Unlocking the Secret to Qualifying for the Crossfit Games: Everything You Need to Know

AvatarByGenny Wilkinson Priest

It is every Crossfit enthusiast’s dream to compete in the ultimate test of fitness, the Crossfit Games. This annual event brings together athletes from around the world to push themselves to their physical and mental limits. But have you ever wondered how one qualifies for such a prestigious competition? The road to the Crossfit Games is not an easy one, as it requires a combination of dedication, skill, and hard work. In this article, we will explore the qualifications and requirements needed to earn a spot in the Crossfit Games and what it takes to join the elite ranks of Crossfit athletes.

What are the CrossFit Games?

The CrossFit Games is an annual athletic competition that showcases the world’s fittest athletes. It was first established in 2007 and has since grown into a global phenomenon, with athletes from over 100 countries competing for the title of “Fittest on Earth.” The competition tests athletes across a wide range of physical and mental challenges, including weightlifting, gymnastics, endurance events, and more. With its intense and grueling workouts, the CrossFit Games has become known as the ultimate test of fitness.

How do you qualify for the CrossFit Games?

Qualifying for the CrossFit Games is no easy feat. It requires incredible dedication, hard work, and determination. There are two main paths to qualify for the CrossFit Games: through the worldwide online Open competition or through one of several in-person regional competitions.

The Open

The Open is a five-week-long online competition held annually by CrossFit HQ. During this time, a new workout is announced each week, and athletes have a set amount of time to complete it and submit their scores. The workouts are designed to push athletes to their limits and test their overall fitness.

The top athletes from each region (based on their worldwide ranking) at the end of the Open will advance to one of several regional events. However, joining in on Open workouts also provides an opportunity for anyone to compete against all other participants around the globe. While it may seem intimidating at first glance, many participants find that competing against others around the world helps motivate them to push harder and achieve more than they ever thought possible.

Regional competitions

Regional competitions are in-person events held in different areas around the world, bringing together top athletes from each region who qualified through the Open competition. These events consist of grueling workouts over several days, and the top athletes from each regional event will advance to the CrossFit Games.

In past years, there were several regional events held around the world. However, starting in 2019, there are now only ten regional events: eight in the United States, one in Canada, and one international (held in Australia). The top five individual male and female athletes from each region will advance to the CrossFit Games, along with one team from each region.

What are the eligibility requirements?

To compete in the CrossFit Games, an athlete must meet certain eligibility requirements. These requirements include:

-Being at least 14 years old by July 14th of that competition year
-Obtaining a valid passport if competing internationally
-Registering for the Open and paying the registration fee
-Recording workout scores through an approved video submission platform
-Abiding by CrossFit’s drug-testing policies

The age requirement is a minimum; however, there is no maximum age for competing in the CrossFit Games. Athletes of all ages are welcome to participate and challenge themselves.

Tips for qualifying for the CrossFit Games

Qualifying for the CrossFit Games takes more than just athleticism. It also requires strategic planning and preparation. Here are some tips for increasing your chances of qualifying:

1. Start training early: The earlier you start training for the Open competition, the more time you have to improve your skills and fitness levels.

2. Focus on weaknesses: Identify your weaknesses and work on improving them during training. The workouts in the Open can be unpredictable, so being well-rounded is crucial.

3. Build mental toughness: The workouts at Regionals and the CrossFit Games are designed to push athletes both physically and mentally. Training your mind to be just as strong as your body is crucial if you want to qualify.

4. Seek out a coach or mentor: Having someone to guide you through the competition process can be incredibly beneficial. Coaches and mentors can help you improve your technique, develop a training plan, and offer support and encouragement.

5. Follow a nutrition plan: Proper nutrition is essential for optimal performance in the CrossFit Games. Finding a nutrition plan that works for you can give you an edge in competition.

6. Rest and recover: Rest and recovery are just as important as training. Allow your body the time it needs to rest and repair itself to prevent injuries and improve performance.

