The unstoppable momentum of American Ninja Warrior continues as it returns for its 17th season, bringing with it some notable changes. This time around, both the qualifiers and semifinals will be held in Las Vegas, a departure from the tradition of moving across various locations in the U.S. Instead of the national finals culminating in a climb up Mount Midoriama, the show is introducing a new format: a bracket-style tournament. Here, the nation’s top ninjas will compete against each other in intense head-to-head races on a challenging course. Their ultimate aim? To claim a $250,000 grand prize and the prestigious title of American Ninja Warrior.

“Each year, these ninjas elevate their skills,” said host Akbar Gbaja-Biamila, commenting on the competition’s progression. “We’re just striving to match their pace.” Host Matt Iseman echoed this, pointing out that “head-to-head racing is the sport’s future direction.” Both Gbaja-Biamila and Iseman are optimistic that fans will embrace these fresh changes as warmly as they have. “Up in the host tower, Akbar and I kept nudging each other, saying, ‘this is the best season ever,’” remarked Iseman.

From the sidelines, host Zuri Hall has noticed that this new competition style hasn’t dampened the camaraderie among the ninjas, noting, “it’s evident that this is a family.” “They’re all still cheering for one another,” Hall observed. “This attitude creates a really enjoyable and supportive environment.” Despite their humility, it’s clear that the vibrant commentary and genuine love for the sport from Gbaja-Biamila, Iseman, and Hall have played a significant role in fostering a welcoming atmosphere where American Ninja Warrior athletes and fans alike can flourish.

Gbaja-Biamila, Iseman and Hall stopped by the Decider studio to talk about key moments in the Season 17 premiere, including: 15-year-old wakeboarder Bray Weinacker’s amazing debut; the Dyer brothers’ triumphant moment on the warped wall; Flip Rodriguez’s shocking fall on the block run; and Daniel Gil’s historic 30th buzzer.

DECIDER: American Ninja Warrior is back for Season 17, and the show looks a little different. Why the refresh?

AKBAR GBAJA-BIAMILA: It’s not so much a refresh as it is an evolution. Year after year, we’ve seen these ninjas continuously getting better. I mean, pretty soon we’re going to see ninjas competing in the Olympics. We’re just trying to keep up with them. We changed the format and made the finals all about racing. For the first time, we’re asking ninjas to move through competitive brackets . Forget March Madness. It’s gonna be Ninja Madness.

Are you going to miss Mount Midoriama?

MATT ISEMAN: Of course, but head-to-head racing is where the sport is heading. As we celebrate the past, we’re looking towards the future. The finals consist of head-to-head racing and it’s just incredible. In the host tower, Akbar and I, we just kept hitting each other going, “this is best season ever.”

AG: Mount Midoriama went from vertical to horizontal. It is a long stretch for these ninjas as they go through a gauntlet of obstacles.

I love that this season of American Ninja Warrior is bringing back classics like the quad steps, log grip, block run, spin cycle and more. Which of these obstacles were you most excited to see again on the course and why?

MI: Cannonball Alley. I’ll never forget the night Kevin Bull went inverted on Cannonball Alley back in Season 6. Like, 14 ninjas—including guys like David Campbell—had fallen on it. Kevin figured it out that he could put his legs on that final cannonball and flip through it. That brilliant spur of the moment strategy showed us what the sport can be. We tested that obstacle for weeks prior, and no one had thought of doing it that way.

AG: For me, it was the log grip. It’s special to me because when I ran the course back in 2018, it was my second obstacle. I remember how scared I was when I saw it, but someone I managed to complete it [laughs]. I’m excited that the newer ninjas will now have the same opportunity to compete on it.

There’s such a wide age range for the competitors—from 15 to 72! I’m always in awe of how ninjas from both the old school and new school have such incredible respect for each other. Are you ever surprised by interactions you see on the course?

ZURI HALL: I was surprised my first season because these are competitive, world-class athletes. I soon found out they’re all super close and friendly. Ninjas don’t hesitate to help the person behind them, even if it means the next person could beat their time or perform better than they did. When I saw how supportive they were of each other, it made me even more excited to join the show. It’s clear that this is a family. Even though this season calls for head-to-head racing in a tournament-style bracket, they’re still all rooting for each other. That attitude makes it a really fun, safe space to be in.

MI: One of the things that’s beautiful about Ninja is that it provides a home for a lot of people who weren’t the right fit for team sports, but still want to be athletes. Many Ninjas were homeschooled which requires a sense of responsibility and discipline. They display these same qualities on the course. This generation of Ninja includes really good people who respect and emulate the athletes who came before them and established this community. They made something special that we feel lucky to be a part.

