Geoff Britten

Career

Geoff Britten first appeared on American Ninja Warrior during its sixth season, where he reached the Las Vegas National Finals but was stopped on the fourth obstacle, the Jumping Spider, ending his run on Stage 1. The following season, he returned to the National Finals and completed all four stages, achieving what is called "Total Victory." As he finished Stage 4, commentator Akbar Gbajabiamila declared him the first American Ninja Warrior. However, shortly after Britten’s run, Isaac Caldiero completed the course more than three seconds faster, winning the season’s one-million-dollar prize.

This sparked debate over who deserved the title of first American Ninja Warrior. Britten acknowledged that Caldiero had beaten him and earned the win, but he also felt his own achievement should be recognized. He said that many people were confused by the terms "first American Ninja Warrior" and "first winner," explaining that he completed the course first, while Caldiero was the grand champion who crushed it. Fellow competitor Joe Moravsky agreed, stating that Britten was technically the first and Caldiero the second, with the only difference being Caldiero’s faster time and the million-dollar prize.

Series producer Kent Weed told The Hollywood Reporter that while Caldiero won the season, Britten still had the satisfaction of his accomplishment and bore no ill will. Weed recalled Britten saying he was glad it was Caldiero who beat him, and that Caldiero likely felt the same in the opposite situation. When asked by Entertainment Weekly if Britten received anything for coming in second, Weed said he got to be one of the first American Ninja Warriors, but according to the rules there was only one winner, and the show had not planned for a second finisher.

Season 8

Britten returned for season eight and again made it to the National Finals, but he slipped and fell on the first obstacle of Stage 1, the Snake Run, ending his season almost immediately. After the episode aired, he announced on social media that he would not compete in season nine, wanting to spend more time with his family. He noted that Caldiero had also not returned after his win, and as a climber himself, Britten felt similarly—it was strange to come back after already achieving Total Victory.

Season 11

Still, he left the possibility open for a future return, setting a goal to come back when he turned forty, hoping to regain his competitive fire and find a new challenge. On May 2, 2018, Britten announced he would return for season eleven in 2019. He competed in the Seattle/Tacoma City Qualifiers but failed on the Broken Bridge obstacle and did not advance to the City Finals.

Personal life

Outside of Ninja Warrior, Britten works as a cameraman for sports teams in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. areas, including the Baltimore Orioles, Washington Capitals, and Washington Wizards.

Did You Know?

• Britten works as a cameraman for sports teams in the Baltimore, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. areas, such as the Baltimore Orioles, Washington Capitals, and Washington Wizards.
• Isaac Caldiero finished the course over three seconds faster than Britten, winning the show's top prize of $1,000,000.
• Britten announced he would not return for season nine to spend more time with his family, but left the door open to return when he turned 40.