CrossFit Open 26.1 2026: Time Cap, Standards, Deadline

Most Open scores do not get beat in the gym. They get beat by no reps, missing tiebreak times, or a setup that fails the standard.

If you are doing crossfit open 26.1, this is your judge ready playbook. You will get the official workout details, division options, movement standards, tiebreak rules, a simple setup plan, and a copy paste checklist to submit a valid score before the cutoff.

Official 26.1 Workout (Rep Scheme + Time Cap)

The 26.1 rep sequence (for time)

Complete this workout for time:

• 20 wall ball shots

• 18 box jump overs

• 30 wall ball shots

• 18 box jump overs

• 40 wall ball shots

• 18 medicine ball box step overs

• 66 wall ball shots

• 18 medicine ball box step overs

• 40 wall ball shots

• 18 box jump overs

• 30 wall ball shots

• 18 box jump overs

• 20 wall ball shots

This sequence is listed on the official CrossFit Games 26.1 scorecard (2026).

[Official 26.1 scorecard PDF]

The 12 minute time cap (what it changes)

The time cap is 12 minutes, per the official scorecard (2026).

That means:

• Fast transitions matter.

• Missed reps hurt more, because you cannot “make them up later.”

• Your tiebreak can decide your ranking if many people end on the same rep.

Equipment checklist (ball, target, box, lane space)

You need:

• Medicine ball for wall balls

• A clear wall ball target

• A box for jump overs and step overs

• A judge and a timer

• Enough space to move safely

If you are doing this at home, treat your setup like an affiliate floor. Clear the area. Move the coffee table. Keep the lane clean.

Divisions & Scaling Options (Rx’d, Scaled, Foundations, Teens, Masters)

Rx’d Ages 16 to 54 (men and women specs)

The official scorecard (2026) lists Rx’d specs. Common examples include:

• Women: 14 lb ball, 9 ft target, 20 in box

• Men: 20 lb ball, 10 ft target, 24 in box

Do not guess. Use the exact version for your profile and division.

[CrossFit Games 26.1 workout page]

Scaled Ages 16 to 54 (what changes)

Scaled uses lighter balls and allows step ups on the box in many cases, based on the official scorecard (2026).

You still must hit full standards. Scaled is not “loose.” It is just a different load and movement option.

Foundations (what “suggested” means and how to score it)

Foundations has its own official scorecard (2026). It uses “suggested” options so newer athletes can participate safely.

Two things still matter:

• Reps must meet the listed standard for that version.

• Tiebreak times still must be captured when required.

[Official 26.1 Foundations scorecard PDF]

Teens 14 to 15 and Masters 55 plus (where to verify your version)

Teens and Masters have their own variations. Some loads, target heights, and box heights change by age group.

Use this fast method:

1. Go to the CrossFit Games 26.1 workout page (2026).

2. Select your division in the dropdown.

3. Open your scorecard and confirm ball, target, and box details.

Movement Standards That Decide Your Score (No Rep Proof)

Your goal is simple. Make every rep so clean that the judge cannot hesitate.

Wall ball shots, depth plus target contact

The official 26.1 scorecard (2026) defines two big pieces:

• Depth: Your hip crease must go below the top of your knee at the bottom of the squat.

• Target: The ball must hit the target at the correct height for your division.

Practical “judge eye” cues:

• If your squat looks high, it is high.

• If the ball barely grazes under the line, it is a no rep.

Common No Rep: Squat is one inch high in the last 10 reps.
Quick Fix: Slow down and hit depth first. Speed comes back when the rep is valid.

Box jump overs, what counts as “over”

The scorecard (2026) defines what “over the box” means for 26.1.

Focus on two things:

• You must clearly get from one side to the other.

• Follow the version rules for jumping or stepping.

A lot of people lose reps here because they rush the landing and do not show control.

Common No Rep: Sloppy landing, unclear completion over the top.
Quick Fix: Make your feet placement obvious. Stand tall for a split second if needed.

Medicine ball box step overs, control plus full completion

This movement shows up in the middle of the workout, right when you are tired.

The official scorecard (2026) describes the step over standard for your version.

Judge friendly execution:

• Place the whole foot on the box.

• Control the ball. Do not toss it and chase it.

• Finish the rep on the far side like you mean it.

Common no reps judges actually call (plain English)

These are the usual trouble spots, based on the official standards (2026):

• Wall ball squat depth is not below parallel.

• Wall ball does not hit the target.

• Feet do not complete the box over standard for that version.

• Step overs look rushed, incomplete, or uncontrolled.

If you want a valid score, make the “boring reps” your default.

Tiebreak Rules (How to Record It Correctly)

When the judge takes a tiebreak time (box segments)

The official CrossFit Games workout page for 26.1 (2026) explains tiebreak capture tied to the box sets.

Your judge should record a tiebreak time each time you complete the specified box segment, as defined in the official notes.

Which tiebreak counts (the last completed box set)

Only one tiebreak matters when you submit:

• Your last completed box segment tiebreak time.

This is spelled out in the official workout notes (2026).

If you finish under the cap, do you still need tiebreak?

In most cases, your total time is your score if you finish. Still, record tiebreaks anyway.

Why?

• It protects you if there is a scoring dispute.

• It is part of proper judging workflow for this workout.

Follow the official guidance on the workout page (2026).

Example scoring scenarios (finish vs time cap)

Setup & Safety (Lane Plan, Box Distance, Smooth Transitions)

The minimum layout requirement (box distance from wall ball station)

The official workout page (2026) notes a spacing requirement. It says the box should be at least 10 feet from the wall ball station.

That matters for safety and clarity on video.

Floor plan checklist (where everything goes)

Use this simple lane plan:

• Put the wall ball target on a clear wall.

