Every CrossFit Games season funnels hundreds of thousands of athletes down to a small final field.
1. The Open
The season starts with the CrossFit Open, an online competition first held in 2011. Workouts are released over several weeks, usually in February or March, and anyone can take part at an affiliate or home gym.
2. Qualifying stages
Top Open finishers move on to further stages that award Games places. For 2026 the online quarterfinals returned after being dropped for 2025.
3. The Games
The final field is 30 individual men and 30 individual women, plus teams. Workouts are often announced only shortly before they start, testing all-round fitness. The 2026 Games, the event’s 20th anniversary, were at the SAP Center in San Jose; James Sprague and Aimee Cringle won.
The 2026 season in numbers
| Stage | 2026 detail |
|---|---|
| Open | About 254,000 registered; Colten Mertens and Lucy Campbell won |
| Quarterfinals | Restored for 2026; top 25% of Open athletes advanced |
| Semifinals | Ten in-person events plus online semifinals |
| Games | July 22–26, San Jose: James Sprague and Aimee Cringle won |
Each stage narrows the field: from hundreds of thousands in the Open to 2,000 at the semifinals and 60 individuals at the Games. Our qualifier results list the semifinal top finishers.
FAQ
How do you qualify for the CrossFit Games?
Start in the online CrossFit Open, then advance through the qualifying stages that award Games places.
How many athletes compete at the CrossFit Games?
30 individual men and 30 individual women, plus teams.