Can Crossfit champs dominate HYROX? The Buttery Bros challenged Medeiros, Sprague, and Fraser, and the results were unexpected

The question was simple: Can CrossFit champions—widely considered some of the fittest people on Earth—dominate HYROX, the ultimate test of endurance, strength, and grit? To find out, the Buttery Bros, known for their fitness adventures and behind-the-scenes CrossFit content, took on some of the biggest names in CrossFit in a series of HYROX races in Las Vegas.

The lineup was stacked. Reigning CrossFit stars like James Sprague, Justin Medeiros, and five-time Fittest Man on Earth Matt Fraser joined the challenge. The goal? Prove whether their training could translate into success in the longer, endurance-heavy world of hybrid racing. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t as easy as they thought.

The Challenge: Three Races, One Big Question

The event was structured into three races, each testing the athletes in different ways:

• Race 1: Men’s Pro Division – Buttery Bros’ Julian Marquez faced James Sprague in a one-on-one race to see if he could keep up with one of CrossFit’s top athletes.
• Race 2: Mixed Doubles Showdown – Justin Medeiros and Ellie Turner competed against the Buttery Bros, who partnered with three-time HYROX world champion Lauren Weeks.
• Race 3: Open Division Ultimate Showdown – Marsden from the Buttery Bros teamed up with elite hybrid athlete Dylan Scott to take on Matt Fraser and his partner, Chief Keef.

Each race brought its own drama, surprises, and lessons about how CrossFit training holds up in the HYROX arena.

Race 1: James Sprague vs. Julian Marquez – A Battle of Survival

The first race set the tone for the day. James Sprague, known for his well-rounded abilities in CrossFit, started strong. His experience in high-pressure competitions and efficient pacing gave him a significant edge.

Julian Marquez, on the other hand, hit trouble early. New shoes led to cramps, and the longer format began to take its toll. Despite pushing hard, he struggled to keep up with the consistent pace set by Sprague.

“I’ve never cramped like this before,” Marquez admitted mid-race, pausing briefly to recover. His final time—20 minutes behind Sprague—highlighted just how different HYROX racing is compared to CrossFit.

Race 2: Justin Medeiros and Ellie Turner Dominate the Mixed Doubles Race

The second race saw two-time CrossFit Games champion Justin Medeiros teaming up with Ellie Turner in a mixed doubles race. Their competitors? The Buttery Bros, who brought in a surprise partner—three-time HYROX world champion Lauren Weeks.

Medeiros and Turner had a solid strategy. Ellie took charge on the running segments, while Justin powered through the workstations with his trademark intensity. The duo completed the race in an impressive 58:47, nearly 20 minutes ahead of the Buttery Bros.

Despite the loss, the Buttery Bros remained upbeat. “We gave it our best shot, but Justin and Ellie were just too strong,” they said after crossing the finish line.

Race 3: Dylan Scott and Marsden Stun Matt Fraser

The final race of the day brought the most excitement. Marsden, one half of the Buttery Bros, teamed up with Dylan Scott, an elite HYROX athlete who had won the individual race the night before. Their goal? Take down Matt Fraser, arguably the greatest CrossFit athlete of all time.

With just 12 hours’ notice, Scott agreed to partner with Marsden. Their strategy was clear: Dylan would carry most of the workload, allowing Marsden to conserve energy and focus on pacing.

From the start, the duo executed their plan perfectly. Dylan’s experience and pacing skills kept them ahead of Fraser and Chief Keef, building a solid lead by the halfway point. Despite Fraser’s legendary determination, the Buttery Bros team crossed the finish line first, claiming their only victory of the day.

CrossFit vs. HYROX: What Did We Learn?

While CrossFit athletes are known for their exceptional fitness, HYROX presented unique challenges. The longer duration and endurance-based demands pushed them out of their comfort zones.

• Endurance and Pacing Matter: HYROX races require sustained effort over an extended period, something that’s not often the focus in CrossFit.
• Transitions Are Critical: Efficient transitions between stations can make or break a race. CrossFitters with less experience in hybrid races often lost valuable time here.
• Hybrid-Specific Training Pays Off: Athletes like Dylan Scott and Lauren Weeks, who specialize in hybrid racing, showed that targeted preparation gives a significant edge.

What’s Next for the Buttery Bros and CrossFit Athletes?

Despite the challenges, the athletes had a blast. James Sprague and Justin Medeiros shared their excitement for upcoming CrossFit competitions, including the World Fitness Project and the Mayhem Classic. Meanwhile, the Buttery Bros hinted at a possible return to HYROX in the future.

“We’ll be back,” they promised. “This was just the beginning.”

Takeaway

The crossover between CrossFit and HYROX isn’t as seamless as many might expect, but it’s clear that the world’s fittest athletes can hold their own in any arena. Whether it’s CrossFit Games or hybrid racing, their resilience and adaptability continue to impress.

For now, the Buttery Bros can celebrate their victory over Matt Fraser. But one thing’s for sure—this rivalry isn’t over.