More exciting news comes about the 2019 competitive season. In a press release, CrossFit just announced that Wodapalooza has officially become the seventh CrossFit-sanctioned event. Next year, the competition will award the top male and female athletes, along with the top four-person team, with an invitation to the Games in Madison, Wisconsin.

CrossFit’s founder and chairman Greg Glassman previously spoke about wanting to get CrossFit back to its roots: community. Community is where it starts and ends. No competition better highlights that than Wodapalooza, possibly the most massive and inclusive community-based fitness event, which brings tens of thousands of athletes of all levels from all over the world together each year.

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The heart of Wodapalooza lies with the community. ????????? We’re proud to announce our partnership with CrossFit as an official sanctioned event, where we will continue to CELEBRATE FITNESS. COMMUNITY. LIFE. ??????????Our goal remains the same: to provide an unparalleled experience, with a focus on creating life-long lasting memories for our athletes, volunteers, partners, & spectators. ????????? Read the press release & sign up for the #WZAOC at our link in our bio. ????????? #WZAMiami #CrossFitGames #CrossFit @crossfit @crossfitgames @loud_live

A post shared by Wodapalooza (@thewodapalooza) on Oct 1, 2018 at 11:33am PDT

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A post shared by Wodapalooza (@thewodapalooza) on Oct 2, 2018 at 7:23am PDT

Wodapalooza actually starts this week, with their online qualifier.

Aside from the winners at the individual sanctioned events, athletes can also make it to the Games by placing in the top 20 in the Open, winning in their country in the Open, or being selected as one of the four at-large athletes who will receive passes from CrossFit to attend.

Main image: Wodapalooza/Instagram