As the 2025 CrossFit Games kick off in Albany, all eyes are on the sport’s fiercest male athletes—some seeking redemption, others ready to defend their titles, and a few chasing breakthrough performances. Here’s a closer look at the top contenders you won’t want to miss.
Jeffrey Adler: The Consistent Contender
A seasoned veteran with seven CrossFit Games appearances, Jeffrey Adler enters Albany as one of the strongest podium favorites. Crowned the Fittest Man on Earth in 2023, Adler has built a reputation not just on raw power, but also his newly honed endurance.
- 2025 Highlights:
- 3rd worldwide in the Open
- Winner of the In-Affiliate Semifinal
- 4th at WFP Tour Stop I (Indianapolis)
With this momentum, Adler is poised for another dominant showing at the Games.
Austin Hatfield: The Rising Star
In only his second season as an elite, Austin Hatfield is already turning heads. After a stellar rookie campaign where he finished 10th (the best of all rookies), the Mayhem athlete has only gotten stronger.
- 2025 Highlights:
- Winner of the Mayhem Classic in April
- 1st at WFP Tour Stop I
Hatfield might be new to the scene, but his results signal he could crack into the top ranks by the weekend’s end.
Roman Khrennikov: The Redemption Run
After a dramatic 2023 Games—where he secured a podium finish on a broken foot—Roman Khrennikov is determined to reclaim his top form. A runner-up in 2022, Khrennikov had a disappointing 9th-place finish in Fort Worth last year, but he’s been quietly making his comeback.
- 2025 Highlights:
- Winner of Wodland Fest
- 8th at WFP Tour Stop I
Skipping the Semifinals didn’t seem to slow him down. He’s focused, healthy, and hungry for another podium.
Justin Medeiros: The Veteran Strategist
Two-time champ Justin Medeiros is no stranger to pressure. Though the past two seasons saw him fall to 8th and 13th place finishes, Medeiros has remained resilient—and this season, he’s trending upward again.
- 2025 Highlights:
- 6th at WFP Tour Stop I
- 8th in the In-Affiliate Semifinals
Known for his methodical and point-maximizing approach, Medeiros could be a tactical threat if the programming continues to favor his strengths.
James Sprague: The Defending Champion
James Sprague stunned the CrossFit world in 2024 by capturing the title of Fittest Man on Earth under heavy emotional strain following the tragic death of fellow competitor Lazar Ðukić. Now, the 2023 rookie (25th place) returns as the man to beat.
- 2025 Highlights:
- 4th at IPQE I (but missed early qualification)
- 6th in the In-Affiliate Semifinals
- Winner of TYR WZA Miami 2025
Sprague’s rise has been fast and dramatic. He’s young, confident, and aiming to make history with a successful title defense.
Ricky Garard: The Aussie Powerhouse
Australia’s Ricky Garard is back with fire in his eyes. After a 2023 Games miss due to injury, and a solid 7th-place return in 2024, Garard is hungry and ready.
- 2025 Highlights:
- Winner of Torian Pro
- 7th in the In-Affiliate Semifinals
- 11th at WFP Tour Stop I
Garard, a WFP Pro Card holder, has the experience and firepower to make it count this time around.
Jay Crouch: Australia’s Next Hope
Another Australian threat, Jay Crouch represents the PRVN crew with pride. His trajectory has been steadily rising since his Games debut in 2020, culminating in his best-ever 8th place finish in 2023.
- 2025 Highlights:
- 2nd at both the Torian Pro IPQE and the In-Affiliate Semifinals
- 7th at WFP Tour Stop I
With podium potential and momentum on his side, Crouch is one to keep a close watch on.
Jayson Hopper: The Dark Horse
A former football standout, Jayson Hopper has carved out a name for himself in CrossFit since bursting onto the scene in 2021. After switching camps from HWPO to Brute, he appears more focused than ever.
- 2025 Highlights:
- 3rd at WFP Tour Stop I
- 5th at the Mayhem Classic
- Qualified via a 4th-place tie at the In-Affiliate Semifinals
Hopper has the size, strength, and explosive capacity to surprise the field—especially if the events align with his power-based skill set.
Final Thoughts
The men’s field at the 2025 CrossFit Games is stacked with champions, rising stars, and redemption-seekers. With athletes like Adler, Sprague, and Khrennikov leading the charge, and a deep bench of hungry contenders, fans are guaranteed a thrilling weekend of elite competition in Albany.
Let the Games begin.
image sources
- Ricky-Garard_1: Photo courtesy of CrossFit Inc
