premier series

THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF COMPETITION

Reserved for the top-performing athletes in the World Ninja League, Premier Series brings together the strongest competitors from across the sport.

Learn how Premier Series works year after year. From qualification and competition format, to Finals advancement.

How to Qualify
Competition Format
Seasonal Information

why premier series

The Premier Series represents the highest level of competition in the World Ninja League. Reserved for the top 25% of athletes, it brings together those who have proven themselves across a full season.

With tighter fields, higher stakes, and performance-driven formats, every run matters. The Premier Series is designed to challenge the best and define what it means to compete at the top of the sport.

Invite-Only Competition

Reserved for the highest-performing athletes in each division, the Premier Series brings together those who have earned their place through consistent results.

Performance Determines Everything

Every level of the Premier Series is built on results. Earning an invitation, determining run order, and qualifying for Finals all come down to performance when it counts.

Where the Best Compete

The Premier Series brings together the strongest athletes in Ninja for the most competitive events of the season.

Qualification Paths

How to qualify

Premier Series is invite-only and reserved for top-performing athletes. Invitations are earned through season and championship results, with advancement to Finals determined by performance at Premier Series Qualifiers.

Premier Series Qualification

Invite-only entry for top-performing athletes.

  • Invitations are earned through regular season and Tier 1 Championship performance.
  • Most divisions qualify the top 25% from each path.
  • Qualified athletes may compete in any Premier Series Qualifier.

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Qualifying for Finals

Advancement is earned at Premier Series Qualifiers.

  • Top 4 in each age division and gender qualify for Finals.
  • Smaller divisions must also meet the qualification point requirement.
  • If an athlete is already qualified, the spot passes to the next eligible athlete.

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Premier Series Qualification

Invite Only

Who Receives an Invitation
  • Athletes can be invited by placing in the top 25% of their division from their home region standard qualifying season standings from the previous WNL Tier 1 season.
  • Athletes can also be invited by placing in the top 25% of athletes in their region and division at the WNL Tier 1 Championship.
  • If fewer than 16 athletes qualify in a division in any region, the qualification expands to the top 50%.
  • Additional invitations may be awarded by WNL, the host facility, or a partnered National Governing Body.
  • Qualification spots do not bump down if an athlete is already qualified.
Where Invited Athletes Can Compete
  • Qualified athletes can compete in any Premier Series Qualifying Competition.

Qualifying for Finals

Performance Based

How Athletes Reach Finals
  • Athletes qualify for the Premier Series Finals through Premier Series Qualifying Events.
  • Athletes must place in the top 4 in their age division and gender.
  • If 4 or fewer athletes register in an age and gender division, athletes must reach the qualification point on the challenge course in order to qualify.
  • The qualification point is the 4th obstacle, meaning the athlete must clear the 3rd obstacle.
  • Athletes in divisions with more than 4 must complete at least one obstacle or skill.
  • If an athlete has already qualified, the qualification spot goes to the next eligible athlete.

format

what to expect at premier series

Premier Series competitions use a multi-course format. A placement course determines run order, and a challenge course determines results. All athletes will compete on both courses at each Premier Series Qualifier.

Placement Course
Sets the order, not the outcome

Every Premier Series Qualifier begins with a placement course designed to establish run order for the challenge course.

  • Placement Course follows the Flow Course format.
  • All athletes compete on the Placement Course first.
  • Placement Course run orders are randomized.
  • Results from the Placement Course determine Challenge Course run order.
  • The better an athlete performs, the later they run on the challenge course.
  • The Placement Course does not determine final event placement.
Challenge Course
Counts for final placement

The Challenge Course determines the competition results and is the only course used for scoring and advancement.

  • Athletes run the challenge course after the placement course.
  • Challenge course run order is based on placement course performance.
  • The better an athlete places on the placement course, the later they run.
  • The challenge course determines final placement at the event.
  • The challenge course is the only course used for points and Finals qualification.

Placement sets order. Challenge determines results.

More Than Just Competition

Opportunities at the Highest Level

Competing in the Premier Series comes with additional opportunities for athletes to perform, be recognized, and advance within the sport.

  • Top 3 athletes in each division at Premier Series Finals qualify for the upcoming World Championships.
  • Events are featured with professional livestream coverage on the World Ninja League YouTube channel.
  • Compete against the strongest athletes in each division.
  • Gain visibility at one of the highest levels of ninja competition.
Premier Series is where performance opens the door to what comes next.

Interest Form

Our Ninja Championship wouldn’t be possible without the support of amazing community members like you! We appreciate your interested in getting involved.

Please complete the interest form below and our team will be in touch with more information. 

World Ninja League

Welcome to the Premier Obstacle League. Our team is dedicated to growing the sport of ninja. We are proud to work together with our community to develop this exciting new sport. Subscribe to our email list to stay up to date on as our sport continues to grow!

Address

Level Up is opening its doors for a special qualifier!

The On-Site Qualifier is a global qualifying opportunity intended to provide equitable access to the World Championships for athletes and staff who may not otherwise have a practical pathway to qualification.

Register Here

Who: Eligibility is limited to the following individuals who have not yet qualified for the current season’s Tier 1 or Tier 2 World Championship:

  1. Non-US-based athletes, regardless of country of residence

  2. Staff members of facilities that hosted a Regional Championship or All-Star Competition during the current season.

What: A single course that will follow the Challenge Course format scoring and rules, as well as applicable standards for Tier 1 and Tier 2.

Why: Successful full completion of the designated course will earn the athlete qualification to the current season’s corresponding Tier 1 or Tier 2 World Championship.

Where: Level Up
117-F, Liberty Dr, Thomasville, NC 27360

When: Wednesday June 17, 2026

8:30 AM: Young Adult, Adult, Elite, Masters

10:30 AM: Preteen and Teen

12:30 PM: Kids and Mature Kids

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