How to Watch the 2026 CrossFit Open Workout 26.1 Announcement — Live Stream, Schedule, Athlete Matchup, and What Competitors Need to Know

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights:
2. Introduction:
3. Where and when to watch: platforms, schedule, and time-zone conversions
4. Why the Workout 26.1 announcement matters beyond the reveal
5. Meet the demonstration athletes: what their presence signals
6. The mechanics of score submission: what the rulebook requires
7. Best practices for judges and affiliates during the Open
8. How to create a compliant video for a YouTube submission
9. How elite athletes approach an Open reveal: pacing, set structure, and scaling decisions
10. Preparing for your Open attempt: a practical week-of plan
11. Movement-specific drills and warm-up templates
12. Common mistakes that lead to rejected or penalized submissions
13. How to analyze the demo performances for actionable takeaways
14. Fan experience and viewing-party planning for affiliates
15. What follows the Open: 26.2, 26.3 and beyond
16. Health, recovery, and injury prevention during the Open
17. Using data and metrics to improve between Open workouts
18. Legalities, privacy, and video ownership
19. Psychological preparation: anxiety, focus, and performance under pressure
20. Historical context: the role of the Open in CrossFit’s competitive ecosystem
21. Practical equipment checklist for competitors
22. What analysts and coaches will do after the reveal
23. How to follow up after submitting your score
24. Final perspective before the reveal
25. FAQ:

Key Highlights:

• Workout 26.1 will be revealed live on February 26 at 12:00 p.m. PT from Moffett Air National Guard Base; the free livestream runs on the CrossFit Games website, the CrossFit Games app, and the CrossFit Games YouTube channel.
• Four elite athletes — Jayson Hopper, Dallin Pepper, Colten Mertens, and Austin Hatfield — will perform the workout immediately after the reveal, offering a first look at movement standards, pacing, and strategy.
• Score submission options are limited to two methods: performance judged on-site at a licensed CrossFit affiliate or uploading a working YouTube link to the CrossFit Games website; the deadline for Workout 26.1 submissions is March 2 at 5:00 p.m. PT.

Introduction:

The CrossFit Open opens the competitive calendar for athletes at every level. Workout 26.1 marks the first competitive test of the 2026 season, and its public reveal sets the tone for weeks of competition, analysis, and community events. On February 26, fans and competitors worldwide will converge on the CrossFit Games’ broadcast channels for the reveal from Moffett Air National Guard Base. The announcement matters beyond the elite performances: it delivers movement standards that local judges and competitors will use to validate scores, offers a real-time study in pacing through the athlete demos, and starts the clock on the submission window that determines whether an athlete’s effort counts toward advancing in the season. This article collects the essential viewing information, decodes what the announcement means for athletes and judges, profiles the demonstration competitors, and lays out tactical guidance for anyone planning to compete in the Open.

Where and when to watch: platforms, schedule, and time-zone conversions

The CrossFit Games will stream the full Workout 26.1 announcement live and free. Fans can tune in on:

• CrossFit Games website (games.crossfit.com)
• CrossFit Games mobile app
• CrossFit Games YouTube channel

The broadcast will begin at 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time on February 26 from Moffett Air National Guard Base. That translates to:

• 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET)
• 8:00 p.m. Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
• 9:00 p.m. Central European Time (CET)
• 6:00 a.m. Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) on February 27

Plan to join the stream a few minutes early. The announcement is tightly scheduled: the workout will be revealed, movement standards and equipment will be clarified, and then the four demonstration athletes — Jayson Hopper, Dallin Pepper, Colten Mertens, and Austin Hatfield — will perform the workout live. The broadcast provides the official movement standards competitors and judges will use during the submission window.

The submission deadline for Workout 26.1 scores is Monday, March 2 at 5:00 p.m. PT. That leaves a short window for athletes to rehearse the prescription, finalize a judged attempt at a licensed affiliate, or upload a YouTube video that meets CrossFit’s submission requirements.

Why the Workout 26.1 announcement matters beyond the reveal

The CrossFit Open functions as the entry point to the season. It does three things simultaneously:

• It delivers an accessible worldwide competition that allows anyone to measure themselves against standardized workouts.
• It provides official movement standards and clarifications that judges, affiliates, and competitors will apply.
• It generates a reference performance when elite athletes do the workout first. Watching the top athletes perform the workout is instructive; their choices on scaling, transitions, and pacing provide concrete examples that translate to gym floors around the world.

