Muscle & Fitness logo Muscle & Fitness

  • Workouts

    Workouts

    • Workout Routines
    • Workout Tips
    • Fitness
    • Athlete/Celebrity Workouts
    • Exercise Videos
    Find Exercises Targeting…
    • Abs and Core Exercises
    • Arm Exercises
    • Back Exercises
    • Chest Exercises
    • Leg Exercises
    • Shoulder Exercises
  • Nutrition

    Nutrition

    • Healthy Eating
    • Lose Fat
    • Gain Mass
    • Supplements
    • Performance Nutrition
    Intermittent Fasting window with a clock and healthy foods
    Healthy Eating

    New Study Reveals the Optimal Daily Fasting Window for Maximum Mental Cl...

    Chef cooking with a healthy oil avoiding Palmitic Acid based oils
    Healthy Eating

    Scientists Say This Common Saturated Fat May Increase Diabetes Risk

    Healthy woman drinking her smoothie next to a bowl of fresh fruit and vegetables
    Healthy Eating

    7 Science-Backed Ways to Build a Better Smoothie

    Leucine powder and supplement with chemical formula
    Healthy Eating

    Here's Why Leucine Matters in your Wellness Plan

  • Athletes & Celebrities

    Athletes & Celebrities

    • News
    • Interviews
    • Women
    • Pro Tips
    • Behind-the-Scenes
    • Videos
    Racer William Byron standing on the track
    Interviews

    Why NASCAR's William Byron Chooses to Train for Mobility Over Muscle

    Luke Browning fitness tips
    Pro Tips

    How F1's Luke Browning Stays Fit for His Next Ride

    plantar fasciitis
    Pro Tips

    Jake Blundell Shares His 3-Step Routine That Fixes Plantar Fasciitis

    Leroy Saunders
    News

    MMA and Fitness Coach Dies During HYROX Event in Thailand

  • Features

    Features

    • From our Partners
    • Active Lifestyle
    • M&F: Fit to Serve
    • Gear
    • News
    • Opinion
    Child performing pullups as part of National Wellness Month
    News

    Make the Most of National Wellness Month with Tips From Military Leaders...

    luke-browning-f1-muscle-fitness
    From our Partners

    Top 8 Dopamine Supplements for 2026

    Jordan Brothers
    From our Partners

    Why Personal Coach Jordan Brothers Treats Fitness as Emotional Expressio...

    The 2026 Fit Expo Anaheim ticket information and event news
    From our Partners

    Your Goals. Your Expo. TheFitExpo Anaheim Brings the Fitness Community T...

  • Anti-Aging

    Anti-Aging

    • Functional Medicine
    • Hormone Optimization
    • Recovery
    • Wellness
    Stem Cell Therapy displayed on a screen with medical equipment
    Recovery

    What Questions You Should Be Asking Before Stem Cell Treatment?

    Director of Cornucopia Events Mini Vohra, a celebrity events strategist, Director of Cornucopia Events, British entrepreneur, and former barrister
    Wellness

    Longevity Is the New Luxury: Inside the $100K Biohacking Lifestyle

    Wellness retreat attendees performing yoga at SHA wellness retreat
    Wellness

    Can Your Biomarkers Build A Vacation Itinerary?

    Elderly man placing weights on a barbell
    Wellness

    Strength Training Is the New Anti-Aging Drug

  • Flex

    Flex

    • Olympia Coverage
    • Athletes
    • Nutrition
    • Training
    • Videos
    TMP
    News

    Milos Sarcev talks Hadi Choopan’s 2026 Olympia exit and next move

    Bodybuilder Hadi Choopan withdrawls from the 2026 Olympia competition
    News

    Hadi Choopan Out of 2026 Mr. Olympia

    Bodybuilder Breon Ansley wins the 2026 2026 IFBB Pro Asian Championships
    News

    Breon Ansley Olympia Bound Again After Winning 212 Debut

    2026 Rising Phoenix Winners
    News

    2026 IFBB Rising Pheonix Winners and Results

  • Hers

    Hers

    • Workouts
    • Nutrition
    • Supplements
    • Athletes & Celebrities
    • Features
    Image 1_ avp
    Hers Athletes & Celebrities

    The Real Story Behind Betsi Flint's Incredible Postpartum Comeback

    Jill greyscale
    Hers Athletes & Celebrities

    Built for the Role, Grounded by the Land: Jill Wagner’s Strongest Chapte...

    2013 Women’s Physique Olympia winner Dana Linn Bailey explains the difference between Incline vs. Decline Flyes
    Hers Workouts

    Incline vs. Decline Cable Flyes: Which One Belongs in Your Workout?

    Former Women Olympia winner Erin Stern performing her longevity workout for mobility and healthy aging
    Hers Workouts

    Erin Stern Reveals the 6 Exercises She Uses to Stay Agile, Strong, and I...

