Why didn't Geoff Britten win $1 million? 'American Ninja Warrior' fans tried to raise money after unfortunate loss
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Isaac Caldiero became the inaugural 'American Ninja Warrior' champion, climbing the rope three seconds quicker than Geoff Britten. NBC chose the running order, although Geoff raced first and was the first person to clear the course, it was all due to NBC's choice.
He started first since he had a slower time on stage 3. Isaac was the first 'American Ninja Warrior' champion, and NBC felt awful for not rewarding Geoff, but Geoff never asked for anything and was well-versed in the game's regulations.
To give Geoff his $1 million, some admirers even created a GoFundMe page. Although it fell well short of that ambitious target, it did generate $14,000.
The show's formula has undergone various changes since the scandal. For instance, in Season 8, the rules were modified to divide the top prize among many Stage 4 finishers.
The $100,000 award for the participant who travels the furthest and fastest, regardless of whether all stages are completed, was then added to the program in Season 10.
Where is 'American Ninja Warrior' Season 7 contestant Geoff Britten now?
When Geoff reached the top of the tower after Stage Four in Season 7, he became the first American to ever achieve Total Victory. Geoff will always hold a special position in the annals of history—and the hearts of his fans—even if Isaac surpassed him to become the Champion by scaling the rope more quickly.
After failing the first task in Stage One, Geoff returned in Season Eight but took a hiatus. He did not finish the Tacoma City Qualifier when he returned in season 11.
Rest assured, though, as Geoff continues to be active in the Ninja community. He still participates in local competitions while serving as Director of Ninja Nation.
We're not claiming that Geoff is no longer playing Ninja Warrior! Even though he has been a major historical figure for the show, we haven't seen too much of him in recent seasons.
Where is 'American Ninja Warrior' Season 7 winner Isaac Caldiero now?
Isaac has continued to participate in 'American Ninja Warrior' ever since he became the first-ever champion and established himself as a climber with exceptional skill. Following his victory in 2015, he briefly left the competition to act as a spokesperson for POM Wonderful Pomegranate Juice, the show's sponsor.
The business specifically held a contest where the winner received a training program that included getting to know Isaac and working out with him. He first made his way back to the 'Ninja Warrior' franchise in 2017, when he was revealed as a contestant on 'Ninja Warrior Germany'.
Since then, he has made many returns to the program. In 2018, at the age of 36, he made a comeback to Season 10 of the American format.
Isaac revealed in an interview with Entertainment Weekly that he had been following the competition in the interim and was excited to get back into the thick of things. He advanced to the finals' Stage 4.
After winning the 2015 season of 'American Ninja Warrior', Isaac talked to Outside Online and said he had become used to living on less than $10,000 a year. He took odd jobs to support his lifestyle, which consisted of living in an RV and traveling around the nation in search of the greatest places to go climbing.
The rock climber also described his plans for using his earnings to finance climbing vacations for both himself and Laura, his partner, who is an experienced and enthusiastic climber. Isaac was especially looking forward to his once-in-a-lifetime vacation to South Africa, where he planned to explore the Rocklands to the north of Cape Town.
In addition, he intended to travel to Japan in order to immerse himself in the country's distinct culture. Isaac and Laura reportedly moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee, following his victory in Season 7, despite leading a nomadic lifestyle, according to a 2018 Entertainment Weekly feature.
It seems, from his LinkedIn page, that they stay there. He developed the Federation of International Ninja Athletics (FINA) Ninja Warrior "Qualifier" Competition, which he now hosts, according to an Instagram post from 2023.
Overall, it appears from Isaac's Instagram account that he still leads a modest life that emphasizes climbing and other outdoor pursuits like hiking and surfing. He enjoys carpentry a lot as well.
How does 'American Ninja Warrior' work?
The high-stakes competition series features competitors who strive to complete very challenging obstacle courses.
According to an official press release from us, "Ninjas make their way through the Qualifying and Semi-Final rounds in Los Angeles before moving to the National Finals in Las Vegas. A top prize of $1 million will go to the winner who can conquer all four stages at the National Finals."
“This is a unique competition that it is about the people and the stories, and it has a lot of unique characteristics. Where else you have athletes rooting for each other? Where else you have women and men competing on the same course? We have a community and there’s so many positive values,” 'American Ninja Warrior' executive producer Arthur Smith revealed to Deadline.
Watch the latest episodes of 'American Ninja Warrior' Season 16 on NBC and Peacock beginning on Monday, June 3, to ensure you don't miss a second.