Ever since Greg Glassman confirmed Regionals and the Invitational were no more, everyone wondered what exactly would take their place. We knew it would be a series of CrossFit-sanctioned events, but we hadn’t yet gotten many more details beyond that. Now, we know. CrossFit announced that the Dubai Fitness Championship will now be known as the Dubai CrossFit Championship, and it’s officially the first CrossFit-sanctioned event ever.

?? @dxbfitnesschamp “The Dubai CrossFit Championship marks the beginning of a new chapter for CrossFit,” said Greg Glassman, CrossFit’s Founder and Chairman. “The miracle of CrossFit happens in each one of our affiliates that help people get healthy and stay that way. Partnering with organizations like the folks in Dubai means we can really focus on that core mission. Through CrossFit sanctioned events like the Dubai CrossFit Championship, we’ll be able to keep pace with the growth of this international sport.” The Dubai CrossFit Championship, previously known as the Dubai Fitness Championship, has attracted CrossFit athletes of the highest caliber since its initiation in 2012, and continues to provide the excitement and challenge sought by athletes internationally, in the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic and important global centers of commerce and trade. Full link in Bio #dubaicrossfitchampionship2018 #dcc2018 #crossfitdubai #crossfit @crossfit @crossfitgames1

A post shared by CrossFit (@crossfit) on Aug 31, 2018 at 4:30pm PDT

CrossFit, Inc. today announced the first-ever CrossFit-sanctioned event, the Dubai CrossFit Championship, a four-day, official CrossFit competition taking place Dec. 12-15, 2018, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The event will bring athletes from around the world together to compete for a spot at the CrossFit Games. – The announcement is part of recent changes designed to refocus @CrossFit on its core mission of preventing and reversing chronic disease while expanding the opportunities for athletes to qualify for the #CrossFitGames through sanctioned events. – “The Dubai CrossFit Championship marks the beginning of a new chapter for CrossFit,” said CrossFit Founder Greg Glassman. “The miracle of CrossFit happens in each one of our affiliates that help people get healthy and stay that way. Partnering with organizations like the folks in Dubai means we can really focus on that core mission. Through CrossFit-sanctioned events like the Dubai CrossFit Championship, we’ll be able to keep pace with the growth of this international sport.” – Read the full release at Games.CrossFit.com. Link in bio. @dxbfitnesschamp

A post shared by The CrossFit Games (@crossfitgames) on Aug 31, 2018 at 6:02pm PDT

On the heels of the Games, it’s already got athletes thinking ahead to the 2019 competitive season, considering the competition will award an invitation to the Games for the top male, female, and team.

Main image: Dubai CrossFit Championship/Instagram