551 --> 00:38:40,387 Can you talk me through what happened? 1000 00:38:40,420 --> 00:38:42,789 - I don't know. I think I just rushed it. 1001 00:38:42,822 --> 00:38:45,191 - Yeah? Just a matter of too fast? 1002 00:38:45,225 --> 00:38:46,893 - Yeah, I guess so. - Okay. 1003 00:38:46,926 --> 00:38:49,396 Now, this is the second year in a row with an outcome 1004 00:38:49,429 --> 00:38:51,731 that was obviously less than what you'd hoped for. 1005 00:38:51,765 --> 00:38:53,299 Where do you go from here? 1006 00:38:53,333 --> 00:38:56,403 - Well, you can only go up from here, I guess. 1007 00:38:56,436 --> 00:38:58,338 I don't know, just keep training hard, I guess. 1008 00:38:58,371 --> 00:38:59,472 - Yeah? All right. 1009 00:38:59,506 --> 00:39:01,241 Well, I'm so sorry it ended this way. 1010 00:39:01,274 --> 00:39:03,410 But at the end of the day, you're an incredible ninja, 1011 00:39:03,443 --> 00:39:06,079 the Last Ninja Standing two seasons in a row, 1012 00:39:06,112 --> 00:39:07,380 and we can't wait to see what the future holds 1013 00:39:07,414 --> 00:39:08,515 for you, okay? - Thank you. 1014 00:39:08,548 --> 00:39:10,016 - All right. Guys, back to you. 1015 00:39:10,050 --> 00:39:11,818 - A disappointing moment for him, 1016 00:39:11,851 --> 00:39:14,421 but Kaden Lebsack's one of the best ever. 1017 00:39:14,454 --> 00:39:16,356 He will be back. 1018 00:39:16,389 --> 00:39:19,325 We've got some marquee matchups just ahead, 1019 00:39:19,359 --> 00:39:21,561 including The Weatherman taking on 1020 00:39:21,594 --> 00:39:24,397 a teen half his age, Kevin Rodriguez. 1021 00:39:24,431 --> 00:39:27,067 And our defending champ, Vance Walker, 1022 00:39:27,100 --> 00:39:29,569 will have to hold off one of the best ever, 1023 00:39:29,602 --> 00:39:31,137 Flip Rodriguez. 1024 00:39:31,171 --> 00:39:32,806 And later, we're heading over 1025 00:39:32,839 --> 00:39:35,442 to the brutal Stage 3 course. 1026 00:39:35,475 --> 00:39:37,510 Who can conquer it this season? 1027 00:39:37,544 --> 00:39:40,547 It's all coming up on the national finals 1028 00:39:40,580 --> 00:39:43,316 of "American Ninja Warrior." 1029 00:39:48,355 --> 00:39:50,256 - His buzzer last week on Stage 1 was 1030 00:39:50,290 --> 00:39:51,858 the 33rd of his career. 1031 00:39:51,891 --> 00:39:53,793 - There we go again, baby! 1032 00:39:53,827 --> 00:39:56,629 - No ninja has more than Joe Moravsky. 1033 00:39:56,663 --> 00:39:58,164 - Whoo! 1034 00:39:58,198 --> 00:40:00,567 - But even the greats can be humbled by the course. 1035 00:40:00,600 --> 00:40:03,003 Three years ago, The Weatherman went out 1036 00:40:03,036 --> 00:40:04,738 on the very first obstacle 1037 00:40:04,771 --> 00:40:06,473 on Stage 2. - What? 1038 00:40:06,506 --> 00:40:09,542 - And minutes ago, it was déjà vu of sorts, 1039 00:40:09,576 --> 00:40:12,746 as Moravsky faced an opponent half his age, 1040 00:40:12,779 --> 00:40:15,415 Rhode Island's 17-year-old Kevin Rodriguez, 1041 00:40:15,448 --> 00:40:19,452 who suffered the same fate as Joe on the Striding Steps. 1042 00:40:19,486 --> 00:40:21,021 [audience gasping] 1043 00:40:21,054 --> 00:40:23,690 It was a disappointing exit for Rodriguez, 1044 00:40:23,723 --> 00:40:27,494 who missed the rope, just like Moravsky did three years. 1045 00:40:27,527 --> 00:40:30,497 That allowed Moravsky to cruise the rest of the way. 1046 00:40:30,530 --> 00:40:31,998 [all cheer] 1047 00:40:32,032 --> 00:40:34,901 The Weatherman breezed to his 34th buzzer, 1048 00:40:34,934 --> 00:40:37,904 adding to his record-setting total. 1049 00:40:37,937 --> 00:40:39,606 [buzzer blares] 1050 00:40:39,639 --> 00:40:42,042 He's going to Stage 3 for the sixth time, 1051 00:40:42,075 --> 00:40:45,512 yet another record for one of the all-time greats. 1052 00:40:45,545 --> 00:40:47,614 - Let's go, baby! 1053 00:40:47,647 --> 00:40:49,749 - We've only got a few more races left, 1054 00:40:49,783 --> 00:40:51,217 and this next one features 1055 00:40:51,251 --> 00:40:53,253 two of our most exciting young stars. 1056 00:40:53,286 --> 00:40:56,556 On one side, it's New Jersey's Josiah Pippel. 1057 00:40:56,589 --> 00:40:59,092 Just a teenager, but he's already climbed 1058 00:40:59,125 --> 00:41:01,061 Stage 4 for a million dollars. 1059 00:41:01,061 --> 00:41:04,631 He loves Formula One racing, and he likes to go fast. 1060 00:41:04,664 --> 00:41:09,102 He'll be racing the explosive "Cam the Baum" Baumgartner, 1061 00:41:09,135 --> 00:41:11,604 the gymnastics coach from the Chicago area 1062 00:41:11,638 --> 00:41:13,406 who brings a ton of muscle. 1063 00:41:13,440 --> 00:41:14,774 Josiah came in 1064 00:41:14,808 --> 00:41:15,875 as a three seed after 1065 00:41:15,909 --> 00:41:17,944 a very fast run on Stage 1. 1066 00:41:17,977 --> 00:41:19,112 He's also got a height 1067 00:41:19,145 --> 00:41:20,880 advantage over Cam, who does 1068 00:41:20,914 --> 00:41:23,249 have more Ninja experience. 1069 00:41:25,318 --> 00:41:28,154 Cam's got his parents and girlfriend here from Illinois. 1070 00:41:28,188 --> 00:41:29,589 - Let's go, Cam! 1071 00:41:29,622 --> 00:41:32,692 - Josiah's dad is leading cheers on his sideline. 1072 00:41:32,726 --> 00:41:34,894 - Come on, guys! 1073 00:41:34,928 --> 00:41:37,597 The rest of the family-- his mom, sister, and brother-- 1074 00:41:37,630 --> 00:41:40,300 watching back in New Jersey. 1075 00:41:40,333 --> 00:41:42,702 Both these guys have been to Stage 3 before. 1076 00:41:42,736 --> 00:41:45,105 They know what it takes to finish this course. 1077 00:41:45,138 --> 00:41:48,108 [countdown clock beeping] 1078 00:41:48,141 --> 00:41:50,210 Pippel loves speed, and he'll try to use 1079 00:41:50,243 --> 00:41:53,380 his height advantage going across the Striding Steps. 1080 00:41:53,413 --> 00:41:54,647 Cam's a gymnast, 1081 00:41:54,681 --> 00:41:57,117 so he can muscle through Salmon Ladder. 1082 00:42:00,153 --> 00:42:02,055 Got to be careful on Jawbreakers. 1083 00:42:02,055 --> 00:42:03,823 We've seen falls here tonight. 1084 00:42:03,857 --> 00:42:06,726 - Ooh, Josiah's on a mission. 1085 00:42:06,760 --> 00:42:09,062 You see how Pippel propelled forward? 1086 00:42:10,663 --> 00:42:12,966 - But last year he had the lead against Austin Gray 1087 00:42:13,066 --> 00:42:15,201 until he fell on the Epic Air Surfer. 1088 00:42:15,235 --> 00:42:17,637 He won't let up till he gets a buzzer. 1089 00:42:17,671 --> 00:42:19,539 - Wow, this is a little bit of a shocker. 1090 00:42:19,572 --> 00:42:21,074 I didn't think that Cam Baumgartner 1091 00:42:21,074 --> 00:42:22,409 would fall so far behind. 1092 00:42:22,442 --> 00:42:24,477 - But it's never over in these races. 1093 00:42:24,511 --> 00:42:27,547 [cheers and applause] 1094 00:42:29,949 --> 00:42:33,186 Well, let's see if Josiah slows down here. 1095 00:42:33,219 --> 00:42:35,522 Doesn't want a repeat of last season. 1096 00:42:35,555 --> 00:42:37,123 Yep, he's linking it, Akbar. 1097 00:42:37,157 --> 00:42:39,626 - Nope, he is not afraid, and that's the only way 1098 00:42:39,659 --> 00:42:42,128 that you attack your fear, is go head-on. 1099 00:42:42,162 --> 00:42:43,863 - Run your race. 1100 00:42:45,098 --> 00:42:46,299 Got that dismount. 1101 00:42:46,332 --> 00:42:47,901 [cheers and applause] 1102 00:42:47,934 --> 00:42:50,337 But the Falling Shelves are where Josiah fell 1103 00:42:50,370 --> 00:42:51,571 three years ago. 1104 00:42:51,604 --> 00:42:53,273 That's got to be in his head. 1105 00:42:56,109 --> 00:42:58,878 - Cam Baumgartner very cautious. 1106 00:42:58,912 --> 00:43:00,847 Josiah Pippel just moving. 1107 00:43:00,880 --> 00:43:03,817 - At this point, Cam is just hoping for a miracle. 1108 00:43:03,850 --> 00:43:05,418 Right here, the blind grab. - Here we go. 1109 00:43:05,452 --> 00:43:06,920 Catching it. Catch it. Catch it. 1110 00:43:06,953 --> 00:43:09,055 Nice. - Not gonna get him, 1111 00:43:09,089 --> 00:43:11,825 and Josiah Pippel delivers. 1112 00:43:11,858 --> 00:43:13,893 He's going to Stage 3! 1113 00:43:13,927 --> 00:43:15,328 [buzzer blares] - Look at that walk off. 1114 00:43:15,362 --> 00:43:17,063 Look at that walk off. 1115 00:43:17,063 --> 00:43:20,066 [upbeat music] 1116 00:43:20,066 --> 00:43:23,069 * * 1117 00:43:23,069 --> 00:43:25,372 - Cam still has a chance to move on, 1118 00:43:25,405 --> 00:43:29,142 but he'll need to beat James McGrath's time of 1:49. 1119 00:43:29,175 --> 00:43:30,477 And it's gonna be close. 1120 00:43:30,510 --> 00:43:32,345 He's taking too many swings. 1121 00:43:32,379 --> 00:43:34,080 Bro got to go. 1122 00:43:35,548 --> 00:43:36,750 - Makes the grab. 1123 00:43:36,783 --> 00:43:38,151 But he's got to hurry. 1124 00:43:39,452 --> 00:43:40,653 [buzzer blares] 1125 00:43:40,687 --> 00:43:43,456 It came down to the wire, but Cam finishes 1126 00:43:43,490 --> 00:43:46,126 a second and change too slow, 1127 00:43:46,159 --> 00:43:48,795 not enough to be one of our top four non-winners. 1128 00:43:48,828 --> 00:43:52,499 Josiah Pippel got redemption tonight. 1129 00:43:52,532 --> 00:43:55,669 A year ago, he fell on Epic Air Surfer. 1130 00:43:55,702 --> 00:43:59,706 Tonight, he linked his way across no problem. 1131 00:43:59,739 --> 00:44:03,843 Three years ago, he fell on the final Flying Shelf. 1132 00:44:03,877 --> 00:44:05,545 But not this time. 1133 00:44:05,578 --> 00:44:07,147 He's moving on. 1134 00:44:08,448 --> 00:44:10,784 Josiah, congratulations. 1135 00:44:10,817 --> 00:44:12,519 You had some unfinished business 1136 00:44:12,552 --> 00:44:14,187 with the Epic Air Surfer. 1137 00:44:14,220 --> 00:44:16,456 What was your mindset going into this race? 1138 00:44:16,489 --> 00:44:18,291 - Well, I mean, I knew I had to clear 1139 00:44:18,324 --> 00:44:19,626 to even get a runoff race. 1140 00:44:19,659 --> 00:44:21,494 Air Surfer, I've only ever done it linked, 1141 00:44:21,528 --> 00:44:23,496 so I figured, why change my strategy now? 1142 00:44:23,530 --> 00:44:25,065 - Oh, man, I like that. 1143 00:44:25,098 --> 00:44:26,499 Are you ready for Stage 3 1144 00:44:26,533 --> 00:44:29,469 and to get another chance at Stage 4? 