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ANW5 Pole Grasper

American Ninja Warrior 5's Pole Grasper in Denver

ANW6 Pole Grasper

American Ninja Warrior 6's Pole Grasper in Dallas

Pole Grasper is an obstacle, firstly introduced on American Ninja Warrior 5 during Denver finals as the ninth obstacle, and then appeared again on American Ninja Warrior 6 during Dallas finals as the ninth obstacle.

Competitors must get across a series of hanging poles to the landing platform. During American Ninja Warrior 5's Denver finals, there were seven poles to get across. While during American Ninja Warrior 6's Dallas finals, the number of poles was reduced to six, and the gaps between each pole ranging from 2 to 5 feet (0.61 to 1.524 meters), with the bottom part of the poles was attached to the bottom of the water area.

The Pole Grasper had a similar concept with the Hariyama, which was used as the third and final obstacle during the Third Stage in SASUKE 1, except the poles were not elastic. A similarly made obstacle to this one was used as part of American Ninja Warrior 12's Power Tower.

Other Season Appearances[]

American Ninja Warrior 7[]

ANW7 Pole Grasper

American Ninja Warrior 7's Pole Grasper in Stage Three

The Pole Grasper returned on American Ninja Warrior 7, as the fifth obstacle in Stage Three, replacing the Propeller Bar from the previous season, which was moved to the second obstacle in Stage One on that season.

Instead of the poles being in the water, they were suspended from the top, making them react differently when moving from pole to pole. The poles were much shorter and thinner than those used in Denver or Dallas courses. The number of poles was reduced to five, and the fourth pole would drop down when the competitors were on it (similar to the second and third poles for the Sidewinder R in SASUKE 32). Once on the fifth pole, they must make the transition to the next obstacle (the Hang Climb). Despite that, no competitor fell on this obstacle.

Pipe Dream[]

Pipe

American Ninja Warrior 11's Pipe Dream in Stage Three

A variation of the Pole Grasper, called as the Pipe Dream appeared as the fifth obstacle in Stage Three on American Ninja Warrior 11, replacing both the Curved Body Prop as well as the Peg Cloud in favor of this obstacle from the past two seasons. Its name references a dream widely considered unattainable.

The difference was subtle from its variation, incorporating some ideas from the other obstacles. Competitors must grab a laché bar and swing to the wall, similar to the ones used on the Wall Drop and Cat Grab, with a small platform on top. Then, they must transit 8 feet (2.44 meters) to the first two poles, four in total, and make it across to another sets of poles which were thicker in size. Those poles looked similar to the Wind Chimes and would drop down when they put their weight on them (a very similar concept to the Sidewinder R). After going through those, competitors would then transit to the resting bar as a medium to the next obstacle (the Cane Lane).

Out of 11 competitors who reached the obstacle, only three of them fell (Karsten Williams, Tyler Smith, and Lucas Reale). However, many competitors had trouble locking in their lower body, and had to rely only on their upper body, this resulted in them falling on the next obstacle, the Cane Lane. During USA vs. The World 6, both Magnus Mitdbo from Team Europe and Matt Tsang from Team Australia fell on the transition to the unstable wall.

Other Season Appearances[]

American Ninja Warrior 13[]

Pipe Dream - ANW13 - Stage 3

American Ninja Warrior 13's Pipe Dream in Stage Three

The Pipe Dream returned on American Ninja Warrior 13, with a slight modification being that the dropping poles being much thinner compared to its previous appearance. During this season, no one failed on the obstacle.

American Ninja Warrior 14[]

The Pipe Dream returned on American Ninja Warrior 14 with little changes. This time around, two competitors: Cameron Baumgartner and Ethan Bartnicki, failed on the obstacle.

American Ninja Warrior 15[]

The Pipe Dream returned on American Ninja Warrior 15 with very little changes. No one failed on this obstacle.

Other Appearances[]

Pole Grasper[]

Ninja Warrior UK[]

NWUK3 Pole Grasper

Ninja Warrior UK 3's Pole Grasper

Nwuk5 slidingpolegrasper

Ninja Warrior UK 5's Sliding Pole Grasper

On Ninja Warrior UK 3, the Pole Grasper appeared as the eighth obstacle during the semi-finals, which was very similar to the one used during American Ninja Warrior 5's Denver finals, except the number of poles was increased to 10. This version of the Pole Grasper was proven to be easier, as only one competitor failed on this obstacle (likely due to the placement of the poles, as most of the competitors who completed the obstacle skipped several poles altogether).

