The CrossFit Games just got a major shakeup.
Quarterfinals are out, the Games field is smaller, and there are two new ways to compete.
Discover how these changes impact your path to the Games, no matter your level.
Plus, learn about the exciting new Community Cup and Pairs Competition that will redefine the CrossFit landscape. Get ready to adapt, because the 2025 season is bringing the heat.
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Important Dates to Mark
The CrossFit Open, the starting point for the season, will run from February 27 to March 17, 2025. Here’s a quick breakdown of key dates:
- Open Registration Begins: January 15, 2025.
- Open Workout 25.1: February 27–March 3.
- Open Workout 25.2: March 6–March 10.
- Open Workout 25.3: March 13–March 17.
For Age Groups, Teams, and Adaptive athletes, virtual in-affiliate Semifinals will follow in April. Individual athletes face a hybrid approach, with both virtual and in-person options running from April to June.
The season culminates in August for Individual and Team divisions, with exact dates for other divisions yet to be announced.
What’s Changing in 2025
CrossFit promised “a few changes” for the 2025 season, but the adjustments are nothing short of transformative.
1. Say Goodbye to Quarterfinals
After years of multi-stage qualifiers, CrossFit has eliminated Quarterfinals altogether. Instead, athletes will move directly from the Open to Semifinals.
For the Individual division, the top 1% of competitors in the Open will qualify. Age Groups require the top 2%, while the Adaptive division takes the top 20 athletes per category.
2. New Dual-Path Semifinals
The Individual division introduces a groundbreaking two-path system:
- Virtual In-Affiliate Semifinals: Held the first weekend of May.
- In-Person Qualifying Events: Premier competitions worldwide from April to June.
Athletes can compete in one or both formats to maximize their chances of securing a Games spot. However, the announcement didn’t specify how many athletes will qualify from each method, leaving room for speculation.
For other divisions—including Teams, Age Groups, and Adaptive—the Semifinals will be exclusively virtual.
3. Smaller Fields at the CrossFit Games
CrossFit is scaling back its premier competition fields:
- Elite Individuals: Down from 40 men and 40 women to 30 each.
- Teams: Reduced from 30 to 20.
Additionally, affiliates are now limited to one team per gym for Games qualification, a significant departure from past seasons.
Judging Standards Elevated
The 2025 season brings stricter judging requirements. Judges must:
- Hold a current CrossFit Level 1 (CF-L1) certification.
- Complete the 2025 Judges Course for Open participation.
- Pass a new Advanced Judges Course for Semifinal events, valid for three years.
This ensures a higher standard of officiating across all competition stages.
New Opportunities for Athletes
CrossFit is introducing two exciting additions to extend the competitive season:
Community Cup
Athletes who complete the Open can compete at local affiliate-hosted events in June. After receiving a ranking or “level” based on their Open performance, they’ll face peers in a friendly but fierce showdown at participating gyms.
Pairs Competition
Launching in October 2025, this partner-based event invites athletes worldwide to team up based on their Open rankings. The top pairs will qualify for an in-person competition hosted by the Masters Fitness Championship, adding a fresh dynamic to the sport.
Why These Changes Matter
These updates aim to streamline the season while catering to athletes’ varied goals. The removal of Quarterfinals simplifies the path to the Games, while the hybrid Semifinals offer flexibility for elite athletes to choose their own routes.
Still, the reduction in Games slots will stir mixed emotions. Fewer competitors mean fiercer competition but also fewer opportunities to reach the sport’s pinnacle.
For many, these changes bring welcome relief from an exhausting seven-month season. For others, the evolving format may feel like too much change too quickly.
The Bottom Line
CrossFit’s 2025 season marks a turning point for the sport, blending innovation with controversy. Whether you’re an elite competitor or a community athlete, this season promises more ways to engage, compete, and showcase your fitness journey.
Stay tuned as more details emerge—and get ready to tackle the Open on February 27, 2025!
