As the countdown begins for the 2025 CrossFit Games in Albany, NY, the roster of elite athletes is finalized—and it’s packed with veterans, dark horses, international standouts, and a crop of hungry rookies ready to shake up the leaderboard.
With only 30 men and 30 women qualifying this year, competition is tighter than ever. Here's who you need to watch when the Games kick off August 1–3.
Men’s Division: Legacy vs. Breakthrough
Jeff Adler returns to the Games as one of the most dominant performers in the In-Affiliate Semifinals. The Canadian powerhouse took three of five events in his division and enters Albany with serious momentum.
Joining him are established names like:
- Justin Medeiros – the former champion is back and looking to rebound after a rocky 2024.
- Ricky Garard, Dallin Pepper, and Jay Crouch – all delivered solid semifinal performances and bring high-level Games experience.
Meanwhile, rising talents are stepping up:
- Colin Bosshard of Switzerland finally cracked through after years of national dominance.
- Isaac Newman (Australia) qualified for his first Games after a long grind through regional competitions.
- Tiago Luzes (Brazil) and Calum Clements (Spain) add international firepower to the field.
Don’t overlook James Sprague, Tudor Magda, or Enrico Zenoni, all of whom had standout performances at their semifinal events.
Women’s Division: Return of the Queen—and a New Generation
The big headline: Tia-Clair Toomey-Orr is back. After stepping away to have her first child, the six-time champ returned in top form and secured her spot through the Torian Pro. This could be her final Games—and she’s coming to win.
Joining her are CrossFit staples like:
- Arielle Loewen, Alexis Raptis, Danielle Brandon, Haley Adams, and Madeline Sturt, all of whom bring both consistency and star power to Albany.
But the rookie class is loaded:
- Lucy McGonigle (Ireland), a teen division standout, now enters her first elite Games.
- Lydia Fish (UK) finally secured her spot via the Last-Chance Qualifier after years of near-misses.
- Claudia Gluck and Seung Yeon Choi bring a growing international presence to the women’s side.
Also keep an eye on:
- Olivia Kerstetter, Sydney Michalyshen, and Grace Walton, rising talents who’ve made big waves in the last 12 months.
- Brooke Wells, returning once again after her remarkable recovery and long-standing Games career.
A Truly Global Field
This year’s athlete pool showcases CrossFit’s global growth:
- Multiple athletes qualified through Wodland Fest in Spain and Copa Sur in South America.
- Rookies like Tiago Luzes, Maria Quintero, and Silvia García reflect the growing strength of the Latin American and European fields.
- Countries like Ireland, Switzerland, South Korea, and Brazil are no longer fringe participants—they’re producing podium threats.
What’s at Stake
With a reduced prize purse and stricter qualification, 2025 marks a season of contraction—but also one of intensity. Every athlete has fought through a deeper, more demanding pipeline just to make it to Albany.
Combine that with the return of Road to the Games, last year’s controversy around safety and fairness, and an emotionally charged atmosphere, and you’ve got the perfect setup for one of the most compelling Games in recent history.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 CrossFit Games aren’t just about crowning the fittest—they’re about who adapts under pressure, who evolves with the sport, and who defines its next chapter.
Whether you’re cheering for the old guard or ready to see a rookie shake the rankings, this year’s roster promises fireworks.
📆 Catch all the action August 1–3 on YouTube, CrossFit.com, and DAZN.