Albany Welcomes the 2025 CrossFit Games
- Hayden Wilcox
- Jul 30
- 3 min read
The 19th edition of the CrossFit Games will take place from Friday, August 1 through Sunday, August 3, 2025, hosted at MVP Arena in downtown Albany, NY - marking the first time the Games return to the U.S. East Coast. Albany County expects more than 10,000 fans daily and predicts a $5.5 million local economic boost.
Season Structure & Qualification Path
1. The Open (Feb 27 - Mar 17, 2025)
Over 220,000 athletes from around the globe registered, marking a season low since 2014. Participants completed three scored workouts, with the top 1% of individual competitors advancing to the next stage.
2. Semifinals
With the elimination of quarterfinals, athletes qualify for the Games through:
In-Affiliate Semifinals (online qualifiers organized locally),
Or in-person Sanctional events, including globally recognized competitions like Mayhem Classic, French Throwdown, and other sanctioned semifinals.
A Last-Chance Qualifier (“Hustle Up”) was held in mid-June, awarding a final slot to one man and one woman in Albany.
3. The Games
The final roster includes 30 men, 30 women, and 20 affiliate teams, each competing over ten scored events (individuals) and eight events (teams) for the Fittest on Earth title.
Event Schedule Highlights
Friday, August 1 @ Jennings Landing & MVP Arena
8:00–9:15 a.m. – Individual Event 1 (Run Row Run) at Jennings Landing
9:15–10:30 a.m. – Team Event 1 at Jennings Landing
Afternoon sessions move to MVP Arena with both individual and team events leading into the Opening Ceremony at 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 2
Morning starts around 9 a.m. with Individual Event 4, followed by Team and Individual events running throughout the day until 6 p.m.
Sunday, August 3
Events begin at ~9 a.m., culminating with Individual Events 9 & 10, Awards Ceremony at 5:00 p.m.
Across the weekend, spectators will witness intense indoor and outdoor challenges - ranging from weightlifting and metabolic testing to surprise elements introduced on game day.
Fan Experience & Extras
Community Workout at Jennings Landing (no ticket required): Watch the elites tackle Event 1 at 8 a.m. on Aug 1, then sign up and do it yourself (timed and scored) between:
Aug 1–2, 12–5 p.m.
Aug 3, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.Participants receive scaled and adaptive options, and a 20% discount at the CrossFit Store with a bib during event hours.
Ruck Race League Event at Jennings Landing (Saturday, Aug 2 from 5-9 a.m.) - join a half or full ruck race alongside elite-level action.
CrossFit Mayhem Community Workouts on Saturday morning (7–10 a.m.) led by the team itself - three start times every 30 minutes for a 45-minute session, including warm‑up and cool‑down portions.
How to Watch
Live streaming: Official coverage via the CrossFit Games website, YouTube, and DAZN - completely free.
Road to the Games video series: Released in the lead-up to the event, spotlighting athlete journeys and stories - available on the CrossFit Games YouTube channel.
Why Albany?
Albany was selected thanks to its ease of access (short connection via JFK), affordability, and strong Northeast CrossFit community. MVP Arena is well-equipped to host major events, and Discover Albany coordinated logistics across 30+ hotels, boosting the region's visibility and economy with an estimated $5.5 million impact.
Summary Table
Category | Details |
Dates & Venue | August 1‑3, 2025 at MVP Arena, Albany, NY |
Qualifiers | Open → Semifinals → Games; 30 Individuals, 20 Teams |
Events | 10 individual, 8 team events over three days |
Fan Involvement | Community workouts, ruck race, Mayhem classes |
Viewing Options | CrossFit official channels & DAZN (live & free) |
Local Impact | Major East Coast debut; $5.5M economic injection |
From Open registrations in February to the unforgettable competitions in Albany come August, the Road to the CrossFit Games showcases thousands of athletes vying for one thing - being crowned "Fittest on Earth." Whether you're attending live or watching online, this weekend promises unpredictability, elite displays of strength, and an electrifying fan experience in the heart of the Capital Region.
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