Tony Miles Competes On American Ninja Warrior

Tony Miles, runner-up in the 2018 World Series of Poker Main Event, has competed on the American TV show American Ninja. The Utah native made a prop bet with last year’s WSOP Player of the Year Shaun Deeb after collecting $5 million for his impressive run. Deeb gave Miles 25-1 odds on a $5,000 bet that he could not complete the qualifying course.

This is no mean feat to even attempt, let alone consider yourself a favourite to triumph. There is a long list of seriously high-level athletes waiting for their turn on the course. In the run up to the show, Miles dedicated an incredible amount of time to get himself into serious shape. 

Sadly though, it wasn’t to be. Miles made it straight through the first two challenges but faltered on the third section called Block Run. There was a lot of support on the sidelines willing him on after he managed to get sideline reporter Zuri Hall to waft $5,000 in the air. There was no mentioned of Shaun Deeb, but it was hinted at that $125,000 sat close by in a suitcase should Miles be successful.

Failure this year is only the first bite of the cherry. Although the odds will worsen to 20-1 next year and 15-1 in 2021 Miles has plenty of time to make best use of this experience. Even if he doesn’t make it, this is definitely one of the most interesting side bets that we have seen in recent years. And if he has to pay out $5,000, so what. It’s not like it’ll make much of a dent in his $5 million stash from last year.