1145 00:44:29,502 --> 00:44:30,804 - Well, I mean, it's been two seasons 1146 00:44:30,837 --> 00:44:32,706 since I've been on Three, so it's good to be back. 1147 00:44:32,739 --> 00:44:33,973 And yeah, we're going all the way to Four. 1148 00:44:34,074 --> 00:44:35,575 - All right, let's do it. - I don't doubt it. 1149 00:44:35,608 --> 00:44:36,943 I love your confidence. 1150 00:44:36,976 --> 00:44:38,511 Go celebrate and rest up. 1151 00:44:38,545 --> 00:44:40,146 We'll see you on Stage 3, buddy. 1152 00:44:40,180 --> 00:44:41,147 - Let's go! 1153 00:44:41,181 --> 00:44:43,183 [all cheer] 1154 00:44:44,517 --> 00:44:48,088 - Coming up, no one's been to the national finals 1155 00:44:48,121 --> 00:44:49,756 more than Flip Rodriguez. 1156 00:44:49,789 --> 00:44:51,658 - [screaming] 1157 00:44:51,691 --> 00:44:54,260 - But he's facing our defending champion... 1158 00:44:54,294 --> 00:44:55,895 Yes! Yes! 1159 00:44:55,929 --> 00:44:58,465 The million-dollar winner, Vance Walker. 1160 00:44:58,498 --> 00:45:00,600 Their marquee matchup is next 1161 00:45:00,633 --> 00:45:03,136 on "American Ninja Warrior." 1162 00:45:09,109 --> 00:45:10,076 - One year ago, 1163 00:45:10,110 --> 00:45:11,711 Vance Walker climbed Stage 4 1164 00:45:11,745 --> 00:45:13,513 and won a million dollars. 1165 00:45:13,546 --> 00:45:14,948 - Oh, my goodness. 1166 00:45:15,048 --> 00:45:17,617 - This season, the Florida teenager is on a mission 1167 00:45:17,650 --> 00:45:19,919 to become the first back-to-back champion 1168 00:45:19,953 --> 00:45:21,321 in "Ninja" history. 1169 00:45:21,354 --> 00:45:23,390 He's facing a tough opponent tonight. 1170 00:45:23,423 --> 00:45:25,258 Zuri's gonna get him started. 1171 00:45:25,291 --> 00:45:27,961 - This is a matchup "Ninja" fans will love, 1172 00:45:28,061 --> 00:45:30,130 our reigning champion, Vance Walker, 1173 00:45:30,163 --> 00:45:32,432 going up against one of the all-time greats, 1174 00:45:32,465 --> 00:45:34,401 Flip Rodriguez. 1175 00:45:34,434 --> 00:45:37,737 The stuntman from Miami has been having a career resurgence 1176 00:45:37,771 --> 00:45:40,540 in recent years, and no one has been 1177 00:45:40,573 --> 00:45:43,143 to the national finals more than he has. 1178 00:45:43,176 --> 00:45:45,178 But he'll need a huge effort tonight 1179 00:45:45,211 --> 00:45:47,947 to beat the million-dollar man. 1180 00:45:49,649 --> 00:45:52,385 - This is the OG of speed, Flip Rodriquez. 1181 00:45:52,419 --> 00:45:54,554 [buzzer blares] - [yells] 1182 00:45:54,587 --> 00:45:56,523 Let's go, baby! 1183 00:45:56,556 --> 00:45:58,825 - I grew up watching Flip on "American Ninja Warrior," 1184 00:45:58,858 --> 00:46:00,060 and I wanted to be like him, 1185 00:46:00,093 --> 00:46:01,428 crushing those courses one day. 1186 00:46:01,461 --> 00:46:03,129 Now I'm up against him on the course, 1187 00:46:03,163 --> 00:46:04,698 which is absolutely insane. 1188 00:46:06,366 --> 00:46:07,500 - Yes, sir. - Nice. 1189 00:46:07,534 --> 00:46:09,202 Yeah, Flip! 1190 00:46:09,235 --> 00:46:10,403 - Since moving to Florida, 1191 00:46:10,437 --> 00:46:11,671 I've been training a lot with Flip, 1192 00:46:11,705 --> 00:46:13,106 so I know Flip's training style 1193 00:46:13,139 --> 00:46:14,941 and I know he can crush this course. 1194 00:46:15,041 --> 00:46:17,510 This is gonna be a tough race. 1195 00:46:17,544 --> 00:46:21,114 - This is my ninth time on Stage 2. 1196 00:46:21,147 --> 00:46:23,216 And out of the eight times I've been there already, 1197 00:46:23,249 --> 00:46:25,285 I've only managed to clear once. 1198 00:46:26,286 --> 00:46:30,256 - Flip Rodriguez gets his first Stage 2 buzzer! 1199 00:46:30,290 --> 00:46:32,258 [buzzer blares] - Yes! Yes! 1200 00:46:32,292 --> 00:46:33,660 Okay! 1201 00:46:35,929 --> 00:46:38,498 - Last season, I made one mistake, 1202 00:46:38,531 --> 00:46:39,899 and I went down early. 1203 00:46:41,668 --> 00:46:43,536 - Oh, no! - No! No! No! 1204 00:46:43,570 --> 00:46:44,971 The OG went down! 1205 00:46:45,071 --> 00:46:47,741 - I have a huge appreciation for Vance 1206 00:46:47,774 --> 00:46:51,444 and how hard he works, being so strong and his work ethic, 1207 00:46:51,478 --> 00:46:54,080 just watching him grind, the training, 1208 00:46:54,080 --> 00:46:55,248 and pushing himself. 1209 00:46:55,281 --> 00:46:57,083 [buzzer blares] - [yells] 1210 00:46:57,083 --> 00:47:00,553 - Vance Walker has done it! 1211 00:47:00,587 --> 00:47:03,189 - This season, I have the opportunity to knock out 1212 00:47:03,223 --> 00:47:04,824 the champion and open up the door for myself. 1213 00:47:04,858 --> 00:47:07,727 - Flip Rodriguez, you are legend. 1214 00:47:07,761 --> 00:47:09,229 - Yeah! 1215 00:47:09,262 --> 00:47:11,698 And I am not going out without a fight. 1216 00:47:15,902 --> 00:47:18,605 - Everyone excited to see this one. 1217 00:47:18,638 --> 00:47:20,840 There's a big group on Vance's sideline, 1218 00:47:20,874 --> 00:47:22,175 including his parents. 1219 00:47:22,208 --> 00:47:24,177 And Flip's friends and training partners 1220 00:47:24,210 --> 00:47:26,046 will be cheering for him. 1221 00:47:26,079 --> 00:47:27,614 Flip's getting better with age, 1222 00:47:27,647 --> 00:47:30,050 but definitely the underdog in this race. 1223 00:47:30,083 --> 00:47:33,186 He's the 18th seed, going against Vance Walker, 1224 00:47:33,219 --> 00:47:36,423 who's the nine and running with a lot of confidence. 1225 00:47:36,456 --> 00:47:38,925 Vance was diagnosed with cerebral palsy 1226 00:47:38,958 --> 00:47:41,227 and wore braces on his legs as a kid, 1227 00:47:41,261 --> 00:47:43,830 yet now he can run so fast. 1228 00:47:43,863 --> 00:47:45,465 [countdown clock beeping] 1229 00:47:45,498 --> 00:47:47,133 Strap in. Here we go. 1230 00:47:47,167 --> 00:47:49,069 - Nice. Look at that. - Great footwork. 1231 00:47:49,069 --> 00:47:50,236 - Whoo! - Whoa-ho! 1232 00:47:50,270 --> 00:47:51,671 - He's showing it, Matt. Look at him. 1233 00:47:51,705 --> 00:47:53,406 He's got the speed. Can't make mistakes. 1234 00:47:53,440 --> 00:47:56,109 And look at that, shotgunning right up the Salmon Ladder. 1235 00:47:56,142 --> 00:47:57,811 - Good transfer there. 1236 00:47:57,844 --> 00:48:00,547 This is where Flip went out last year on the Jawbreakers. 1237 00:48:00,580 --> 00:48:02,449 What did he learn? 1238 00:48:02,482 --> 00:48:05,151 And you can see Vance not trying to link it. 1239 00:48:05,185 --> 00:48:06,653 Knows he's got a lead. 1240 00:48:06,686 --> 00:48:08,755 - Well, you know the advantage that Flip Rodriguez has 1241 00:48:08,788 --> 00:48:12,192 is that he knows he can always catch up because he has speed. 1242 00:48:13,526 --> 00:48:16,596 - Good move. Vance staying a half step ahead. 1243 00:48:16,629 --> 00:48:18,264 Here comes Flip. 1244 00:48:18,298 --> 00:48:20,867 And Vance not getting a ton of momentum here. 1245 00:48:20,900 --> 00:48:22,869 Oh, but Flip goes on the first swing. 1246 00:48:22,902 --> 00:48:25,071 He's made up ground. And this huge. 1247 00:48:25,105 --> 00:48:27,140 Who gets their feet down first? 1248 00:48:27,173 --> 00:48:30,677 Vance Walker has the edge going into Epic Air Surfer. 1249 00:48:30,710 --> 00:48:32,212 Oh-hoh, what a race! 1250 00:48:32,245 --> 00:48:33,880 - All right. Now--ooh. 1251 00:48:33,913 --> 00:48:36,449 Look at the big move by Vance Walker. 1252 00:48:36,483 --> 00:48:38,918 - He linked every move across the obstacle. 1253 00:48:38,952 --> 00:48:40,620 Oh, my goodness. 1254 00:48:40,653 --> 00:48:42,689 Watch this. He's going for a long dismount. 1255 00:48:42,722 --> 00:48:44,057 Got it! - Nice. 1256 00:48:44,090 --> 00:48:45,658 - And the pressure's back on Flip 1257 00:48:45,692 --> 00:48:47,727 as Vance starts the Flying Shelves. 1258 00:48:47,761 --> 00:48:48,962 - Yeah, you can see him already 1259 00:48:49,062 --> 00:48:50,096 starting to take a look back. 1260 00:48:50,130 --> 00:48:51,498 Here he goes. 1261 00:48:53,800 --> 00:48:55,135 - But here comes the critical move, 1262 00:48:55,168 --> 00:48:56,703 this blind grab. 1263 00:48:56,736 --> 00:48:58,204 - Ah, he's got the biceps. 1264 00:48:58,238 --> 00:49:00,507 We know how strong he is. - Got it! 1265 00:49:00,540 --> 00:49:04,044 Vance Walker going on to Stage 3! 1266 00:49:04,077 --> 00:49:06,613 - Ooh! Matt, there's a different confidence 1267 00:49:06,646 --> 00:49:09,816 you have when you are the American Ninja Warrior. 1268 00:49:09,849 --> 00:49:11,718 - But it is not over for Flip Rodriguez. 1269 00:49:11,751 --> 00:49:14,354 If he can finish faster than 1:49, 1270 00:49:14,387 --> 00:49:17,657 he will be in one of the top four non-winner spots. 1271 00:49:17,691 --> 00:49:20,427 That 1:49 was set by James McGrath, 1272 00:49:20,460 --> 00:49:22,062 who's in fourth place right now. 1273 00:49:22,095 --> 00:49:24,764 Flip would knock him out if he can finish quickly. 1274 00:49:24,798 --> 00:49:26,032 This is gonna be close. 1275 00:49:26,032 --> 00:49:27,901 He's got to make this grab. 1276 00:49:27,934 --> 00:49:29,536 - Nice. Ooh. 1277 00:49:29,569 --> 00:49:31,538 He shocked himself. 1278 00:49:31,571 --> 00:49:33,907 And Flip delivers. [buzzer blares] 1279 00:49:33,940 --> 00:49:36,543 - Oh, no. - Gets a buzzer. 1280 00:49:36,576 --> 00:49:39,946 Makes it to the end, but it's just not fast enough. 1281 00:49:40,046 --> 00:49:41,781 Flip gave it a good run. 1282 00:49:41,815 --> 00:49:44,351 Finishes just over a second too slow, 1283 00:49:44,384 --> 00:49:46,219 and his season is over. 1284 00:49:46,252 --> 00:49:49,189 Still, these two put on an incredible show. 1285 00:49:49,222 --> 00:49:50,790 [cheers and applause] 1286 00:49:50,824 --> 00:49:54,294 Let's go back and look at Vance's dominant performance. 