The CrossFit Games 2025 contenders face an unprecedented challenge with the competition’s revamped qualification system. Only 30 spots are available for both men and women, making it one of the most selective fields in the event’s history.
While the top 1% of athletes from the CrossFit Open will advance to the In-Affiliate Semifinals, only 12 spots per division are up for grabs through this route. Furthermore, 18 additional athletes can qualify through 10 in-person events worldwide, with most events offering two qualification spots per division. The final pathway includes a Last Chance Qualifier from June 13-16, where one man and one woman will secure the remaining spots. This new structure sets the stage for an intense battle among established champions like Justin Medeiros and Emma Lawson, alongside emerging talents such as Dallin Pepper and Emma Tall.
Justin Medeiros (Height 5’9”)
At age 22, Justin Medeiros became the youngest male champion in CrossFit Games history.
Starting his CrossFit journey in 2012, Medeiros steadily climbed through the competitive ranks. Initially competing in the teen division, he placed 19th in 2016. Subsequently, he made significant progress, securing third place at the 2020 CrossFit Games. His breakthrough came with consecutive victories in 2021 and 2022, establishing himself as an elite competitor. Notably, his 2022 performance featured 10 top-5 finishes.
Standing at 5’9″ and weighing 190 pounds, Medeiros possesses impressive strength metrics and his benchmark workout times include a 2:01 Fran and 1:18 Grace, demonstrating his efficiency in classic CrossFit movements.
Training at CrossFit Fort Vancouver under coach Adam Neiffer, Medeiros faces unique challenges in the 2025 season. The competition schedule has expanded significantly, offering more opportunities for elite athletes. Additionally, his preparation involves managing multiple competition peaks throughout the season, with considerably more events than previous years. His primary focus remains qualifying through the In-Affiliate Semifinal, though alternative qualification paths through In-Person Qualifying Events remain available.
Emma Lawson (Height 5’4”)
Born in 2005, Emma Lawson emerged from the CrossFit teen divisions to become one of the most promising athletes in the sport.
Starting CrossFit at age 7, Lawson’s competitive journey began with a third-place finish in the Girls (14-15) division at the 2019 Games. Her progression continued with a worldwide first place in the Girls (14-15) quarterfinals in 2020. After claiming the “Fittest Teen on Earth” title in the Girls (16-17) division in 2021, she made a remarkable transition to the adult Women’s category.
Particularly noteworthy was her 2022 debut in the adult division, where she secured sixth place and earned the ‘Rookie of the Year’ award. Moreover, she made history as the youngest athlete to lead the Games as an individual. Her performance peaked in 2023 with a second-place podium finish, maintaining top-15 positions across all events.
Standing at 5’4″ and weighing 140 pounds, Lawson demonstrates impressive strength metrics, her benchmark workout times showcase her efficiency: Fran at 2:02, Helen at 7:17, and Grace at 1:16.
Under the guidance of former University of Waterloo hockey player Josh Woolley and Mammoth Training Methods, she maintains a structured approach. Training at CrossFit PSC in Kitchener alongside fellow Games athlete Jack Farlow, Lawson combines facility workouts with sessions in her home gym. Her preparation for the 2025 season builds upon her consistent performance record, particularly her ability to maintain top positions across varied events.
Dallin Pepper (Height 6’0”)
From garage workouts to elite competition, Dallin Pepper’s meteoric rise in CrossFit exemplifies natural talent.
Starting CrossFit at age 13 in 2015, Pepper began training with his father in their home garage. His competitive spirit ignited after watching the 2015 CrossFit Games, leading him to join an affiliated box in December of that year. First making history as the only athlete to win three consecutive teen division titles from 2017 to 2019, Pepper’s transition to elite competition proved equally impressive.
In his elite division debut, Pepper secured 19th place at the 2022 Games. Nevertheless, his remarkable progression continued as he claimed fifth place in 2023, establishing himself among the sport’s top competitors. His performance peaked during the final day of competition, winning the concluding Nobulls event.
