Brent Steffensen turns Las Vegas Strip into Redemption Road on ‘American Ninja Warrior’

After suffering disappointingly early exits the past couple seasons, obstacle-racing legend Brent Steffensen returned to form Monday night at the American Ninja Warrior Vegas Finals. The managing partner at the San Antonio-based Alpha Warrior bested the field to turn in the fastest run on Stage 1.

Even if it meant living in his car, @BrentSteffensen made the brave decision to fight to make his dreams a reality. #AmericanNinjaWarrior

A video posted by American Ninja Warrior (@americanninjawarrior) on Jul 22, 2015 at 9:29am PDT

Steffensen, one of ANW’s earliest stars, was so committed to the nascent sport he lived out of his car for a time to continue pursuing his dream. At the 2012 Season 4 Finals his dedication paid off when he became the first American ever to make it past the Ultimate Cliffhanger obstacle.

Steffensen’s girlfriend Kacy Catanzaro was the breakout star of last season, but she struggled this year to build on her success. A wildcard entrant to the Vegas Finals, she overstepped the trampoline in her run up to the Propeller Bar and plunged into the pool below.

It’s a good bet Catanzaro will bounce back stronger than ever next year, but in the meantime she will be cheering on Steffensen and the rest of the contestants as they take on the remaining stages at the Vegas Finals next week.

A photo posted by American Ninja Warrior (@americanninjawarrior) on Sep 3, 2015 at 6:30pm PDT

Of the other women to compete in Stage 1, both Jessie Graff and Meagan Martin turned in stellar runs, but were ultimately stymied by the Warped Wall with its shortened runway.