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The American Ninja Warrior National Finals begin next Monday in Las Vegas, and will mark the conclusion to the most entertaining season yet of the obstacle racing competition. One of the contestants that should feel right at home in Vegas is ostentatious country boy Neil Craver.

OUTLANDISH IN ORLANDO

Sporting gold lamé shorts and matching body paint, the free-spirited Craver shined (literally) at the ANW Orlando Finals. He made it all the way to the final obstacle, but despite an epic effort came up just a few feet shy of the finishing platform.

SUBMISSION VIDEOS

Craver, a North Carolina native, showcased his endlessly creative ethos in his ANW submission videos from the past two seasons.

In Craver’s Season 6 submission video, the 5-foot-11 160 pounder shared some of his unique training regimen which includes hanging curls, barrel balancing and being pelted by snowballs while doing pull ups.

Craver’s training grew even more unorthodox this past year. After falling victim to the Salmon Ladder last season, he built his own version, then practiced until he could successfully navigate the obstacle with Vaseline-coated hands — while wearing skinny jeans and blinded by a backward-facing motorcycle helmet.

AN ARTIST’S EYE

By trade, Carver is a photographer of note, having been featured in publications and art galleries world wide. Like his life at large, his work explores unusual points of view.

A photo posted by Neil craver (@neilcraver) on

A photo posted by Neil craver (@neilcraver) on

A photo posted by Neil craver (@neilcraver) on

A photo posted by Neil craver (@neilcraver) on