Dallin Pepper is the latest athlete to withdraw from the Mayhem Classic. Pepper was one of the favorites to earn one of the two tickets to the CrossFit Games at the first In-Person Qualifying Event of the year will unfortunately sit this one out. The Mayhem Classic has yet to announce who will backfill Pepper’s spot in the 20-man field.
In speaking with the 2nd Fittest Man on Earth, Pepper told The Barbell Spin that he has been working through a minor shoulder injury the past couple months. And while his shoulder is feeling good now, he wants to make sure he is fully healthy for the season.
“My number one goal is still to win the CrossFit Games this year,” Pepper explained when speaking about his plans for 2025. He added, “The plan now is to qualify through the online Semifinals with Syndicate Crown as the backup.”
The In-Affiliate Semifinals are May 1-4. The top 11 in the world will advance to the 2025 CrossFit Games. Should Pepper not qualify via that route, his next opportunity will be at Syndicate Crown in Knoxville, Tennessee, later that month (May 30 – June 1).
Pepper also spoke about his injury on the latest Boys Interrupted podcast. The video below begins when Pepper talks about not competing at Mayhem.
Pepper posted the third best score in the world on 25.1 with 348 reps.
As for the Mayhem Classic, the competition has seen several athletes withdraw after initially accepting their invite. Emma Lawson, Ellie Turner and Travis Mayer will no longer be competing at the Mayhem Classic.
The 2025 Mayhem Classic will be April 5-6 at CrossFit Mayhem in Cookeville, Tennessee. Tickets are currently on sale.