The public reveal also sets expectations for equipment and movement variations. If the workout contains a movement with nuanced standards — a strict muscle-up with a hip crease over the bar, a touch-and-go rep definition for barbell snatches, or a specific target height for box jumps — those details will be clarified during the announcement. Judges and affiliates rely on those clarifications when validating local attempts.

Beyond competition mechanics, the reveal functions as a moment for the CrossFit community to gather. Viewing parties at affiliates, social-media reaction threads, and post-reveal training sessions are all part of how the Open shapes a season. For many athletes the week following the announcement is the most intense: they balance rehearsal attempts, judge coordination, video recording, and a final push to submit the best score before the deadline.

Meet the demonstration athletes: what their presence signals

When CrossFit chooses four athletes to perform the workout on the livestream, it is communicating two things: the workout will test elements those athletes can showcase effectively, and their performances will be a teaching moment for the wider field. This year’s lineup — Jayson Hopper, Dallin Pepper, Colten Mertens, and Austin Hatfield — mixes the reigning champion with podium veterans and a rising talent. Each brings a different approach that viewers should watch for.

Jayson Hopper Jayson Hopper enters the season as the reigning Fittest Man on Earth for 2025. As the top seed from the previous Games season, Hopper’s workouts often illustrate textbook pacing, efficient transitions, and a ruthless economy of movement. When Hopper goes after an Open workout, expect surgical decision-making on movement selection, a steady and energy-conserving first half if the workout is extended, and a push that increments as the finishing line approaches. Observing his transitions and whether he breaks sets early or holds larger sets until fatigue dictates will be especially instructive.

Dallin Pepper Dallin Pepper has finished on the CrossFit Games podium and posted consistently high placements. His background and training style emphasize strong gymnastics and engine work, so when the workout includes high-skill gymnastics or long, repetitive bodyweight movements, Pepper will likely demonstrate how to maintain speed without falling apart technically. His demo will be useful for athletes who must balance intensity with technical preservation.

Colten Mertens Colten Mertens won the 2025 CrossFit Open, taking first in two of three workouts. Mertens’s strengths are his ability to move smoothly under sustained efforts and his pellet-precision in pacing. Watch his cadence on repetitive movements and how he handles heavy barbell reps under fatigue. If the workout contains partner-like pacing or sections that invite strategic breaks, Mertens will display the threshold between controlled pacing and outright sprinting.

Austin Hatfield Austin Hatfield is one of the fastest-rising athletes in recent seasons. After his CrossFit Games debut in 2024 and a fifth-place finish in 2025, Hatfield blends youthful aggression with rapid improvements in skill. When Hatfield attempts a workout, anticipate aggressive opening efforts and confident transitions. His demo can help competitors see how a rapidly rising athlete chooses moments to press and when to bail into safer pacing.

Each athlete’s approach functions as a real-time case study. Athletes aiming to replicate or benchmark their performance should watch not just rep counts and finish times, but breathing patterns, set sizes, and recovery times between efforts.

The mechanics of score submission: what the rulebook requires

CrossFit’s rulebook provides two valid paths for submitting Open scores. For Workout 26.1 the options remain clear:

• Option 1: Perform the workout in the presence of a qualified, impartial judge at a licensed CrossFit affiliate in good standing. The judge will validate rep standards and sign off on the score.
• Option 2: Upload a working YouTube link of the athlete’s attempt to the CrossFit Games website.

Both methods carry responsibilities. A judged attempt at an affiliate must follow the affiliate’s scheduling and judge availability. Recording a YouTube submission places the burden of proof on the athlete to provide clear, verifiable evidence that the performance met the movement standards.

Key details to remember:

• Video uploads must be accessible. A private YouTube link that won’t play for the Games staff invalidates the submission. Use an unlisted or public link and test playback on multiple devices.
• Audio and visual clarity matter. The judges reviewing video submissions need to see movement completions, barbell contact points, hip extension, full range of motion on squats, and clear timestamps that match the movement.
• Movement standards announced during the livestream are the authority. If the announcement changes nuances from prior seasons (for example, how a rep is counted in a touch-and-go vs. full stop), those clarifications are the final word for the submission window.

The submission window for 26.1 closes on March 2 at 5:00 p.m. PT. That gives athletes approximately four days after the reveal to either schedule a judged attempt or record and upload a compliant video.