Qualifying for the CrossFit Games is an incredible achievement that requires a combination of physical strength, mental toughness, dedication, and hard work. The Open and regional competitions provide a platform for athletes from all over the world to showcase their fitness levels and compete against each other in this ultimate test of fitness. With proper training, preparation, and determination, anyone has the potential to qualify for the CrossFit Games and be named “Fittest on Earth.”

What is Crossfit?

Crossfit is a high-intensity fitness program that combines elements of weightlifting, gymnastics, and endurance training. It was founded in 2000 by Greg Glassman and has since gained popularity around the world. The main goal of Crossfit is to improve overall fitness and performance through constantly varied, functional movements performed at a high level of intensity.

Crossfit workouts are known for their intensity and can be challenging even for the fittest individuals. They typically consist of a combination of exercises such as squats, deadlifts, pull-ups, box jumps, and burpees. These workouts are designed to push your body to its limits and improve strength, endurance, agility, balance, and coordination.

The Crossfit Games

The Crossfit Games is an annual competition that brings together the fittest men and women from around the world to compete against each other in a series of challenging events. The first Crossfit Games were held in 2007 in Aromas, California with only 70 participants. However, it has since grown into a global event with over 300,000 participants from more than 150 countries.

The ultimate goal of the Crossfit Games is to crown the “Fittest on Earth.” This title is given to the male and female winners who have proven themselves as the top performers across a wide range of physical challenges. The competition consists of multiple events spread over several days that test every aspect of an athlete’s fitness.

Qualifying for the Crossfit Games

With such a prestigious title at stake, many athletes aspire to compete at the Crossfit Games. However, qualifying for this elite event is not an easy feat. There are three ways an athlete can qualify: through the Open competition, sanctioned events or through winning one of the national champion spots.

1) Open Competition

The Open is the initial stage of the Crossfit Games season. It is a five-week, online competition where athletes from around the world can participate in workouts posted each week. The athletes’ scores are then ranked on a leaderboard, and the top athletes in each region move on to the next stage.

To participate in the Open, you must register and pay an entry fee. The workouts are released every Thursday, and participants have until Monday to submit their scores. Athletes who place well in the Open can qualify for the next stage of competition.

2) Sanctioned events

Sanctioned events are competitions hosted by Crossfit affiliates or other fitness organizations that offer a qualifying spot for the Crossfit Games to their top performers. These events are held around the world and offer a chance for athletes who may not have qualified through the Open to compete at the Games.

To qualify through sanctioned events, an athlete must win or place high enough at one of these competitions to earn a spot.

3) National champions

In 2019, Crossfit introduced a new way for athletes to qualify for the Games – through national champions. Each country with at least one affiliate gym can send its top male and female athletes to compete at the Games.

This new format allows for more representation from different countries and gives athletes who may not have access to sanctioned events or qualify through the Open an opportunity to compete at the highest level.

Training for The Crossfit Games

Competing at The Crossfit Games requires more than just being good at one aspect of fitness. To be successful, an athlete must excel in multiple areas such as endurance, strength, agility, speed, and power. This requires a well-rounded training program that focuses on all aspects of fitness.

Most professional Crossfit athletes train multiple times a day with a mix of strength work, cardiovascular training, and skill work. Many also incorporate additional mobility work and recovery techniques to help them perform at their best.

Besides training, nutrition also plays a crucial role in preparing for The Crossfit Games. Athletes must eat a well-balanced diet that provides them with enough energy to train and compete at a high level. Some follow strict diets, while others focus on eating whole, nutrient-dense foods to fuel their bodies.

The Crossfit Games is the ultimate test of fitness, and competing at this level requires dedication, hard work, and determination. Qualifying for the Games is no easy feat and requires a combination of talent, training, and strategy. If you aspire to be one of the fittest on Earth and compete in The Crossfit Games, be prepared to put in the work and push yourself to your limits. Who knows? You may just find yourself standing on top of the podium as the “Fittest on Earth.”

