Hamden Resident Wins $1M Prize On ‘American Ninja Warrior’: WATCH

HAMDEN, CT — After a long and grueling road, including a devastating leg injury in 2011, Hamden’s Drew Drechsel has claimed the title of “American Ninja Warrior” and won the competition’s $1 million prize.

Drechsel, 30, became only the third person to successfully complete all of the stages on “American Ninja Warrior” in the NBC show’s 11-year-history Monday night in Las Vegas. Drechsel is the co-owner of Real Life Ninja Academy, formerly known as New Era Ninjas, at 850 Sherman Ave. in Hamden.

Drechsel first showcased his abilities in 2011 on television series Jump City: Seattle, a parkour-based competition that led him to compete on “American Ninja Warrior.” Drechsel first competed on “American Ninja Warrior” in 2011 and ranked in the Top 10 but had to withdraw mid-run due to a devastating leg injury he suffered while on the course.

Drechsel’s determination to come back from the injury and to continually be one of the top competitors made him a fan favorite on the show.

Watch highlights of Drechsel’s emotional victory below: