The CrossFit Games is almost unrecognizable this year. With far more athletes and all new countries represented (how cool is that, BTW?), the competition has certainly gotten a makeover.

The first cut reduced the number of athletes to 75, and the second to 50. Unsurprisingly, Mat Fraser is at the top of leaderboard at the end of Day 1, followed by Scott Panchik and Australia’s James Newbury!


On the women’s side, Karissa Pierce is enjoying some time at the top of the leaderboard with a 12-point lead, followed by Iceland Annie Thorisdottir and the current fittest woman on earth, Tia-Clair Toomey, who took 1st in the first cut and 12th in the second cut.

TWL athlete Alessandra Pichelli put in an amazing performance and is currently in 11th.

The team competition was a real nail-biter. Mayhem Freedom reigned supreme, with some monster clean and jerks from every member. 63 points behind them is CrossFit Krypton, and then Central Beasts.

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We are excited to announce we are partnering with @sugarWOD as our new platform for all of our @mayhemathlete programs! . To kick things off, we'll be working out at their booth along side @assaultfitness at at the CrossFit Games. Come by Friday August 2nd for a great workout or lift! . Anyone who completes either workout at the booth gets a free month of programming and a chance to win a free t-shirt signed by Rich! Hope to see you there! Here are the workouts for the day: . “Pour Some Sugar On Me” 21-15-9 Calorie Assault Bike Dumbbell Snatch 50/35 -Rest 2:00- 21-15-9 Calorie Assault Bike Burpee . “Sugar Daddy” Squat Clean 3 Sets 3 @75% 2 @78% 1 @82% *Increase weight for the 3, 2, and 1 b/t sets if weights feel light and you are fast out of the hole . #MayhemAthlete #CrossFitMayhemFreedom

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It was an exciting first day, although possibly a let-down for many athletes who have already been sent home. When the Games format changed to officially include a national champion from every country with a box, we knew what that would mean: A ton of athletes would be going to the Games. Combine that with the winners from sanctionals, and it was a heavy roster.

HQ’s solution was to narrow down the pool to the fittest of the fittest, with a pretty substantial cut on Day 1. While it’s the end of the road for some of the athletes, you have to admire the dedication they’ve put in to officially become Games-level.

The Games this year essentially expands the spotlight, introducing new countries, new faces, and new talent. A lot can happen in the next three days, though. Who do you think will finish atop the podium?

Main image: Kari Pearce/Instagram

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