Then, on Ninja Warrior UK 4, the Pole Grasper appeared as the fifth obstacle during the finals' Stage 1. This time, the number of poles was decreased to nine. Similar to its appearance on the previous season, only one competitor failed on this obstacle.

Later, on Ninja Warrior UK 5, the Pole Grasper appeared as the fifth obstacle during the semi-finals. Now renamed Sliding Pole Grasper. This time, the number of poles was decreased to six and the first pole was attached to a zip-line, requiring the competitors to grab and slide the first pole to reach the other poles.

NWUK6 Pole Grasper

Ninja Warrior UK 6's Pole Grasper

On Ninja Warrior UK 6, the Pole Grasper reappeared as the fifth obstacle in the semi-finals, which was very similar to the one used in American Ninja Warrior 7, except that the number of poles has been increased to eight.

Australian Ninja Warrior[]

-24- Pole Grasper

Australian Ninja Warrior's Pole Grasper

On Australian Ninja Warrior, the Pole Grasper appeared as the eighth obstacle during the semifinals, which was very similar to the one used during American Ninja Warrior 5's Denver finals, except the number of poles was increased to eight.

AusNW2 Pole Grasper

Australian Ninja Warrior 2's Pole Grasper

Then, on Australian Ninja Warrior 2, the Pole Grasper appeared as the first obstacle in Stage Two. This time, the number of poles was decreased to six and the first pole was attached to a zip-line, requiring the competitors to grab and slide the first pole to reach the other poles.

Ninja Warrior Austria[]

Nwat1 pole grasper

Ninja Warrior Austria 1's Pole Grasper

On Ninja Warrior Austria 1, Pole Grasper appeared as the fifth obstacle of Heat 3. It featured six poles.

Ninja Warrior Poland[]

NWP Pole Grasper

Ninja Warrior Poland's Pole Grasper

On Ninja Warrior Poland, Pole Grasper, locally called Spacer Hydraulika (literally Plumbing Walk) appeared as the seventh obstacle on the Finals' Stage One, which was very similar to the one used on American Ninja Warrior 6. The obstacle was very easy, as only one competitor failed this obstacle.

NWP2 Pole Grasper

Ninja Warrior Poland 2's Pole Grasper

Then, on Ninja Warrior Poland 2, Pole Grasper returned as the fifth obstacle on the Finals' Stage One, which was same as the one used in the previous season. Despite that, three competitors failed on this obstacle.

Later, on Ninja Warrior Poland 4, the Pole Grasper appeared twice during the season:

NWP4 Dancing Stones with Poles

Ninja Warrior Poland 4's Dancing Stone with Poles in Stage One

  • Firstly, the Pole Grasper was combined with Dancing Stones, locally called Taniec Hydraulika (literally Plumber Dance) as the third obstacle in Stage One. The obstacle featured four dancing stones, with three poles placed between the second and third stones. Competitors had to go from the stone to the poles, walk over them and then descend to the third stone.
NWP4 Pole Grasper

Ninja Warrior Poland 4's Pole Grasper in Stage Two

  • Secondly, the Pole Grasper appeared as the eighth obstacle in Stage Two. The obstacle featured five poles, with the gap between each two poles were 1m.
NWP6 Pole Grasper

Ninja Warrior Poland 6's Pole Grasper

On Ninja Warrior Poland 6, the Pole Grasper appeared as the seventh obstacle in Stage Two following the Cliffhanger, which was very similar to the one used in Australian Ninja Warrior (since the obstacle have eight poles).

NWP8 Pole Grasper

Ninja Warrior Poland 8's Pole Grasper

Then, on Ninja Warrior Poland 8, the Pole Grasper appeared as the eighth obstacle in Stage Two, replacing the Window Hang from past two Ninja Warrior Poland appearances. The obstacle was similar to the one used in season four, except that the number of poles was reduced to 4. The Grasper started immediately after the previous obstacle, and next to the last pole there was a platform on which competitors had to descend to successfully complete the obstacle.