Standing at 183 cm (6 feet) and weighing 98 kg (216 lbs), Pepper’s physical prowess stems from his diverse athletic background. His multi-sport experience in soccer, baseball, and basketball during high school contributed to his versatility in CrossFit competitions. Training at CrossFit Naples under the Brute Strength program, Pepper’s approach focuses on maintaining consistency across various events. His partnership with coach Matt Torres is about executing precise competition plans and maximizing performance.
Working alongside fellow Games athletes Danielle Brandon, Emma Cary, and James Sprague, Pepper’s training environment fosters continuous improvement. His ability to balance strength, endurance, and technical skills positions him as a formidable contender for the 2025 Games.
Saxon Panchik (Height 5’9”)
Carrying forward the Panchik legacy, Saxon is rising in competitive CrossFit, following the footsteps of his older brother Scott.
Since his debut in 2014, Saxon’s journey reflects remarkable progression through the ranks. After placing 1293rd in his first Open appearance, he steadily climbed the competitive ladder. His breakthrough came with multiple Games appearances, culminating in an impressive fifth-place finish in 2021. Besides his individual achievements, Saxon secured first place in the 2022 CrossFit Open, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure.
Standing tall among elite athletes, Saxon’s physical capabilities are reflected in his impressive strength metrics, his benchmark performances include a 2:01 Fran time and a 1:09 Grace time, showcasing efficiency in classic CrossFit movements. Rather than relying solely on strength, Saxon’s athletic profile shows balanced capabilities across various domains, including a 17:45 5k run time and 62 consecutive pull-ups.
Since joining the PRVN team in Nashville, Tennessee, Saxon has refined his competitive approach. His strategic move aimed at elevating performance has yielded results, as evidenced by his seventh-place finish at the North America East Semifinal. His training philosophy emphasizes community support, which proved crucial in his comeback after a challenging 2023 season marked by injury.
Through his achievements, Saxon has maintained the Panchik name as an institution in the Games since 2012. His preparation for the 2025 season builds upon extensive experience, including six Games appearances, making him a serious contender for podium positions.
Danielle Brandon (Height 5’7”)
With six CrossFit Games appearances and multiple podium finishes, Danielle Brandon stands as one of America’s most accomplished athletes in the sport.
Brandon’s journey began in 2014, marking steady progression through the ranks, with a breakthrough in 2019 when she secured ninth place at the CrossFit Games. Competing primarily from the North America East region, she continued to rise, claiming fourth place in 2024. Her competitive record reflects consistency, including a first-place finish at the 2022 Mid-Atlantic CrossFit Challenge, second place at the 2023 North America East Semifinal, and fourth place at the 2022 CrossFit Games.
Standing at 170 cm (5’7″) and weighing 68 kg, Brandon’s physical attributes complement her athletic capabilities. Her signature movement remains the handstand walk, demonstrated by her victory in Event 8 of the 2021 Games. Consistently performing well in strength-based events, she recorded an impressive 190-pound snatch attempt during competition.
Presently training alongside elite athletes like Dallin Pepper and James Sprague, Brandon’s preparation focuses on technical refinement and competitive strategy. Her training emphasizes complex gymnastics movements and heavy volume weightlifting. Ultimately, her approach to the 2025 season builds upon recent success, including a seventh-place finish worldwide in 2024.
Victor Hofer (Height 5’11”)
French athlete Victor Hofer’s gymnastic prowess laid the foundation for his CrossFit career. After moving on from formal gymnastics training in 2019, Hofer discovered CrossFit through his mother’s encouragement.
Beginning his journey at CrossFit Grillen, Hofer’s natural talent quickly emerged. His power and gymnastic characteristics set him apart. Primarily training under coach Steven Fawcett, Hofer’s dedication led to significant achievements. His performance at the 2023 CrossFit Games as a Demo Team member provided invaluable insights into competition dynamics.