Best practices for judges and affiliates during the Open

Licensed affiliates and on-site judges are the backbone of the Open’s scoring integrity. Judges must be familiar with both CrossFit’s general movement standards and any specific clarifications announced for 26.1. Affiliates that host Open attempts often function as mini-race-day environments, and preparation reduces confusion.

Judge and affiliate checklist:

• Confirm licensing and judge accreditation. Confirm the affiliate is listed in good standing and that the judge is recognized by CrossFit’s judge system.
• Read movement clarifications from the announcement and print or share a concise one-page summary for athletes and judges.
• Prepare equipment ahead of time. If the workout uses a specific box height, barbell load, or plyo measurement, set up identical equipment for trial runs and the attempt.
• Assign a head judge and a recorder. The head judge oversees movement counts and standards. The recorder logs attempts, verifies athlete identity, and ensures the signed scorecard or digital submission is complete.
• Maintain neutrality. Judges must not coach the athlete during the attempt. Clarify the judge’s role to athletes ahead of time.
• Video-record the attempt even for judged attempts. A judged attempt with supplementary video protects both the athlete and judge in case of disputes later.

Small operational choices have a large impact on fairness. Standardize warm-up areas and keep the competition floor quiet during attempts to ensure accurate judging.

How to create a compliant video for a YouTube submission

Many athletes prefer the video submission route because it provides scheduling flexibility and the ability to attempt the workout multiple times before uploading the best valid attempt. Video submissions demand careful attention to technical requirements.

Video recording best practices:

• Camera placement. Record from an angle that shows full-body views of the athlete, the barbell (or relevant implement), and any target surfaces (boxes, rings, pull-up bars). Side and frontal coverage is ideal. If using one camera, find a position that captures movement completions and bar trajectory.
• Lighting. Ensure clear, even lighting; avoid strong backlighting that silhouettes the athlete and hides key positions.
• Continuous recording. Do not edit the attempt. Continuous footage from before the first rep to after the last rep establishes context for judges. Pauses, cuts, or splices raise red flags.
• Audio cues. Although not required for judging, audio helps verify calls and timing. If there is a judge calling reps, ensure the judge’s voice is audible. If the athlete counts reps aloud, that also helps.
• Show equipment and settings. Start the recording with a clear view of the equipment and any relevant numbers (barbell load, box height). If the workout requires a scale or specific modifications, show them in the pre-attempt footage.
• Upload settings. Use an unlisted or public YouTube upload. Test the link on multiple devices and log in to a separate account or a friend’s account to ensure it plays without sign-in prompts or privacy restrictions.

Each year CrossFit staff reviews tens of thousands of videos. Clear, continuous footage reduces the risk of a rejected submission.

How elite athletes approach an Open reveal: pacing, set structure, and scaling decisions

When elites perform a workout live, their decision tree offers lessons about planning an attempt. The demo athletes will reveal approaches that amateurs can emulate responsibly.

Pacing versus sprinting Elites read a workout’s structure quickly. Short workouts with heavy intensity often reward a near-sprint finish; long, steady workouts demand steady output and conservative early pacing. If the workout is under five minutes, a more aggressive first-minute effort often pays off. If it runs 10–20 minutes, the optimal strategy is to preserve technique through conservative early sets and plan controlled negative splits.

Set structure and rep schemes Athletes decide set structure before starting: will they do large sets to maintain momentum or smaller, frequent breaks to preserve power? For repeated gymnastics movements or pull-centric repetitions, breaking early can conserve form; for strength reps (heavy cleans/snatches), larger rest periods with full recovery between reps often pay off.

Scaling decisions Elites choosing to demonstrate Rx standards often do so to set the bar for technical expectations. Where the workout includes optional scaling, they may show the Rx version and discuss why certain scaled options protect technique and health. For competitors, the decision to Rx or scale should be guided by:

• Movement proficiency: Can you perform the movement with competition standards repeatedly under fatigue?
• Health and history: Prior injuries or recurring technical failures justify scaling to avoid poor reps.
• Strategy: A scaled version that you can execute cleanly may deliver a better score than an Rx attempt broken by failed reps.

Heat management, recovery, and transition How the demo athletes approach transitions — how long they rest between movements, whether they chalk hands, their use of pacing breaths and micro-rests — reveals high-performance patterns. Note when athletes take extended breaks and how they use them to reassess technique rather than simply to catch their breath.