1287 00:49:54,327 --> 00:49:57,731 Look at him link every move on Epic Air Surfer. 1288 00:49:57,764 --> 00:50:00,066 He looks like he's ready for another run 1289 00:50:00,066 --> 00:50:02,068 at a million dollars. [buzzer blares] 1290 00:50:02,102 --> 00:50:03,470 - Whoo-hoo! 1291 00:50:03,503 --> 00:50:05,205 - And Vance is gonna celebrate 1292 00:50:05,238 --> 00:50:07,841 and get ready to take on Stage 3. 1293 00:50:07,874 --> 00:50:09,109 - Stage 3! 1294 00:50:09,142 --> 00:50:11,878 - We have to say goodbye to Flip Rodriguez. 1295 00:50:11,911 --> 00:50:15,749 He came close, but just misses out on the runoff. 1296 00:50:15,782 --> 00:50:18,118 And someone's breathing easy right now. 1297 00:50:18,151 --> 00:50:21,488 James "The Beast" McGrath holds onto that fourth spot 1298 00:50:21,521 --> 00:50:24,691 among the non-winners, so he'll be in our runoff. 1299 00:50:24,724 --> 00:50:26,960 Here are the others who now get a second chance 1300 00:50:26,993 --> 00:50:29,095 to earn a spot on Stage 3. 1301 00:50:29,129 --> 00:50:30,697 McGrath will have to race against 1302 00:50:30,730 --> 00:50:34,034 another longtime veteran, the Papal Ninja, Sean Bryan, 1303 00:50:34,067 --> 00:50:37,003 while teenager Max Feinberg will try to outrun 1304 00:50:37,037 --> 00:50:39,072 the Cat Daddy, Jackson Twait. 1305 00:50:39,105 --> 00:50:41,474 We'll see those races next. 1306 00:50:42,308 --> 00:50:44,044 Then we'll be on the move 1307 00:50:44,077 --> 00:50:47,380 over to the legendary Stage 3 course, 1308 00:50:47,414 --> 00:50:49,382 the upper-body gauntlet. 1309 00:50:49,416 --> 00:50:51,384 It's the next hurdle if you want to win 1310 00:50:51,418 --> 00:50:54,020 that million dollars on Stage 4 1311 00:50:54,054 --> 00:50:58,692 on the national finals of "American Ninja Warrior." 1312 00:51:04,631 --> 00:51:07,701 - It's high stakes and high drama here in Vegas. 1313 00:51:07,734 --> 00:51:09,402 We are now just minutes away 1314 00:51:09,436 --> 00:51:12,672 from sliding over to the Stage 3 course. 1315 00:51:12,706 --> 00:51:15,842 So far, 13 of our finalists have survived Stage 2 1316 00:51:15,875 --> 00:51:17,610 and will be moving on. 1317 00:51:17,644 --> 00:51:20,380 - Hey! Hey! Hey! 1318 00:51:20,413 --> 00:51:22,882 - Our final two spots are up for grabs. 1319 00:51:22,916 --> 00:51:24,884 We're gonna settle it in our runoffs 1320 00:51:24,918 --> 00:51:27,420 between our top four non-winners. 1321 00:51:27,454 --> 00:51:31,891 And first up is Jackson Twait versus Max Feinberg. 1322 00:51:31,925 --> 00:51:33,293 These two both made it to the end 1323 00:51:33,326 --> 00:51:34,661 in their earlier races. 1324 00:51:34,694 --> 00:51:38,098 Twait is the fun-loving cat owner from Iowa. 1325 00:51:38,098 --> 00:51:39,699 He'll need to outrun Feinberg, 1326 00:51:39,733 --> 00:51:42,402 the college student from the University of Denver. 1327 00:51:42,435 --> 00:51:43,737 - Hup! Wha-cha! 1328 00:51:43,770 --> 00:51:46,106 - Oh, boy, they out there clowning around, 1329 00:51:46,106 --> 00:51:47,474 but this is serious. 1330 00:51:47,507 --> 00:51:49,676 Lose this race and your season is over. 1331 00:51:49,709 --> 00:51:51,644 - Twait's a little older 1332 00:51:51,678 --> 00:51:52,946 and a little taller, 1333 00:51:52,979 --> 00:51:54,547 and both of these guys have 1334 00:51:54,581 --> 00:51:56,850 "Ninja" experience. 1335 00:51:56,883 --> 00:51:59,719 Max Feinberg has been to Stage 3 before. 1336 00:51:59,753 --> 00:52:02,455 He'll have his parents and friends cheering him on. 1337 00:52:02,489 --> 00:52:05,325 Jackson Twait has his mom, girlfriend, 1338 00:52:05,358 --> 00:52:08,628 and those rowdy ninjas from Iowa cheering for him. 1339 00:52:08,661 --> 00:52:10,797 It's win, or the season's over. 1340 00:52:10,830 --> 00:52:13,099 They got to leave it all out there on the course. 1341 00:52:13,133 --> 00:52:16,069 [countdown clock beeping] 1342 00:52:16,069 --> 00:52:17,937 - All right, here we go. Run your own race, 1343 00:52:17,971 --> 00:52:19,305 but just run it faster. 1344 00:52:19,339 --> 00:52:21,141 - And just neck and neck. 1345 00:52:23,176 --> 00:52:24,844 And the bar is uneven for Twait. 1346 00:52:24,878 --> 00:52:27,547 And a little misstep there, but Twait corrects. 1347 00:52:27,580 --> 00:52:29,749 - Oh, it looks like Max Feinberg was waiting 1348 00:52:29,783 --> 00:52:31,284 to see what Jackson was gonna do. 1349 00:52:31,317 --> 00:52:34,087 - Let's see, can they link it on Jawbreakers? 1350 00:52:34,087 --> 00:52:35,789 It's high-risk, high reward. 1351 00:52:35,822 --> 00:52:36,823 - Oh, boy. 1352 00:52:36,856 --> 00:52:38,391 - Twait looking smooth. 1353 00:52:38,425 --> 00:52:41,594 - Yeah, and Max looking a little conservative. 1354 00:52:43,196 --> 00:52:47,100 - But just trouble keeping that momentum going. 1355 00:52:47,133 --> 00:52:49,269 On now to the Swing Surfer. 1356 00:52:49,302 --> 00:52:51,004 - Oh, buddy. 1357 00:52:51,104 --> 00:52:54,140 Well, Jackson's starting to get his momentum. 1358 00:52:54,174 --> 00:52:56,176 - And you see, he's not using that rope, 1359 00:52:56,209 --> 00:52:57,644 just like last time. 1360 00:52:57,677 --> 00:52:59,946 First off onto the Epic Air Surfer. 1361 00:53:00,046 --> 00:53:02,115 Twait has the edge. 1362 00:53:02,148 --> 00:53:04,084 - All right, let's go, Cat Daddy. 1363 00:53:04,117 --> 00:53:06,286 - We've seen a lot of falls here. 1364 00:53:06,319 --> 00:53:09,055 Gonna test your catlike reflexes. 1365 00:53:10,623 --> 00:53:13,927 - Max Feinberg better put some pep in his step. 1366 00:53:13,960 --> 00:53:15,395 - Well, Feinberg-- - Oh! 1367 00:53:15,428 --> 00:53:16,963 - And Feinberg's linking it. - Uh-oh, here we go. 1368 00:53:17,063 --> 00:53:20,200 - Here he comes. - Oh, they're tied up! 1369 00:53:20,233 --> 00:53:22,102 - Who will get the dismount first? 1370 00:53:23,570 --> 00:53:25,472 Twait! - Oh, boy-- 1371 00:53:25,505 --> 00:53:27,173 oh, nice! - Right into it. 1372 00:53:27,207 --> 00:53:29,843 - Here we go. We've got a race, ladies and gentlemen! 1373 00:53:29,876 --> 00:53:31,678 - Neck and neck. - Uh-oh. 1374 00:53:31,711 --> 00:53:33,780 Max Feinberg better get the dog out. 1375 00:53:33,813 --> 00:53:36,516 He better let the dog out because the cat is going! 1376 00:53:36,549 --> 00:53:38,485 - Who can get the blind grab? 1377 00:53:38,518 --> 00:53:40,086 Oh! 1378 00:53:40,120 --> 00:53:42,455 And Feinberg down. 1379 00:53:42,489 --> 00:53:45,125 The Cat Daddy's moving on. 1380 00:53:45,158 --> 00:53:48,461 [buzzer blares] - [yelling] 1381 00:53:48,495 --> 00:53:50,830 [cheers and applause] 1382 00:53:50,864 --> 00:53:52,832 - That was a good race. That was a good race. 1383 00:53:52,866 --> 00:53:55,669 - That was an incredible race. 1384 00:53:57,704 --> 00:54:00,373 Max closed the gap coming off the Air Surfer, 1385 00:54:00,407 --> 00:54:01,841 and they were neck and neck 1386 00:54:01,875 --> 00:54:04,577 as they swung across the Falling Shelves. 1387 00:54:04,611 --> 00:54:06,579 But Max missed on the last one, 1388 00:54:06,613 --> 00:54:09,115 while Jackson was able to make the grab. 1389 00:54:09,149 --> 00:54:11,851 He survives a nail-biter. 1390 00:54:13,053 --> 00:54:17,057 Well, Max Feinberg gave him all he could handle, 1391 00:54:17,057 --> 00:54:19,459 but the Cat Daddy didn't blink. 1392 00:54:19,492 --> 00:54:22,829 I got to say, I love racing on Stage 2. 1393 00:54:22,862 --> 00:54:25,265 Cat Daddy! 1394 00:54:25,298 --> 00:54:27,967 Jackson Twait, what a race. 1395 00:54:28,068 --> 00:54:29,703 What was going through your mind there 1396 00:54:29,736 --> 00:54:30,937 on the Falling Shelves? 1397 00:54:30,970 --> 00:54:32,372 - Ah, just go. 1398 00:54:32,405 --> 00:54:34,541 [laughter] 1399 00:54:34,574 --> 00:54:36,810 - Are you ready to take on Stage 3? 1400 00:54:36,843 --> 00:54:37,977 - Oh, I am so ready. 1401 00:54:38,078 --> 00:54:39,946 I've been dreaming of this for so long. 1402 00:54:39,979 --> 00:54:41,781 - Well, I'll tell you what, go get a noggin buzzer. 1403 00:54:41,815 --> 00:54:44,384 Get ready for Stage 3, buddy. - Whoo! 1404 00:54:44,417 --> 00:54:46,453 [buzzer blares] 1405 00:54:46,486 --> 00:54:48,888 [cheers and applause] 1406 00:54:48,922 --> 00:54:50,757 Let's go, baby! 1407 00:54:50,790 --> 00:54:53,526 - And now it's time for our second runoff race, 1408 00:54:53,560 --> 00:54:54,961 James "The Beast" McGrath 1409 00:54:54,994 --> 00:54:57,430 versus the Papal Ninja, Sean Bryan. 1410 00:54:57,464 --> 00:55:01,034 This is a battle of beloved "Ninja" veterans. 1411 00:55:01,034 --> 00:55:03,937 McGrath's a 37-year-old from Massachusetts. 1412 00:55:04,037 --> 00:55:06,706 He's been doing Ninja for 14 years, 1413 00:55:06,740 --> 00:55:09,476 while Sean Bryan's in his ninth season on "Ninja." 1414 00:55:09,509 --> 00:55:13,580 And though almost 40, he still believes he can win it all. 1415 00:55:13,613 --> 00:55:16,182 With more than 40 buzzers between them, 1416 00:55:16,216 --> 00:55:19,819 James and Sean are two of the sport's all-time greats. 1417 00:55:19,853 --> 00:55:22,422 [buzzers blare] 1418 00:55:22,455 --> 00:55:26,092 The 39-year-old Bryan has been competing for nine years... 1419 00:55:26,126 --> 00:55:28,128 [buzzer blares] The Papal Ninja! 1420 00:55:28,161 --> 00:55:31,297 And last reached Stage 3 back in season 10, 1421 00:55:31,331 --> 00:55:33,967 when he finished as the overall runner-up. 1422 00:55:34,067 --> 00:55:35,635 - I feel the best I ever have in my whole career. 1423 00:55:35,669 --> 00:55:37,971 I feel stronger and more confident. 1424 00:55:38,071 --> 00:55:39,873 My motivation isn't just to get past Stage 2. 1425 00:55:39,906 --> 00:55:41,341 It's to take down the mountain. 