POWERBALL
OBJECTIVE
In this event, Contenders have to score as many points as possible by depositing as many balls as they can into the five equally spaced scoring pods within the time limit. Each Contender is assigned a Gladiator who's aim is to stop them scoring by tackling them to the floor or putting them out of bounds in order to put the ball out of play.
FACTS
The most played event in the whole series and the most played game domestically.
From 1993-1997 (Series 2-6) the 2 Contenders faced a team of 3 Gladiators. In 1998 (Series 7) the rules were changed in that only 2 Gladiators would play. Also each Gladiator would have a specific Contender that they had to tackle. This made the Event much harder for the Gladiators.
Powerball was in every domestic Final (barring the 1992 final as it wasn’t yet created) and made 3 International final appearances. This event appeared in every episode of International Gladiators 1.
Powerball also had an array of opening themes. From 1993-1997 (Series 2-6) the women would walk onto 'We Are Family' by Sister Sledge whilst from 1993-1995, (Series 2-4) the men would walk onto 'The Boys Are Back In Town' by Thin Lizzy. For 1996-1997 (Series 5-6) the men would walk onto the Gladiators cover of 'The Boys Are Back In Town'. For 1998/1999 (Series 7-8) the music was again changed to 'Sisters Are Doin' It For Themselves' by Eurythmics and 'Let’s Get Ready To Rhumble' by PJ & Duncan for the men.
From 1997 (Series 6) onwards, the Contenders could wear the chest guards used in Gauntlet.
In the 1999 Battle Of The Gladiators show, Powerball was played with 2 Gladiators playing against 2 defending Gladiators (Diesel and Vulcan) who wore black t-shirts.