Preparing for your Open attempt: a practical week-of plan

The week after the reveal is a logistical sprint for many competitors. Clear priorities reduce stress and maximize the chance of a valid, high-scoring attempt.

Day 0: Announcement day

• Watch the full livestream and take notes on movement standards, equipment, and any judges’ clarifications.
• Rewatch the athlete demos and note practical takeaways: set sizes, recovery habits, and any callouts on standards.
• Decide whether you will attempt at an affiliate with a judge or record and submit a video.

Day 1–2: Plan logistics and rehearsal

• Book an on-site attempt if you choose a judged attempt. Affiliates often fill slots quickly.
• If submitting video, schedule a recording window and arrange for a qualified judge to officiate the video (if required by local rules).
• Work through a light rehearsal that mimics the workout’s demands while staying fresh. Focus on the skills and transitions that will be assessed.

Day 3: Mock attempt

• Do one mock run through at near-effort but make it an assessment, not an all-out attempt. Use the mock attempt to confirm camera angles, judge availability, equipment measurements, and breathing strategies.
• Tweak the plan for set sizes and pacing based on how you feel in the mock.

Day 4: Final rest and mental prep

• Prioritize sleep and carbohydrate intake to ensure glycogen stores are topped.
• Visualize the attempt: transitions, callouts from the judge, and finishing the workout with a clean final rep.
• Confirm your upload process or your on-site judge’s identity and contact information.

Race-day: Execute

• Warm up specifically for the movements required.
• Check camera and lighting if recording.
• Confirm identity: bring cross-check ID if required by the affiliate or judge.
• Execute the attempt according to the plan. Safety and standards take precedence over raw speed.

This timeline is scalable. Higher-level athletes often refine these steps into shorter windows, but basic logistics remain constant across standards.

Movement-specific drills and warm-up templates

Open workouts vary: a chipper, a couplet, an AMRAP, or short sprint test. The warmup must be tailored. Below are general templates that athletes can adapt.

General warm-up (15–20 minutes)

• 5 minutes easy aerobic activation (row, bike, light jump rope)
• 5–7 minutes dynamic mobility focused on joints used in the workout (hips, shoulders, thoracic spine)
• Movement simulation: perform low-load versions of the workout’s key movements for 2–3 minutes. For example, if the workout includes snatches, do light barbell complexes; if it includes toes-to-bar, do hollow rocks and hanging knee raises.
• Skill refinement: 3–5 ramped sets of the most technical movement at increasing intensity, ensuring groove without fatigue.
• Short rest, mental review of set sizes and pacing cues.

Movement-specific pointers

• Barbell work: Practice touch-and-go mechanics versus full reset, depending on the announced standards. Warm up progressively and ensure the pop off the chest or extension is clean.
• Gymnastics: Rehearse kipping pathways or strict reps as appropriate. If the workout calls for chest-to-bar or muscle-ups, ensure reps meet height standards in your practice.
• Running/assault bike: If the workout includes short sprints, practice 30–60 second all-out intervals to tune the anaerobic response and pacing judgment.

A carefully staged warm-up reduces surprises and prevents technical breakdowns when the clock starts.

Common mistakes that lead to rejected or penalized submissions

Understanding typical errors helps athletes avoid them during the high-pressure submission window.

Top mistakes:

• Poor video quality: Camera angles that obscure key movements, stops and edits, or privacy settings that prevent CrossFit staff from viewing the clip.
• Missing movement standards: Attempting a rep that doesn’t meet the clarified standard — e.g., failing to reach full extension, incomplete hip crease depth, or improper ring height for a muscle-up — often leads to disallowed reps.
• Unauthorized scoring methods: Self-judged local attempts submitted without a recognized judge or without meeting the video criteria.
• Equipment mismatches: Using a non-regulation box height or an improperly loaded barbell that doesn’t meet the workout’s specifications.
• Timeliness: Missing the submission window. The deadline for 26.1 is strict; late uploads or affiliate judge submissions after 5:00 p.m. PT on March 2 will not be accepted.

Avoid these issues by planning early, testing video links immediately after upload, and confirming equipment measurements before the attempt.

How to analyze the demo performances for actionable takeaways

Watching Hopper, Pepper, Mertens, and Hatfield provides more than entertainment: it’s research. Use a methodical approach to pull transferable lessons.

