RECAP: 2025 Crossfit Games
- Hayden Wilcox
- Aug 6
- 2 min read
Venue & Format Updates
The Games took place August 1-3, 2025, at MVP Arena in Albany, New York: marking the first time the event moved to the U.S. East Coast.
The season structure saw major revisions: quarterfinals were removed, meaning athletes advanced directly from the Open to semifinals - either virtual in-affiliate or at in-person events. A new Community Cup was also introduced for Open participants who wanted continued competition but didn't move on to semifinals.
The Games themselves were shortened to 3 days instead of 4, featured just 10 individual events, and had fewer competitors - 30 men, 30 women, and 20 teams - all contributing to the smallest prize purse since 2016.
Champions & Standout Performances
In the elite divisions, Tia‑Clair Toomey claimed her eighth title in the women’s category, reinforcing her legendary status.
Jayson Hopper emerged as the men’s champion, earning his first Fittest on Earth title after a tightly contested competition.
Team Competition: A Historic Win
CrossFit Oslo Kriger made CrossFit history as the first European team ever to win the team division, claiming the title “Fittest Team on Earth.” The squad, featuring Kristin Holte, Oda Lundekvam, Tola Morakinyo, and Victor Helsinghof - won four of eight events, breaking a long-standing American and Australian dominance in the category.
Prize Money & Other Highlights
This year’s prize purse was reduced, with winners receiving approximately $288,516, compared to $315,000 the previous year. Payouts were tiered - second place earned about $57,700, third $46,162, and only the top 20 finishers received monetary awards.
Notable Finishes:
Arielle Loewen from Midland secured an impressive 5th place in the women’s competition, highlighted by winning the Throttle Up event and strong showings across multiple workouts.
Calum Clements set a milestone as the highest-placing Spanish athlete ever, finishing 16th, also earning a heat win along the way.
Quick Recap Table
Category | Result / Notable Highlight |
Location & Format | Albany, NY; shorter Games; fewer athletes; no quarterfinals; prize purse cut |
Women’s Winner | Tia‑Clair Toomey - eighth title |
Men’s Winner | Jayson Hopper - first title |
Team Champion | CrossFit Oslo Kriger - first European team to win |
Top Finishers | Arielle Loewen (5th); Calum Clements (16th, best ever for Spain) |
Prize Money | ~$288.5k to first place; payouts only for top 20 finishers |
The 2025 CrossFit Games stood out for its bold structural changes, historic team victory, and the emergence of new stars - while also honoring legends like Tia‑Clair Toomey. Despite the leaner prize purse and smaller field, the competition delivered high drama, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable performances.
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