A recent BarBend survey, conducted and published by Mike Halpin (@known_knowable), reveals a significant shift in the CrossFit competitive landscape.
Based on responses from 266 of the sport’s top-ranked athletes, the findings show declining confidence in CrossFit HQ, dissatisfaction with recent leadership decisions, and a growing number of elite competitors reconsidering their participation in the 2025 season.
With nearly one in four top athletes opting out and another one in three undecided, the upcoming season may face unprecedented challenges.
Survey Scope and Response Rate
The survey, distributed via Instagram direct messages to 443 of the top-ranked CrossFit athletes, received 266 responses—a 60% response rate. Notably, 70% of those who saw the survey participated, ensuring a strong representation of elite competitors, including past podium finishers and regional champions.
The questions covered athletes’ confidence in CrossFit, opinions on recent leadership decisions, and their intent to compete in the upcoming season. Responses were anonymous, though some athletes voluntarily identified themselves in comments.
Plummeting Confidence in CrossFit HQ
When asked to rate their confidence in the 2025 CrossFit Games season on a scale of 1 to 5, the average response was just 2.20, with nearly 34% of respondents rating it a 2.
- Reaction to CrossFit’s handling of the Lazar Ðukić investigation: 1.72 average rating, with 58% of respondents giving it a 1 (very dissatisfied).
- Reaction to the new 2025 season structure: 1.81 average rating, with 48% rating it a 1 and zero respondents rating it a 5.
Athletes Reject CrossFit’s Structural Changes
In the 16-category rapid-fire rating section, every major aspect of the CrossFit Games season scored poorly. The worst-rated areas included:
- Investigation Response: 1.61 average rating
- Communication from HQ: 1.76 average rating
- Judging (Online): 1.77 average rating
- CrossFit Games Leadership: 1.86 average rating
- Athlete Safety: 1.97 average rating
Only in-person competition structure (3.00) and in-person judging (3.03) received neutral or slightly positive ratings.
Nearly 26% of Top Athletes Say ‘No’ to 2025 Season
When asked about their plans for the 2025 season, responses were split:
- 39.1% (104 athletes) plan to compete
- 35.3% (94 athletes) are undecided
- 25.6% (68 athletes) have decided NOT to participate
For those opting out, the top reasons were:
- 36.8% (25 athletes): Done with CrossFit but still competing in fitness competitions
- 35.3% (24 athletes): Abstaining until further action from CrossFit
- 7.4% (5 athletes): Medical reasons
- 5.9% (4 athletes): Retiring from competitive CrossFit
Mass Exodus to Other Fitness Competitions?
Among the 94 athletes who selected ‘Maybe’, many are eyeing alternative competitions:
- 29.8% are contemplating leaving CrossFit but continuing in fitness competitions.
- 27.7% are considering abstaining from the CrossFit Games until major changes are made.
Several respondents specifically mentioned TYR Wodapalooza, Dubai Fitness Championship, Rogue Invitational, HYROX, and IF3 as potential alternatives.
Athletes Speak Out: Uncertainty, Frustration, and a Search for Stability
The anonymous comment section reflected widespread frustration:
- “I love CrossFit, but I hate the way HQ treats us.”
- “I will compete this season, but only because I love the sport, not the decisions being made.”
- “Due to constant changes, I’ve decided this will be my last year competing in CrossFit.”
- “If another organization emerges, I’ll go there instead.”
- “They made me tired of chasing my dream.”
What’s Next for the CrossFit Games?
The 2025 CrossFit Games season is set to begin in February, but with nearly one in four elite athletes walking away and another one in three on the fence, the sport faces a crisis.
Unless CrossFit HQ can address the growing concerns over leadership, competition structure, and athlete treatment, the 2025 season could mark a major turning point—one that sees a mass exodus of top talent to alternative fitness competitions.