What we learned from the Mayhem Classic and what it Could Mean for the Future of the Sport

The first in-person semifinal is officially behind us. The 2026 Mayhem Classic sent the first 6 individuals to the CrossFit Games, but it also showed us a potential way forward for the sport of fitness. Sean and Tommy discuss the key learnings from the event, how they think it could shape things in the coming years and what moments stood out from the competiton.

Thousands of reps were performed during Quarterfinals, but it's the one that wasn't done that is getting the most attention. Sean, Tommy and Lauren break down the penalty for Jay Crouch's missed overhead squat. Was it fair or was it over the top? Also, Semifinals start this weekend with the Mayhem Classic in Cookeville, TN. It's the system we have, but is there a better way to organize this crucial stage of the season? This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com and use the code "TEF" to save 20% on their Rest and Recovery Collagen so you can improve how you sleep and recover.  

In-person competition is one week away as Semifinals get kicked off in Cookeville, Tennessee with the Mayhem Classic. Rory McKernan joins the show to preview the competition, talk about the things most people don't know about when it comes to putting on an event like this and what the future might hold for the Mayhem Classic. Plus, Ro takes time to pay tribute to Rob Orlando. This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com and use the code "TEF" to save 20% on their Rest and Recovery collagen and improve how you sleep and recover.

Quartefinals have come and gone and once again they were not without controversy. Our good friend and 7-time CrossFit Games athlete Tim Paulson of PRVN joins the show to recap the most recent stage of the 2026 season. He talks about how he and his athletes approached Quarterfinals, what he would like to see change with this stage of the season, what athletes in his camp stood out and whether or not he's optimistic or pessimistic about the future of the sport. This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com and use the code "TEF" to save 20% on their Rest and Recovery collagen and improve the way you sleep and recover.  

It's another year of Quarterfinals and that means another year of issues. And once again the controversy centers around the video review process, or more accurately, the lack of one. Sean, Tommy and Lauren talk about the issues and what might be done to fix things moving forward. This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com and use the code "TEF" to save 20% on their Rest and Recovery collagen and improve how you sleep and recover.

XENOM is the being billed as "The Decathalon of Fitness," but what exactly is it? CEO and Founder Keith Barlow joins the show to talk about the new competition, how it came about, what a competition weekend looks like and why CrossFitters should be excited about it. Plus, the crew recaps the 2026 Open and takes a look back and a rain-soaked Wodapalooza. This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com and use the code "TEF" to save 20% on their Rest and Recovery Collagen and improve how you sleep and recover.

The first week of the CrossFit Games Open is officially behind us, Tommy and Lauren try to shake off the DOMS in their legs and recap the 26.2 workout and live announcement. Open registration numbers are finally in, but are they a win? Don Faul has officially stepped down as the CEO of CrossFit after a tumultuous four year tenure, where does the company go from here? This episode is presentd by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com and use the code "TEF" to save 25% on their Rest and Recovery Collagen from now until March 16.

Pat Vellner is calling it a career. One of the most popular athletes in the sport has decided that 2026 will be his last season on the competition floor. Sean and Tommy discuss his legacy and tell us why they think he will continue to make an impact on the sport and the community. Jayson Hopper is getting set to take the first step in defending his championship as he is ready to throw down in the live announcement of 26.1. He talks with Sean and Tommy about winning the Games in 2025, what is was like walking on at Clemson and his interest in conspiracy theories. This episode is presentd by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com and use the code "TEF" to save 25% on their Rest and Recovery Collagen from now until March 16.

Dallin Pepper has grown up competing in CrossFit. The former two-time teenage champion is hoping to duplicate that achievement as an individual. The last two years at the CrossFit Games, Pepper has not finished lower than 4th and was one spot away from standing atop the podium in 2024. This year, Pepper is hoping to complete the journey and be crowned Fittest Man on Earth. Tommy Marquez and Lauren Kalil talk with him about his goals for 2026, how his public persona has changed over the years and his unique friendship with Jayson Hopper. This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com and use the code "TEF" to save 20% on their Rest and Recovery Collagen and improve how you sleep and recover. 

It's time to take a trip down memory lane! Sean and Tommy rank their five favorite Open announcements from the last 13 years. From garage throwdowns to clashes of champions, they take a look back at the most memorable productions from the start of seasons gone by.  This episode is presented by Thirdzy. Head to thirdzy.com and use the code "TEF" to save 20% on their Rest and Recovery Collagen and improve how you sleep and recover.