What to record while watching:

• Rep schemes: note how each athlete breaks larger sets into smaller sets (e.g., 10-5-5 vs. 5-5-5-5). This shows preferred energy management.
• Transition times: measure the seconds between movements. Rapid, clean transitions add up in total time.
• Technical degradation: watch whether technical form breaks in later reps, and when that occurs.
• Respiratory pattern: an athlete’s breath cadence can indicate whether they are overreaching or staying within their aerobic threshold.
• Judge calls and what counts: identify any judge callouts or red lines the judges use during the demo.

Translate observations into a checklist you can test in your own mock attempts: set-size choices to match your engine, technical goals for the end of the workout (e.g., not letting chin drop below the pull-up bar on ring movements), and a plan for the worst-case scenario when fatigue forces adjustments.

Fan experience and viewing-party planning for affiliates

Viewing the announcement at a CrossFit affiliate is a community event. Affiliates can turn the reveal into a chance to educate members and build local competitive culture.

Viewing-party ideas for affiliates:

• Movement-standard workshop immediately after the reveal. Bring athletes to the floor and practice the clarifications while the details are fresh.
• Mock attempts with judges. Offer slots for members to run a practice attempt under judge conditions.
• Post-reveal coach breakouts. Have coaches analyze demo athletes and lead small group discussions on pacing strategies and scaling options.
• Broadcast essentials. Ensure a clear screen, reliable internet connection, and volume that reaches members without overwhelming the gym floor.

Affiliates should be mindful of scheduling judged attempts: many members will want to attempt the workout immediately, so pre-booking and clear communication reduces friction.

What follows the Open: 26.2, 26.3 and beyond

Workout 26.1 starts the Open sequence. The schedule for the remaining Open workouts provided by CrossFit includes:

• Open Workout 26.2: Opens at 12:00 p.m. PT on March 5 — submission window until 5:00 p.m. PT on March 9
• Open Workout 26.3: Opens at 12:00 p.m. PT on March 12 — submission window until 5:00 p.m. PT on March 16

Scoring across Open workouts determines advancement opportunities into subsequent stages of the CrossFit season. Historically, strong Open placements give athletes momentum; for teams and individuals, consistent performance across all workouts matters more than a single spike. For top athletes, the Open functions as both competition and reconnaissance: they secure scores while testing strategies they’ll refine for regional or quarterfinal stages.

After the Open closes, expect:

• Detailed statistical breakdowns by CrossFit media and independent analysts.
• Athlete reactions, interviews, and strategy breakdowns on social channels.
• Local and virtual community competitions that emulate the Open for recreational athletes and those who missed the submission windows.

Health, recovery, and injury prevention during the Open

The urge to go all-out in the Open is powerful. A premature, overreaching attempt can cause injury that derails not only Open performance but the rest of an athlete’s season. Prioritize common-sense precautions.

Injury-avoidance practices:

• Respect pre-existing injuries: scale proactively for movements that aggravate old wounds.
• Warm up for intensity: a rushed warm-up increases the risk of muscle strains during high-skill or heavy efforts.
• Hydration and electrolytes: short-term dehydration impairs power output and increases cramping risk.
• Cool down and mobility: after the attempt, perform light aerobic cooldown and mobility to flush metabolites and aid recovery for subsequent attempts or next-week workouts.
• Post-attempt monitoring: if you feel sharp pain during an attempt, stop and seek assessment. A single bad rep may be a warning sign.

Season planning requires balancing maximal attempts with healthy progression. A smart competitor could forego a marginal Rx attempt in favor of finishing the season healthy and competitive.

Using data and metrics to improve between Open workouts

The Open provides data that athletes can use to refine training for 26.2 and 26.3. Use objective metrics and honest self-review to prioritize training adjustments.

Key data points to collect:

• Time-to-completion and split times for each segment of the workout.
• Heart-rate response and recovery time.
• Video review notes on technical degradation and weak points.
• Muscle soreness patterns and recovery quality.

Translate data into action:

• If your splits indicate dramatic slowing in running portions, prioritize interval training and running mechanics.
• If power outputs drop on heavy barbell sets in the latter half, add targeted strength-endurance work and tempo-controlled lifting sessions.
• Improve technical consistency with frequent, low-load repetitions that engrain perfect movement patterns under fatigue.

Small, targeted interventions over the course of the Open can produce meaningful improvements by the next workout reveal.

