QUALIFIER
01
QUALIFIER 1
The season opener. Athletes compete in age-division brackets for placement points and automatic Finals qualification. Top 3 receive medals.
March 15, 2026
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
TBD - Phoenix Area
Entry: See event page
2026 ARIZONA SEASON
COMPETITIONS
Compete across multiple qualifiers throughout the season to earn points, qualify for Finals, and race for the title of Season Champion.
QUALIFIER
02
QUALIFIER 2
The second qualifier of the season. Points carry over from Qualifier 1 for cumulative seeding.
April 12, 2026
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
TBD - Arizona
Entry: See event page
QUALIFIER
03
QUALIFIER 3
The final qualifier. Last chance to earn season points and secure your Finals qualification spot.
May 17, 2026
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
TBD - Arizona
Entry: See event page
FINALS
04
FINALS COMPETITION
The championship event. Only qualified athletes compete. Finals placements award 1.5x points. Grand Champion and Season Champion crowned in every division.
June 7, 2026
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
TBD - Arizona
Entry: See event page
SEASON STRUCTURE
HOW THE SEASON WORKS
Each NES season consists of multiple qualifiers leading up to a championship Finals event. Athletes earn qualification at individual qualifier events and accumulate season points throughout the year to determine Finals seeding, bye placement, the NES Season Champion title, and the Quicksilver Champion distinction.
Athletes are not required to compete in every qualifier. However, competing in more events provides additional opportunities to earn points, improve Finals seeding, secure byes, contend for the NES Season Champion crown, and pursue the Quicksilver Champion distinction.
QUALIFICATION
- Top 5 (or Top 30%, whichever is larger) at each qualifier qualify for Finals -- capped at 8 per event
- If already qualified, the spot rolls down to the next finisher
- Only Top 3 receive medals (Gold, Silver, Bronze) -- qualification and medals are separate
FINALS STRUCTURE
- Finals placements award 1.5x standard qualifier points
- Season points determine Finals seeding, byes, and the Season Champion title
- Grand Champion crowned by winning the Finals bracket; Season Champion by highest cumulative points
QUICKSILVER
- Quicksilver Award for the fastest clean run at each qualifier
- Quicksilver Champion distinction awarded at Finals to the athlete with the most Quicksilver wins
WAIVER REQUIRED BEFORE COMPETING
Every athlete must have a completed digital waiver on file before stepping onto the course. Minors (under 18) require a parent or legal guardian signature. Sign ahead of time to avoid delays on event day.
COMMON QUESTIONS
FAQ
Do I need to sign a waiver before competing?
Yes. Every athlete must have a signed digital waiver on file before participating in any NES event. Minors require a parent or legal guardian signature. Sign your waiver here.
How do I register for an event?
Registration opens approximately 4 weeks before each qualifier. Links will be posted on social media and on this page. Make sure your waiver is signed before registering.
Do I have to compete in every qualifier?
No. You can compete in as many or as few qualifiers as you like. However, all qualifier points count toward season standings -- there are no dropped events. Competing in more events gives you more opportunities to earn season points, improve your Finals seeding, and strengthen your case for the Season Champion title.
How does Finals qualification work?
The larger of Top 5 or Top 30% of the division field (rounded up) qualifies for Finals at each qualifier, capped at 8 per event. If an athlete is already qualified, the spot rolls down. Only Top 3 receive medals -- qualification and medals are separate. Your cumulative season points determine your Finals bracket seeding, and the athlete with the highest season total earns the Season Champion title.
What age division do I compete in?
Division is based on your age as of January 1st of the competition year and stays fixed for the entire season. NES runs 8 divisions: Ages 5-6 (Co-Ed), 7-8 (Co-Ed), 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-17, 18-35, and 36+. Divisions from 9-10 and up are split by gender.
What happens if I lose my first race?
You drop to the Redemption Bracket. Lose again and you're eliminated. Double elimination means every athlete gets multiple races before being knocked out.
What are the NES championship titles?
Each division recognizes two champions at Finals. The Grand Champion wins the Finals bracket. The Season Champion has the highest cumulative season points (including Finals 1.5x).
Can spectators attend?
Spectators are welcome at every NES event. Admission varies by venue and event -- check the specific event page for pricing details.
WANT TO HOST?
HOST A QUALIFIER AT YOUR GYM
NES partners with ninja gyms across Arizona to host qualifier events. If you own or operate a gym and want to bring NES competition to your community, we want to hear from you.