1426 00:55:41,374 --> 00:55:43,343 Total victory or nothing. 1427 00:55:43,376 --> 00:55:45,679 - The 37-year-old McGrath started competing 1428 00:55:45,712 --> 00:55:48,481 way back in 2010, and is in "Ninja's" 1429 00:55:48,515 --> 00:55:51,084 top five for career buzzers. 1430 00:55:51,084 --> 00:55:52,085 [buzzer blares] 1431 00:55:52,085 --> 00:55:53,620 But he hasn't reached Stage 3 1432 00:55:53,653 --> 00:55:57,223 in 11 years and is desperate to return. 1433 00:55:57,257 --> 00:55:58,858 - Sean Bryan, I think he deserves 1434 00:55:58,892 --> 00:56:00,026 a shot at Stage 3. 1435 00:56:00,026 --> 00:56:01,628 But I've been waiting 1436 00:56:01,661 --> 00:56:02,796 a little longer than that, 1437 00:56:02,829 --> 00:56:04,698 so he can get in line. 1438 00:56:08,268 --> 00:56:10,370 - The Beast will have his number one fan, 1439 00:56:10,403 --> 00:56:12,639 his fiancée, fellow ninja Allyssa Beird, 1440 00:56:12,672 --> 00:56:14,140 cheering from back home. 1441 00:56:14,174 --> 00:56:16,409 Bryan, the Catholic church worker, 1442 00:56:16,443 --> 00:56:18,778 has his crew wearing the papal colors. 1443 00:56:18,812 --> 00:56:21,114 Mom's saying a prayer for this one. 1444 00:56:21,147 --> 00:56:23,683 Both of these guys have been to Stage 3 before. 1445 00:56:23,717 --> 00:56:27,053 It's been 11 years since McGrath's been on Stage 3, 1446 00:56:27,053 --> 00:56:29,289 and six years for Sean Bryan. 1447 00:56:29,322 --> 00:56:31,791 [countdown clock beeping] 1448 00:56:31,825 --> 00:56:33,093 - All right, here we go. 1449 00:56:33,126 --> 00:56:35,128 Matt, this one's gonna be real good. 1450 00:56:35,161 --> 00:56:38,398 - McGrath, the former track star, he's got speed early. 1451 00:56:38,431 --> 00:56:39,799 Sean Bryan, the former gymnast, 1452 00:56:39,833 --> 00:56:42,135 is tremendous on the bars. 1453 00:56:42,168 --> 00:56:43,236 - Nice. 1454 00:56:43,269 --> 00:56:44,437 - Whoa! 1455 00:56:44,471 --> 00:56:46,373 Just dead even. 1456 00:56:46,406 --> 00:56:48,408 - All right, now these guys are moving. 1457 00:56:48,441 --> 00:56:51,244 - And this is such focus, Akbar, not to flinch, 1458 00:56:51,277 --> 00:56:53,713 not to steal a glance. 1459 00:56:53,747 --> 00:56:55,482 - Nice. 1460 00:56:55,515 --> 00:56:57,984 - Sean Bryan first off, then The Beast. 1461 00:56:58,084 --> 00:56:59,419 - Oh, these guys are racing. 1462 00:56:59,452 --> 00:57:01,021 They want to get to Stage 3. 1463 00:57:01,054 --> 00:57:02,922 And look at that incredible move. 1464 00:57:03,023 --> 00:57:05,225 - And The Beast taking a gamble. 1465 00:57:05,258 --> 00:57:07,494 Knows he needs every edge he can get. 1466 00:57:07,527 --> 00:57:09,596 - Matt, it's like he was shot out of a cannon! 1467 00:57:09,629 --> 00:57:11,498 - And The Beast is the first to finish. 1468 00:57:11,531 --> 00:57:13,900 He has the edge here on the Epic Air Surfer. 1469 00:57:15,568 --> 00:57:17,037 - Nice. Here we go. 1470 00:57:17,070 --> 00:57:18,672 - Trying to link it. 1471 00:57:18,705 --> 00:57:20,440 - Beast trying to beast Air Surfer. 1472 00:57:20,473 --> 00:57:22,475 - Oh-hoh! 1473 00:57:22,509 --> 00:57:24,477 And Sean Bryan's slightly ahead. 1474 00:57:24,511 --> 00:57:27,180 - Ooh! He floating like he going to heaven! 1475 00:57:29,249 --> 00:57:30,684 Oh! Oh, my goodness! 1476 00:57:30,717 --> 00:57:32,552 Praying that he gets up! 1477 00:57:32,585 --> 00:57:35,255 - Sean Bryan was the first one off. 1478 00:57:35,288 --> 00:57:37,457 Oh, what a matchup! 1479 00:57:37,490 --> 00:57:38,792 - This is it. Uh-oh. 1480 00:57:38,825 --> 00:57:40,493 - The Beast! - Oh, The Beast wants it. 1481 00:57:40,527 --> 00:57:42,062 He almost misses that third one. 1482 00:57:42,062 --> 00:57:43,329 - He's risking it! 1483 00:57:43,363 --> 00:57:44,330 - Nice-- 1484 00:57:44,364 --> 00:57:45,331 both: Oh! 1485 00:57:45,365 --> 00:57:46,766 - No! 1486 00:57:46,800 --> 00:57:48,201 - Oh, my goodness. 1487 00:57:48,234 --> 00:57:51,171 - Looked like he had it. 1488 00:57:51,204 --> 00:57:53,840 And Sean Bryan, another save. 1489 00:57:53,873 --> 00:57:56,409 - Another one-handed save, get out of here. 1490 00:57:56,443 --> 00:58:00,080 - And he's going back to Stage 3. 1491 00:58:00,113 --> 00:58:01,514 [cheers and applause] 1492 00:58:01,548 --> 00:58:04,250 - Oh, my goodness. 1493 00:58:04,284 --> 00:58:08,288 - These races could not be any better. 1494 00:58:08,321 --> 00:58:10,523 James McGrath was going all out. 1495 00:58:10,557 --> 00:58:12,926 Went for the rope on the first swing 1496 00:58:13,026 --> 00:58:15,028 on Swing Surfer to surge ahead. 1497 00:58:15,061 --> 00:58:18,598 Sean Bryan came back and survived a rough landing 1498 00:58:18,631 --> 00:58:20,600 on Air Surfer to take the lead. 1499 00:58:20,633 --> 00:58:22,869 McGrath was linking moves, 1500 00:58:22,902 --> 00:58:25,438 but couldn't handle the final Falling Shelf, 1501 00:58:25,472 --> 00:58:28,575 and the Papal Ninja held on for the win. 1502 00:58:28,608 --> 00:58:29,909 [buzzer blares] 1503 00:58:29,943 --> 00:58:32,245 - Hey, Sean, be honest. 1504 00:58:32,278 --> 00:58:33,513 Did you pray for that? 1505 00:58:33,546 --> 00:58:35,215 Did you pray for those one-handed saves? 1506 00:58:35,248 --> 00:58:36,916 - I knew I needed to dig deep. 1507 00:58:36,950 --> 00:58:38,752 I knew it was gonna be on the threshold. 1508 00:58:38,785 --> 00:58:41,287 So I was prepared just in case it happened again. 1509 00:58:41,321 --> 00:58:45,058 - Well, just amazing watching two veterans push each other. 1510 00:58:45,058 --> 00:58:48,428 It's been six years since you've been on Stage 3. 1511 00:58:48,461 --> 00:58:49,629 You're looking strong. 1512 00:58:49,662 --> 00:58:50,830 Are you ready for it? 1513 00:58:50,864 --> 00:58:52,065 - I'm ready and I'm hungry. 1514 00:58:52,065 --> 00:58:53,066 - Oh! 1515 00:58:53,066 --> 00:58:54,267 I like that hunger. 1516 00:58:54,300 --> 00:58:55,568 - Well, say your prayers. 1517 00:58:55,602 --> 00:58:57,604 I know you're gonna need a helping hand on Stage 3, 1518 00:58:57,637 --> 00:59:00,507 and I think you got the people to give it to you, my friend. 1519 00:59:00,540 --> 00:59:03,376 An incredible race and a heartbreaking loss 1520 00:59:03,410 --> 00:59:06,012 for James McGrath, but The Beast still had 1521 00:59:06,012 --> 00:59:08,882 his best season in more than a decade. 1522 00:59:08,915 --> 00:59:12,118 So from the hundreds who ran our course this year, 1523 00:59:12,152 --> 00:59:15,755 we're down to just 15 who survived Stage 2. 1524 00:59:15,789 --> 00:59:19,192 They're still in the running for that million dollars. 1525 00:59:19,225 --> 00:59:20,794 So now we're on the move. 1526 00:59:20,827 --> 00:59:22,295 We're headed over to Stage 3, 1527 00:59:22,328 --> 00:59:23,897 where our remaining ninjas 1528 00:59:23,930 --> 00:59:25,765 will try to keep their season alive. 1529 00:59:25,799 --> 00:59:28,134 - Only the best can survive that gauntlet. 1530 00:59:28,168 --> 00:59:29,569 It's gonna be a battle. 1531 00:59:29,602 --> 00:59:33,206 - And that's next on "American Ninja Warrior." 1532 00:59:38,511 --> 00:59:40,447 - Welcome back to Vegas and the national finals. 1533 00:59:40,480 --> 00:59:43,650 We are about to step onto hallowed ground for ninjas. 1534 00:59:43,683 --> 00:59:46,052 It's Stage 3. 1535 00:59:46,052 --> 00:59:49,189 - This course is a legendary upper-body test, 1536 00:59:49,222 --> 00:59:51,658 and, Matt, only the best are gonna pass it. 1537 00:59:51,691 --> 00:59:53,193 - You said it, big man. For a closer look, 1538 00:59:53,226 --> 00:59:54,494 let's go down to Zuri. 1539 00:59:54,527 --> 00:59:56,463 - Guys, just getting to Stage 3 1540 00:59:56,496 --> 00:59:57,964 is a huge accomplishment. 1541 00:59:58,064 --> 01:00:00,300 And to beat it, these ninjas are gonna have to get through 1542 01:00:00,333 --> 01:00:02,502 seven brutal obstacles. 1543 01:00:02,535 --> 01:00:06,172 First, they'll have to learn the ropes on Patriot Pass. 1544 01:00:06,206 --> 01:00:08,541 Then the ninjas have to find the slots 1545 01:00:08,575 --> 01:00:11,211 as they swing across Stalactites. 1546 01:00:11,244 --> 01:00:15,482 Next, they'll land the ball in the hoops on Slam Dunk. 1547 01:00:15,515 --> 01:00:18,885 The fourth obstacle is the iconic fingertip test 1548 01:00:18,918 --> 01:00:20,954 of Ultimate Cliffhanger. 1549 01:00:20,987 --> 01:00:23,790 A brand-new obstacle awaits them at number five. 1550 01:00:23,823 --> 01:00:27,227 It's a grip and flip challenge called Pizza Party. 1551 01:00:27,260 --> 01:00:28,661 [upbeat music] 1552 01:00:28,695 --> 01:00:31,364 With tired arms, they'll have to plot their way 1553 01:00:31,398 --> 01:00:33,633 across Pressure Cooker. 1554 01:00:33,667 --> 01:00:36,236 And finally, it's Road Signs, 1555 01:00:36,269 --> 01:00:38,405 which ended many runs last season. 1556 01:00:38,438 --> 01:00:41,307 - [screams] 1557 01:00:41,341 --> 01:00:43,343 - If they survive, they'll move on 1558 01:00:43,376 --> 01:00:46,112 to climb Stage 4 for a million dollars. 1559 01:00:46,146 --> 01:00:47,180 Guys. 1560 01:00:48,148 --> 01:00:50,016 - Stage 3 is special. 1561 01:00:50,050 --> 01:00:52,419 Very few ninjas ever get here. 1562 01:00:52,452 --> 01:00:54,654 And leading us off is the always entertaining 1563 01:00:54,688 --> 01:00:57,057 Ninja Cal, Cal Plohoros. 1564 01:00:57,090 --> 01:00:59,926 He's making his first appearance on Stage 3, 1565 01:00:59,959 --> 01:01:01,695 and he's gonna enjoy it. 1566 01:01:01,728 --> 01:01:04,330 This Pennsylvania teenager has come a long way 1567 01:01:04,364 --> 01:01:06,132 since we first met him. 1568 01:01:06,166 --> 01:01:08,535 [upbeat music] 1569 01:01:08,568 --> 01:01:10,770 When he first started on "Ninja Junior," 1570 01:01:10,804 --> 01:01:15,075 he was only 4'7" and barely 90 pounds. 