  • Olympia

    Olympia

    • Olympia Coverage
    • Buy Tickets
    Caesar Bacarella performing a dumbbell workout with biceps curls
    Pro Tips

    Caesar Bacarella Is Building a Fitness Empire at Full Speed

    Olympia-2019-Whiteny-Jones-Press-Conference
    Interviews

    Whitney Jones Can Break, But Can Never Be Broken

    IFBB Wellness Pro Yarishna Ayala
    Interviews

    Yarishna Ayala Shares Advice for Future Wellness Division Competitors

    2021 Mr. Olympia Top 3 winners Brandon Curry, Big Ramy, Hadi Choopin
    News

    BIG RAMY WINS THE 2021 OLYMPIA!

Subscribe to YouTube Subscribe to the Newsletter Terms of Use Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Accessibility Statement Do Not Sell
  • Workouts
    • Workout Routines
    • Workout Tips
    • Fitness
    • Athlete/Celebrity Workouts
    • Exercise Videos
  • Nutrition
    • Healthy Eating
    • Lose Fat
    • Gain Mass
    • Supplements
    • Performance Nutrition
  • Athletes & Celebrities
    • News
    • Interviews
    • Women
    • Pro Tips
    • Behind-the-Scenes
    • Videos
  • Features
    • From our Partners
    • Active Lifestyle
    • M&F: Fit to Serve
    • Gear
    • News
    • Opinion
  • Anti-Aging
    • Functional Medicine
    • Hormone Optimization
    • Recovery
    • Wellness
  • Flex
    • Olympia Coverage
    • Athletes
    • Nutrition
    • Training
    • Videos
  • Hers
    • Workouts
    • Nutrition
    • Supplements
    • Athletes & Celebrities
    • Features
  • Olympia
    • Olympia Coverage
    • Buy Tickets
  • Resources & Highlights
    • Topics
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Contact
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Accessibility Statement
    • Do Not Sell

Stay Connected

Newsletter Signup

Stay up to date

Sign up below to receive our newest workout routines, recipes, news stories, and offers from our partners

Facebook Twitter Youtube Pinterest
Open menu button
Open search bar button
×

Search M&F

Featured Articles
Lean Muscle
Healthy Eating

28-Days-to-Lean Meal Plan

With the right plan and the right discipline, you can get seriously shredded in just 28 days.

Read article
Glamorous Hollywood actress in a black evening gown posing at a red carpet event, representing one of the hottest female celebrities in Hollywood
Women

The 25 Hottest Female Celebrities

Talented stars, killer physiques.

Read article
Bench press record holder Bill Gillespie breaking the world record at age 62
Pro Tips

The 'Dos' and 'Don’ts' of Bill Gillespie’s Record-Breaking Bench Press

At age 62, "Big Bill" shares his wisdom to dominate one of the ultimate strength marks.

Read article
The 50 Best Female Fitness Influencers on Instagram
Girls

The 50 Best Fitness Influencers on Instagram

Follow these fit women we're crushing on for inspiration, workout ideas, and motivation.

Read article
News

5 Guys to Watch at the CrossFit Games

Check out these guys who are in the running to be named "Fittest Man Alive" at the CrossFit games.

by Joe Wuebben
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
Noah ohlsen
View Gallery

5 Guys to Watch at the CrossFit Games

Close gallery popup button
1 OF 6

1 of 6

Noah ohlsen

CrossFit Games announcer Pat Sherwood breaks down the athletes who figure to have the best shot at winning the “Fittest Man Alive” title in 2016 and otherwise making noise in the Open division.
SEE ALSO: The Ultimate Beginner’s 28-Day CrossFit Workout

2 of 6

Ben smith

BEN SMITH (DEFENDING CHAMPION)

AGE: 26
HEIGHT: 5’11”
WEIGHT: 195 lbs
AFFILIATE: CrossFit Krypton (Virginia)
“Smith has been to the Games seven times, which is ridiculous,” says Sherwood. “He’s been on the podium multiple times, he’s still very young, and, quite frankly, he can do anything. I struggle to think of somebody who would be a monkey wrench for him. That’s why he won last year. He’s one of the most well-rounded people out there. He’s just a little android.”

3 of 6

Mat fraser

MAT FRASER

AGE: 26HEIGHT: 5’7″WEIGHT: 190 lbsAFFILIATE: Champlain Valley CrossFit (Vermont)“He’s been to the Games only twice, but both times he’s been on the podium. He’s a former Olympic lifter and one of the biggest threats to win at any time. He can win the whole thing.”SEE ALSO: 7 CrossFit Moves For a Better Physique

4 of 6

5 Guys to Watch at the CrossFit Games

SCOTT PANCHIK

AGE: 28HEIGHT: 5’9″WEIGHT: 187 lbsAFFILIATE: CrossFit Mentality (Ohio)“He injured himself on the first event last year and could barely walk and literally limped through the rest of the Games and was still able to take sixth place. He’s an absolute animal.”

