Zak Stolz is crowned the winner of Australian Ninja Warrior picking up the $100,000 prize money

Zak Stolz is crowned the winner of Australian Ninja Warrior and takes home a whopping $100,000 after completing the gruelling course

Zak Stolz was crowned the winner during Tuesday’s nail-biting finale of Australian Ninja Warrior.

The 21-year-old completed a gruelling course that saw most of the other competitors knocked out well before the final round. 

Although he never made it the fabled Mount Midoriyama – a 22-metre rope climb – Zak came the closest out of all the competitors.

Taking out the title: Zak Stolz was crowned the winner during Tuesday’s nail-biting finale of Australian Ninja Warrior

The gymnastics coach said he was ‘over the moon’ with his win, but added: ‘Honestly, it hasn’t hit me yet.’

He dedicated his win to his beloved mum, Jo, before proudly showing off his trophy. 

Only Charlie Robbins came close to defeating Zak, but slipped during the very first obstacle of the final round.

Champion: The 21-year-old completed a gruelling course that saw most of the other competitors knocked out well before the final round

Champion: The 21-year-old completed a gruelling course that saw most of the other competitors knocked out well before the final round

‘I was feeling pretty decent… It is what it is,’ said the disappointed 22-year-old after his devastating defeat.

Speaking about his win, Zak confessed he was still in shock after taking out this year’s Australian Ninja Warrior title.   

‘Winning means so much more than just prize money to me,’ the proud Victorian said in a media statement. 

Winner: Although he never made it the fabled Mount Midoriyama - a 22-metre rope climb - Zak came the closest out of all the competitors

Winner: Although he never made it the fabled Mount Midoriyama – a 22-metre rope climb – Zak came the closest out of all the competitors

‘To be honest, the feeling is yet to sink in fully, but there’s a massive sense of accomplishment that comes with the title that I believe I’ll be able to reflect upon for the rest of my life and look back on whenever times are tough.’ 

Zak also spoke about his win on Instagram on Tuesday, just minutes after he was crowned the winner on TV. 

‘SO THAT JUST HAPPENED…’ he began, sharing a series of photos of himself looking elated after his win.

Runner-up: Only Charlie Robbins came close to defeating Zak, but slipped during the very first obstacle of the final round

Runner-up: Only Charlie Robbins came close to defeating Zak, but slipped during the very first obstacle of the final round

‘Starting my ninja journey so many years ago, I’d always dreamed of this moment… now it’s here I genuinely can’t believe it.’

He also paid tribute to runner-up Charlie, calling him ‘a genuinely amazing competitor’. 

‘To be so talented and so consistent is something I’ve looked up to for a long time,’ he wrote. 

No hard feelings: Zak later paid tribute to runner-up Charlie, calling him 'a genuinely amazing competitor' and 'one of my best mates'

No hard feelings: Zak later paid tribute to runner-up Charlie, calling him ‘a genuinely amazing competitor’ and ‘one of my best mates’ 

‘More importantly you’re an even better bloke and I’m proud to call you one of my best mates… Congratulations on an amazing season and I can’t wait to see what you do in the future!’

Zak finished his post by hinting that he may even make a return to next year’s season of Australian Ninja Warrior.

‘Only four words remain to be said… BRING ON SEASON 6!!’ he teased. 

Making a comeback? Zak hinted that he may even make a return to next year's season of Australian Ninja Warrior

Making a comeback? Zak hinted that he may even make a return to next year’s season of Australian Ninja Warrior