The competitive fitness landscape is about to witness a significant shift with the emergence of The World Fitness Project (WFP).
Spearheaded by six-time CrossFit Games veteran Will Moorad, this newly introduced league aims to revolutionize functional fitness through a structured, tour-style format.
The WFP aspires to provide a dynamic alternative to existing competitions like the CrossFit Games, offering athletes a fresh platform to showcase their abilities and engage with a global community.
Mission and Goals
One of the driving forces behind the WFP is the desire to “professionalize the sport of fitness.”
Will Moorad, a vocal advocate for athlete development and financial stability within functional fitness, believes the WFP can achieve this by creating “continuity between several of the big events where you can work together and you can work towards like gaining points towards a world championship or earning a place at the World Championships.”
This vision sets the stage for a more unified and sustainable future for competitive fitness.
The Visionaries Behind the WFP
While Will Moorad is the face of the WFP, the organization’s foundation was laid by Isabella and Jackson Terry, the directors and founders of GoodLyfe.
Driven by a passion for fitness and a desire to make a positive impact, the Terrys envisioned an organization that could blend competitive sport with community engagement.
Their work with at-risk youth through GoodLyfe inspired them to create a platform that could inspire and uplift individuals while fostering a sense of belonging.
In addition to Moorad and the Terrys, the WFP boasts a team of experienced individuals from various sectors of the fitness industry:
- Jason Ansley: Event Director, North America (1st Phorm Monster Games)
- Roger Nilsson: Event Director, Europe (WODLA Group)
- Ryan Husband: Director of Business Development (founder LRX Apparel)
- Maggie Husband: Director of Logistics
This diverse team brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the WFP, ensuring a well-rounded approach to league development and athlete support.
A Unique Structure and Format
The WFP distinguishes itself from other fitness competitions through its innovative structure and format. The 2025 season will feature three main stages:
Stage 1: Fitness Tour Events
- Two in-person Fitness Tour Events will be held, one in the United States and one in Europe.
- Each Tour Event will be a three-day competition with six challenging workouts.
- Prior to each Tour Event, an online Challenger Qualifier will be held.
- The top 10 athletes from the Challenger Qualifier will earn a spot in the Pro division at the corresponding Tour Event, competing alongside the 20 contracted Pro athletes.
- Athletes ranked 11-30 in the Challenger Qualifier will compete in the Challenger division.
Stage 2: World Fitness Finals
- Following the two Tour Events, the top 30 athletes will advance to the World Fitness Finals.
- This elite group will consist of the 20 contracted Pro athletes and the 10 highest point-earning Challengers from the Tour Events.
- The World Fitness Finals will be a 3-4 day competition featuring nine demanding workouts.
- Points earned at the Finals will be doubled, adding to the intensity and stakes of the competition.
- Before the Finals, athletes can participate in the World Fitness Trials, a month-long online qualifier with three stages. This qualifier offers another pathway for athletes to reach the World Fitness Finals.
Stage 3: Championship
- The World Fitness Finals will determine the season’s champions based on the cumulative points earned throughout the Tour Events and the Finals.
This multi-stage format, with its blend of online and in-person competitions, provides athletes with multiple opportunities to compete, accumulate points, and ultimately vie for the championship title.
The Pro Card System: A Game Changer
The WFP introduces a Pro Card system, a groundbreaking concept in the world of functional fitness.
Twenty male and 20 female athletes will be awarded Pro Cards, guaranteeing them contracts and participation in the Tour Events.
These contracts are rumored to be in the upper-five-figure range, providing athletes with financial stability and the opportunity to focus on their training and competition.
In addition to the guaranteed contracts, Pro athletes will be competing for a significant prize purse at each WFP event.
At the end of the 2025 season, the top 20 men and women will earn Pro Cards for the 2026 season, ensuring a continuous cycle of high-level competition and athlete development.
A Diverse Field of Athletes
The WFP has attracted a diverse and talented pool of athletes, including established CrossFit Games veterans and rising stars in the functional fitness world. Confirmed Pro athletes include:
- Chandler Smith
- Alex Gazan
- Brooke Wells
- Pat Vellner
- Alexis Raptis
- Travis Mayer
The league’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in its various divisions, catering to athletes of different ages and skill levels:
- Masters: Two categories, 35-49 and 50+, for same-sex pairs.
- Teens: “Next Gen” division with two age categories, 14-16 and 17-19.
- Individuals: Elite, intermediate, and scaled teams of four.
This diverse range of divisions ensures that the WFP provides a platform for athletes of all backgrounds and aspirations to participate and excel.
Media Coverage and Fan Following
The WFP has generated significant buzz within the fitness community. Prominent fitness news outlets like BarBend and The Barbell Spin have published articles detailing the league’s structure, format, and vision.
Social media has been abuzz with discussions and reactions to the WFP’s announcements, with many top CrossFit athletes and personalities expressing their support and interest.
YouTube channels dedicated to functional fitness have also featured videos analyzing the potential impact of the WFP and showcasing the athletes who have signed with the league.
This early media attention and fan engagement bode well for the WFP’s future growth and visibility.
Criticisms and Challenges
While the WFP has been met with enthusiasm, some concerns have been raised within the CrossFit community.
One key criticism revolves around the tour and point accumulation format, with some questioning its excitement and appeal compared to the traditional CrossFit Games format.
Concerns have been raised about whether the point system will be engaging enough for spectators and whether it will truly capture the essence of functional fitness competition.
Another challenge lies in the financial viability of the league. While initial funding seems secure, the exact duration of this financial backing is not specified.
The long-term success of the WFP will depend on its ability to attract sponsors, generate revenue, and maintain a strong fan base.
Future Plans and Goals
The WFP has ambitious plans for the future, aiming to expand its reach and impact within the global fitness community.
In addition to establishing a strong presence in the United States and Europe, the league has set its sights on expanding to Australia and Asia in the coming years. This global vision reflects the WFP’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive fitness community.
The WFP’s Potential Impact on the CrossFit Games
The emergence of the WFP has inevitably sparked discussions about its potential impact on the CrossFit Games.
Some see the WFP as a direct competitor, potentially drawing athletes and viewership away from the established CrossFit Games season. Others believe the WFP could complement the CrossFit Games, offering athletes alternative competitive opportunities and expanding the overall reach of functional fitness.
The WFP’s emphasis on athlete contracts and financial stability could also influence the CrossFit Games to adopt similar models, ultimately benefiting athletes in both leagues.
Conclusion: A Promising New Chapter
The World Fitness Project represents a bold and exciting new chapter in the world of functional fitness.
With its unique structure, Pro Card system, and commitment to inclusivity, the WFP has the potential to revolutionize the sport and provide athletes with unprecedented opportunities.
While challenges and criticisms exist, particularly regarding the long-term financial viability and the appeal of the point accumulation format, the league’s strong leadership, financial backing, and growing fan base suggest a promising future.
As the WFP embarks on its inaugural season, the fitness community eagerly awaits the emergence of new champions and the evolution of competitive functional fitness.
The WFP’s success could not only reshape the competitive landscape but also inspire a new generation of athletes and contribute to the continued growth and development of functional fitness as a whole.