1. What are the basic criteria for qualifying for the Crossfit Games?


To qualify for the Crossfit Games, athletes must first participate in the Open competition, followed by Regionals and finally the Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ). In addition, athletes must adhere to the age requirement, meet eligibility standards set by Crossfit HQ, and ensure all submitted scores meet validation requirements.

2. How do I register for the Open competition?


Registration for the Crossfit Games Open is done online through the official Crossfit website. Athletes must create an online profile and pay a registration fee before being able to participate in the workouts.

3. Are there any age limitations for participating in the Crossfit Games?


Yes, in order to compete in any category of the Crossfit Games, athletes must be at least 14 years old on or before January 1st of that particular year’s competition.

4. How do I know if my score has been validated and accepted?


If your score appears on the official worldwide leaderboard with a green checkmark next to it, it has been validated and accepted by Crossfit HQ. Any scores without a green checkmark have not yet been validated.

5. What happens if I qualify in multiple categories during Regionals?


If an athlete qualifies in multiple categories during Regionals (individual, team or masters), they will be given a choice of which category they would like to compete in at the Crossfit Games.

6. How can I improve my chances of qualifying for the Crossfit Games?


Focus on consistency and technique during Open workouts to achieve high rankings on the worldwide leaderboard. Train regularly and follow a well-rounded fitness program that includes strength training, conditioning and skill work. Additionally, seek guidance from experienced coaches who can identify areas for improvement and provide personalized training plans.

In conclusion, qualifying for the Crossfit Games requires a combination of hard work, dedication, and a strategic approach. Athletes must successfully complete the Open workouts and place high enough on the leaderboard to advance to the next stage of competition. From there, they must excel at regional competitions and earn a coveted spot in the Crossfit Games.

However, simply qualifying for the Games is not enough. Athletes must also be mentally and physically prepared to compete at the highest level against some of the fittest individuals in the world. This requires proper training, nutrition, and recovery as well as a strong support system.

Moreover, it is important to note that while qualifying for the Crossfit Games may be a goal for many aspiring athletes, it should not be the only measure of success in this sport. The spirit of Crossfit is about continual improvement and challenging oneself to be better every day.

Finally, regardless of whether one qualifies for the Crossfit Games or not, participating in this sport can have numerous positive impacts on an individual’s physical and mental well-being. It promotes a sense of community, encourages healthy habits and can lead to personal growth both inside and outside of the gym.

Overall, qualifying for the Crossfit Games is no easy feat but with determination, discipline, and passion for

Author Profile

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Genny Wilkinson Priest
Genny Wilkinson Priest began her journey into Ashtanga yoga in 2000 while working as a journalist in her native New York City. Initially drawn to the practice for its physical benefits, Genny soon discovered the profound mental advantages, especially during the challenging period following the 9/11 terror attacks.

Which she covered as a journalist for Reuters. Her professional career took her to Singapore, where she wrote for Time Magazine, and then to Paris, before she finally settled in London.

As her family expanded to include four boys, Genny decided to leave full-time journalism to immerse herself in yoga studies. She achieved certification as a Shri K Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute Authorised Level 1 teacher, a British Wheel of Yoga teacher, and a Yoga Alliance-certified teacher.Genny’s passion for yoga philosophy led her to pursue a Master’s Degree in the Traditions of Yoga and Meditation at SOAS in London.

From 2024, Genny Wilkinson Priest has started writing an informative blog on the “Niche Name” niche. She writes informative posts and answers queries on topics that people seek in the niche. This transition marks a significant shift from her previous focus on journalism and traditional media to a more interactive and digital form of communication.

Genny’s blog aims to provide valuable information and foster a community of yoga enthusiasts who can learn and grow together. Her extensive background in both journalism and yoga practice ensures that her content is both authoritative and engaging.