Ninja Israel[]

NWI Pole Grasper

Ninja Israel's Pole Grasper

On Ninja Warrior Israel, the Pole Grasper, called locally המחטים (literally Needles) appeared as the first obstacle in Semifinals, then reappeared as the seventh obstacle in the Finals' Stage One, which was very similar to the one used during American Ninja Warrior 5's Denver finals, except the number of poles was increased to 12. Just like Ninja Warrior UK 3, this version of the Pole Grasper was proven to be easier, as only two competitors in Semifinals and one competitor in Stage One failed on this obstacle (likely due to the placement of the poles, as most of the competitors who completed the obstacle skipped several poles altogether).

Ninja Warrior Germany[]

NWG 2-First Stage-Obstacle-Pole Grasper

Ninja Warrior Germany 2's Pole Grasper

Nwgr2 polegrasper

Ninja Warrior Germany 2's Pole Grasper
(from a side view)

In Ninja Warrior Germany 2, the Pole Grasper, locally called Hangel-Mikado (literally Hanging Pick-up Sticks), appeared as the fifth obstacle in the First Stage. This time, the obstacle was very similar to the Pole Grasper used during American Ninja Warrior 5's Denver finals.

Nwgr3 polegrasperside

Ninja Warrior Germany 3's Pole Grasper

Later in Ninja Warrior Germany 3, Pole Grasper reappeared as the fifth obstacle in Stage One.

NWG 5-First Stage-Obstacle-Pole Grasper

Ninja Warrior Germany 5's Pole Grasper

Then, in Ninja Warrior Germany 5, the Pole Grasper appeared as the eighth and penultimate obstacle in the First Stage.

NWGermany2021 PoleGrasper

Ninja Warrior Germany 6's Pole Grasper

During the semifinals of Ninja Warrior Germany 6, the Pole Grasper appeared as the second obstacle, which was very similar to the one used in Ninja Warrior UK 3 (since the obstacle consisted of ten poles). No competitor failed on this obstacle.

NWG 7-Duel Course-Obstacle-Pole Grasper

Ninja Warrior Germany 7's Pole Grasper
(in the Duel Course)

In Ninja Warrior Germany 7, the Pole Grasper appeared as the second obstacle in every round of the season's post-Preliminary Round gimmick, the Duel Course. Due to the nature of the Duel Course's direct duel Ninja vs. Ninja format, the obstacle only consisted of four poles that were arranged in a straight line.

Nwgr7 pole grasper stage 3

Ninja Warrior Germany 7's Pole Grasper in Stage 3

Then, it returned as the fourth obstacle of Stage 3, with ten poles placed at irregular intervals.

NWG 8-First Stage-Obstacle-Pole Grasper

Ninja Warrior Germany 8's Pole Grasper

During Ninja Warrior Germany 8, it returned to Stage 1 as the sixth obstacle. This time it comprised of nine different poles but the last four was similar to the skinnier poles of Pipe Dream where ninjas have to throw themselves off the last two poles into the poles to dismount.

Ninja Warrior Arabia[]

Polegrasper nwa

Ninja Warrior Arabia's Pole Grasper

Pole Grasper appeared as the sixth obstacle of Stage 3 of Ninja Warrior Arabia.

SASUKE Vietnam[]

Ảnh chụp màn hình (33)

SASUKE Vietnam 5's Pole Grasper

The Pole Grasper appeared from SASUKE Vietnam 3 to SASUKE Vietnam 5, as a part of the Hang Climbing (Vách Nghiêng) in Stage 3, which was very similar to the Pole Grasper on American Ninja Warrior 7, except there were only four poles instead of five, and after reaching the fourth pole, competitors must make the transition to the Hang Climbing. Just like on American Ninja Warrior 7, no competitor fell on the obstacle.

SASUKE Ninja Warrior Indonesia[]

On SASUKE Ninja Warrior Indonesia 2017, the Pole Grasper appeared twice during the season.

SNWI2017 Pole Grasper (SS1)

SASUKE Ninja Warrior Indonesia 2017's Pole Grasper in Semifinal Stage 1

Firstly, as the first obstacle during Semifinal Stage 1, which was very similar to the Pole Grasper on American Ninja Warrior 7, only with one less pole, from five to four, and the third pole being suspended on a spring so it drops under weight. The poles were also arranged in a zigzag pattern. However, during SASUKE Ninja Warrior Indonesia: International Competition, the number of poles was reduced again from four to three.