Legalities, privacy, and video ownership

Athletes submitting video recordings should consider privacy and access. CrossFit requires a working YouTube link, but beyond that, athletes should manage their digital footprint.

Privacy tips:

• Use an unlisted YouTube link if you do not want the video publicly searchable. Confirm that the unlisted link plays without sign-in requirements.
• Archive your attempt locally. Keep the original file in case CrossFit requests higher-resolution proof.
• If using third-party production or coach footage, secure permission for use in CrossFit’s review process.

Understanding the proper upload settings and protecting personal data reduces the chance of administrative rejections or privacy surprises.

Psychological preparation: anxiety, focus, and performance under pressure

The Open tests mental resilience. Athletes often experience a spike in adrenaline and anxiety during judged attempts or when recording a video for submission.

Mental strategies to adopt:

• Narrow focus: concentrate on immediate tasks — breathe, set up, and move — rather than outcome-based thoughts like leaderboard placement.
• Cue words: pick two to three concise cues (e.g., “breathe, lock, reset”) to anchor technique under stress.
• Process orientation: judge your attempt on process adherence (standards met, pacing executed) rather than a single outcome variable.
• Recovery breathing: practice diaphragmatic breath control between movements to manage heart rate and extend technical capacity.

Successful athletes treat the Open like a high-value rehearsal rather than a single do-or-die event. This reframing decreases destructive pressure and improves execution.

Historical context: the role of the Open in CrossFit’s competitive ecosystem

The Open’s growth has turned it into a global participation event. Hundreds of thousands of athletes register annually, emphasizing inclusivity and community. The Open’s structure democratizes competition: any athlete can attempt standardized workouts under judge-validated conditions and pursue advancement opportunities.

Historically, the Open has produced memorable moments: breakout performances from emerging athletes, community-led charity events around workouts, and the early-season adjustments athletes make based on Open results. If 2026 follows the precedent, expect the Open to once again influence programming choices among affiliates and training camps that feed into later competitive stages.

Practical equipment checklist for competitors

Prepare the following items for both judged attempts and video submissions:

• Barbell and plates with clear weight markings
• Plyo box or target surface with the specified height
• Appropriate barbell collars and tape for knurl marks
• Chalk and tape for fingers
• Stopwatch or timing device visible on camera (if required by the rules)
• Identification for athlete sign-in at an affiliate
• A backup camera or phone and a tripod for recording
• Repair kit: wrist tape, spare shoelaces, small first-aid kit

Being organized prevents last-minute mishaps that cost seconds or invalidate attempts.

What analysts and coaches will do after the reveal

Expect immediate tactical breakdowns. Coaches will:

• Chart predicted time-domain for the workout (sprint vs. grind).
• Recommend scaling options that preserve technique while maximizing score.
• Assign focused practice sessions that rehearse transitions and weak movements.
• Produce athlete-specific game plans for pacing and set structures.

Meanwhile, independent analysts will compute theoretical benchmarks for athletes of different capacities. For competitors, these early assessments are useful as long as they remain anchored to personal capability rather than hype.

How to follow up after submitting your score

Once submitted:

• Confirm the CrossFit Games site shows a successful upload or judged result.
• Keep a copy of the video and judge certification for at least a season in case of disputes.
• Debrief with a coach or training partner: what went right, what broke down, what to tweak for 26.2.
• Use recovery modalities intentionally to prepare for the next workout window.

A calm, evidence-based debrief is more useful than reacting emotionally to leaderboard placement.

Final perspective before the reveal

The Workout 26.1 announcement is both a spectacle and a rules briefing. The livestream’s demonstration of the workout under elite conditions offers a unique learning opportunity. Whether you’re aiming for a podium spot, chasing personal bests, or simply participating for community, thorough preparation — logistical, technical, and psychological — makes the difference between a valid attempt and a missed opportunity.

Watch the broadcast, note the movement clarifications, practice deliberately, protect your health, and submit a compliant video or book your judged slot early. The Open rewards preparation as much as raw fitness.

FAQ:

Q: When and where will Workout 26.1 be announced? A: The announcement will be broadcast live from Moffett Air National Guard Base on February 26 at 12:00 p.m. PT. Viewers can watch on the CrossFit Games website, the CrossFit Games app, or the CrossFit Games YouTube channel.

Q: Who will perform the workout on the live broadcast? A: Four demonstration athletes will perform 26.1 immediately after the reveal: Jayson Hopper, Dallin Pepper, Colten Mertens, and Austin Hatfield.

