Intro
Some competitors defy every stereotype—and Hannah Riggs is one of them. A software engineer, professional dancer, and living statue performance artist, Hannah blends intellect, creativity, and athleticism in a way that challenges the traditional “Smart vs Strong” narrative. From performing on global stages to competing on one of the wildest reality competitions out there, her journey is anything but ordinary. We caught up with Hannah to talk about her career, her experience on Beast Games Season 2, and what drives her to keep pushing boundaries.
Quick Facts
- Name: Hannah Riggs
- Profession: Software Engineer, Professional Dancer, Living Statue Artist
- Beast Games Season: Season 2 – Strong vs Smart
- Team: Smart
- Player Number: 99
From Ballet to Binary
Q: First and last name?
A: Hannah Riggs
Q: What do you do for a living?
A: I am a Software Engineer, professional dancer, and living statue performance artist.
Q: How long have you been doing that? And do you have any certifications, licenses, or degrees?
A:
• Grew up dancing and performing (trained at Walnut Hill School and Boston Ballet School) and received my BA in Dance (ballet and modern) from The Conservatory of Performing Arts at Point Park University.
• Later earned my Master of Liberal Arts in Computer Software Engineering from the Harvard University Extension School.
Q: What are some accomplishments in your work so far?
A:
• Worked as an engineer at three tech startups and was the only female engineer at the first one
• Served as a Computer Science Teaching Assistant at Harvard for multiple years
• Performed across the Northeast at weddings, corporate events, and public stages as both a dancer and living statue artist
• Performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in a ballet version of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Breaking the “Smart vs Strong” Stereotype
Q: What is the biggest misconception of someone in the smart category compared to someone in the muscle category?
A: One misconception I’ve seen is that smart team members can’t be physically fit or athletic. In reality, many Smart Team members play sports, run marathons, and lift.
In college, I danced 3–8+ hours a day while also lifting and doing cardio. Even now, I continue to train as a professional dancer while balancing engineering. But because I was on the Smart Team, that often wasn’t recognized.
On the flip side, many people on the Strong Team are incredibly intelligent and work in STEM fields—but that isn’t always recognized either.
Beast Games Experience
Q: What season of Beast Games did you compete on?
A: Beast Games Season 2: Strong vs Smart!
Q: What team were you on?
A: Team Smart (though when Mr Beast met me in Vegas he guessed I was on the Strong Team!)
Q: What number were you on Beast Games Season 2?
A: 99
Q: What made you apply?
A: I’ve always loved reality competition shows like Survivor, The Amazing Race, Big Brother, and The Challenge. I wanted to experience one of the biggest and wildest competition shows in the world.
I had also played in fan-made versions of Survivor and Who Is The Mole?, and did well, so I wanted to test myself on a larger scale.
Q: What was your reaction when you got cast?
A: I was in shock—I didn’t expect to get cast. I have an unusual background, but I’m more thoughtful and quiet, so I didn’t expect to be chosen for a show with such big personalities.
At the same time, I was incredibly grateful because this was a huge bucket list moment for me.
Q: What was the toughest part of being on the show? And why?
A: It took a few weeks to find my group of people I truly connected with (Kady, Sue, and other amazing women on the Smart Team).
I felt very alone at the beginning, which made the experience harder both socially and strategically.
Strategy & Advice
Q: What’s your best advice for future Beast Games applicants?
A: Keep your “why” in mind.
- If you’re playing for money, consider taking a bribe early
- If you want to become a big personality, lean into chaos and big moves
- If you want to win or experience the full game (like me), set aside ego and focus on long-term strategy
That’s why I didn’t take the Captain’s Bribe—I knew it would hurt my chances of winning.
Personality & Passions
Q: What are two words to describe your personality? And why?
A:
- Empathetic: I deeply feel for others and often prioritize their needs
- Adventurous: I love trying new things and pushing beyond my comfort zone
Q: What other competition shows could you see yourself on?
A: Survivor! I’ve played in three fan-made versions that included outdoor survival conditions and strategy, so I know I could compete—and do well.
Q: What do you like to do for fun?
A: Dancing, video games, board games, escape rooms, hiking, swimming, being in nature, and trying new experiences.
I also design and produce fan-made reality competition games. My boyfriend and I recently created a 3-day Survivor experience for friends, building all the challenges and twists ourselves.
Fun & Personal
Q: What is your go-to brain food when working on a big project?
A: Protein to stay full, plus a sweet treat like chocolate or a banana with peanut butter for a dopamine boost.
Q: What celebrity would you want to have lunch with? What would you eat?
A: Jeff Probst! I’d love to hear behind-the-scenes Survivor stories.
We’d order Applebee’s—an iconic Survivor reward.
Q: What is your career or life goal?
A:
Professionally, I want to design and build my own video game or start a company that highlights stories and employs people from underrepresented backgrounds in tech.
Personally, I’m excited to get married and have children.
Life After Beast Games
Q: How has Beast Games changed your life?
A: It gave me a deeper appreciation for reality TV contestants and production teams. There’s so much viewers don’t see.
It also reinforced the importance of treating everyone involved with respect—contestants are real people with real lives.
Surprising Facts
Q: What fact about you would surprise people?
A: I’m very adventurous!
I’ve run two half marathons and walked a full marathon without training (not recommended), hiked an active volcano at midnight in Guatemala, and eaten unique foods like a scorpion in Thailand.
Follow Hannah
Q: Where can people follow you?
A: Instagram: @hkriggsly
https://www.instagram.com/hkriggsly
thedihedral.com 