Ninja Israel Winner Gil Marantz Claims World Runner-Up Title and Coaches Champions

Gil Marantz, winner of the second season of "Ninja Israel," has added a significant international achievement to his career by finishing as the runner-up in the 2026 Ninja World Championship. The competition took place last week in the United States, attracting over 2,500 athletes from various countries. Marantz competed in the adult category and also served as a coach and professional manager for many athletes, guiding them to outstanding results.

Marantz co-founded the "Ninja School" with Dekel Ozmo, which sent 36 athletes to the championship, with 19 reaching the podium. Among his trainees is 13-year-old Roi Oved, whom Marantz has coached since age seven; Oved won the world champion title in the junior category. Other notable medalists include Sapir Cohen Carmi, a former "Ninja Israel" contestant who finished as the women's world runner-up, and Omer Nehemias, a program graduate crowned world endurance champion in the adult category. Both also contributed as coaches during the event.

Additional Israeli successes included Peleg Levi (15) and Lior Weitzman (17), who each earned runner-up titles in their respective age groups. These achievements come as the sport of ninja gains historic international recognition and is set to be included in the upcoming Olympic Games. Meanwhile, ninja will debut officially at the Maccabiah Games, allowing Israeli athletes to showcase their skills on home soil.

The upcoming season of "Ninja Israel" is expected to return soon, featuring new host Bar Refaeli and commentators including season five winner Yogev Malka and Olympic medalist Peter Felchik. The recent world championship results position these athletes as strong contenders to represent Israel on the global Olympic stage.