For the first time on the show's history, a contestant is able to complete all four stages of Mt. Midoriyama and takes home the grand prize.
- Sep 15, 2015
AceShowbiz - "American Ninja Warrior" has finally got the real champion. The show crowned Isaac Caldiero as its first ever winner in the 7th season finale which aired on Monday night, September 14 on NBC. Being able to complete all four stages of Mt. Midoriyama and besting the time of fellow contestant Geoff Britten, the pro rock climber took home the $1 million grand prize.
"Winning this event always seemed impossible," said Caldiero. "As the first American Ninja Warrior I want to use this opportunity to inspire the world to find your impossible and conquer it."
Of winning the $1 million prize, Caldiero told Ken Baker of E! News, "I mean it's amazing to think about, like I've never made or lived off more than $10,000 a year. So to all of a sudden...like I can't even imagine what it's going to be like...the future is unknown."
Geoff Britten was actually the first person to complete the entire course in the finale, but he lost the money because he wasn't the fastest. "By the rules, the money goes to the fastest person. If there's more than one finisher, the one with the fastest time gets it," executive producer Kent Weed explained the rules to The Hollywood Reporter.
"As much as the money is a wonderful prize and life changing, he does get the great gratification. I don't think he harbors any ill will about it. He's just so happy to have done what he's done. He's received tons of accolades from fans."
However, Weed admitted that they would make some adjustments in next season because of the results of this season's finale. "We talked to NBC about it, we might make adjustments next season, but we didn't plan for a second finisher," he said.
