The CrossFit Games find the Fittest on Earth, but the Open is all about participation and community. In 2011, CrossFit Invictus edged out Windy City CrossFit for the participation award and won free tickets to the CrossFit Games. In true CrossFit fashion, the teams shared the free tickets and joined forces.
This year, the ante has been raised again. With awards for participation -- in the world and by region -- and the new Spirit of the Open award, there is something for everyone this year, even if you're not a firebreather.
The largest team worldwide will be rewarded handsomely. On Sunday, February 26, at 5 p.m. PT, the team with the most registered athletes will win the number of tickets to the Games equal to the number of registered athletes on their team, and get their affiliate fee waived for life.
The team prizes don't end there. In each region, the team with the most validly registered athletes in their region on Sunday, February 26 at 5 p.m. PT, will win a number of tickets to the Regionals equal to the number of registered athletes on their team.
Each week, one athlete will be selected who represents the CrossFit community for the Spirit of the Open competition. Nominations for athletes with extraordinary stories, locations, or obstacles in competing in the Open, may be sent to support@crossfitgames.com with "Spirit of the Games" as the subject line. The athlete may compete in any division of the competition. The prize for the weekly Spirit of the Open award will be $2,012.
Lastly, the top male and female athletes on each week's Open workout will win $2,012. In order to win the prize for a week's top performance, it must be recorded on video.