When athletes step onto the competition floor for the CrossFit Open, they’re participating in more than just a series of grueling workouts. They’re taking part in a global fitness event that has become one of the cornerstones of the CrossFit community. But how did this massive, worldwide competition come to be?
In this post, we’re going to take a trip back in time to explore the origins of the CrossFit Open, how it started, and how it’s evolved into the global fitness phenomenon we know today.
The Early Days of CrossFit and the Quest for Fitness
To understand the origins of the CrossFit Open, we first need to take a look at the origins of CrossFit itself. Created in 2000 by Greg Glassman, CrossFit was designed as a fitness regimen that combines elements from weightlifting, gymnastics, powerlifting, and high-intensity interval training. Glassman’s goal was to create a system that would prepare athletes for any physical challenge—one that was broad, general, and inclusive of all types of fitness.
CrossFit’s appeal quickly grew, and by the mid-2000s, it was gaining a reputation for producing athletes who were not just strong, but all-around fit. The intensity and varied nature of the workouts became hugely popular, and CrossFit gyms started popping up all over the world.
But while CrossFit was growing in popularity, there was still a key piece missing for athletes: a way to test their progress and compare themselves to others on a global scale.
Enter the CrossFit Games: The Beginning of the Open
In 2007, CrossFit’s first formal competition, The CrossFit Games, was born. Held at Dave Castro’s ranch in Aromas, California, the Games were intended to find the fittest man and woman on earth. The event was groundbreaking, as it was the first competition to truly showcase the diversity of CrossFit—athletes would face a wide range of events, from lifting heavy weights to running long distances to completing high-skill gymnastics movements.
The Games were a success, but they were also limited in scope. The competition was small, and only those with enough experience and knowledge of CrossFit were even aware of it. The problem? For many athletes around the world, qualifying for the Games was out of reach. They didn’t have the resources or the ability to compete in person at the Games, and the competition was mainly limited to elite athletes.
This is where the CrossFit Open would come into play.
The Birth of the CrossFit Open
In 2011, Glassman and CrossFit’s leadership team, including Dave Castro came up with an innovative solution to make the Games more inclusive: the CrossFit Open. The Open was designed to be an accessible, worldwide competition that anyone—regardless of location, experience level, or ability—could participate in. It was a way for athletes everywhere to measure their fitness, see how they stacked up against others, and potentially earn a spot in the CrossFit Games.
The first CrossFit Open took place in 2011 and was an instant success. The competition was held over five weeks, with a new workout being released each week. Participants could perform the workout at their local gym (or home), record their scores, and submit them online for comparison with others worldwide. This meant that someone in a small town in Australia could compete against someone in New York City, Paris, or Tokyo—all from the comfort of their own box.
Not only did the Open make it easier for athletes to compete, but it also created a sense of community. For the first time, CrossFit athletes everywhere were working through the same workouts, discussing strategies, and sharing in the highs and lows of the competition.
The Open Grows: From Humble Beginnings to Global Phenomenon
What started as a small, inclusive competition has evolved into one of the largest fitness events in the world. By 2012, the number of Open participants had skyrocketed to over 60,000 athletes, and by 2020, that number had grown to more than 300,000 athletes from across the globe. Every year, the Open continues to attract a mix of seasoned CrossFitters, first-timers, and even those looking to challenge themselves outside of their normal routine.
The Open has also become a major part of the CrossFit season. While the competition is open to everyone, it serves as the first step in the qualification process for the CrossFit Games. The top athletes from each region progress to the next phase—Quarterfinals, to Semifinals, and finally to the Games themselves, where the fittest athletes in the world face off for the ultimate title.
The Legacy of the Open
From its humble beginnings in 2011, the CrossFit Open has become a central event in the CrossFit community. It has helped CrossFit grow from a niche fitness program to a worldwide movement. Every year, athletes around the globe come together to test their limits, support each other, and celebrate what it means to be fit—no matter where they are on their journey.
As we continue in 2025, the Open remains a symbol of CrossFit’s commitment to inclusivity and self-improvement. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply enjoying the challenge, the CrossFit Open is a reminder that fitness is a journey—and it’s one that we all share.
Are you ready for the Open this year? Let’s make 2025 your best season yet!