The Open are back—and 26.1 delivers exactly what we love and hate at the same time: lungs burning, legs bursting, pulse racing.
With the official announcement on February 26, 2026, the new CrossFit Games season has begun. The first workout sends a clear message: Engine. Discipline. Stamina.
No complex display of skills.
No heavy barbell statement.
Pure working capacity.
| event | Date / Info |
|---|---|
| live announcement | February 26, 2026 |
| Deadline for scores | March 2, 2026 |
| Time Cap | 12 minutes |
| format | FOR TIME (pyramid structure) |
The Workout: Open 26.1
FOR TIME – 12-minute time cap
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20 wall balls
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18 box jump overs
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30 wall balls
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18 box jump overs
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40 wall balls
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18 box step-overs
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66 wall balls
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18 box step-overs
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40 wall balls
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18 box jump overs
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30 wall balls
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18 box jump overs
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20 wall balls
Weights & Standards
Rx Men
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9 kg wall ball at 3 m
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60 cm box
Rx Women
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6 kg wall ball at 2.70 m
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50 cm box
Important:
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No jumping off the box allowed
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A medicine ball for your entire workout
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Tiebreak time after the last fully completed box set
What this workout really tests
26.1 is not a sprint.
But it's not a classic grind workout either.
It is a controlled escalation test.
1️⃣ The critical point: The 66 wall balls
This is where your score is decided.
Anyone who starts too aggressively here will be brutally slowed down.
2️⃣ Heart rate management
Box jump-overs are not a "break," but active exercise.
Your ability to keep your heart rate under control makes all the difference.
3️⃣ Transitions = seconds
No unnecessary standing around.
No catching the ball and thinking.
Breathe. Grab. Work.
Strategy tips for your 26.1
Wall balls
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Divide into sensible sets from the outset (e.g., 10/10 or 15/15 for 30s).
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Absorb the ball directly into the squat movement when catching it.
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Keep breathing rhythmically: inhale as you lower yourself, exhale explosively as you throw.
Box jump overs
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Constant cadence > maximum speed.
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Clean foot placement, no unnecessary hopping.
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Calmly dismount—no rush.
set of 66
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Mental preparation before getting started.
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Plan mini breaks, don't force them.
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Focus only on the current set, not on what is yet to come.
🏆 First top times
Among the invited elite athletes, Colten Mertens prevailed with a time of 11:16. He was followed by Jayson Hopper and Dallin Pepper, among others.
In the women's race, Grace Strachan impressed with a strong time of 11:45.
The leaderboards will continue to change significantly until the deadline for submissions—open categories remain open.
The right gear for 26.1
246 wall balls.
More than 100 box crossovers.
12 minutes of continuous pressure.
Here you need pieces that don't slip, don't chafe, and don't restrict movement.
Our top recommendations for your strongest Open 26.1 workout are the right sports socks, sports shorts, and leggings for women.
Why is it perfect for 26.1?
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Padded heel and toe area → less friction during step-overs
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Performance mesh → maximum air circulation
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Crew length → Protection during boxing contact
With many explosive landings, stability in the shoe is important.
Performance shorts with 4-way stretch
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4-way stretch → maximum depth in the squat
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Abrasion resistant → ideal for boxing contact
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Lightweight & quick-drying
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Maximum support for every wall ball – high-waist fit with a sturdy waistband that stays in place and doesn't slip, even during 100+ squats.
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Full Range of Motion – 4-way stretch for deep squats, quick transitions, and explosive box movements without restriction.
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Breathable and opaque under stress – sweat-wicking performance fabric with squat-proof guarantee, so you can focus fully on your workout.
Conclusion: 26.1 sets the tone
This workout is not a trick workout.
It's honest.
Those who can control their engine will be rewarded.
Those who start too fast will pay for it later.
The Open doesn't start with a show – it starts with work.
Are you ready to make your statement in 26.1?