Let the (Crossfit) Games begin! 3 things to know before heading to see the ‘Fittest on Earth’

Competition begins Aug. 1

August 1, 2019 2:10 PM

Christina Lorey,

Posted: August 1, 2019 2:10 PM

Updated: August 31, 2021 12:27 PM

by Christina Lorey

Let the (Crossfit) Games begin! 3 things to know before heading to see the ‘Fittest on Earth’ — Photo by Kelly McGrail

The CrossFit Games are the ultimate proving grounds for the ‘Fittest on Earth:’ male and female CrossFit athletes. For the third consecutive year, the CrossFit Games will be held in Madison, Wisconsin at the Alliant Energy Center, Aug. 1-4. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here.

1. There are four jam-packed days of competition, and up until the last minute, the specifics are kept secret. Details of the competition workouts are typically released on the day of competition. Competitors can be tested on anything from one repetition maximum weightlifting to running and swimming. This year’s field of 148 men and 134 women will be slashed after the first event to 75 athletes. That number will be reduced to 50, 40, 30, 20 and 10 over the subsequent rounds, until the “Fittest on Earth” is crowned.

MADISON, Wis. — A general schedule has been released. Thursday’s competition runs from 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday run from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. The final day is Sunday from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Once posted, event details can be found here.

2. If you’re not an athlete, there’s still plenty to do, see, and eat! During downtime in the competition, fans can walk around more than 200,000 square feet of exhibits, a 20,000-square-foot beer garden, an expanded food court and seating area, 20,000 square feet of spectator workout space, opportunities to try the same workouts as the athletes, live demonstrations from CrossFit subject-matter experts, concerts, and more.

The entire city of Madison will be geared up for the Games, offering great dining, drinking and outdoor activities throughout the city. Many local restaurants have created special menus for athlete’s nutritional needs.

3. History could be made this week if reigning CrossFit Games champion Mat Fraser, 29, earns his fourth title. Right now, Rich Froning, 32, is the only competitor ever to win four “Fittest Man on Earth” titles. For his successes, Froning was dubbed the “Fittest Man in History.” But his sole reign could end this week, if Fraser extends his streak and ties the record Froning set five years ago. To prepare for the competition, Fraser works out for six hours a day, six days a week. The winner of the 2019 CrossFit Games will take home $300,000, on top of bragging rights.

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