CrossFit Regionals were a qualifying stage of competition for competitive athletes seeking a spot at the CrossFit Games (Championships) from 2009-2019. Just like the sport of CrossFit, Regionals evolved tremendously since its inception.
2009 was the first year of CrossFit Regionals. As CrossFit grew in popularity, it became necessary to go from a “first come, first serve” sign-up system to a regional qualifier. The regional competitions were held in the US, Canada, South America, Europe, Iceland, Asia, Australia and Africa, as well as online.
In 2010 Sectionals were introduced to determine which athletes made it to the Regionals and, ultimately, to the CrossFit Games. For the first time, teams needed to qualify at Regionals to get a spot in the CrossFit Games. (All “Sectional” WODs can be found under the “Regionals” tag on WODwell.)
In 2011, Sectionals were replaced by the CrossFit Open, an internet-based competition that allowed any athlete in the world to compete. The best athletes then went on to the Regionals, and ultimately, to the Games.
In 2019, CrossFit Regionals were replaced by Sanctionals – independently operated qualifier events – and the CrossFit Open competition.