The CrossFit Athlete Council met with members of CrossFit’s Sport Team for the first time after the 2026 CrossFit Games. During the meeting, CrossFit clarified the confusion around the prize purse and addressed the errors with the team prize money calculations. Additionally, the CAC provided feedback on their experience at this year’s CrossFit Games.
PRIZE MONEY
After not letting go of the prize money issues, CrossFit addressed it with the CAC. CrossFit clarified that this year CrossFit accounted for the countries that are only charged $15 to register for the Open. Additionally, they reduced the prize purse for the credit card processing fees that were incurred for each Open registration.
Then, as the Spin pundits questioned the team payouts, CrossFit admitted an error in the calculation. As such, CrossFit corrected the calculation and will pay out the higher amount for each time.
ADDITIONAL PRIZES
In addition to the prize money, CrossFit shared that all individual and team Games athletes will receive a complimentary Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 or specialty course. Teenage division podium athletes, masters division winners and adaptive division winners will also receive a complimentary course of their choosing.
CROSSFIT GAMES FEEDBACK
The various groups shared their feedback on the 2026 CrossFit Games during the August meeting. Below is a summary from each of the cohorts…
CROSSFIT HQ
Members of CrossFit Sport shared that the five different divisions and seven venues was “logistically complex”, but a positive experience. The team also felt that the new full event review process was well received with several individuals and teams using that review option.
INDIVIDUALS/TEAMS
Individual and team feedback was that the volume of events was not “excessive”. They also said the livestream was good, despite minor initial issues with graphics and scoring (likely referring to Wednesday’s livestream).
AFFILIATES/COACHES
This cohort spoke about the Owners and Coaches Conference. Representatives felt it was better than last year, but recommended more food options within the vendor village area of the conference. They also suggested that CrossFit increase exposure of its CrossFit Affiliate Programming (CAP) to affiliate owners.
DIVISIONAL GAMES
Athletes representing the divisional Games praised the Opening Ceremonies in the SAP Center on Friday.
As for the Masters Games experience, CAC members said it did not meet the standard expected of the CrossFit Games. They also complained that the testing volume was lacking for all divisions. Dave Castro responded by saying that CrossFit advised the divisional Games organizers to run a “leaner competition to reduce stress on operations, volunteers and logistics”.
Additional criticism focused around communication from the organizers and the apparel provided to the athletes. This included late delivery, not enough apparel and limited options. One example was that only crop tops were available for masters women.
The Teenager and Adaptive division athletes shared feedback that their experience did not feel like a world championship.
Following the feedback provided by the specific CAC cohorts, CrossFit said their would be continued transparency with the divisional partners during after action reviews.
2027 SEASON
The CAC also asked for an expected timeline on the announcement of the 2027 CrossFit Games season. CrossFit said their goal to announce details of the 2027 season in October, but that the timing will depend on “logistical and contractual requirements” that are managed by the Sport Team.
COMMUNITY CUP
With the Community Cup underway and what feels like a lack of media surrounding the competition, CrossFit encouraged the CAC to help engage the community to join the Community Cup.