• Mark your wall ball line on the floor.

• Place the box at least 10 feet away.

• Keep the medicine ball in the same spot every set.

• Keep your judge in a stable viewing angle.

If you are filming, set the camera where it captures:

• Squat depth

• Target contact

• Box completion

• The clock when possible

Efficiency setup (chalk, ball staging, target check)

My go to setup rule:

• No surprises after 3 2 1 go.

Do a quick test:

• Throw 3 wall balls to confirm height.

• Do 2 controlled jump overs to confirm footing.

• Do 2 step overs with the ball to confirm balance.

This is how you avoid wasting 30 seconds fixing gear mid workout.

Submission Window + Deadline (Don’t Miss the Cutoff)

Week 1 submission window (PT + ET conversion)

The official 26.1 scorecard (2026) lists the Week 1 window:

• Opens: Thursday, Feb 26 at 12 p.m. PT

• Closes: Monday, March 2 at 5 p.m. PT

The official CrossFit Games announcement (2026) also notes the close time as 8 p.m. ET for Eastern.

Set a reminder. Submit early. Do not wait for the last hour.

What to submit (score + tiebreak fields)

You will submit:

• Your score (time if finished, or reps if capped)

• Your tiebreak time as required by the workout rules

• Any required verification details in your dashboard

Use the official scorecard and workout page (2026) as your checklist.

When video is required (affiliate vs non affiliate scenario)

The CrossFit Games article “I Signed Up for the CrossFit Open. Now What?” (2025) explains score submission basics and when video is needed for certain situations outside an affiliate.

If you are not sure, treat video like insurance:

• Film it clean.

• Keep it uncut.

• Make the standards obvious.

[CrossFit Games “Now What?” submission article]

The Judge Ready Compliance Checklist (Copy Paste)

Use this as your “valid score” script.

Before you start (equipment + camera + judge brief)

• Confirm your exact division version on the official 26.1 workout page (2026)

• Confirm ball weight, target height, box height from the official scorecard (2026)

• Measure box placement, at least 10 feet from the wall ball station (official note, 2026)

• Test the target with 3 wall balls

• Brief your judge:

  • What counts as a no rep for wall balls

  • What counts as a completed box rep for your version

  • When to record tiebreak times

• If filming:

  • Check lighting

  • Check full body angle

  • Check the target is visible

During the workout (counting + tiebreak capture moments)

• Judge counts wall balls out loud

• Judge confirms depth and target contact

• Judge watches every box rep for clear completion

• Judge records tiebreak times at the required box segments per official notes (2026)

• Athlete keeps transitions simple:

  • Walk to the box

  • Breathe

  • Go again

After the workout (score entry + verification + save proof)

• Write down:

  • Final score

  • Final tiebreak time

  • Any notes about no reps or repeats

• Enter score in your CrossFit Games dashboard before the deadline (2026)

• Save the workout:

  • Screenshot confirmation

  • Save video if you recorded it

If anything feels off, repeat the workout later in the window. Do not “hope it passes.”

Smart Pacing (Without Guessing Your Fitness Level)

This is a rules first workout. A clean pace beats a reckless pace.

The one mistake that blows up 26.1 (pacing vs no reps)

The most common failure pattern:

• Start too hot on wall balls

• Legs flood

• Box reps get sloppy

• No reps pile up

• Score stalls

Fix it with one rule:

• Do not earn a no rep to save one second.

How to choose singles vs sets on wall balls

Use a simple decision tree:

1. If you can hold depth and hit the target every rep, do sets.

2. If depth starts creeping high, switch to quick singles.

3. If your breathing spikes, slow the cycle rate, not the standard.

You are not trying to impress anyone in the first 2 minutes. You are trying to post a score that counts.

Transition rules that protect your legs (box segments)

Keep transitions boring:

• Step down under control when tired.

• Face the box the same way every time.

• On step overs, place the foot fully, then move the ball with you.

The goal is repeatable movement, not highlight reel movement.

FAQs

What is the CrossFit Open 26.1 workout?

It is a for time workout with wall balls, box jump overs, and medicine ball box step overs, under a 12 minute cap, per the official scorecard (2026).

What is the time cap for 26.1?

The official 26.1 scorecard (2026) lists a 12 minute time cap.

How does the 26.1 tiebreak work?

The official workout page (2026) explains that tiebreak times are recorded at required points tied to box segments, and the last completed box segment time is used as the tiebreak.

What are the wall ball standards?

The official scorecard (2026) requires squat depth with hip crease below knee and target contact at the correct height for your division.

Can I do 26.1 in Scaled or Foundations?

Yes. Scaled and Foundations options are listed on the official scorecards (2026). Use your division version, not a friend’s.

Do I need to do 26.1 at an affiliate to submit?

Not always, but submission rules and when video applies depend on the official guidance. CrossFit Games explains submission basics in its 2025 “Now What?” article.

When is the deadline to submit in the USA?

The official scorecard (2026) lists Monday, March 2 at 5 p.m. PT. The CrossFit Games announcement (2026) states that is 8 p.m. ET.

What are the most common no reps?

Wall ball depth, wall ball target contact, unclear box completion, and rushed step overs, based on the official standards (2026).

Key takeaways and what to do next

If you want a score that counts, treat crossfit open 26.1 like a compliance test, not a vibe.

• Use the official scorecard to confirm your division specs

• Make every rep obvious, especially wall ball depth and target hits

• Record tiebreaks the way the workout notes require

• Set up safely, including the 10 foot spacing note

• Submit early, before the Monday cutoff

My final pro tip: your best Open score is the one that is clean. A boringly valid performance beats a fast score that gets questioned.

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Imran Ali

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