For the first time ever, a competitor became the first two-time grand prize winner and consecutively in Vance Walker, who became the first ninja to achieve "Total Victory" twice.
In the same season, Caleb Bergstrom became the fifth (sixth recorded) ninja to achieve total victory, but completed the rope climb just over a second slower than Walker.
Meanwhile, the two fastest winners proceed to a modified head-to-head course at the end of each night where they race for a Safety Pass, an option for a second attempt on Stage 1 of the Finals.
NOTE: This round's Safety Pass winner, Jay Lewis, was unable to compete in the National Finals due to an injury sustained prior to the event.
In addition to those who qualified, two ANW veterans, Ryan Stratis and Jesse "Flex" Labreck, also got to compete via "legacy invites", the former having finished the semi-final course, though neither managed to clear Stage 1.
One new obstacle was introduced in Stage 3, Pizza Party, which eliminated six competitors (including Austin Gray, who, like Najee Richardson, announced his retirement from competition following this tournament).