The 2024 CrossFit® Games are set to be a game-changer with major updates, new locations, and revamped divisions. Let’s dive into what’s new this year and what it means for athletes and fans alike.
New Home Base: Fort Worth, Texas
Say goodbye to Madison, Wisconsin, and hello to Fort Worth, Texas! This year's Games will take place at the impressive Dickies Arena. The new venue promises a fresh vibe and a chance for Texas fans to experience the action live and up close.
With a new experience, means a new set of workouts in a totally different environment (and heat). If you want to see the full roster of workouts, head over to the CrossFit® Games website: games.CrossFit®.com/workouts/games
Splitting Up the Competition: Adaptive and Age-Group Divisions
In a significant shakeup, the Adaptive and Age-Group divisions will no longer compete at the main CrossFit® Games event. Instead, these athletes will have their own dedicated championships:
- Adaptive Divisions:
The adaptive athletes are moving to the WheelWOD Games, which has expanded from eight to 15 divisions. This change allows for more specific and inclusive competition categories, giving adaptive athletes a bigger platform to showcase their skills. - Age-Group Divisions:
Masters and Teens are headed to separate events. Masters will compete in the Legends Championship, while Teens will battle it out at the Pit Teen Throwdown. These standalone events allow for more focused competition and a better experience for the athletes.
Event Details for Adaptive, Teens, and Masters
Here’s where and when you can catch the action for the Adaptive, Teen, and Masters athletes:
- Adaptive Divisions:
The WheelWOD Games will take place in Raleigh, North Carolina, from November 3 to 5, 2024. This event will feature all 15 expanded divisions, giving adaptive athletes a chance to compete at the highest level. - Teen Divisions:
The Pit Teen Throwdown is an annual fitness competition exclusive to athletes ages 14-17. For 2024, it will be held from August 27 to August 30 in Southwest Michigan. - Masters Divisions:
The Legends Championship is an annual fitness competition exclusively for Masters athletes ages 35 and up. For 2024, it will be held from August 29 to September 1 at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex in Birmingham, Alabama. This event will bring together the top Masters athletes who have qualified through the rigorous online stages of the Open, Quarterfinals, and Semifinals.
New Qualification Process and Structure
The qualification process remains rigorous, ensuring only the fittest make it to the final stages. For the Individuals and Teams, the format includes progressive cuts throughout the event, narrowing down the competitors to the very best.
The initial 40 male and 40 female athletes will be whittled down through a series of grueling events, culminating in an intense final showdown.
Team Competition
The team competition continues to be a highlight, with 30 teams qualifying for the finals. This aspect of the Games remains largely unchanged, ensuring fans get to see top-notch teamwork and strategy in action.
Why These Changes?
These updates aren't just about logistics—they're about enhancing the competition's quality and inclusivity. By giving Adaptive, Masters, and Teens their own stages, CrossFit® is making a statement: every athlete deserves a platform that suits their unique strengths and challenges. This approach not only diversifies the field but also ensures each group gets the spotlight they deserve.
Do you agree with the changes? Let us know!
Looking Ahead
The 2024 CrossFit® Games are shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet. With a new venue, expanded divisions, and a refined competition structure, athletes and fans are in for a treat. Whether you're a competitor or a spectator, this year promises to bring the heat like never before.
Stay tuned to our daily feed of CrossFit® Games action on our podcast, available on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@WODprep