The CrossFit® Open is just around the corner, and it’s shaping up to be another unforgettable season. This global event unites athletes of all levels, putting strength, endurance, and mental toughness to the ultimate test.
The Open sets the tone for an exciting CrossFit® season ahead, whether you're chasing leaderboard glory, testing your limits, or just having fun with your community.
Want to dominate CrossFit® Open 25.1?
Don’t go in blind—use our expert strategy breakdown to pace smarter, avoid no-reps, and crush your best score!
WODprep Strategy Guide →
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25.1 CrossFit® Open Workout & Standards →
wodprep.com/blog/crossfit-open-25-1-workout-standards/
Now, let’s dive into what we might see in the 2025 Open.
By analyzing past trends, movement patterns, and some educated guesswork, we’ve put together our top predictions—plus the top five movements you should focus on mastering before the Open kicks off—to help you prepare and strategize for what’s to come.
Why the CrossFit® Open 2025 Matters
The 2025 CrossFit® Open is more significant than ever, with major changes to the competition format making every rep count. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:
- Community Connection: The Open remains the ultimate celebration of effort and camaraderie, bringing athletes together to test their limits and cheer each other on.
- Benchmark Your Progress: For many, the Open is a chance to see how far they’ve come over the past year. It’s not just about competing; it’s about improving.
- Precision Matters: Movement standards and execution have never been more critical, as CrossFit®’s updated judging system adds transparency and rigor to the competition.
Whether you’re chasing the leaderboard, aiming to advance, or just showing up for the challenge, the Open is the ultimate test of fitness, resilience, and community spirit.
What’s Changed in the CrossFit® Open 2025?
The 2025 CrossFit® season brings some significant updates that impact athletes, teams, and the broader community. Here’s what you need to know:
1. No Quarterfinals
With the elimination of Quarterfinals, the Open now acts as the sole gateway to Affiliate Semifinals for the top 1% of athletes. For Masters and Teens, the top 2% will advance to the Age Group Online Qualifier.
This change intensifies the competition, as every rep, second, and point in the Open carries greater weight. The stakes are higher, and the margin for error is razor-thin.
- Affiliate Semifinals: These will be conducted online for qualifying individuals and teams, streamlining the path to the CrossFit® Games.
- Implications for Athletes: With fewer chances to prove your worth, the Open demands precision, preparation, and peak performance.
2. In-Affiliate Semifinals
Replacing Quarterfinals, in-affiliate Semifinals provide a more localized, community-driven approach to the next stage of competition. While specifics are still emerging, this change could bring back the excitement of pre-2019 formats while encouraging broader participation.
3. Updated Judging Standards
CrossFit® has introduced a revamped judging system, raising the bar for fairness and consistency:
- Judges must hold an active Level 1 certification and complete both standard and advanced judging courses.
- Videos of workouts will be publicly available for review by those who complete the judges’ course, enhancing transparency.
- This change emphasizes the importance of meeting movement standards and executing with precision, especially for athletes aiming to advance.
4. Age Group Online Qualifier (AGOQ)
For Masters and Teens, the competition reverts to the pre-2019 AGOQ model:
- The top 2% of each division advance, with at least 200 athletes per category.
- This format simplifies the path to the next stage while maintaining a competitive field.
5. New Community Cup
For athletes who don’t advance to Semifinals, the Community Cup offers an opportunity to compete in a skill-based event held later in the season. This addition keeps more athletes engaged and showcases the inclusivity of CrossFit®.
Trends and Predictions for the CrossFit® Open 2025
Evolving Themes in Programming
The Open stays true to CrossFit®’s mantra: “constantly varied, functional movements performed at high intensity.” Here’s what we’ve noticed:
- Inclusivity for All: With divisions like Foundations, Scaled, Rx’d, and Adaptive, the Open continues to welcome athletes of every skill level while pushing the best of the best to new heights.
- Minimal-Equipment Workouts: The pandemic brought creativity to programming, emphasizing accessibility. Expect this trend to stick around.
- Skill Progressions: Movements like muscle-ups, handstand walks, and heavier lifts have become staples to test the top athletes. Look for variations or stricter standards to up the ante.
Predicted Movements and Formats
CrossFit® 2025 Open Movements to Expect
While nobody has a crystal ball, years of Open programming give us a pretty solid idea of what to expect. Certain movements tend to pop up year after year, and with Quarterfinals gone, the Open has never been more critical. Here’s what you should be ready for:
- Thrusters: Expect these to show up in a high-intensity couplet or triplet, likely in the final week.
- Chest-to-Bar Pull-Ups: A grip and gymnastics staple, often paired with cardio or barbell work.
- Dumbbell Snatches: These challenge unilateral strength and coordination under fatigue.
- Clean and Jerks (Barbell): High-rep cycling or heavy singles could test strength and efficiency.
- Rowing: Paired with gymnastics or bodyweight movements, this taxes pacing and power.