1571 01:01:15,108 --> 01:01:17,811 Since then, he's grown almost a foot, 1572 01:01:17,844 --> 01:01:19,813 added 60 pounds of muscle, 1573 01:01:19,846 --> 01:01:22,182 and with the help of his coach Flip Rodriguez... 1574 01:01:22,215 --> 01:01:24,317 - Come on, Cal! Power! 1575 01:01:24,351 --> 01:01:27,087 - Has taken his Ninja skills to the next level... 1576 01:01:27,087 --> 01:01:29,456 [buzzer blares] And he's done it! 1577 01:01:29,489 --> 01:01:32,092 And is having his best season ever. 1578 01:01:32,092 --> 01:01:33,793 - And Cal Plohoros just dominated! 1579 01:01:33,827 --> 01:01:35,862 Just like that! 1580 01:01:35,895 --> 01:01:38,164 - It's crazy to think that I'm one buzzer away 1581 01:01:38,198 --> 01:01:39,499 from attempting that rope. 1582 01:01:39,532 --> 01:01:40,667 I've always been the little guy. 1583 01:01:40,700 --> 01:01:42,302 I've always been so underestimated 1584 01:01:42,335 --> 01:01:44,337 and I think overlooked, ever since "Junior." 1585 01:01:44,371 --> 01:01:47,240 - Don't count out 12-year-old Cal Plohoros 1586 01:01:47,273 --> 01:01:48,875 because this kid is a beast. 1587 01:01:48,908 --> 01:01:51,111 [buzzer blares] 1588 01:01:51,111 --> 01:01:52,679 - If the nine-year-old kid that first started 1589 01:01:52,712 --> 01:01:54,114 watching "Ninja Warrior" could look up 1590 01:01:54,114 --> 01:01:55,915 and see me making it this far, he'd be-- 1591 01:01:55,949 --> 01:01:57,617 he'd be amazed. 1592 01:01:59,119 --> 01:02:02,188 - Ninja Cal's got his big crowd back on his sideline, 1593 01:02:02,222 --> 01:02:04,824 including his energetic mom, Ivette. 1594 01:02:04,858 --> 01:02:06,626 There's no clock on Stage 3. 1595 01:02:06,659 --> 01:02:09,295 All you gotta do is get past these seven obstacles. 1596 01:02:09,329 --> 01:02:11,631 [countdown clock beeping] 1597 01:02:11,664 --> 01:02:13,099 Here we go. 1598 01:02:13,133 --> 01:02:15,869 These ropes on Patriot Pass are the first test. 1599 01:02:15,902 --> 01:02:18,104 You got to swing across as they unwind. 1600 01:02:18,138 --> 01:02:20,740 - Matt, these early obstacles may not take you out, 1601 01:02:20,774 --> 01:02:22,742 but they can wear you out. 1602 01:02:22,776 --> 01:02:24,711 [cheers and applause] 1603 01:02:24,744 --> 01:02:26,179 - Yes! - Let's go, Cal! 1604 01:02:26,212 --> 01:02:28,848 - If there's one thing we've seen about Cal Plohoros, 1605 01:02:28,882 --> 01:02:30,550 no shortage of confidence. 1606 01:02:30,583 --> 01:02:33,086 This young man believes in himself. 1607 01:02:33,086 --> 01:02:35,321 Now has to slide the handles in the slots 1608 01:02:35,355 --> 01:02:37,123 here on Stalactites. 1609 01:02:37,157 --> 01:02:39,325 And if you don't have a plan on this obstacle, 1610 01:02:39,359 --> 01:02:41,094 you can use up a lot of energy. 1611 01:02:41,094 --> 01:02:43,163 It's real easy to get turned around. 1612 01:02:43,196 --> 01:02:44,764 [cheering] 1613 01:02:44,798 --> 01:02:46,433 Little hung up. 1614 01:02:46,466 --> 01:02:48,535 - He's gonna have to make a couple more moves 1615 01:02:48,568 --> 01:02:50,603 before he thinks about an early dismount. 1616 01:02:50,637 --> 01:02:52,539 [cheers and applause] 1617 01:02:52,572 --> 01:02:53,907 - Go from afar! Go from afar! 1618 01:02:53,940 --> 01:02:55,108 - Ooh. - He's going for it. 1619 01:02:55,108 --> 01:02:56,910 - Yeah, he is. - Got it. 1620 01:02:56,943 --> 01:02:58,878 - Bring it on! Bring it! 1621 01:02:58,912 --> 01:03:00,213 - How you guys doing? 1622 01:03:00,246 --> 01:03:01,715 - Take your time with the crowd. 1623 01:03:01,748 --> 01:03:04,050 How you guys doing? - Well, he's a budding actor, 1624 01:03:04,050 --> 01:03:06,219 so clearly comfortable in front of a crowd. 1625 01:03:06,252 --> 01:03:08,054 - I like that. He's not competing here 1626 01:03:08,054 --> 01:03:10,690 on Stage 3 with that extra pressure. 1627 01:03:10,724 --> 01:03:13,126 - Some people like a big stage. 1628 01:03:13,159 --> 01:03:15,795 Cal Plohoros likes to hear the roar of the crowd. 1629 01:03:15,829 --> 01:03:17,464 [audience chanting] Let's go, Cal! 1630 01:03:17,497 --> 01:03:18,932 - He's 5'6". 1631 01:03:18,965 --> 01:03:21,534 Let's see what he can do on Slam Dunk. 1632 01:03:22,936 --> 01:03:24,137 Look at his quads. 1633 01:03:24,170 --> 01:03:26,806 This dude has gotten so strong. 1634 01:03:26,840 --> 01:03:29,542 - Oh! - Oh! Comes up just short. 1635 01:03:31,111 --> 01:03:32,746 Doesn't survive Slam Dunk, 1636 01:03:32,779 --> 01:03:36,149 but it's been a great season for Cal Plohoros. 1637 01:03:36,182 --> 01:03:38,218 - You did that! You did that! 1638 01:03:38,251 --> 01:03:41,087 - The up-and-coming actor had the crowd entertained, 1639 01:03:41,121 --> 01:03:43,456 but watch his hands on Slam Dunk. 1640 01:03:43,490 --> 01:03:45,825 He couldn't make the grab on the left side, 1641 01:03:45,859 --> 01:03:47,794 and his season is over. 1642 01:03:47,827 --> 01:03:49,195 - I'm happy to be out here. 1643 01:03:49,229 --> 01:03:51,798 I love it. I hope to be back. 1644 01:03:51,831 --> 01:03:53,500 I love you guys! 1645 01:03:53,533 --> 01:03:55,935 all: We love you, Cal! 1646 01:03:55,969 --> 01:03:57,871 [cheers and applause] 1647 01:03:57,904 --> 01:04:00,774 - Up next, another impressive teenager. 1648 01:04:00,807 --> 01:04:02,809 It's Tennessee's Elijah Browning. 1649 01:04:02,842 --> 01:04:06,813 He's known as The Boss because he runs multiple businesses. 1650 01:04:06,846 --> 01:04:09,349 And he's back on Stage 3 for the second straight year. 1651 01:04:09,382 --> 01:04:11,851 He's got a huge group cheering for him, 1652 01:04:11,885 --> 01:04:15,588 led by his mom, Renee, who's battling breast cancer. 1653 01:04:15,622 --> 01:04:18,358 Last year, made it all the way to Road Signs. 1654 01:04:18,391 --> 01:04:20,827 Can he break through this year? 1655 01:04:20,860 --> 01:04:23,530 [countdown clock beeping] 1656 01:04:23,563 --> 01:04:25,265 He looked strong early tonight. 1657 01:04:25,298 --> 01:04:28,234 Beat The Flyboy, Isaiah Thomas, on Stage 2. 1658 01:04:28,268 --> 01:04:30,970 Got his second buzzer of the season. 1659 01:04:31,071 --> 01:04:34,074 [cheers and applause] 1660 01:04:35,075 --> 01:04:36,710 6'1". 1661 01:04:36,743 --> 01:04:39,079 That reach should help here on Stalactites. 1662 01:04:41,081 --> 01:04:43,983 This kid is just so good 1663 01:04:44,084 --> 01:04:46,753 and just a hard worker. 1664 01:04:46,786 --> 01:04:50,156 Entrepreneur, has businesses, 1665 01:04:50,190 --> 01:04:52,425 and takes care of business at "Ninja Warrior." 1666 01:04:52,459 --> 01:04:53,993 - Yes, he does. Maybe one day, Matt, 1667 01:04:54,094 --> 01:04:55,862 we'll be working for him. 1668 01:04:57,297 --> 01:05:00,200 - Look at him moving efficiently. 1669 01:05:00,233 --> 01:05:01,267 And he's through. 1670 01:05:01,301 --> 01:05:04,270 [cheers and applause] 1671 01:05:05,405 --> 01:05:07,741 Now climbs up to take on Slam Dunk. 1672 01:05:07,774 --> 01:05:09,275 - Boss this one. 1673 01:05:09,309 --> 01:05:13,246 - That ball is 8 pounds, and those are 3 1/2-foot gaps. 1674 01:05:15,849 --> 01:05:18,218 It really is these transfers that are the big challenge. 1675 01:05:18,251 --> 01:05:20,053 You got to grab it simultaneously. 1676 01:05:20,053 --> 01:05:21,221 Great job. 1677 01:05:22,822 --> 01:05:24,357 This last one's a little lower, 1678 01:05:24,391 --> 01:05:25,658 but no problem. 1679 01:05:25,692 --> 01:05:27,761 He's gonna get through Slam Dunk. 1680 01:05:27,794 --> 01:05:31,431 [cheers and applause] 1681 01:05:31,464 --> 01:05:33,700 And now The Boss will be the first tonight 1682 01:05:33,733 --> 01:05:36,169 to try the iconic Ultimate Cliffhanger. 1683 01:05:36,202 --> 01:05:38,138 It's a staple here on Stage 3. 1684 01:05:38,171 --> 01:05:39,939 - So proud of you, buddy! 1685 01:05:39,973 --> 01:05:41,708 I'm so proud of you! 1686 01:05:41,741 --> 01:05:43,810 - 170, one of the bigger guys 1687 01:05:43,843 --> 01:05:45,478 that'll take on Stage 3 tonight. 1688 01:05:45,512 --> 01:05:47,480 That's a lot of weight to carry on your fingertips 1689 01:05:47,514 --> 01:05:49,916 as you go across these narrow ledges. 1690 01:05:49,949 --> 01:05:51,284 Some of them are only an inch wide. 1691 01:05:51,317 --> 01:05:52,752 And you can just see, 1692 01:05:52,786 --> 01:05:56,690 being as efficient as possible on this obstacle. 1693 01:05:56,723 --> 01:05:58,825 Long reach, no problem. 1694 01:05:58,858 --> 01:06:00,660 [audience chanting] Boss! Boss! Boss! 1695 01:06:00,694 --> 01:06:04,130 - It's 55 feet total across this pool. 1696 01:06:05,665 --> 01:06:08,902 This is where he has to jump back to the other side. 1697 01:06:08,935 --> 01:06:12,205 Just a fingertip transfer 6 feet over. 1698 01:06:12,238 --> 01:06:15,608 - Hey, I would have been busting my fingernails up. 1699 01:06:15,642 --> 01:06:19,379 - And The Boss one step closer. 1700 01:06:19,412 --> 01:06:21,815 - That's amazing, buddy! 1701 01:06:21,848 --> 01:06:23,316 - Now he's gonna give us our first look 1702 01:06:23,350 --> 01:06:26,152 at this new obstacle, Pizza Party. 1703 01:06:26,186 --> 01:06:27,954 This one is diabolical. 1704 01:06:28,054 --> 01:06:30,323 Those slices spin, so you have to grip it, 1705 01:06:30,357 --> 01:06:32,325 flip it, and catch it again. 1706 01:06:32,359 --> 01:06:35,195 - Wow, it's like that New York style pizza right here, 1707 01:06:35,228 --> 01:06:36,396 nice and thin. 1708 01:06:36,429 --> 01:06:37,597 All right, turn that thing around. 1709 01:06:37,630 --> 01:06:38,798 Fold it up. Nice. 1710 01:06:38,832 --> 01:06:40,300 - Oh, wow. 1711 01:06:40,333 --> 01:06:42,802 He had to complete that rotation grabbing onto it. 1712 01:06:42,836 --> 01:06:45,071 - He did. And he had perfect hang time. 1713 01:06:45,071 --> 01:06:46,539 That's the key right there 1714 01:06:46,573 --> 01:06:48,508 because you give it enough time to rotate. 