Brian Montagnese is an insurance supervisor from Fair Oaks, California. He competes on ANW in honor for his family. His father died from brain cancer in 2018, and his mother is diagnosed Parkinson's disease.
He was inspired by Jimmy Choi, a fellow ANW competitor who battles Parkinson's. He is also a strong supporter of the Michael J. Fox Foundation. He's known as the Fox Ninja.
American Ninja Warrior[]
American Ninja Warrior 11[]
Brian competed in Los Angeles for his rookie season on American Ninja Warrior 11. His run was cut from broadcast, but it was revealed he was one of 31 to fail the dreaded Walk the Plank. He didn't advance.
American Ninja Warrior 13[]
Brian was originally supposed to return to compete in ANW 12, having gotten the call to compete in Los Angeles again. However, he was unable to do so due to the pandemic postponing the competition. Likely to make up for this, he competed in American Ninja Warrior 13.
Brian participated in the second round of qualifying. He made it past the first two obstacles with no problem. On Split Decision, he eyed going for Burn Rubber. Despite a slight stumble on the last tire, he was able to make a good enough leap to safely reach the landing pad. He later failed Tipping Point, missing the transition to the second part of the obstacle. However, he made it to the obstacle fast enough to clinch the 28th spot on the top 30, advancing to the semifinals.
He later competed in the third semifinals episode. His run was cut, but he failed the Ring Chaser, ending his second season.
American Ninja Warrior 16[]
Brian competed in seventh round of qualifying for American Ninja Warrior 16. His run was cut from broadcast, but it was revealed that he shockingly failed Reel to Reel.