Opinion | Semi-finals set the stage for 2021 CrossFit Games as half of the 10 events are pushed online
- The 10 events are scattered throughout the globe, though half of them will be virtual competitions, as in the quarter-finals
- North American athletes will have a better chance to qualify, and there will be a Last Chance Qualifier at the end of the 10
As part of the revamped 2021 CrossFit Games season, the third stage for individual and team athletes is the brand new semi-finals. In total, 38 men, 38 women and 38 teams will advance from their respective competitions to the CrossFit Games at the end of July.
There are a total of 10 semi-finals taking place around the world over the course of four weeks. Due to various restrictions on the ability to host live events and travel, half of those will take place virtually.
The number of qualifiers from each competition will also vary depending on participation in the Open in that region of the world.
Here’s the schedule, format, and number of qualifying spots per division for each semi-final:
First off, what are “major” vs “minor” continents? Four of the continents (Oceania, Africa, South America and Asia) only have one competition. In those areas it was a straightforward process to qualify and be placed in a semi-final. If you placed high enough during the quarter-final stage of the competition you received an invite to the semi-final. If you accepted that invite, then you were in, which was the case for individuals who placed 30th or better, and teams that placed 20th or better.