In the latest video from popular CrossFit YouTuber Craig Richey, excitement builds as we inch closer to the 2024 CrossFit Games. 

With lest than a month to go, Richey provides teasers and updates that are already generating buzz among fans. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming CrossFit Games.

Event Format and Cut Announcements

The 2024 CrossFit Games will feature a new format that includes cuts at different stages of the competition. 

All 40 individual athletes will compete through Thursday and Friday. 

By the start of Saturday, the field will be cut to 30 athletes, and only the top 20 will advance to Sunday. 

For team events, 30 teams will compete through Thursday and Friday, 20 will move on to Saturday, and only the top 10 will compete on Sunday.

Opinions on the cuts are mixed. Some athletes, like Pat Vellner, remain unfazed, while others have expressed concerns. 

Fans are divided too, with some appreciating the streamlined format and others worrying about their favorite athletes getting cut.

Announced Events

Two events have been confirmed so far. 

The first event is a run and swim challenge, totaling four miles. 

While the exact split between running and swimming is unclear, the event will take place at Marine Creek Lake Park, a popular spot for triathlons. 

This event is reminiscent of the 2017 Run-Swim-Run, which saw Brent Fikowski and Tia-Clair Toomey emerge as winners.

The seventh event, set for Saturday, is the Chad 1000X, a grueling challenge of 1,000 box step-ups. 

This workout honors Navy SEAL Chad Wilkinson, who died by suicide in 2018, and raises awareness about veteran suicide. 

The workout’s significance is profound, but its inclusion has sparked debate about judging consistency, especially after the controversial box step-ups at the semi-finals.

Interestingly, there are hints of a twist to the Chad 1000X workout this year. 

Speculations suggest that the setup might involve flipping the box to create a more visually engaging race, rather than just completing 1,000 step-ups. 

This potential twist adds an extra layer of excitement and complexity to the event.

Changes in Staff and Commentary

There will be some noticeable absences in the commentary team this year. Sean Woodland, a familiar voice for the past 12 years, and Niki Brazier, who has covered the field for a decade, will not be returning. 

The CrossFit community has expressed significant disappointment over these changes, highlighting their integral roles in the Games experience.

Future of the CrossFit Games

Looking ahead, there are exciting discussions about possibly moving the CrossFit Games to Europe in the coming years. 

This move could happen as early as the 21st edition of the Games, offering a new global stage for the event. 

Fans are divided on this potential shift, with some eager for international exposure and others preferring to keep the Games rooted in the U.S.

Athlete Preparations and Pain Faces

As athletes prepare for the intense competition, we’ve seen a lot of “pain faces” from their grueling training sessions. 

This week, we’re spotlighting some of the most memorable expressions of effort. 

Our candidates for the “Pain Face of the Week” include Hopper, James Spragg, Emily D Roy, and members of Team Peak 360 – Toler, Lena, Matilda, and Noah. 

Conclusion

As the 2024 CrossFit Games approach, the excitement continues to build. 

From intense athlete preparations to new event formats and significant staff changes, this year’s competition promises to be memorable. Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to cheer on your favorite athletes as they strive for victory.