SNWI2017 Pole Grasper (FS)

SASUKE Ninja Warrior Indonesia 2017's Pole Grasper in Final Stage

Secondly, as the third obstacle during Final Stage, which was very similar to the Pole Grasper on American Ninja Warrior 6, except there were only four poles once again.

Ninja Warrior France[]

Nwfr2 polegrasper

Ninja Warrior France 2's Pole Grasper

On Ninja Warrior France 2, the Pole Grasper (Les Mikados, literally The Pick-up Sticks) appeared as the fourth obstacle in Qualification Heats 1 and 3. This version consists of six poles suspended from above.

Nwfr4 sliding pole grasper

Ninja Warrior France 4's Pole Grasper

Nwfr4 pole grasper top

Ninja Warrior France 4's Pole Grasper (viewed from top)

It returned in Ninja Warrior France 4 (now named Les Mikados Suspendus, literally The Suspended Pick-up Sticks), as the second obstacle of Stage Two. It had a similar configuration to the Ninja Warrior UK 5 version.

Nwfr8 pole grasper

Ninja Warrior France 8's Pole Grasper

On Ninja Warrior France 8, Pole Grasper appeared as the second obstacle of Qualifications 2. A rope was present at the end of the obstacle.

Team Ninja Warrior[]

Tnw polegrasper

Team Ninja Warrior's Pole Grasper (front view)

Pole Grasper appeared as the fifth obstacle of Episode 1 of Team Ninja Warrior 1.

Team Ninja Warrior Germany[]

Tnwgr1 polegrasper

Team Ninja Warrior Germany's Pole Grasper

Pole Grasper appeared as the fifth obstacle of Episode 1 of Team Ninja Warrior Germany 1.

Tnwgr2 pole grasper

Team Ninja Warrior Germany 2's Pole Grasper

On Team Ninja Warrior Germany 2, Pole Grasper appeared as the fourth obstacle of every K.O. round, with visibly less poles compared to Season 1.

Team Ninja Warrior Denmark[]

Polegrasper tnwdk

Team Ninja Warrior Denmark's Pole Grasper

Pole Grasper appeared as the fifth obstacle of an episode of Team Ninja Warrior Denmark.

Trivia[]

  • The Pipe Dream is named after the term meaning a dream widely considered unattainable.
  • On Ninja Warrior France and Ninja Warrior Germany, the local names of the Pole Grasper contain the word "mikado", which is the name of the game "pick-up sticks" in much of Europe, and is also an archaic term for referring to Emperor of Japan.

Competitors' Success Rate[]

  • All results based on the NBC/Polsat/Keshet 12/VTV3 broadcast and external information found.

American Ninja Warrior[]

Pole Grasper
ANW Clears Attempts Percentage
ANW5 5 9 55.56%
ANW6 7 9 77.78%
ANW7 4 4 100%
USA vs. The World 2 6 6 100%
Total 22 28 78.57%


Pipe Dream
ANW Clears Attempts Percentage
ANW11 8 11 72.73%
USA vs. The World 6 1 3 33.33%
ANW13 3 3 100%
ANW14 7 9 77.78%
ANW15 12 12 100%
Total 31 38 81.58%

Ninja Warrior Poland[]

Pole Grasper
NWP Clears Attempts Percentage
NWP1 7 8 87.5%
NWP2 15 18 83.33%
NWP4 1 1 100%
NWP6 3 3 100%
Total 26 30 86.67%

Ninja Israel[]

Pole Grasper
NWI Clears Attempts Percentage
NWI1 (Semifinal 1) 19 20 95%
NWI1 (Semifinal 2) 21 21 100%
NWI1 (Semifinal 3) 20 20 100%
NWI1 (Semifinal 4) 20 21 95.24%
NWI1 (Final) 13 14 92.86%
Total 93 96 96.87%

SASUKE Vietnam[]

Pole Grasper
SASUKE Vietnam Clears Attempts Percentage
3 10 10 100%
4 20 20 100%
5 8 8 100%
Total 38 38 100%

Gallery[]

American Ninja Warrior[]

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