1715 01:06:48,541 --> 01:06:50,710 - Well, did he learn? What can he do differently 1716 01:06:50,744 --> 01:06:51,811 here on the second slice? 1717 01:06:51,845 --> 01:06:53,113 That was close. - Here we go. 1718 01:06:53,146 --> 01:06:54,481 New York style again. Turn it. 1719 01:06:54,514 --> 01:06:56,116 Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh. 1720 01:06:56,149 --> 01:06:57,217 - He's struggling. 1721 01:06:57,250 --> 01:06:58,585 Gonna try to regrip. 1722 01:06:58,618 --> 01:07:01,054 No! 1723 01:07:01,087 --> 01:07:02,822 He looked strong early, 1724 01:07:02,856 --> 01:07:05,859 but the pizza slice slips from his hand. 1725 01:07:05,892 --> 01:07:09,329 The Boss comes up short on Stage 3 once again. 1726 01:07:09,362 --> 01:07:10,764 - I'm so proud of you! 1727 01:07:10,797 --> 01:07:13,033 - His technique was perfect on the first one. 1728 01:07:13,033 --> 01:07:15,035 He used both hands to spin it. 1729 01:07:15,068 --> 01:07:17,437 But on the second slice, he didn't let go 1730 01:07:17,470 --> 01:07:20,573 with his right hand, so the pizza didn't spin around 1731 01:07:20,607 --> 01:07:24,077 like he needed, and he slid right off. 1732 01:07:24,110 --> 01:07:26,579 His season is over, but what a lift 1733 01:07:26,613 --> 01:07:28,815 he's given his family this year. 1734 01:07:28,848 --> 01:07:30,150 - So proud! 1735 01:07:30,183 --> 01:07:32,052 - And that obstacle, Pizza Party, 1736 01:07:32,085 --> 01:07:34,521 came from our Obstacle Design Challenge. 1737 01:07:34,554 --> 01:07:37,490 It was dreamed up by a former ninja, Kevin Brekke. 1738 01:07:37,524 --> 01:07:40,160 If you've got an idea, go to... 1739 01:07:42,796 --> 01:07:46,199 We might see your creation on the course next season. 1740 01:07:47,500 --> 01:07:49,936 Up next, Daniel Gil knows 1741 01:07:49,969 --> 01:07:52,472 how to conquer Stage 3. [buzzer blares] 1742 01:07:52,505 --> 01:07:55,275 He's done it twice before. [buzzer blares] 1743 01:07:55,308 --> 01:07:57,610 He'll try to be the first to do it three times 1744 01:07:57,644 --> 01:07:58,978 when we come back 1745 01:07:59,079 --> 01:08:02,916 on "American Ninja Warrior's" national finals. 1746 01:08:08,555 --> 01:08:10,290 - Our next competitor has been to Stage 3 1747 01:08:10,323 --> 01:08:12,058 in three previous seasons. 1748 01:08:12,092 --> 01:08:15,061 Now he's ready for his fourth attempt at this course. 1749 01:08:15,095 --> 01:08:17,163 And Zuri's gonna get him started. 1750 01:08:17,197 --> 01:08:20,033 - Guys, last year, Daniel Gil missed out 1751 01:08:20,066 --> 01:08:22,769 on winning a million dollars on Stage 4 1752 01:08:22,802 --> 01:08:25,905 by just over a second, so he is hungry 1753 01:08:25,939 --> 01:08:29,509 to conquer Stage 3 and get back to the tower once again. 1754 01:08:29,542 --> 01:08:32,078 That's especially true this year 1755 01:08:32,112 --> 01:08:35,682 because he and his wife, Abby, have a baby on the way. 1756 01:08:36,649 --> 01:08:39,686 - Last season was literally a dream come true. 1757 01:08:39,719 --> 01:08:42,555 I got my rematch on Mount Midoriyama. 1758 01:08:42,589 --> 01:08:44,190 - So close! 1759 01:08:44,224 --> 01:08:45,959 [buzzer blares] 1760 01:08:46,059 --> 01:08:49,696 Daniel Gil did it! - Oh, my gosh! 1761 01:08:49,729 --> 01:08:51,364 - And I conquered it, 1762 01:08:51,398 --> 01:08:53,233 except for the fact that someone did it 1763 01:08:53,266 --> 01:08:55,502 a few seconds faster than me. 1764 01:08:55,535 --> 01:08:56,569 [buzzer blares] 1765 01:08:56,603 --> 01:08:59,806 - Vance Walker has done it! 1766 01:08:59,839 --> 01:09:04,310 A full second faster than Daniel Gil. 1767 01:09:04,344 --> 01:09:06,279 - Of the eight competitors that took on 1768 01:09:06,312 --> 01:09:08,214 Mount Midoriyama last year, 1769 01:09:08,248 --> 01:09:11,017 I was the old man at almost 30 years old. 1770 01:09:11,017 --> 01:09:15,689 - Daniel Gil gets another Stage 1 buzzer. 1771 01:09:15,722 --> 01:09:18,858 - But this year, I have a renewed hope, 1772 01:09:18,892 --> 01:09:20,593 a spark, a fire in my belly 1773 01:09:20,627 --> 01:09:23,029 that is getting me through each of these stages. 1774 01:09:23,029 --> 01:09:26,032 [buzzer blares] 1775 01:09:26,032 --> 01:09:28,635 I've got a dream, and I'm going to do whatever it takes 1776 01:09:28,668 --> 01:09:31,037 to hit these buzzers to move on, 1777 01:09:31,037 --> 01:09:33,540 because I am determined 1778 01:09:33,573 --> 01:09:35,608 to make my way back to Mount Midoriyama 1779 01:09:35,642 --> 01:09:39,145 and do it a few seconds faster this time around. 1780 01:09:41,815 --> 01:09:44,584 [cheers and applause] 1781 01:09:44,617 --> 01:09:46,486 - And Abby will be leading the cheers 1782 01:09:46,519 --> 01:09:48,521 along with Daniel's mom and sister. 1783 01:09:48,555 --> 01:09:51,191 Daniel Gil's already been to Stage 4 twice. 1784 01:09:51,224 --> 01:09:53,226 If he finishes this course right now, 1785 01:09:53,259 --> 01:09:55,595 he'll be the first to get there three times. 1786 01:09:55,628 --> 01:09:56,796 [countdown clock beeping] 1787 01:09:56,830 --> 01:09:58,798 Akbar, I'm not sure how you rebound 1788 01:09:58,832 --> 01:10:00,734 from the disappointment at the end of last season. 1789 01:10:00,767 --> 01:10:03,937 But for Gil, he always leans on a higher power. 1790 01:10:03,970 --> 01:10:05,638 - Well, Matt, he's-- he's rebounded. 1791 01:10:05,672 --> 01:10:07,574 I mean, look at him. He's at Stage 3. 1792 01:10:07,607 --> 01:10:11,111 I mean, he has had an amazing season 16. 1793 01:10:11,144 --> 01:10:13,313 [cheers and applause] 1794 01:10:14,581 --> 01:10:19,986 - Last season, had a romp as one of eight ninjas 1795 01:10:20,020 --> 01:10:21,554 who hit the buzzers on Stage 3. 1796 01:10:21,588 --> 01:10:25,558 But so far, Stage 3 is pitching a shutout. 1797 01:10:26,693 --> 01:10:27,660 Long reach there. 1798 01:10:27,694 --> 01:10:28,895 Got it. 1799 01:10:30,930 --> 01:10:33,199 Akbar, he's taking more moves 1800 01:10:33,233 --> 01:10:35,735 than anyone we've seen on Stalactites. 1801 01:10:35,769 --> 01:10:39,139 - He's got to be thinking about the long game here. 1802 01:10:39,172 --> 01:10:41,574 - Whoo! 1803 01:10:41,608 --> 01:10:45,812 - 5'9", 165, just a tremendous athlete. 1804 01:10:45,845 --> 01:10:47,180 - This is my favorite part. 1805 01:10:47,213 --> 01:10:50,283 I love--I love to see Daniel Gil on Slam Dunk. 1806 01:10:50,316 --> 01:10:51,885 Watch him. Watch his hair flow 1807 01:10:51,918 --> 01:10:53,253 as he goes. Watch. 1808 01:10:53,286 --> 01:10:54,821 Flow and go. Boom, nice. 1809 01:10:54,854 --> 01:10:57,590 - Reminiscent of Air Jordan here on Slam Dunk. 1810 01:10:57,624 --> 01:10:59,793 - No, this is more like Hair Jordan. 1811 01:10:59,826 --> 01:11:00,860 Nice. 1812 01:11:02,228 --> 01:11:03,430 - Real smooth. 1813 01:11:03,463 --> 01:11:06,366 And just, Gil looks remarkably calm. 1814 01:11:06,399 --> 01:11:09,069 He always runs with a smile on his face. 1815 01:11:09,069 --> 01:11:10,637 [cheers and applause] 1816 01:11:10,670 --> 01:11:13,506 Now makes his way over to the fourth obstacle. 1817 01:11:13,540 --> 01:11:15,608 And, Akbar, you can see with the clear wall 1818 01:11:15,642 --> 01:11:18,178 on Ultimate Cliffhanger, as he goes through this, 1819 01:11:18,211 --> 01:11:21,348 he's gonna be staring at Stage 4. 1820 01:11:21,381 --> 01:11:24,751 - Matt, that's a great point, and it's so distracting. 1821 01:11:24,784 --> 01:11:28,154 I say keep your eyes on the rim. 1822 01:11:28,188 --> 01:11:30,223 Right there. 1823 01:11:30,256 --> 01:11:33,660 - Daniel did fall here back in season 8. 1824 01:11:33,693 --> 01:11:35,462 - Nice. Well, Matt, you can tell 1825 01:11:35,495 --> 01:11:37,664 by his movement that he's got a lot of strength. 1826 01:11:37,697 --> 01:11:39,499 - Great progress. - No doubt in my mind 1827 01:11:39,532 --> 01:11:41,134 he completes Ultimate Cliffhanger. 1828 01:11:41,167 --> 01:11:43,103 - Well, you know, just because you've done it before, 1829 01:11:43,103 --> 01:11:45,338 can't take any obstacle for granted. 1830 01:11:45,372 --> 01:11:48,408 [cheers and applause] 1831 01:11:50,944 --> 01:11:53,346 And Daniel is halfway done. 1832 01:11:55,348 --> 01:11:59,185 - But it's the Pizza Party that is very concerning. 1833 01:11:59,219 --> 01:12:02,088 - He did not have to face this obstacle last year. 1834 01:12:02,122 --> 01:12:04,224 Just when ninjas think they have something figured out, 1835 01:12:04,257 --> 01:12:06,593 we throw a brand-new obstacle their way. 1836 01:12:06,626 --> 01:12:09,062 - He may not look like it, but I'm sure he enjoys 1837 01:12:09,062 --> 01:12:10,897 a slice of pizza from time to time. 1838 01:12:10,930 --> 01:12:13,066 All right, let's see if he's gonna enjoy this one. 1839 01:12:13,099 --> 01:12:14,768 - Well, you know, he wants to have two tonight. 1840 01:12:14,801 --> 01:12:16,703 - All right, there's only one way to eat a pizza. 1841 01:12:16,736 --> 01:12:18,638 Turn that sucker around the right way and eat it. 1842 01:12:18,672 --> 01:12:20,607 - Got it. - Nice, boy! 1843 01:12:21,908 --> 01:12:25,378 - You can see, though, that slice, got to calm it. 1844 01:12:25,412 --> 01:12:26,713 - Ooh. - And this is expending 1845 01:12:26,746 --> 01:12:28,081 grip strength. - Yes, it is. 1846 01:12:28,081 --> 01:12:29,482 - Good recovery. - Good. 1847 01:12:30,617 --> 01:12:33,620 - What a diabolical obstacle. 1848 01:12:33,653 --> 01:12:35,588 Ooh-hoo-hoo! 1849 01:12:35,622 --> 01:12:37,357 - Boy. Boy, he is stuffing-- 1850 01:12:37,390 --> 01:12:39,793 - Oh! - Oh, my goodness! 1851 01:12:39,826 --> 01:12:41,661 That was incredible! 1852 01:12:41,695 --> 01:12:44,264 I thought he was about to be stuffed. 1853 01:12:44,297 --> 01:12:47,934 - Daniel Gil, a tremendous save. 1854 01:12:47,967 --> 01:12:51,104 That was wild. I want to see that again. 