Standing at 5’11” (180 cm) and weighing 191 pounds (87 kg), Hofer’s frame supports his versatile athletic capabilities. His competitive record demonstrates consistent improvement, with notable achievements including second place at the Rogue Invitational “Q,” multiple first-place finishes in French Throwdown events, and a sixth-place finish at the 2024 Europe Semifinal.
Ultimately, his preparation for upcoming competitions involves intense training camps. Recently, Hofer participated in an exclusive lifting camp in Finland alongside veterans like Jonne Koski. His training schedule now includes planned camps in Switzerland, followed by a month-long acclimatization period in Texas starting early July.
Austin Hatfield Height 5’7”)
Hailing from Beckley, West Virginia, Austin Hatfield combines elite CrossFit training with an unconventional side career as a rabbit farmer. At 24 years old, his rapid ascent through competitive ranks marks him as a standout athlete for the 2025 season.
Starting CrossFit in 2017, Hatfield’s progression is great. His competitive record demonstrates steady improvement, advancing from 126,461st place in 2020 to securing 10th place at the 2024 CrossFit Games. Currently training at CrossFit Coal under coach Jake Naumcheff, Hatfield maintains a rigorous six-hour daily training schedule.
Standing at 5’7″ (170 cm) and weighing 195 pounds (89 kg), Hatfield’s compact frame supports impressive strength metrics, his benchmark performances include a 1:50 Fran time and a 1:07 Grace time, alongside 82 consecutive pull-ups. Overall, his athletic profile combines strength with endurance, demonstrated by his 17:52 5k run time.
As a CrossFit Mayhem athlete, Hatfield’s preparation primarily focuses on aerobic conditioning. Training primarily solo in West Virginia, he has developed exceptional self-discipline. His recent highlights include a third-place finish at Wodapalooza with three event wins, eighth place at the North America East Semifinal, and a tenth-place finish as a rookie at the CrossFit Games.
Emma Tall (Height 5’6”)
Swedish powerhouse Emma Tall brings a decade of competitive swimming experience to her CrossFit career, marking a unique path in elite fitness competition.
After transitioning from swimming to CrossFit in 2016, Tall qualified for Regionals in her first Open. She achieved her first CrossFit Games qualification in 2019 with a 31st place finish. Although her 2020 Games participation was affected by COVID-19, she rebounded strongly, securing 19th place in 2021. Her performance peaked with an 11th place finish at the 2023 CrossFit Games.
Emma Tall’s notable achievements include a standout performance at the 2023 CrossFit Games, where she secured her first test win by completing the Alpaca Redux in under 16 minutes. She also claimed victory at the 2022 Madrid Championship and impressed many with her performance, reaching 3rd place in the European rankings by 2023.
Despite her competitive success, Tall recently announced her likely withdrawal from the 2025 CrossFit Games season. Throughout her career, Tall maintained consistent improvement, climbing from 228th worldwide in 2018 to 43rd in 2023. However, her competitive future remains uncertain after her withdrawal from the 2024 season following Event 2, where she ranked 3rd overall.
Jonne Koski (Height 5’9”)
Finland’s most accomplished CrossFit athlete, Jonne Koski, marked his dominance by winning the 2024 CrossFit Open, becoming the first male athlete outside North America to achieve this milestone.
A nine-time CrossFit Games veteran, Jonne Koski began his journey in 2013 with a modest 607th worldwide ranking. Competing primarily from Finland, he made his first Games appearance in 2014 and has consistently qualified every year since, except for 2018. Over the years, he has delivered strong performances, including a 6th place finish at the 2023 Games, 7th place in 2020, and 9th place finishes in both 2015 and 2017.
Training at CF Varasto in Pori, Finland, Koski maintains impressive physical metrics, his benchmark performances showcase exceptional conditioning, with a Grace time of 1:20 and a 500m row time of 1:25.
