The French Throwdown will once again be one of the Semifinals where athletes can qualify for the CrossFit Games. The 2026 French Throwdown will be a qualifier for elite individuals, teams and masters athletes.
Unlike other Semifinals that have zero regional restrictions, the French Throwdown is allocating half of the individual, team and masters spots to European athletes. Athletes from outside of Europe can still qualify and compete at the French Throwdown, but the only path is through the online qualifier.
FRENCH THROWDOWN DETAILS
When: May 15-17, 2026
Where: Arena Grand Paris in Paris, France
Who: Individuals, Teams & Masters
Website: https://www.frenchthrowdown.com/fr
Instagram: @frenchthrowdown
INDIVIDUALS
Athletes Competing: 40 men & 40 women
Qualifying Spots: 3 men & 3 women
Regional Restrictions: No, but half of field is reserved for athletes from Europe
How to Qualify?
Online Qualifier. Top 20 worldwide from online qualifier receive an invite to French Throwdown. Online qualifier is scheduled from January 29, 2026 to February 10, 2026.
Quarterfinals. Top 20 European athletes in the 2026 CrossFit Quarterfinals will receive an invite.Â
Additional Requirements
CrossFit Open. Athletes must finish in the top 25% worldwide in the 2026 CrossFit Open.
CrossFit Quarterfinals. Athletes must finish in the top 2,000 worldwide in the 2026 CrossFit Quarterfinals.
TEAMS
Teams Competing: 20
Qualifying Spots: 3
Regional Restrictions: No, but half of field is reserved for teams from Europe
How to Qualify?
Online Qualifier. Top 10 worldwide from online qualifier receive an invite to French Throwdown. Online qualifier is scheduled from January 29, 2026 to February 15, 2026.
Quarterfinals. Top 10 European teams in the 2026 CrossFit Open will receive an invite.Â
Additional Requirements
CrossFit Open. The team must register for the 2026 CrossFit Open.
Athlete Roster. All athletes, including alternates, must be listed on the Open roster of their CrossFit affiliate team.
MASTERS
Athletes Competing:
Masters 35–39: 10 Men / 10 Women
Masters 40–44: 10 Men / 10 Women
Masters 45–49: 10 Men / 10 Women
Masters 50–54: 10 Men / 10 Women
Masters 55–59: 5 Men / 5 Women
Masters 60–64: 5 Men / 5 Women
Masters 65–69: 5 Men / 5 Women
Masters 70+: 5 Men / 5 Women
Qualifying Spots:
Masters 35–39: 3 Men / 3 Women
Masters 40–44: 3 Men / 3 Women
Masters 45–49: 2 Men / 2 Women
Masters 50–54: 2 Men / 2 Women
Masters 55–59: 1 Man / 1 Woman
Masters 60–64: 1 Man / 1 Woman
Masters 65–69: 1 Man / 1 Woman
Masters 70+: 1 Man / 1 Woman
Regional Restrictions: Half of field for age group divisions up to 50-54 is reserved for athletes from Europe. The entire field for 55+ divisions is reserved for athletes from Europe.
How to Qualify?
Online Qualifier. Top 5 worldwide from online qualifier in age group divisions up to 50-54 receive an invite to French Throwdown. Online qualifier is scheduled from January 29, 2026 to February 10, 2026.
Quarterfinals. Top athletes worldwide in the 2026 CrossFit Quarterfinals for each age group will receive an invite.
Additional Requirements
CrossFit Open. Athletes must finish in the top 25% worldwide in their age group in the 2026 CrossFit Open.
CrossFit Quarterfinals. Athletes must qualify for Age Group Semifinals to be eligible. The top 400 Masters athletes in the 35-54 division and top 300 in the 55+ divisions will advance to the Semifinals stage.
HOW TO QUALIFY FOR OTHER SEMIFINALS
Legends Championship
Magic City Games
Mayhem Classic
NorCal Classic
Syndicate Crown
