​Charlie Ball remains “Unstoppa-Ball.” The former American Ninja Warrior Junior standout from Readington recently stepped into the adult arena, making his rookie appearance on Season 18 of NBC’s American Ninja Warrior. After finishing in fourth place on the June 29 episode, Ball earned a bye into the semifinals and is set to compete again on July 13. He says the experience has been “super,” and the 16-year-old took a moment before his first run to truly soak it in. “It was very different from the kids show, and it was just crazy,” Ball recalled, noting that he taped his runs in September 2025 in Las Vegas. “Especially when I was standing on the starting platform before I ran, I definitely felt the different atmosphere. I was super nervous, but it was good.” Once the course started, the nerves faded.
On seeding day, Ball completed the seeding course in 57 seconds, navigating six obstacles: Shrinking Steps, Rollercoaster, Domino Effect, Kite Surfer, Wall to Wall, and the Mega Wall—the show’s towering 18.5-foot version of the iconic Warped Wall. Thejourney of Charlie Ball, who previously competed on two seasons of American Ninja Warrior Junior, continued as he tackled his first run on Season 18 of the adult series. His fourth-place finish on June 29 earned him a bye into the semifinals, with more action slated for July 13. By finishing the first five obstacles in under a minute, Ball unlocked the Mega Wall challenge and posted one of the night’s fastest times, quickly establishing himself as a standout newcomer in the competition.
Commentator and co-host Akbar Gbaja-Biamila had predicted Ball would be a rookie to watch, and Ball did not disappoint. “I pick him as the fastest time of the night,” Gbaja-Biamila said during the broadcast. Ball learned of the compliment after the episode aired and described it as a meaningful nod, especially since Gbaja-Biamila is the same commentator who saw him on the kids’ show. “It’s cool that he remembered me and had faith in me to have a good run,” Ball said.
Ball trains alongside fellow ninjas Abby Clark and Joseph Capobianco and previously competed on the second and third seasons of American Ninja Warrior Junior at ages 9 and 11. Charlie Ball, who has been involved in ninja competition since 2018, continues to find joy in every run. His passion for the sport began at age four after watching American Ninja Warrior with his family—father Duane Ball, mother Deana DeRosa, and grandparents Celine and John DeRosa. The preschooler began mimicking the athletes he saw on television and quickly fell in love with the sport, a love that has endured as he competes at higher levels.
As Ball reflects on his journey, he notes that some things have evolved over the years, including his training routine. He still trains four to five times a week, dedicated to sharpening his skills and aiming for strong showings on the big stage. Ball’s continued ascent in the Ninja Warrior world showcases not only his talent but also his enduring enthusiasm for competition, perseverance, and the thrill of conquering challenging courses.