1855 01:12:51,104 --> 01:12:53,306 He made the flip, but he missed the grab 1856 01:12:53,340 --> 01:12:55,475 with his left hand and had to regrip. 1857 01:12:55,508 --> 01:12:57,711 His fingers were way down at the bottom, 1858 01:12:57,744 --> 01:13:00,380 and he was gripping like crazy to hold on. 1859 01:13:00,413 --> 01:13:01,748 - But, Akbar, you got to think 1860 01:13:01,781 --> 01:13:03,917 that took something out of those forearms. 1861 01:13:03,950 --> 01:13:05,819 [audience chanting] Daniel! Daniel! 1862 01:13:05,852 --> 01:13:08,855 - He'll give us our first look tonight at Pressure Cooker. 1863 01:13:08,888 --> 01:13:11,725 You have to slide those handles on and off the poles. 1864 01:13:11,758 --> 01:13:14,060 The Kingdom Ninja's been to the top of the mountain, 1865 01:13:14,094 --> 01:13:16,663 but has to get through the Pressure Cooker to get back. 1866 01:13:16,696 --> 01:13:18,932 And this is another taxing obstacle. 1867 01:13:18,965 --> 01:13:21,601 There's nothing holding you up except your body weight 1868 01:13:21,634 --> 01:13:24,604 as you lean back on those handles. 1869 01:13:24,637 --> 01:13:25,839 And he's spinning. 1870 01:13:25,872 --> 01:13:28,174 Stage 3 can throw so much at you, 1871 01:13:28,208 --> 01:13:31,311 and even a great ninja like Daniel Gil can struggle. 1872 01:13:31,344 --> 01:13:33,079 - You're good. You're good. 1873 01:13:33,113 --> 01:13:35,382 - You can see how hard it is to control your momentum. 1874 01:13:35,415 --> 01:13:36,683 You're just spinning. 1875 01:13:36,716 --> 01:13:39,085 Have to reach out and find that pole. 1876 01:13:39,119 --> 01:13:41,988 And he's really having to work to get through this. 1877 01:13:42,088 --> 01:13:44,724 [cheers and applause] 1878 01:13:44,758 --> 01:13:48,294 - Well, these two obstacles are really taxing Gil. 1879 01:13:48,328 --> 01:13:50,597 - Yeah, he's starting to fish around now. 1880 01:13:53,400 --> 01:13:54,734 - Staying calm. 1881 01:13:54,768 --> 01:13:56,336 - Yeah, that's the only thing you can do. 1882 01:13:56,369 --> 01:13:58,538 When stuff gets tough, stay calm. 1883 01:14:00,907 --> 01:14:02,442 - Oh, no! 1884 01:14:02,475 --> 01:14:03,510 - All right, get it, get it, get it-- 1885 01:14:03,543 --> 01:14:04,744 - Got to get it locked in. 1886 01:14:04,778 --> 01:14:05,945 - Nice. 1887 01:14:07,047 --> 01:14:10,216 - Well, this has not been an easy run for Daniel Gil. 1888 01:14:10,250 --> 01:14:12,752 - Yeah, he's not efficient at all. 1889 01:14:12,786 --> 01:14:14,821 Oh, boy. - Well, now he's facing 1890 01:14:14,854 --> 01:14:16,856 the wrong way, roping around. 1891 01:14:16,890 --> 01:14:18,058 Got it. 1892 01:14:18,091 --> 01:14:19,459 - Wow. 1893 01:14:19,492 --> 01:14:21,061 - Oh, my. 1894 01:14:22,162 --> 01:14:25,065 One obstacle left. 1895 01:14:25,065 --> 01:14:26,666 His arms have to be burning. 1896 01:14:26,700 --> 01:14:28,468 - Whoo! 1897 01:14:28,501 --> 01:14:31,271 - Does he have enough left to get through Road Signs? 1898 01:14:31,304 --> 01:14:34,374 Has to swing through and grab these signposts. 1899 01:14:34,407 --> 01:14:37,077 It is such a challenge to have this as the final-- 1900 01:14:37,110 --> 01:14:38,445 oh! Oh! - Ooh, my goodness. 1901 01:14:38,478 --> 01:14:40,246 Oh, my goodness. - He barely got on. 1902 01:14:40,280 --> 01:14:42,882 - Man, Matt, are you serious? 1903 01:14:42,916 --> 01:14:44,384 - Oh, my. 1904 01:14:44,417 --> 01:14:47,087 - Yes! Come on! You got it! 1905 01:14:47,087 --> 01:14:48,555 - It just looks like his forearms 1906 01:14:48,588 --> 01:14:50,657 are barely responding. 1907 01:14:50,690 --> 01:14:52,125 - Whew. Okay. - What a recovery. 1908 01:14:52,158 --> 01:14:54,627 - Nice high grip there. 1909 01:14:54,661 --> 01:14:56,096 He's getting so close. 1910 01:14:56,096 --> 01:14:57,263 - No! - Oh, no! 1911 01:14:57,297 --> 01:14:59,132 No, no, no, no, no, no, no! - Oh! 1912 01:15:00,767 --> 01:15:03,169 [applause] 1913 01:15:03,203 --> 01:15:06,940 The accumulation was just too much for Daniel Gil. 1914 01:15:07,040 --> 01:15:08,541 - Good job, Daniel! 1915 01:15:09,709 --> 01:15:12,612 - He used up a lot of grip early in the course. 1916 01:15:12,645 --> 01:15:14,848 And when he made it to the last obstacle, 1917 01:15:14,881 --> 01:15:16,616 he just couldn't hold on. 1918 01:15:16,649 --> 01:15:19,819 Look at his face right there. Yep, he knew it. 1919 01:15:19,853 --> 01:15:23,456 There'll be no trip to Stage 4 this year for Daniel Gil. 1920 01:15:24,758 --> 01:15:26,459 - Daniel, I am so sorry. 1921 01:15:26,493 --> 01:15:28,728 We are not used to seeing you wet. 1922 01:15:28,762 --> 01:15:30,330 You were so close. 1923 01:15:30,363 --> 01:15:32,532 What happened here? Did you just run out of gas? 1924 01:15:32,565 --> 01:15:33,967 - Yeah. I mean, I think I just-- 1925 01:15:34,067 --> 01:15:36,670 I over-gripped on a few places that I shouldn't have. 1926 01:15:36,703 --> 01:15:39,172 And any ninja knows that if you over-grip too soon 1927 01:15:39,205 --> 01:15:40,974 in an endurance course like this, 1928 01:15:41,074 --> 01:15:42,442 you'll pay the price near the end. 1929 01:15:42,475 --> 01:15:43,910 It happens. Everybody falls. 1930 01:15:43,943 --> 01:15:46,212 Everybody fails. But the important thing is 1931 01:15:46,246 --> 01:15:48,415 to get up, learn, grow, move forward, 1932 01:15:48,448 --> 01:15:49,816 and get on with it, you know? 1933 01:15:49,849 --> 01:15:51,885 - Absolutely. You are preaching right now, Daniel. 1934 01:15:51,918 --> 01:15:54,254 And I am with it. You are such an inspiration. 1935 01:15:54,287 --> 01:15:56,156 We can't wait to see what you do next. 1936 01:15:56,189 --> 01:15:57,157 - I appreciate it, Zuri. 1937 01:15:57,190 --> 01:15:58,291 Thank you. - Absolutely. 1938 01:15:58,324 --> 01:15:59,759 Matt, Akbar, back to you. 1939 01:16:00,894 --> 01:16:03,830 - Coming up, he's been tearing up the course 1940 01:16:03,863 --> 01:16:05,465 the past two seasons. 1941 01:16:05,498 --> 01:16:07,167 - Oh, my goodness! [buzzer blares] 1942 01:16:07,200 --> 01:16:09,803 - But Kai Beckstrand's never faced Stage 3. 1943 01:16:09,836 --> 01:16:12,105 Can the Utah teenager take it down? 1944 01:16:12,138 --> 01:16:17,077 He's next on "American Ninja Warrior." 1945 01:16:21,581 --> 01:16:23,283 - Next week, it's "American Ninja Warrior's" 1946 01:16:23,316 --> 01:16:24,851 season finale. 1947 01:16:24,884 --> 01:16:28,054 Our remaining athletes will get their shot at Stage 3. 1948 01:16:28,088 --> 01:16:31,558 Then we're moving over to the Stage 4 tower, 1949 01:16:31,591 --> 01:16:34,761 where someone's gonna win a million dollars. 1950 01:16:34,794 --> 01:16:37,063 You don't want to miss it. 1951 01:16:37,063 --> 01:16:39,432 Well, we've got one more athlete tonight, 1952 01:16:39,466 --> 01:16:41,634 and he's one of the favorites to win it all. 1953 01:16:41,668 --> 01:16:44,204 It's Utah's Kai Beckstrand. 1954 01:16:44,237 --> 01:16:47,440 His season started by taking down the Mega Wall, 1955 01:16:47,474 --> 01:16:49,609 had the fastest time in the semifinals, 1956 01:16:49,642 --> 01:16:52,412 and added two more buzzers here in Vegas, 1957 01:16:52,445 --> 01:16:55,548 and did it all while battling a chronic condition. 1958 01:16:55,582 --> 01:16:57,417 [soft music] 1959 01:16:57,450 --> 01:16:59,586 - When I was 12 years old, I was diagnosed 1960 01:16:59,619 --> 01:17:01,321 with type 1 diabetes. 1961 01:17:02,222 --> 01:17:06,159 - * I think it's time that we recognize * 1962 01:17:06,192 --> 01:17:09,129 * All of the pain that we put behind * 1963 01:17:09,162 --> 01:17:10,630 * Is what made us * 1964 01:17:10,663 --> 01:17:13,299 - I was a little scared at first 1965 01:17:13,333 --> 01:17:16,469 because I didn't know exactly how that was gonna affect me. 1966 01:17:16,503 --> 01:17:19,539 But I was not gonna let that be the deciding factor. 1967 01:17:19,572 --> 01:17:22,809 Eventually, I went training and felt super great. 1968 01:17:22,842 --> 01:17:27,480 - * Now we've become who we are now * 1969 01:17:27,514 --> 01:17:29,849 * Oh, who we are now * 1970 01:17:29,883 --> 01:17:31,418 - Some of the challenges that I face, 1971 01:17:31,451 --> 01:17:33,953 I have to monitor my blood sugar all the time, 1972 01:17:34,054 --> 01:17:36,356 and depending on where my blood sugar range is, 1973 01:17:36,389 --> 01:17:39,092 can affect how I perform on the course. 1974 01:17:40,427 --> 01:17:42,729 Having diabetes is just another obstacle 1975 01:17:42,762 --> 01:17:44,164 that I have to go through every day, 1976 01:17:44,197 --> 01:17:45,598 but I'm not gonna let that stop me 1977 01:17:45,632 --> 01:17:46,599 from doing what I love. 1978 01:17:46,633 --> 01:17:50,270 - Kai Beckstrand, what a beast! 1979 01:17:50,303 --> 01:17:52,372 - Hitting a Stage 3 buzzer would mean the absolute world 1980 01:17:52,405 --> 01:17:54,708 to me because when I was only 12 years old, 1981 01:17:54,741 --> 01:17:56,209 I couldn't even fathom the idea 1982 01:17:56,242 --> 01:17:58,144 of being able to climb Mount Midoriyama. 1983 01:17:58,178 --> 01:18:01,214 - And Kai, for the first time in his career, 1984 01:18:01,247 --> 01:18:03,049 will be going to Stage 3! 1985 01:18:03,083 --> 01:18:05,485 - And now that that idea is in sight, 1986 01:18:05,518 --> 01:18:07,387 it's time to get to that Stage 4 rope. 1987 01:18:10,223 --> 01:18:11,758 [cheers and applause] 1988 01:18:11,791 --> 01:18:14,728 - And of course, Kai's part of that big Ninja family. 1989 01:18:14,761 --> 01:18:17,430 His mom, dad, and siblings all compete. 1990 01:18:17,464 --> 01:18:18,765 They're on the sideline, 1991 01:18:18,798 --> 01:18:20,600 along with friend, Mady Howard. 1992 01:18:20,633 --> 01:18:23,536 We had eight ninjas finish Stage 3 last year, 1993 01:18:23,570 --> 01:18:25,505 but none so far tonight. 