How Gladiators works: Rules and new games explained

For the 2025 season, two new games are being added to the line-up of events, with one of them some may remember from way back in the '90s.

But what are they? As the show begins on BBC One once more, read on for everything you need to know about Gladiators, including the various rules and how the new games work.

Gladiators rules explained

What are the different games on Gladiators?

As well as the introduction of new games, some of the show's classics will be making a return to Gladiators:

• Duel
• The Wall
• Powerball
• Gauntlet
• Hang Tough
• The Eliminator
• The Ring
• Collision
• The Edge
• Atlaspheres
• Unleash

The games returning to the revived show include Duel, The Wall, Powerball, Gauntlet, Hang Tough and the infamous Eliminator.

Season 1 saw three new games added to the show, The Ring, Collision and The Edge. For season 2, there are two events making its way to the arena, with one being a game from the original series.

Atlaspheres is a fan favourite event from the original game, which Bradley Walsh explained: "The contenders and Gladiators are inside huge metal hamster balls – the contenders need to roll themselves over set points in the arena to score points, whilst the Gladiators smash into them to try to stop them."

Unleash is a brand new game for Gladiators. Scroll down to learn more about the rules for the new event.

What are the rules of new Gladiators game Unleash?

In Unleash, the contenders are chased by a Gladiator. They have to avoid and contend with obstacles including running through a wall of foam bricks.

But that isn't all, the contenders will be faced with running up steps, leaping off a platform and grabbing a flag suspended mid-air, all without the Gladiators catching them!

"The contenders start in a smoke filled tunnel and race around a track and up some steps to grab the winning flag, but an unknown Gladiator is unleashed behind them trying to chase them down," explained co-host Barney Walsh. "You’re going to love it!"

Gladiator Apollo explained further about the game and said: "[Unleash is] a very cool showcase of a lot of the athletic ability that's in the group... and who doesn't love a bit of a chase?"

What are the rules of returning Gladiators game Atlaspheres?

Atlaspheres appeared in the original series of Gladiators from 1992 to 1999.

The contenders and Gladiators are inside metal spheres aptly named Atlaspheres. In the game, the contenders start from one end on ramps and the Gladiators start from the other end.

On the whistle, the Gladiators and contenders roll to the centre before scoring can begin. Contenders win points by rolling over four evenly placed pods all while the Gladiators attempt to block them.

Speaking of Atlaspheres, Apollo told RadioTimes.com and other press: "That's been absolutely amazing to bring that back, because that event is Gladiators through-and-through."

What is the prize on Gladiators?

The rebooted series didn't appear to offer a cash prize, and instead the winners were awarded a huge trophy.

In the past UK series, 12 cars and prizes totalling more than £45,000 were won on ITV.

Gladiators returns on Saturday 18th January at 5:50pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

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