Q: How can I submit my Workout 26.1 score? A: The rulebook allows two submission methods: perform the workout in front of a qualified judge at a licensed CrossFit affiliate in good standing, or upload an uninterrupted, working YouTube link of your attempt to the CrossFit Games website.

Q: What is the submission deadline for Workout 26.1? A: Scores must be submitted by Monday, March 2 at 5:00 p.m. PT.

Q: Can I edit my video before uploading for submission? A: No. Edited videos that show splices, cuts, or discontinuities can invalidate the attempt. Continuous footage from before the first rep to after the last rep is required for video submissions.

Q: Should I attempt Rx or scale for the Open workouts? A: Base the decision on movement proficiency, injury history, and strategic goals. A clean scaled attempt can be better than a broken Rx attempt. Analyze the workout’s demands and choose the option that lets you meet standards consistently.

Q: How should I set up a camera for a video submission? A: Position the camera so it shows full-body views and the critical implements (barbell, box, rings, etc.). Ensure clear lighting, continuous recording, and an angle that validates rep completion and technical standards. Test the YouTube link on multiple devices after upload.

Q: What time is the reveal in my time zone? A: The reveal starts at 12:00 p.m. PT, which is 3:00 p.m. ET, 8:00 p.m. GMT, 9:00 p.m. CET, and 6:00 a.m. AEST on February 27. Check local daylight-saving adjustments if applicable.

Q: What are the dates for the remaining Open workouts? A: Workout 26.2 opens at 12:00 p.m. PT on March 5 with a submission window until 5:00 p.m. PT on March 9. Workout 26.3 opens at 12:00 p.m. PT on March 12 with a submission window until 5:00 p.m. PT on March 16.

Q: What happens if my submission is rejected? A: If a submission is rejected, CrossFit’s process usually includes notification and reason. Keep backup footage and judge documentation to resolve disputes. Timely resolution may be possible, but submission deadlines are strictly enforced.

Q: Can I have someone coach me during a judged attempt? A: Judges must remain impartial. Coaching during the attempt can violate the integrity of the judged performance. Clarify the judge’s rules and the affiliate’s procedures before your attempt.

Q: What’s the best way to learn from the demo athletes during the broadcast? A: Observe set sizes, transition times, breathing patterns, and technical adjustments. Rewatch the demo and take notes on specific strategies that match your strengths and weaknesses. Then test those strategies in a controlled mock attempt.

Q: Are viewing parties recommended? A: Yes. Viewing parties at affiliates create community engagement and often include immediate movement-standard workshops and mock attempts, which help members translate the announcement quickly into practice.

Q: How should I manage recovery between Open workouts? A: Prioritize sleep, hydration, targeted mobility, and light active recovery. Treat the Open as a series of high-quality practice attempts and avoid overreaching between workouts if you plan to compete throughout the season.

Q: If I upload an unlisted YouTube link, will CrossFit be able to view it? A: Yes, as long as the link is unlisted and not behind additional privacy or sign-in restrictions. Confirm playback on multiple devices before submitting.

Q: What documentation should I keep after submitting? A: Retain the original video file, the YouTube link confirmation, any judge sign-off or scorecard, and screenshots of the CrossFit Games site showing the uploaded result.

Q: How can judges prepare for the announcement day? A: Review CrossFit judge standards, plan for clarifications issued during the broadcast, set up equipment precisely, and prepare to record attempts. Communicate rules and timelines clearly to athletes.

Q: What should I do if my gym isn’t running judged attempts? A: Consider traveling to a nearby licensed affiliate that hosts Open attempts, or record and submit a compliant YouTube video. Reach out to local affiliates early to secure a slot.

Q: Are demo athlete performances used as official score references? A: Demo performances are not official scores for the general leaderboard, but they serve as practical references for pacing and movement execution. Official submissions must follow the judge or video criteria.

Q: How will the Open influence selections for later stages of the CrossFit season? A: Open placement is the first filter in CrossFit’s season structure. Results inform qualification opportunities for subsequent competitive stages. Consistency across Open workouts matters more than a single exceptional performance.

Q: Where can I find more help if I have more questions? A: Reach out to your affiliate coaches, consult the CrossFit Games website for official rules and clarifications, and use social channels where CrossFit staff or experienced community members often provide guidance.