There were so many standout ninjas at the premiere, but Bray Weinacker was really impressive. What did you make of his run?

AG: We know the story about him losing vision in one of his eyes. Just think about what it means to compete without depth perception. However, he makes no excuses. That’s what I love about the Ninjas. There’s no load management when you get to American Ninja Warrior. You’re either ready for it or you’re not. Bray’s story is emotional, but it’s also inspirational. Other Ninjas were moved by his run.

Matt, one of the most emotional moments in the premiere occurred when Hayes Dyer ran up the warped wall to his brother, Owen. What was it like watching from the host tower?

MI: There are certain Ninjas you meet who just impress you. From the moment we met Owen, we knew there something about this kid’s heart and how open he was with the struggles that stood out. He found himself through the sport and shared what he learned with his little brother. This is a show that’s really about family and the generations who train and watch together. For them to have this moment as brothers is to be celebrated. So many people are watching from home and struggling. When you see a triumph like that, you feel like anything’s possible.

Akbar, you have a special place in your heart for Gary Weiland. What is it about his story that you connect to so much?

AG: Again, he doesn’t make any excuses. He’s come back every single season, and he gets better and better. This new format asks Ninjas to push themselves, and he continues to rise to the occasion. He has a fantastic run in our Season 12 premiere. He’s an amputee who lost his leg in a freak accident, and he says, “I don’t care, I’m ready.” It brought me almost to tears. I don’t know what to do with my emotions watching Gary run.

Speaking of emotions, my heart broke for veteran Flip Rodriguez after he fell in the water on the third obstacle. Zuri, how did you approach that sideline interview?

ZH: Those are really hard, especially because I consider a lot of these Ninjas my friends. I’d been keeping up with Flip’s journey all year long. By the time we got to Vegas, we were all invested in this being a redemption moment for him. To see it end the way that it did was devastating. My heart bleeds for him. It bleeds for any ninja in that predicament.

It’s sometimes hard to know what to say in that moment. I just try to feel their energy. Do they need a hug? Do they need some space? Maybe they are not ready to talk to me yet. Maybe they don’t have the words. I understand what that feels like. I just try to just come from a place of openness and then feed off of whatever they need. I don’t always know what to say. Those are the moments when my job is the hardest.

MI: Flip’s fall was heartbreaking, but he didn’t dwell on it. That speaks volumes about who Flip is. He’s become so invested in his students and those people he mentors that he wasn’t even thinking about his fall after a few minutes. He was focused only on his students’ runs. He’s come a long way since that he appeared as a masked kid in the early seasons. He’s this grandfatherly, sage, Mr. Miyagi figure now.

ZH: That selflessness is what makes this show so special though, right? Flip had other people to coach and cheer on. It speaks to the generosity of the sport.

In the season premiere, we see Daniel Gil hit the 30th buzzer in his American Ninja Warrior career. What was it like to see him achieve this milestone?

MI: The craziest part was that he got to do it with his daughter there. I remember when Daniel came on the show and was dating Abigail.Now to see them with a daughter is just amazing. It’s nice to see a someone like Daniel Gil show this new generation of Ninjas that the vets are still very much in this competition.

It was also really gratifying to see Jessie Graff hit another buzzer.

AK: She’s been a role model not only to the ninjas and the female ninjas, but even to us as hosts. It’s cool to see Jessie Graff really get back in there and keep up that tempo.No matter where we go, we are going to hear Jessie Graf’s name. She’s a top ninja, and everyone remembers her name, her story, and how dope an athlete she is.

ZH: She’s a great example of what this sport can do for someone’s life. Big picture, right? Jessie’s crushing it in Hollywood. I also work for Access Hollywood, and I was assigned to interview her as a celebrity in her own right. I went to her house, which had all the climbing walls, and I realized that not only does she live and breathe this sport, but she’s carved out an entire career in Hollywood. She really is the real-life Wonder Woman.

Ninja will be part of the modern Pentathlon in the 2028 Olympics. Which American Ninja Warriors would you like to see go for the gold?

AK: There are so many to choose from! I know all of them can’t compete, but it would cool to see them get that opportunity to showcase their talent. We’ve got to get at least three or four of our Ninjas to compete in the Olympics. The ninja community would be thrilled.

MI: Kevin Bull is training for it. He’s already started the obstacle type training. He was a decathlete in college. Jessie Graff would be great because she is such a versatile athlete. Taylor Greene and Vance Walker are two Ninjas that certainly have the necessary drive. If any of them win gold, I think we should get gold. Or at least we get to borrow the medal for a month [laughs].

American Ninja Warrior airs Mondays at 8/7c on NBC