1994 01:18:25,538 --> 01:18:27,774 [countdown clock beeping] 1995 01:18:27,807 --> 01:18:30,243 5'10", 180. 1996 01:18:30,276 --> 01:18:32,278 When you see him move, you don't know 1997 01:18:32,312 --> 01:18:34,414 if he has that much mass and muscle. 1998 01:18:34,447 --> 01:18:36,783 - You got to wonder if 180 pounds 1999 01:18:36,816 --> 01:18:38,852 will be nice to him on Stage 3. 2000 01:18:38,885 --> 01:18:40,487 That's a lot of weight. 2001 01:18:40,520 --> 01:18:43,390 [cheers and applause] 2002 01:18:43,423 --> 01:18:45,892 You can see him just kind of planning out 2003 01:18:45,925 --> 01:18:47,560 his route on Stalactites. 2004 01:18:47,594 --> 01:18:49,295 - Well, this is a big one, Akbar. 2005 01:18:49,329 --> 01:18:50,964 Over the years, we've seen ninjas 2006 01:18:51,064 --> 01:18:52,699 get hung up on this obstacle. 2007 01:18:52,732 --> 01:18:56,136 - And we've also seen some early dismounts. 2008 01:18:56,169 --> 01:18:58,104 Really not trying to spend a lot of time. 2009 01:18:58,138 --> 01:18:59,639 That might be a good strategy 2010 01:18:59,673 --> 01:19:02,308 for Kai Beckstrand at 180 pounds. 2011 01:19:03,777 --> 01:19:05,879 You can see him--he's starting to think about it. 2012 01:19:07,514 --> 01:19:09,182 - You got it. Come on. 2013 01:19:09,215 --> 01:19:10,517 - Come on, Kai. - There you go. 2014 01:19:10,550 --> 01:19:12,719 - He can cover some distance at 5'10". 2015 01:19:12,752 --> 01:19:14,688 Nice. - There's his brother, Luke. 2016 01:19:14,721 --> 01:19:17,190 This year, he and Kai became the first brother duo 2017 01:19:17,223 --> 01:19:18,858 to make it to Stage 2. 2018 01:19:18,892 --> 01:19:20,827 Let's see if the 5'10" Beckstrand 2019 01:19:20,860 --> 01:19:22,696 can dunk here on Slam Dunk. 2020 01:19:22,729 --> 01:19:24,030 - He's got some boosties. 2021 01:19:24,064 --> 01:19:26,032 - He's a great all-around athlete. 2022 01:19:26,032 --> 01:19:27,567 First saw him on "Ninja Junior" 2023 01:19:27,600 --> 01:19:30,136 where he was the champion of the 12-year-old division. 2024 01:19:30,170 --> 01:19:32,372 So impressive. He does all his athletic 2025 01:19:32,405 --> 01:19:35,775 accomplishments despite having type 1 diabetes. 2026 01:19:35,809 --> 01:19:38,345 Just amazing to see him out here. 2027 01:19:38,378 --> 01:19:39,646 No limits. 2028 01:19:39,679 --> 01:19:41,147 Here's a guys that takes five to six shots 2029 01:19:41,181 --> 01:19:43,049 a day to keep his blood sugar in check. 2030 01:19:43,049 --> 01:19:45,318 And he's definitely in the zone right now. 2031 01:19:45,352 --> 01:19:47,887 Well, this is where his size might be a challenge, 2032 01:19:47,921 --> 01:19:49,222 carrying that weight across 2033 01:19:49,255 --> 01:19:51,191 the narrow ledges of Ultimate Cliffhanger. 2034 01:19:51,224 --> 01:19:53,560 - Come on, big fella. - Got to move quickly here. 2035 01:19:53,593 --> 01:19:54,961 - Matt, he gets through this one, 2036 01:19:55,061 --> 01:19:56,529 he'll be the heaviest ninja 2037 01:19:56,563 --> 01:19:59,265 to ever get through Ultimate Cliffhanger. 2038 01:19:59,299 --> 01:20:01,568 - He's just levitating, Akbar. 2039 01:20:01,601 --> 01:20:03,303 - Nice. 2040 01:20:03,336 --> 01:20:05,271 [cheers and applause] 2041 01:20:05,305 --> 01:20:07,974 - His family's got those gyms in Saint George, 2042 01:20:08,008 --> 01:20:09,242 and it's paying off. 2043 01:20:09,275 --> 01:20:12,145 - Nice. Okay, big body. 2044 01:20:12,178 --> 01:20:13,680 - Wow. 2045 01:20:13,713 --> 01:20:15,982 That was just tremendously efficient. 2046 01:20:16,016 --> 01:20:19,019 [cheers and applause] 2047 01:20:20,220 --> 01:20:22,889 This next one, Pizza Party, is brand-new 2048 01:20:22,922 --> 01:20:26,126 and like no obstacle we've had before. 2049 01:20:26,159 --> 01:20:28,228 - Well, this pizza right here, Matt, 2050 01:20:28,261 --> 01:20:31,398 for Kai Beckstrand, it's gluten free. 2051 01:20:31,431 --> 01:20:33,133 And hopefully it's not-- - Ooh, ooh. 2052 01:20:33,166 --> 01:20:34,200 - Nice. 2053 01:20:34,234 --> 01:20:36,469 - Great handwork there. 2054 01:20:37,771 --> 01:20:39,072 - Here we go. Come on. 2055 01:20:39,105 --> 01:20:41,107 Come on now. Last one. 2056 01:20:41,141 --> 01:20:43,276 You got to get saucy with this one. 2057 01:20:45,812 --> 01:20:48,248 Get saucy with it. Get saucy with it! 2058 01:20:48,281 --> 01:20:49,582 Nice! Oh, my goodness. 2059 01:20:49,616 --> 01:20:51,317 Get out of there. Get out of there. 2060 01:20:51,351 --> 01:20:53,520 Oh, boy. Oh, boy. 2061 01:20:53,553 --> 01:20:55,555 Stage 3, we got a problem. 2062 01:20:55,588 --> 01:20:57,223 Beckstrand's on it. 2063 01:21:00,527 --> 01:21:01,861 - Let's go. Two more. 2064 01:21:01,895 --> 01:21:03,196 - You can do it. 2065 01:21:03,229 --> 01:21:04,531 - Well, here we go. 2066 01:21:04,564 --> 01:21:07,767 Kai trying to withstand the Pressure Cooker. 2067 01:21:07,801 --> 01:21:09,903 - All right. Here we go, big body. 2068 01:21:09,936 --> 01:21:11,638 - 180 pounds. 2069 01:21:11,671 --> 01:21:14,174 - Yeah, he's got to be very, very precise with this. 2070 01:21:14,207 --> 01:21:17,544 He can't afford to spin around and move around on this one. 2071 01:21:17,577 --> 01:21:20,113 - He's going high up there. 2072 01:21:20,146 --> 01:21:22,582 Little spin. 2073 01:21:22,615 --> 01:21:24,784 Just remaining so calm. 2074 01:21:24,818 --> 01:21:26,553 - Yeah, well, he's-- he's got long arms, 2075 01:21:26,586 --> 01:21:28,688 and he's trying to make sure that he's fully extended 2076 01:21:28,722 --> 01:21:31,324 so he doesn't have to have his arm bent. 2077 01:21:31,358 --> 01:21:32,992 If he has his arm bent, 2078 01:21:33,093 --> 01:21:35,128 that's gonna be a lot more time under tension. 2079 01:21:35,161 --> 01:21:36,429 - Well, you know what? We're seeing him go 2080 01:21:36,463 --> 01:21:38,431 much higher than anyone else has 2081 01:21:38,465 --> 01:21:41,167 and using that 5'10" wingspan. 2082 01:21:43,803 --> 01:21:45,805 It's certainly working. 2083 01:21:45,839 --> 01:21:47,407 He's got this. 2084 01:21:48,708 --> 01:21:50,210 There we go! 2085 01:21:53,213 --> 01:21:57,951 One more obstacle between Kai and Stage 4. 2086 01:21:57,984 --> 01:22:00,420 - He wants a chance to fight for that million dollars. 2087 01:22:00,453 --> 01:22:02,756 - Trying to be our first finisher tonight, 2088 01:22:02,789 --> 01:22:05,158 but will have to survive Road Signs. 2089 01:22:05,191 --> 01:22:09,129 These vertical grips, this will be the test. 2090 01:22:09,162 --> 01:22:12,065 - Got it. Nice, high and tight. 2091 01:22:12,098 --> 01:22:13,867 Now he's got to throw himself up. 2092 01:22:13,900 --> 01:22:15,669 Good. - Just generates 2093 01:22:15,702 --> 01:22:17,737 tremendous power with that lower body. 2094 01:22:17,771 --> 01:22:19,806 - He puts in work in the Ninja gym 2095 01:22:19,839 --> 01:22:21,875 and in the weight gym. 2096 01:22:21,908 --> 01:22:24,110 Ooh. - Ah, did a little spin. 2097 01:22:24,144 --> 01:22:26,513 - Here we go. Big ups. 2098 01:22:26,546 --> 01:22:28,214 Come on, come on, come on, come on. 2099 01:22:28,248 --> 01:22:29,883 Uh...oh... - Does he have it? 2100 01:22:29,916 --> 01:22:31,151 - Yah--hyah! 2101 01:22:31,184 --> 01:22:32,218 - Yes! 2102 01:22:32,252 --> 01:22:34,554 [buzzer blares] 2103 01:22:35,555 --> 01:22:40,126 Kai Beckstrand hits that buzzer! 2104 01:22:40,160 --> 01:22:43,129 [upbeat music] 2105 01:22:43,163 --> 01:22:44,197 * * 2106 01:22:44,230 --> 01:22:46,332 His dad, mom, and all the rest 2107 01:22:46,366 --> 01:22:48,401 are rushing to congratulate him. 2108 01:22:48,435 --> 01:22:52,872 He's the first to finish Stage 3 this season. 2109 01:22:52,906 --> 01:22:54,708 Three years ago, they were the first 2110 01:22:54,741 --> 01:22:56,676 father-son duo to hit a buzzer. 2111 01:22:56,710 --> 01:22:59,813 Now they get to celebrate this moment together. 2112 01:22:59,846 --> 01:23:02,882 * * 2113 01:23:02,916 --> 01:23:04,651 - Way to go, Kai! 2114 01:23:04,684 --> 01:23:08,188 - Kai Beckstrand, you did it, my friend. 2115 01:23:08,221 --> 01:23:10,523 What did it feel like getting that buzzer? 2116 01:23:10,557 --> 01:23:13,393 - That was probably the best experience of my whole life. 2117 01:23:13,426 --> 01:23:14,961 - You're 18 years old, man. 2118 01:23:15,061 --> 01:23:16,196 You still got a lot to live. 2119 01:23:16,229 --> 01:23:18,164 But I got to ask, did you have any doubt 2120 01:23:18,198 --> 01:23:19,532 that you could hit that buzzer? 2121 01:23:19,566 --> 01:23:21,368 - If you're doubting, you're not ready. 2122 01:23:21,401 --> 01:23:23,069 - Ooh! 2123 01:23:23,103 --> 01:23:25,372 Kai Beckstrand, when I get younger, 2124 01:23:25,405 --> 01:23:27,240 I want to be just like you, man. 2125 01:23:27,273 --> 01:23:29,209 - Sounds good. Sounds good. 2126 01:23:29,242 --> 01:23:31,277 - Hey, rest up. We're gonna see you on Stage 4 2127 01:23:31,311 --> 01:23:33,813 climbing for a million dollars! 2128 01:23:33,847 --> 01:23:35,648 Hit that buzzer one more time. 2129 01:23:35,682 --> 01:23:36,983 [buzzer blares] 2130 01:23:37,083 --> 01:23:39,886 A great way to end tonight. 2131 01:23:39,919 --> 01:23:44,157 Next week, our remaining athletes will tackle Stage 3, 2132 01:23:44,190 --> 01:23:48,094 including our defending champion, Vance Walker, 2133 01:23:48,094 --> 01:23:49,796 plus The Weatherman, Joe Moravsky. 2134 01:23:49,829 --> 01:23:54,367 And someone's gonna take home $1 million. 2135 01:23:54,401 --> 01:23:58,772 It's a season finale like we've never had before. 2136 01:23:58,805 --> 01:24:01,641 For Akbar Gbajabiamila and Zuri Hall, I'm Matt Iseman. 2137 01:24:01,675 --> 01:24:05,812 We'll see you next time on "American Ninja Warrior." 2138 01:24:07,113 --> 01:24:10,083 [dramatic music] 2139 01:24:10,116 --> 01:24:16,156 * *