Spartacus
Probably the most famous gladiator was Spartacus. He was a prisoner of war, then a slave, then a gladiator. He fought as a Thracian. He led 90,000 men against Rome after escaping a life of fighting. This was later known as the Glaiatorial War.
Flamma
Flamma was a Secutor. He was awarded the wooden sword, which meant he never had to fight again, four times, yet continued to fight.
Priscus and Verus
Priscus and Verus are said to have been the bravest gladiators of all. Verus was a slave who wanted to become a gladiator in order to no longer have to work at a stone quarry. He picked a fight with Priscus in front of a patron, who accepted them both. He and Priscus became friends. They began training and both won many battles. One day, the best friends were forced to fight each other. The fight went on for so long that for the first and only time, both were declared winnners. The emperor awarded both wooden swords and their freedom.