What is the CrossFit Games? The Complete Guide to the Sport of Fitness
Everything you need to know about the world's premier fitness competition - from the Open to the championship, famous athletes, typical workouts, and how to start your own CrossFit journey.
Want to Test Your Fitness?
Try our training plan generators for running, cycling, and more
In This Guide
What is the CrossFit Games?
The CrossFit Games is an annual athletic competition that serves as the world championship of the sport of fitness. Owned and operated by CrossFit, LLC, the Games crown the "Fittest on Earth" by testing athletes across a broad range of physical challenges.
Unlike traditional sports that test one specific ability (running speed, lifting strength, etc.), CrossFit is designed to test general physical preparedness. Athletes must be ready for anything: Olympic weightlifting, gymnastics, running, swimming, cycling, rowing, and more.
The Unknown and Unknowable: A core principle of the CrossFit Games is that workouts are not announced until competition time. Athletes must train for everything because they don't know what they'll face.
The Games have grown from a small gathering of 70 athletes on a California ranch in 2007 to a major sporting event broadcast globally, with millions of dollars in prize money.
Brief History of the CrossFit Games
First CrossFit Games held at Dave Castro's ranch in Aromas, California. 70 athletes competed for a $500 prize.
Introduction of the CrossFit Open - an online qualifier that allows anyone in the world to participate and potentially qualify.
Games move to the StubHub Center (now Dignity Health Sports Park) in Carson, California.
Major format changes: Regional events eliminated, replaced by Sanctionals (independent events awarding Games invites).
Current format established with Open, Quarterfinals (online), Semifinals (in-person), and the Games.
Competition Format & Qualification Path
The road to the CrossFit Games is a season-long journey that whittles down hundreds of thousands of participants to the world's fittest athletes:
The CrossFit Open (February-March)
Three weeks of workouts released online every Thursday. Anyone in the world can participate at their local gym or home. Registration costs around $20.
Hundreds of thousands compete globally, making it the largest participatory sporting event in the world. Scores are submitted online and ranked globally and by region. The top 10% of athletes in each division advance to Quarterfinals.
Quarterfinals (March-April)
An online competition for athletes who qualified through the Open. Athletes have a specific window to complete workouts at their gym.
Video submission is required for verification. Workouts are more challenging than the Open, often including heavier weights and more complex movements. Top performers from each continent advance to Semifinals.
Semifinals (May-June)
In-person competitions held across different continents: North America (multiple events), Europe, Oceania, South America, Africa, and Asia.
This is where competition gets serious. Athletes compete over a weekend with spectators, production, and Games-level intensity. Only the top finishers from each Semifinal earn invites to the CrossFit Games - typically the top 5 individuals per event.
The CrossFit Games (August)
The championship event held in Madison, Wisconsin. Approximately 40 men, 40 women, and 30 teams compete over 4-5 days in a grueling test of fitness.
Events are unknown until revealed, sometimes just minutes before competition. Athletes may face running, swimming, weightlifting, gymnastics, and completely unexpected challenges. Points accumulate across all events, and the Fittest on Earth is crowned with a prize purse exceeding $300,000 for first place.
Age Groups and Adaptive Divisions
The CrossFit Games isn't just for elite 20-somethings. The competition includes age group divisions (Masters) for athletes 35-60+ and Adaptive divisions for athletes with physical differences. This means a 55-year-old grandmother and a wheelchair-using athlete can compete for world championship titles in their respective divisions.
Typical CrossFit Games Events
While specific workouts are unknown, CrossFit Games events typically include:
Olympic Weightlifting
Snatch, clean and jerk - testing max strength and technical skill.
Gymnastics
Muscle-ups, handstand walks, rope climbs, bar work.
Cardio/Endurance
Running, swimming, cycling, rowing - sometimes for long distances.
Mixed Modal
Combinations of movements against the clock or for max reps.
Strongman
Atlas stones, yoke carries, sled drags - odd object lifting.
Surprise Events
Softball throw, obstacle courses, paddleboarding - expect the unexpected.
Classic CrossFit Workouts: Games often include benchmark workouts like "Fran" (21-15-9 thrusters and pull-ups), "Murph" (1 mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats, 1 mile run), and others that have become legendary in the community.
Famous CrossFit Athletes
The CrossFit Games has produced legendary athletes who have become household names in the fitness world:
Men's Division
Mat Fraser - "The GOAT"
5x CrossFit Games champion (2016-2020). Retired undefeated after the most dominant run in CrossFit history. Known for his relentless work ethic and mental toughness.
Signature moment: Winning 2016 Games after finishing 2nd in 2014 and 2015, then never losing again.
Rich Froning - "The First King"
4x individual champion (2011-2014), plus multiple team championships with CrossFit Mayhem. One of the most recognizable faces in CrossFit.
After individual dominance, transitioned to team competition and continued winning.
Justin Medeiros
Back-to-back champion (2021-2022). Took the crown immediately after Mat Fraser's retirement, proving the sport's new generation.
Youngest male champion at 21 years old in 2021.
Jason Khalipa
2008 CrossFit Games champion. Known for his incredible engine and "grinder" mentality. Now a successful gym owner and coach.
Famous for his ability to maintain pace when others fade.
Women's Division
Tia-Clair Toomey - "The Queen"
6x CrossFit Games champion (2017-2022). Most decorated athlete in CrossFit history. Also competed in Olympic weightlifting for Australia.
Dominated while balancing CrossFit with Olympic lifting preparation.
Annie Thorisdottir
2x champion (2011-2012). First woman to win back-to-back titles. Icelandic pioneer who helped legitimize women's CrossFit globally.