- Wall Balls: Expect these to test stamina and accuracy in combination with other heart-rate spiking movements.
- Toes-to-Bar: Rhythm and core strength are essential for these frequent flyers.
- Handstand Push-Ups: Strict or kipping, these are challenging, especially deep into a workout.
- Double-Unders: A separator skill that rewards rhythm and efficiency.
- Deadlifts: Often programmed as heavy or high-rep to test strength endurance.
- Muscle-Ups (Ring and Bar): High-skill movements that often separate RX athletes from the pack.
Likely Workout Formats
- AMRAPs: Test consistency across multiple rounds of varying movements.
- For Time Workouts: Reward speed and efficiency for completing a set amount of work.
- Chippers: Push mental and physical capacity with high-rep schemes.
- Ladders: Progressive weights or reps to test how you handle escalating intensity.
- Combo Workouts: Mix heavy lifting with gymnastics or monostructural movements to challenge all-around fitness.
Top 5 Movements to Master Before the CrossFit® Open 2025
Movement #5: Bar Muscle-Ups
Bar muscle-ups separate the RX leaderboard from the scaled, and just one rep can catapult you thousands of spots. For Masters athletes especially, this is often a make-or-break movement.
Why They Matter:
Bar muscle-ups are a gatekeeper movement. If you’re stuck watching your name slide down the leaderboard every year because of them, now’s the time to flip the script. Mastering this skill can give you a massive boost.
How to Practice:
Prerequisites: 7 strict pull-ups, 7 kipping chest-to-bar pull-ups, and 7 unbroken toes-to-bar.
- Drills:
- Perfect your kip swing.
- Practice band-assisted transitions.
- Focus on pulling the bar to your hips, not just your chest.
Movement #4: Ring Muscle-Ups
Ring muscle-ups are the ultimate blend of strength, technique, and finesse. They’re a hallmark of high-level CrossFit® athletes and a common separator on the leaderboard.
Why They Matter: Scoring even one rep can drastically improve your standing. Plus, nailing this movement is a badge of honor and a confidence booster.
How to Practice:
- Master the false grip.
- Build strength with strict ring dips and pull-ups.
- Practice transitions with band-assisted drills.
Movement #3: Chest-to-Bar Pull-Ups
Chest-to-bar pull-ups are a staple in Open programming, and they’re essential for RX athletes.
Why They Matter: Stringing these together efficiently saves time and energy, while even quick singles can make a huge difference in your score.
How to Practice:
Prerequisites: Solid kipping pull-ups.
Drills:
- Work on rhythm and timing for butterfly pull-ups.
- Focus on active shoulders and a hollow body position.
Movement #2: Toes-to-Bar
Toes-to-bar test grip strength, core stability, and rhythm, making them a frequent Open favorite.
Why They Matter: Consistency matters more than unbroken sets. Even quick singles can keep you moving without burning out.
How to Practice:
Prerequisites: Hanging knee raises to build grip and shoulder endurance.
Tips:
- Maintain a controlled kip swing.
- Practice cycling quick singles if large sets aren’t your strength.
Movement #1: Double-Unders
Double-unders might be simple in concept, but they’re a massive separator in the Open.
Why They Matter: Mastery of double-unders saves time and conserves energy, giving you a significant edge in workouts.
How to Practice:
- Start with single-unders and build up.
- Use drills like penguin taps to refine timing.
- Spend 5–10 minutes daily practicing consistency.
Final Thoughts
The CrossFit® Open 2025 promises to deliver an exciting mix of challenges that test every aspect of your fitness. From likely appearances of movements like muscle-ups and heavy barbell lifts to innovative workout formats, this year’s Open is shaping up to push athletes of all levels to their limits.
Preparation is the name of the game. Train smart, stay consistent, and focus on mastering key movements like bar muscle-ups, double-unders, and toes-to-bar. Beyond the workouts, the Open is your chance to grow, connect with the global CrossFit® community, and celebrate what your body is capable of achieving.
And if you’re looking for extra help, WODprep’s got you covered with programming, tips, and strategies tailored for the Open.
Everything You Need To Get Your Best Score Yet In The CrossFit® Open 2025:
- The Open Matters Again: New 2025 CrossFit® Season is Here
- When, What, and How: Sign Up for the CrossFit® Open 2025
- Everything You Need to Crush the CrossFit® Open 2025
- Our Predictions for the CrossFit® Open 2025
- Movements You Can Expect To See In The CrossFit® Open 2025
- I Ranked The Top Movements For The CrossFit® Open 2025
- Top 5 Movements to Master Before the CrossFit® Open 2025
- How to Prepare for the CrossFit® Open 2025?
- Does the CrossFit® Open 2025 Leaderboard Matter?
- Quick Links to the CrossFit® Open 2025 Workouts
- The CrossFit® Open: Unveiling the Ultimate Fitness Challenge
- The Evolution and Community Spirit of the CrossFit® Open
- CrossFit® Open Mastery: Crafting Your Path to Dominance