The 2024 CrossFit Games season might be over, but the offseason is just heating up.
Kicking things off is the inaugural TYR Wodapalooza SoCal, set to take place from September 20-23 in Huntington Beach, CA.
Among the highlights is the TYR Cup, a unique exhibition that will see some of the world’s top CrossFit athletes compete in a team format.
Here’s everything you need to know about this new competition.
What Is the TYR Cup?
The TYR Cup will be the centerpiece of the TYR Wodapalooza SoCal, showcasing an exciting team competition format.
Unlike previous exhibition-style events like last season’s FitFest in the UK, where two teams of four battled for bragging rights, the stakes are much higher this time.
A $210,000 prize purse is on the line, with the winning team earning $160,000 ($20,000 per athlete), the runners-up receiving $40,000 ($5,000 each), and an MVP prize of $10,000 up for grabs.
The competition features two teams, “North America” and “World,” comprised of elite athletes from across the globe. Let’s take a closer look at the rosters.
Team North America – TYR Cup Roster
Team North America features a formidable lineup of seasoned athletes, all hailing from Canada and the United States. The initial roster announced in July included:
Arielle Loewen
Jeff Adler
Alexis Raptis
Justin Medeiros
Danielle Brandon (Team Captain)
Pat Vellner (Team Captain)
To round out the roster, Brandon and Vellner, chosen as team captains, selected the final two members based on community votes:
Emily Rolfe
Dallin Pepper
This powerhouse team includes two Fittest on Earth winners and three CrossFit Games podium finishers. Pat Vellner, a nine-time Games qualifier, brings valuable experience and leadership to the squad.
Team World – TYR Cup Roster
Team World brings together top athletes from six different countries, truly representing the sport’s global reach. Initially, Seher Kaya and Tia-Clair Toomey-Orr were announced, with Lazar Ðukić also set to join.
However, following his untimely passing, Brent Fikowski, Ðukić’s close friend, stepped in to take his place. The finalized roster includes:
Tia-Clair Toomey-Orr (Team Captain)
Bjorgvin Karl Gudmundsson (Team Captain)
Seher Kaya
Brent Fikowski
Guilherme Malheiros
Grace Walton
Aniol Ekai
This diverse team features the reigning Fittest Woman on Earth, seasoned podium finishers, and two rookies from the 2024 CrossFit Games.
Their blend of experience and fresh talent promises an intense competition.
Friendly Rivalries and Trash Talk
The excitement isn’t just confined to the competition floor. A friendly rivalry has already sparked between the teams, with Pat Vellner taking to Instagram to throw some playful jabs at Bjorgvin Karl Gudmundsson.
In one post, Vellner teased Gudmundsson, hoping he would “step up better for Team World than [he] did for CHAD.”
In another post, Vellner humorously reminded Fikowski of the heavy burden he carries for Team World: “When you see only one set of footprints in the sand… those are the moments you’re carrying him.”
What to Expect at TYR Wodapalooza SoCal
The teams will face off across six workouts, each designed to test different aspects of their fitness. If the Miami TYR Wodapalooza is anything to go by, attendees can expect thrilling performances, fierce competition, and plenty of memorable moments.
The TYR Wodapalooza SoCal promises to be an unmissable event, offering a perfect blend of competition, camaraderie, and community fun. Whether you’re a fan, athlete, or just love the sport, Huntington Beach will be the place to be this September.