🏋️ The History of the CrossFit Games: From Aromas to Albany

What Are the CrossFit Games?

The CrossFit Games are an annual global competition to crown the Fittest on Earth™—a test of strength, endurance, agility, and mental toughness through a series of unpredictable, functional fitness workouts.

The Origin: Aromas, California – 2007

The inaugural Games took place in 2007 at a cattle ranch in Aromas, California, hosted in the backyard of Dave Castro’s family farm. About 70 athletes competed for small cash prizes and bragging rights—a raw, grassroots start that shaped the Games’ identity.

Growth Years (2008–2010)

From 2008 onward, the CrossFit Games expanded rapidly. Events became more structured, and in 2010, CrossFit HQ introduced Sectionals and Regionals to streamline athlete qualification.

Reebok Era & Mainstream Expansion (2011–2018)

With a 10-year sponsorship deal with Reebok in 2011 came the introduction of the Open, a worldwide online qualifier open to anyone. The Games were relocated to California’s StubHub Center. The events grew, surprises multiplied, and prize money soared.

Madison and the Unknown (2017–2023)

From 2017, the Games were held in Madison, Wisconsin, featuring events like paddleboarding, weighted trail runs, and obstacle courses. The ethos evolved into the "Unknown and Unknowable"—athletes trained for anything and everything.

Even during the 2020 pandemic, the Games adapted with a hybrid of online and in-person competition.

Texas Takes Over (2024)

In 2024, the CrossFit Games moved to Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, introducing new sponsorships, updated competition formats, and a return of Dave Castro at the helm. Athletes faced brutal outdoor heat and the unpredictable conditions that define the sport .

Albany, NY – East Coast Debut (2025)

The 2025 CrossFit Games marked the first time the competition landed on the East Coast, running from August 1–3, 2025, at the MVP Arena in Albany, New York .

Key highlights:

Only 30 men, 30 women, and 20 teams qualified—reflecting a streamlined competitive structure without quarterfinals .

Tia‑Clair Toomey‑Orr is confirmed to compete in her bid for an eighth Games title in Albany .

CrossFit introduced the Community Cup for athletes who didn’t qualify for Semifinals, along with other season reforms amid reduced Open participation .

The event pulled huge crowds—expectations were upwards of 12,000 per day—with estimated economic impact of $5.5 million in Albany .

Fans and athletes also enjoyed vendor villages, spectator workouts, community workouts at Jennings Landing, and experiences across downtown Albany venues—not just inside the arena .

Why It Matters to the Functional Fitness Community

From a backyard in California to stages in Texas, Madison, and now Albany, the CrossFit Games continue to evolve—yet remain rooted in testing human capacity through the unexpected. Each host city brings its own culture and energy, while the sport’s core remains unchanged: nobody knows what’s coming until it’s on the board.

Albany’s debut showed how CrossFit can thrive anywhere—with enthusiastic local support, rich programming, and unforgettable moments.

🔚 Final Thoughts: The Legacy and the Future

The CrossFit Games have grown from 70 backyard competitors to a global elite sport. Every edition—whether in tiny Aromas or bustling Albany—reinforces the same purpose: to celebrate fitness, community, and pushing beyond yesterday’s limits.

At WoDLETE®, we embody that spirit daily: humble training, fierce ambition, and the belief that fitness transcends competition. Whether you're striving for the Games or just chasing your personal best, you're part of this movement.