For well over a decade on American Ninja Warrior, there have been hundreds of contestants on the series who have shown their athleticism, leaving many wondering how they found their way to the show. After its debut in 2009, American Ninja Warrior quickly became one of the most respected competitive reality shows on the air. Though there were other shows that pushed competitors into feats of athleticism, none of them had the obstacle course style that American Ninja Warrior featured, and the unique quality pushed competitors to train in a specific way, testing their limits on and off the course.

Throughout American Ninja Warrior's run, viewers have watched as some of the most well-known ninjas train for the competition and run the course, hopeful that they'll be able to make it through in enough time to advance. While there are some competitors train for American Ninja Warrior and compete year after year, others find themselves on the course only once or twice before moving on to training for sport, rather than competition. With competitors from all over the country, American Ninja Warrior has been able to cast a wide net for athletes who fit the bill over the last 15 years.

American Ninja Warrior's Casting Process, Explained

Potential Competitors Can Apply Online

Although American Ninja Warrior is a fairly niche reality TV experience, the competitors who are interested in ing the show are typically already training in the sport. While some have connections that will be explained later, the majority of American Ninja Warrior contestants have to apply for the series using the show's casting website. After filling out an application that involves personal information, an explanation of how they've trained for the show and why they want to compete, and a video of their abilities, the competitors are vetted by casting directors who determine who's the best fit for the show.

While American Ninja Warrior's casting website, ANW Casting, explains the show has some specific eligibility requirements, competitors from all over the country are encouraged to apply for the series. The website explains that though competitors come from all over the country, the rounds prior to the qualifying rounds that are filmed for the show, competitors may be assigned "to compete at a location different or in a different Regional Qualifying Round from his/her region of residence," meaning they may have to travel around a bit to compete. The casting process is fairly simple, though it's important to stand out.

American Ninja Warrior Competitors Have Given Casting Tips

Some Have Shared What Got Them On The Show

American Ninja Warrior has a lot of veterans, whether they've competed on the show numerous times or just a few, and many are open about how they managed to get cast for the show. In a Reddit thread by a now-deleted asking for advice, u/SharpTenor explained that the most important tips to making a casting video for the series that stands out surround making sure that you have a lot of energy and showing the casting team your worth. While the shared they've never been on the show, they've gotten through several casting rounds.

Other former ninjas have also shared their tips for getting on the show in the past, revealing that while it helps to be training at a gym with other competitors, showing your personality is the most important part of casting. With other ninjas wanting to help bring people into the sport from their home gyms to compete, it's often interesting to take note of who knows who from season to season. Many ninjas each other from the sidelines if they're able, as their community is small and often kind-hearted.

American Ninja Warrior Competitors Can Come From Word Of Mouth

Former Competitors Can Recommend People They Know

While applying for American Ninja Warrior through their casting website is what most competitors wind up doing, some are lucky to know a competitor who's already part of the show. With many competitors having come and gone on the show, there are always spots for new competitors on American Ninja Warrior, and if former or existing competitors know of someone who seems like they'd be a good fit, they often their information to the casting directors. With American Ninja Warrior soaring into its seventeenth season, the show is lucky to have new competitors excited for the opportunity to compete.

American Ninja Warrior premieres Monday, June 2 at 8 p.m. EDT on NBC.

Sources: ANW Casting, u/SharpTenor/Reddit American Ninja Warrior/Instagram