2025 Mayhem Classic Invitational Preview

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Good morning, and welcome to the Morning Chalk Up.

In today’s edition:

• The 2025 season kicks off with CrossFit’s first-ever In-Person Qualifying Event — the Mayhem Classic Invitational — this weekend. Check out our preview and podium picks below.

• As temperatures rise, staying hydrated during warm-weather workouts is essential. Check out the tips below on how to do it right.

• We caught up with Mirjam von Rohr to talk about her back-to-back Open wins and what it means to go “all in” on CrossFit.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“When I won the first two Open workouts, I started to think it would be amazing to win the entire Open, just like last year. […] It motivated me to give my absolute best in the final workout,” - Mirjam von Rohr on winning the 2025 CrossFit Open.

CROSSFIT GAMES

2025 Mayhem Classic Invitational – Preview and Podium Picks

The first two tickets for the 2025 CrossFit Games are up for grabs from April 5-6 at the Mayhem Classic in Cookeville, TN. 

Remind me: The Mayhem Classic will be the first of 10 In-Person Qualifying Events (IPQE) in the latest iteration of the frequently changing CrossFit season format. 

• Eighteen men and women will qualify through these events, with an additional 11 qualifying through the In-Affiliate Online Semifinal, which runs from May 1 to May 4. 

One final spot will be awarded through the Last Chance Qualifier, bringing the total to 30 men and 30 women. It's important to note that the Last Chance Qualifier is currently not referenced in the 2025 CrossFit Games season rulebook.

In addition to the tickets to the Games, there is a total prize purse of $81,000, with the first-place man and woman taking home $15,000 each. Let’s take a look at the competitors.

Men — Favorites

James Sprague 

The reigning Games Champion showed the naysayers that he is the real deal at TYR Wodapalooza in January and aims to prove that 2024 was no fluke. 

The 22-year-old is motivated and improving rapidly, achieving his career-best Open finish of 18th place. He enters as the man to beat. Expect him to start with a win in event one right out of the gate.

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SPEED READS

🎟️ 💪 2025 CrossFit Games Tickets: Tickets for the 2025 CrossFit Games at MVP Arena in Albany, NY, are on sale now.

👴 🏋️ 2025 CrossFit Age Group Workouts: The workout details for the 2025 CrossFit In-Affiliate Age Group Semifinals were released yesterday. Check them out here.

🏆 🇺🇸 United Grid League Schedule: The UGL 2025 schedule was announced this week with events running from the end of May through July. Details here.

🌎 🎟️ 2025 Qualifying Event Updates: Here are a few quick updates from some of the 2025 CrossFit Games Qualifying Events.

• TFX Invitational: Check out the full list of men and women invited to compete at the In-Person Qualifying Event for North America West.

• Mayhem Classic: Brooke Wells and Danielle Brandon have withdrawn from this week’s In-Person Qualifying Event in Cookeville, TN.

• Torian Pro: Invitations are on the way for the only In-Person Qualifying Event in Oceania. Get more competition details here.

• Wodland Fest: Check out the full rosters for both the men’s and women’s fields at one of the two European Qualifying Events here.

ICYMI: “The Crown” teen competition wrapped last week. The Progrm’s John Singleton shares insights on the fourth edition of this elite event.

MEMBER EXCLUSIVE

Hydration Tips for Warm Weather Workouts

As temperatures rise, so do the demands placed on your body during training. 

Warmer weather increases sweat rates, accelerates fluid loss, and depletes electrolytes more rapidly, all of which can result in dehydration, fatigue, and diminished performance.

Whether you're lifting weights, running, or pushing through a high-intensity workout, proper hydration is essential for sustaining energy, preventing cramps, and optimizing recovery. 

• Hydration involves more than simply drinking water—it also requires balancing fluids, electrolytes, and even fueling strategies to meet the demands of your training environment. 

In this article, we will explore the science of hydration for warm-weather workouts, how to identify early signs of dehydration, and practical strategies to maintain optimal body performance.

PROFILE

Interview: Mirjam von Rohr is “All In” on CrossFit, Wins Open for Second Year in a Row

Swiss athlete Mirjam von Rohr burst onto the CrossFit scene last year, captivating thousands with a first-place finish worldwide in the Open. 

Well, she has done it again: Von Rohr clinched the 2025 CrossFit Open with two event victories right out of the gate. 

The former elite HYROX athlete has gone all in on CrossFit in hopes of qualifying for the CrossFit Games this year. Although she may still be considered a rookie in the sport, her performances prove she’s a standout athlete, especially during a season marked by significant changes. 

Remind Me 

Von Rohr won the 2024 CrossFit Open and advanced to the Quarterfinals, where she placed 38th. She subsequently competed in the European Semifinal, finishing just eight spots outside a qualifying position. 

• “One of my main challenges is my lack of experience competing against other elite athletes,” von Rohr told the Morning Chalk Up in an interview. “Being relatively new to this level of competition, I’m still learning how to manage my pacing and when to push during high-stakes events.” 

Her only goal for the Open this year was to place in the top 1% and qualify for the Semifinals. Unlike last season, there is no Quarterfinals stage, so athletes had to give their all in the Open to have a chance at the final stage before the Games. 

HIGHLIGHTS

Celebrating a PR, hosting a fundraiser, this, that, or otherwise? Send us a tip.

• 🎂Happy birthday to Adee Cazayoux.

• Congratulations to Maari from Finland on this 83-kilo/182-pound snatch PR.

• Check out this clean and jerk complex from Agustin Richelme at 143 kilos/315 pounds.

• Happy 10-year affiliate anniversary to CrossFit Venlo in the Netherlands.

• 🍼Congratulations to Lauren Fisher and Rasmus Andersen, who are expecting their first child.

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