5 of 6

Noah ohlsen

NOAH OHLSEN

AGE: 25
HEIGHT: 5’7″
WEIGHT: 188 lbs
AFFILIATE: Peak 360 CrossFit (Florida)
“There’s a lot of hype and chatter about this being a young kid who could stand on the podium. He won his regional in 2014 and 2015. If somebody is on a hot streak, it’s Ohlsen.”
SEE ALSO: CrossFit Workouts: The Murph

6 of 6

Dan bailey

DAN BAILEY

AGE: 32
HEIGHT: 5’7″
WEIGHT: 180 lbs
AFFILIATE: CrossFit Faith (California)
“He’s been to the Games five times and has been in the top 10 every time. He finished fourth in 2015 and also won his region, which is a hell of an accomplishment. He’s been so consistent.”

Back to intro

CrossFit Games announcer Pat Sherwood breaks down the athletes who figure to have the best shot at winning the “Fittest Man Alive” title in 2016 and otherwise making noise in the Open division.

SEE ALSO: The Ultimate Beginner’s 28-Day CrossFit Workout

BEN SMITH (DEFENDING CHAMPION)

AGE: 26

HEIGHT: 5’11”

WEIGHT: 195 lbs

AFFILIATE: CrossFit Krypton (Virginia)

“Smith has been to the Games seven times, which is ridiculous,” says Sherwood. “He’s been on the podium multiple times, he’s still very young, and, quite frankly, he can do anything. I struggle to think of somebody who would be a monkey wrench for him. That’s why he won last year. He’s one of the most well-rounded people out there. He’s just a little android.”

MAT FRASER

AGE: 26

HEIGHT: 5’7″

WEIGHT: 190 lbs

AFFILIATE: Champlain Valley CrossFit (Vermont)

“He’s been to the Games only twice, but both times he’s been on the podium. He’s a former Olympic lifter and one of the biggest threats to win at any time. He can win the whole thing.”

SEE ALSO: 7 CrossFit Moves For a Better Physique

SCOTT PANCHIK

AGE: 28

HEIGHT: 5’9″

WEIGHT: 187 lbs

AFFILIATE: CrossFit Mentality (Ohio)

“He injured himself on the first event last year and could barely walk and literally limped through the rest of the Games and was still able to take sixth place. He’s an absolute animal.”

NOAH OHLSEN

AGE: 25

HEIGHT: 5’7″

WEIGHT: 188 lbs

AFFILIATE: Peak 360 CrossFit (Florida)

“There’s a lot of hype and chatter about this being a young kid who could stand on the podium. He won his regional in 2014 and 2015. If somebody is on a hot streak, it’s Ohlsen.”

SEE ALSO: CrossFit Workouts: The Murph

DAN BAILEY

AGE: 32

HEIGHT: 5’7″

WEIGHT: 180 lbs

AFFILIATE: CrossFit Faith (California)

“He’s been to the Games five times and has been in the top 10 every time. He finished fourth in 2015 and also won his region, which is a hell of an accomplishment. He’s been so consistent.”

Topics:
  • CrossFit
  • Inspiration
  • Sports
Author picture
Written by Joe Wuebben
Also by Joe Wuebben
Kyle Troup winning the 2022 Professional Bowlers Association Tour Finals
Pro Tips

Superstar Bowler Kyle Troup Went From Alley Rat to Gym Rat

Rob Wilkins chief liaison between the Council and the Armed Forces
News

Rob Wilkins is Strengthening National Security Through Fitness

Newsletter Signup

Stay up to date

Sign up below to receive our newest workout routines, recipes, news stories, and offers from our partners

Muscle & Fitness logo

Follow us

Facebook Twitter Youtube Pinterest

More news

Leroy Saunders
News

MMA and Fitness Coach Dies During HYROX Event in Thailand

Leroy Saunders was a highly regarded strength and conditioning expert.

Read article
Wrestler Will Ospreay prepares for in upcoming match at WWE's All In
News

AEW's Will Ospreay Shares His Hardest Battles Out of the Ring

The title contender learned about body and mind to challenge for the belt at this weekend's “All In."

Read article
Guinness world record holder Lilian Zamora
News

Lilian Zamora Sets Guinness World Record With Massive 639-Pound Hip Thrust

The Cuban-born trainer shatters the mark and raises the bar for glute strength.

Read article
All News
  1. Home
  2. /
  3. Athletes & Celebrities
  4. /
  5. News
  6. /
  7. 5 Guys to Watch at the CrossFit Games
Muscle & Fitness logo
  • Workouts
  • Nutrition
  • Athletes & Celebrities
  • Features
  • Recipes
  • Topics
  • Videos
  • Exercise Videos
  • Podcasts
  • RSS Feed
  • Buy Olympia Tickets
  • Archives
  • Sitemap
Facebook Twitter Youtube Pinterest

Newsletter Signup

Stay up to date

Sign up below to receive our newest workout routines, recipes, news stories, and offers from our partners

JW Media, LLC

Copyright 2026 JW Media, LLC, parent company of Muscle & Fitness. All rights reserved.

Contact Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Do Not Sell Accessibility Statement