Returned to competition after having a child and remained competitive at the highest level.
Katrin Davidsdottir
2x champion (2015-2016). Another Icelandic star known for her mental strength and ability to perform under pressure.
Won after missing the Games entirely the previous year due to Open performance.
Laura Horvath
2023 CrossFit Games champion. Rose to fame as a teenager and has been consistently competitive for years.
Known for her exceptional gymnastics and work capacity.
CrossFit Games vs Hyrox: What's the Difference?
Both are fitness competitions, but they're designed very differently:
| Aspect | CrossFit Games | Hyrox |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Unknown, varied workouts | Same 8 stations every race |
| Movements | Olympic lifts, gymnastics, endurance | Running + functional (no technical lifts) |
| Accessibility | Requires skill development | Beginner-friendly |
| Qualification | Season-long process | Open registration |
| Global Comparison | Hard (workouts vary) | Easy (same format worldwide) |
| Best For | All-round fitness athletes | Runners seeking new challenges |
Interested in Hyrox? Read our Complete Guide to Hyrox and try our Hyrox Training Plan Generator.
How to Start CrossFit Training
- Find a local CrossFit affiliate (gym). CrossFit gyms offer coached classes that teach proper technique. This is the safest and most effective way to learn.
- Start with fundamentals. Most gyms offer an "On-Ramp" or "Foundations" program for beginners. Don't skip this.
- Scale appropriately. Every workout can be scaled to your fitness level. There's no shame in using lighter weights or modified movements.
- Focus on technique first. Olympic lifts like snatches and cleans require proper form to be safe and effective.
- Be consistent. Attend classes regularly. Progress comes from consistency over months and years.
- Try the Open! When you're ready, sign up for the CrossFit Open. It's a fun way to test yourself and join the global community.
Build Your Base First: Before diving into CrossFit, consider building aerobic fitness. Our Running Training Plans and Heart Rate Zone Calculator can help you develop the endurance foundation that will make CrossFit training more effective.
CrossFit Equipment & Gear Essentials
If you're starting CrossFit, here's what you'll need:
Essential (Day 1)
- • Training shoes (flat, stable soles for lifting)
- • Comfortable athletic clothing
- • Water bottle
- • Towel
Recommended (First Month)
- • Jump rope (speed rope)
- • Wrist wraps for heavy lifting
- • Knee sleeves for squatting
- • Weightlifting belt (optional)
Performance Upgrades
- • CrossFit-specific shoes (Nike Metcons, Reebok Nano)
- • Gymnastics grips for pull-ups
- • Weightlifting shoes (for Olympic lifts)
- • Heart rate monitor
Recovery Tools
- • Foam roller
- • Lacrosse ball for trigger points
- • Resistance bands for mobility
- • Protein supplements (optional)
How to Watch the CrossFit Games
The CrossFit Games has become a major sporting event with extensive media coverage:
- CrossFit Games website and YouTube: Free live streaming of all Games events during competition
- ESPN/ESPN+: Broadcasts select events, especially finals
- Social media: Follow @CrossFitGames on Instagram for real-time updates, athlete stories, and behind-the-scenes content
- Documentaries: Netflix's "The Redeemed and the Dominant" and various YouTube documentaries cover past Games
- Podcasts: The Sevan Podcast, Talking Elite Fitness, and others provide deep analysis
Games Schedule: The CrossFit Games typically take place in early August in Madison, Wisconsin. Competition runs Thursday through Sunday with events scheduled throughout each day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CrossFit dangerous?
Like any sport, CrossFit carries injury risk. However, when performed with proper coaching and appropriate scaling, it's no more dangerous than other fitness activities. Studies show injury rates similar to recreational weightlifting. The key is learning correct technique before adding intensity, and listening to your body.
How much does CrossFit cost?
CrossFit gym memberships typically range from $150-$300/month, depending on location. This includes coached classes, programming, and community support. Many find the cost worthwhile because of the coaching, accountability, and community compared to regular gym memberships.
Can beginners do CrossFit?
Absolutely! Every workout is scalable. Beginners start with lighter weights and modified movements, progressing as they build strength and skill. Good CrossFit coaches specialize in meeting people where they are.
What's the CrossFit Open?
The Open is an annual online competition where anyone can participate. Over three weeks, workouts are released and athletes complete them at their gym. It's the first step in the Games qualification process and a fun community event. Registration is about $20, and it's a great way to test your fitness and join the global CrossFit community.
Do I need to be fit to start CrossFit?
No! CrossFit is designed to get you fit, not require you to already be fit. Start where you are and progress at your own pace. The methodology is infinitely scalable.
How long are CrossFit workouts?
A typical CrossFit class is 60 minutes, including warm-up, skill work, the workout of the day (WOD), and cool-down. The actual workout portion usually ranges from 5-25 minutes, though some longer endurance pieces can extend beyond that.
What is a WOD?
WOD stands for "Workout of the Day" - the main workout programmed for each class. CrossFit gyms post their WOD daily, and everyone in class does the same workout (scaled to their level). Common WOD formats include AMRAPs (As Many Rounds As Possible), EMOMs (Every Minute On the Minute), and For Time workouts.
Can I do CrossFit at home?
Yes, though it's easier to start at a gym to learn proper technique. Home CrossFit requires minimal equipment - a pull-up bar, kettlebell, and jump rope can get you started. CrossFit.com posts free daily workouts, and many can be modified for home use.
How do I find a good CrossFit gym?
Look for gyms that offer a foundations/on-ramp program, have certified coaches, and emphasize technique before intensity. Visit a few gyms, try free classes, and assess the coaching quality and community vibe. A good gym will scale workouts appropriately and not push beginners too hard too fast.