The World Ninja League has always been about pushing boundaries, testing limits, and celebrating the incredible talent within our community. This season, we’re taking it to the next level with the launch of the first-ever Head to Head Regional Competition! This electrifying event brings a fresh twist to the ninja scene, pitting athletes directly against each other in a high-stakes battle of speed and skill.
Unlike traditional competitions where athletes focus on course performance, the Head to Head format introduces a thrilling direct showdown. Two athletes at a time tackle the same challenging course side-by-side, creating nail-biting moments as they race to outpace each other. The adrenaline, the strategy, and the split-second decisions add an entirely new dynamic to the competition, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats.
Athletes in each division will compete across all Regional Championships for 16 total qualifying spots in their division to advance to the Head to Head World Championships at Ninja Mania on March 16-17. The exact number qualifying spots available for each division at a given Regional Championship will vary based on the number of athletes who participated in that Region throughout the regular season compared to the total participation from that division throughout the Head to Head season. The exact numbers of qualifying spots for each division at each Regional Championship can be found below.
Side-by-Side Runs: Athletes race simultaneously on identical courses, adding an intense layer of competition.
Bracket System: Competitors are sorted into a giant March Madness-style bracket, moving up as they win each match.
Double Elimination: Athletes get a second chance with a comeback bracket, giving everyone the opportunity to fight their way back into contention.
Scoring: The athlete who advances the furthest in the bracket takes the win, with placements determined by performance in the bracket.
The Head to Head competition was born from the community’s enthusiasm for more intense and competitive formats. Test events showed incredible energy and engagement, proving this was a direction worth pursuing.
With our need to continuously innovate, combined with the new Olympic push for head to head ninja competitions, the World Ninja League saw an opportunity to grow the sport and prepare athletes for the global stage.
This format also provides a new competitive outlet for athletes who may not thrive in traditional circuits, but excel in the fast-paced, high-energy environment of direct matchups. It’s a space to develop new skills and showcase overall athleticism—speed, power, agility, and the mental toughness required to compete head to head.
The Head to Head Regional Competition offers athletes a chance to:
The top 32 athletes in the standings in each home region and division (age and gender) are eligible to compete.
Key qualification dates include:
The Head to Head Regional Competition aims to showcase the top athletes from each home region and division, giving them the opportunity to compete in an elevated format that highlights their athleticism and determination. This high-level competition serves as a stepping stone to the prestigious Head to Head Championships, where only the best of the best will face off. With 16 championship spots available, distributed proportionally based on regional participation, this event ensures fair representation while maintaining an elite level of competition. It’s not just a race for glory—it’s a chance to prove you belong among the most skilled and versatile ninjas in the sport.
This season, we combined select regions to create a more competitive event. In future seasons we will look to provide more localized access to Regional competitions by expanding the availability of regional competitions.
| Division/Region | New England | Northeast & Midwest | South Central & Heartland |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Kids Male |
7 |
7 |
3 |
|
Kids Female |
6 |
7 |
4 |
|
Mature Kids Male |
8 |
6 |
3 |
|
Mature Kids Female |
9 |
5 |
4 |
|
Preteen Male |
8 |
5 |
4 |
|
Preteen Female |
10 |
5 |
3 |
|
Teen Male |
8 |
7 |
2 |
|
Teen Female |
8 |
6 |
3 |
|
Young Adult Male |
9 |
4 |
4 |
|
Young Adult Female |
4 |
4 |
– |
|
Adult Male |
9 |
2 |
2 |
|
Adult Female |
4 |
1 |
1 |
|
Masters Male |
7 |
6 |
5 |
|
Masters Female |
5 |
– |
– |
|
Elite Male |
11 |
5 |
1 |
|
Elite Female |
7 |
6 |
– |
The Head to Head Regional Competition represents the future of ninja sports—where community, competition, and growth come together in an electrifying format. Whether you’re an athlete looking to prove yourself or a fan cheering from the sidelines, this event promises to deliver unmatched energy and excitement.
Get ready to go head to head with the best. Are you up for the challenge?
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