CrossFit Open Live Announcement Athlete Match-Ups

Earlier this week we found out the locations of the 2018 CrossFit Open Live Announcements. Now, we know which athletes will be throwing down each week.

The biggest surprise is that neither 2017 CrossFit Games champion (or the runner-up) will be featured during the live announcement. Mat Fraser, Tia-Clair Toomey, Brent Fikowski and Kara Webb will be be staying home during the Open this year.

18.1: Sam Briggs vs Kristin Holte

The first match-up of the 2018 season is a rematch from last year’s 17.1 Open announcement. Briggs and Holte faced off in Paris, France, for a live telecast while Brent Fikowski and Patrick Vellner were in Montreal.

Briggs destroyed the dumbbell snatch and burpee box jump over workout. After 18.0, many are guessing 18.1 is 17.1, so will we see the same outcome as well?

The @crossfitgames Open is coming‼️ ⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀ Last year we kicked it off in Paris at 2AM 👻, this year @bicepslikebriggs and I will be attacking 18.1 in São Paulo, Brazil 🇧🇷 ⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀ Who’s excited? I know I am 🙋🏻‍♀️💃🏻🤙🏼 #InTheOpen #CrossFitGame #18point1

A post shared by Kristin Holte (@holtekristin) on Jan 29, 2018 at 9:15pm PST

18.2: Patrick Vellner vs Noah Ohlsen

The 3rd and 4th place finishers at last year’s CrossFit Games (after Garard’s disqualification), square off in Pennsylvania for 18.2. Vellner returns for his 2nd Open announcement while this is Ohlsen’s first appearance.

Last year, Vellner penalized himself following review of his live announcement performance and re-did the workout that weekend.

I am SO excited for this! Years ago, while watching @dan_bailey9 and @richfroning take on 12.2, I was overwhelmed with the desire to one day be a part of announcing one of these workouts to the world myself! A few years and lots of time in the gym later and that day is going to be March 1st at @raw_training with @pvellner! Anything is possible. Work hard and chase your dreams!

A post shared by Noah Ohlsen (@nohlsen) on Jan 30, 2018 at 6:38pm PST

18.3: Kyle Kasperbauer vs Neal Maddox

This is an awesome rematch of last year’s 35-39 Masters division at the CrossFit Games. Kasperbauer walked away with the title, ahead of Maddox who finished 2nd. Week 3 of the Open begins the journey back to the Games for two of the top contenders of the 35-39 Master’s division.

On top of that, the top prize for the winner of the 35-39 CrossFit Games is now $25,000!

#Repost @crossfitgames with @get_repost Here we go! Thankful to be involved in this years CrossFit Games live Open announcement. Let’s see what 2018 brings. ・・・ – Here are your 2018 live Open announcement matchups: – #18point1 – Feb. 22-26, sponsored by @Paleoethics, @bicepslikebriggs 🇬🇧 vs. @holtekristin 🇳🇴 at Ginasio Poliesportivo Dr. Antonio Leme Nunes Galvao (Morumbi Stadium) in São Paulo, Brazil 🇧🇷 – #18point2 – March 1-5, sponsored by @Compexusa, @PVellner vs. @NOhlsen from CrossFit R.A.W (@raw_training) in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania – #18point3 – March 8-12, sponsored by @assaultairbike, @KyleKasperbauer vs. @nealmaddox from @SkylineCrossFit in Houston, Texas – #18point4 – March 15-19, sponsored by @Zevia, @bk_gudmundsson vs. @scottpanchik from @CrossFitFury in Goodyear, Arizona – #18point5 – March 22-26, sponsored by @ROMWOD, @anniethorisdottir vs. @sarasigmunds vs. @Katrintanja at @CrossFitReykjavik in Reykjavík, Iceland 🇮🇸 – Visit Games.CrossFit.com for broadcast information and details. Read “2018 Live Open Announcement Venues and Athletes.” #CrossFit • #CrossFitOpen • #InTheOpen • @Reebok • #Fitness

A post shared by Kyle Kasperbauer (@kylekasperbauer) on Jan 29, 2018 at 7:35pm PST

18.4: Scott Panchik vs Bjorgvin Gudmundsson

When you think of consistent performances year in and year out, Panchik and Gudmundsson are top of mind. Both athletes are always fighting for a top 5 spot at the Games.

Excited and blessed to be throwing down in another @crossfitgames open announcement with @bk_gudmundsson This journey has been incredible and I can’t wait to see what the 2018 season brings. #crossfit #wejustgettinstarted Photo Credit 📷 @fivelartstudios

A post shared by Scott Panchik (@scottpanchik) on Jan 29, 2018 at 6:24pm PST

18.5: Annie Thorisdottir vs Katrin Davidsdottir vs Sara Sigmundsdottir

We all saw this coming when Iceland was named as the host for 18.5. Regardless of the lack of surprise, this will be a great way to cap off the 5th and final week of the 2018 CrossFit Open. Which Icelandic superstar will take the win?

18.5 🔥❤️🇮🇸 ICELAND IS COMING FOR YA – Ahhhhh I cannot wait to be there throwing down with my girls 😍 Who else is excited?! – @anniethorisdottir @sarasigmunds @crossfitgames #TheOpen2018 // Thank you @smylie_shot_it for the photos!

A post shared by Katrín Tanja Davíðsdóttir (@katrintanja) on Jan 29, 2018 at 6:41pm PST