7 Questions for 2025 CrossFit

With a new year upon us, questions are swirling about the direction of CrossFit and the future of the sport.

 From significant changes to the season’s structure to speculations about key aspects of the CrossFit Games, here’s an overview of seven pressing issues that will shape the coming year.

Where Will the 2025 CrossFit Games Be Held?

After a less-than-ideal first year in Fort Worth, TX, many are wondering if the CrossFit Games will move to a new venue in 2025.

Given the challenges posed by last year’s event and the association of the venue with athlete Lazar Ðukić’s tragic passing, relocating seems like a logical step.

A return to iconic locations like Madison, WI, or Carson, CA, could simplify logistics and rekindle nostalgia.

Alternatively, bringing the Games back to the original Ranch in Aromas, CA, could evoke the sport’s early roots. Rumors of Albany, NY, are also making the rounds, but we’ll await the official announcement before finalizing travel plans.

Can CrossFit Improve Its Video Review System?

CrossFit’s 2025 season will include virtual, in-affiliate Semifinals, and stringent judging requirements are already in place.

Judges must now hold a CrossFit L1, complete the Judges Course, and undertake an Advanced Judging course.

While this training represents progress, effective video review remains a crucial element in ensuring fairness during qualification rounds.

After inconsistent video assessments impacted athletes in 2024, CrossFit will face the challenge of refining its review process to effectively support the higher stakes of this season.

Will More Elite Athletes Shift Toward HYROX?

HYROX events continue to attract elite CrossFit athletes, with figures like Nick Mathew, Tia-Clair Toomey-Orr, and Jayson Hopper already testing their skills in the emerging fitness competition.

While HYROX’s prize money is currently modest compared to that of the CrossFit Games—the HYROX World Championship winner takes home $25,000—it presents an engaging opportunity for athletes to diversify their training, expand their fan base, and highlight their sponsors.

As HYROX grows, it could become an increasingly attractive option for CrossFit athletes.

What Role Will the PFAA Play in the Sport’s Development?

The Professional Fitness Athletes’ Association (PFAA) finds itself at a pivotal moment.


Support for the PFAA surged following Ðukić’s death, yet CrossFit sidelined its concerns when outlining the 2025 season and introducing new Athlete and Safety Councils.

With CrossFit HQ set to organize just one in-person event this year—the CrossFit Games—the PFAA could wield substantial influence by forging partnerships with other competition organizers.

Collaborations with events like TYR Wodapalooza, Rogue Invitational, and Dubai Fitness Championship could allow the PFAA to help shape the sport’s trajectory, even without CrossFit’s full cooperation.

Will There Be a Boycott of the 2025 CrossFit Season?

Discontent surrounding CrossFit’s handling of Ðukić’s death has left many athletes, fans, and sponsors questioning their involvement with the brand.

Some speculate that 2025 could see top athletes opt out of the Games season to focus on alternative competitions like Rogue, Dubai, and regional events.

This discontent may extend beyond athletes, as fans and sponsors could reconsider their participation, particularly if they perceive CrossFit as a liability.

If Open registration numbers drop significantly this year, it could signal a broader decline in engagement, potentially impacting the rest of the season.

How Might the World Fitness Project Reshape the Competitive Environment?

The newly launched World Fitness Project could provide athletes with a compelling alternative to the CrossFit Games.

Details about the World Fitness Tour include a pro-card system, qualification pathways, and events across both the U.S. and Europe.

With its innovative format and opportunities for community and age group divisions, the World Fitness Project may pull some athletes away from CrossFit, adding further complexity to an already shifting competitive landscape.

How Will CrossFit’s New Qualifying Events Function?

For the 2025 season, CrossFit announced in-person events awarding Games tickets to winners, with preparations already underway for several competitions.

These events are set to run independently of CrossFit, requiring organizers to balance profitability with creating memorable community experiences.

Currently announced events include:

• Mayhem Classic (Cookeville, TN): April 5-6 (2 men/2 women qualify)
  
  
• Wodland Fest (Málaga, Spain): April 25-27 (2 men/2 women qualify)
  
  
• French Throwdown (Montpellier, France): May 9-11 (2 men/2 women qualify)
  
  
• Rebel Renegade Games (South Africa): May 29-June 1 (1 man/1 woman qualify)
  
  
• Far East Throwdown (Busan, Korea): May 30-June 1 (1 man/1 woman qualify)
  
  
• Syndicate Crown (Knoxville, TN): May 30-June 1 (2 men/2 women qualify)
  
  
• Torian Pro (Brisbane, Australia): May 30-June 1 (2 men/2 women qualify)
  
  
• The Fittest Experience (Oklahoma City, OK): May (Date TBA, 2 men/2 women qualify)
  
  
• Copa Sur (Brazil): Date TBA (2 men/2 women qualify)
  
  

Logistical challenges remain, especially given the time constraints to establish new events or revamp existing ones.

With CrossFit’s history of frequent format changes, organizers may also hesitate to invest in long-term event planning. Nonetheless, these events represent a critical component of the 2025 season.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 CrossFit season is poised to be both dynamic and challenging, with changes that could shape the sport’s future.

From venue relocations to new competitive formats, the choices made this year will likely set the tone for years to come.

Whether through refining operations, fostering collaborations, or diversifying competitive platforms, CrossFit has opportunities to strengthen its position and engage its community meaningfully.

Source: barbend

The opinions shared in the GymNation blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.