. - a lot of people think i'm crazy for going all in, but i'm here to get to the top of mount midoriyama all ♪ to make our mark upon the wall ♪ ♪ they're gonna know we're superhuman ♪ ♪ and we will conquer tonight ♪ fight here till the truth has come to light ♪

. - midoriyama!

. - we're coming for you, midoriyama!$1 million and a glorious title. - i'm ready to be the first. - the first. - the first. - the first. [together] american ninja warrior. - whoo! gbajabiamila: i see you, captain morgan! - hallelujah! narrator: and there's only one way to get there. [upbeat music] iseman: and this crowd is losing their minds! - i'm gonna go all out. i'm gonna leave everything on the course.

. >> to conquer all four stages of mount midoriyama. >> some have been close before. >> oh!oh! >> the heroes return a year stronger... >> everybody's gunning for that number-one spot. >> ...a year wiser... >> this year, i'm going to beat the course. >> ...joined by the newcomers, each with a story... >> i weighed 189 pounds. i had to make a change. >> ...each with a dream. >> i've been to hell and back, and i'm ready to take on this course. >> finally, their time has come. their moment has arrived. ♪

. - welcome to the las vegas strip, where the hottest ticket in town is here at mount midoriyama, becausesomeone conquers the world's toughest obstacle course and becomes the first american ninja warrior. hello, everyone, i'm matt iseman alongside former nfl defensive end akbar gbajabiamila. all season long we've said the ninjas were more prepared and stronger than ever, and they proved it on a very challenging stage 1 course. as a record number hit the buzzer to move on to stage 2. well, one down, seven to go on stage 3. but up next, it's kevin bull. and it is amazing to see how he has gone from unknown walk-on to superstar in just two years. - it's been a wild ride since i first started my american ninja warrior journey. you know, i started as a walk-on. whoo!