Currently training alongside fellow elite athletes, Koski’s preparation builds upon his recent success in the 2024 Open, where he scored first place with impressive performances. His Open victory included a second-place finish in 24.2 and winning 24.3 with a time of 8:03. Under the guidance of 2009 CrossFit Games Champion Mikko Salo, his training emphasizes maintaining 10-12 sessions weekly, focusing on heavy lifting combined with varied metabolic conditioning.
Jeff Adler (Height 5’9”)
A volunteer at the 2016 CrossFit Games to claiming the title “Fittest Man on Earth” in 2023.
Jeff Adler started CrossFit in 2015 with no prior competitive sports background, yet his ascent through the ranks has been remarkable. He made his first CrossFit Games appearance in 2019, finishing 33rd, and steadily improved, securing 5th place in both the 2020 and 2022 Games. His hard work culminated in a historic victory in 2023, making him the first non-American male champion since 2009.
Standing at 5’9″ and weighing 198 pounds, Adler’s strength metrics demonstrate power, His benchmark performances likewise showcase versatility, with a Fran time of 2:02 and Grace time of 1:16. Undoubtedly, his 5k run time of 19:15 reflects balanced capabilities across different modalities.
Primarily competing from Montreal, Quebec, Adler secured first place at the 2024 North America East Semifinal. Indeed, his performance at the 2024 Rogue Invitational resulted in victory, solidifying his position among elite contenders. Training at CrossFit Wonderland, which he co-founded with his coach and fiancée Caroline Lambray, He generally maintain 10-12 training sessions weekly,
Summary
| Athlete | Height | Weight | Best Games Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Medeiros | 5’9″ | 190 lbs | 1st (2021, 2022) |
| Emma Lawson | 5’4″ | 140 lbs | 2nd (2023) |
| Dallin Pepper | 6’0″ | 216 lbs | 5th (2023) |
| Saxon Panchik | N/A | N/A | 5th (2021) |
| Danielle Brandon | 5’7″ | 150 lbs | 4th (2022) |
| Victor Hofer | 5’11” | 191 lbs | N/A |
| Austin Hatfield | 5’7″ | 195 lbs | 10th (2024) |
| Emma Tall | N/A | N/A | 11th (2023) |
| Jonne Koski | 5’8″ | 185 lbs | 6th (2023) |
| Jeff Adler | 5’9″ | 198 lbs | 1st (2023) |
Conclusion
Ultimately, the CrossFit Games 2025 promises intense competition across all divisions. Raw strength metrics tell only part of the story, as each athlete’s unique background shapes their competitive approach—from Jonne Koski’s milestone as the first non-North American Open winner to Victor Hofer’s gymnastics foundation. Rather than relying solely on physical capabilities, successful athletes integrate strategic training methodologies. While veterans like Saxon Panchik and Danielle Brandon showcase consistent performance records, newcomers like Austin Hatfield prove that rapid progression can lead to podium finishes.
FAQs
Q1. Will the 2025 CrossFit Games be held at a new location? Yes, the 2025 CrossFit Games will be held on the East Coast of the United States for the first time. This marks a significant change in venue for the competition.
Q2. Who are considered the top male CrossFit athletes of all time? Rich Froning Jr. and Mat Fraser are widely regarded as the top male CrossFit athletes due to their multiple victories and record-breaking performances in the CrossFit Games.
Q3. How many athletes qualify for the individual competitions at the CrossFit Games? A total of 30 men and 30 women qualify for the individual competitions at the CrossFit Games. This limited number of spots makes qualification highly competitive.
Q4. What changes have been made to the CrossFit Games qualification system? The qualification system has been revamped, with only 30 spots available for both men and women. Athletes can qualify through the In-Affiliate Semifinals, in-person events worldwide, or a Last Chance Qualifier, making the process more selective.
Q5. Who are some of the emerging talents to watch in the upcoming CrossFit Games? Emma Lawson and Dallin Pepper are among the emerging talents to watch. Lawson made history as the youngest athlete to lead the Games as an individual, while Pepper has shown remarkable progression, securing a fifth-place finish in 2023.