The 2015 Reebok CrossFit Games are almost upon us, and that means the fittest Woman, Man & Team on Earth will be crowned next week. The hype behind this year's Games is the move many top individuals made to the Team division. This has not only raised the level of competition between Teams, but it's also shaken up the Individual divisions.
After taking a long look at the performance of all Games Athletes, we've picked who we think will be standing on the podium in Carson.
First the ladies...
Women:
1. Kara Webb
This year the title of Fittest Woman on Earth will go international once again. Aussie Kara Webb will be at the top of the podium standing tall and proud after a grueling week of competition. Webb's performance at the 2014 Games had her on pace for a podium finish, but an injury forced her out of competition on the last day. Using this setback as motivation, Webb has come back even stronger in 2015. No other individual athlete dominated their Region like her, and she'll ride that momentum into Carson on her way to victory.
2. Camille Leblanc-Bazinet
Defending champ Camille Leblanc-Bazinet will have another strong Games performance this year earning her a 2nd place finish. Repeating as champ is extremely hard to do, and with a tougher field to compete against Camille will drop down one place.
3. Annie Thorisdottir
Fan favorite and 2x CrossFit Games winner Iceland Annie will give the crowd a lot to cheer about this year. Thorisdottir always saves her best for the biggest stage so you can expect her to peak during the Games on her way to a record fifth podium finish.
Men:
1. Mat Fraser
For the first time in 4 years someone not named Rich Froning will be crowned the Fittest Man on Earth. Fraser, the 2nd place finisher from the 2014 Games will be that man. In just 2 years of competing in CrossFit, Mat Fraser has emerged as the heir apparent to Froning. With his Olympic Weightlifting background making him one of the strongest competitors in the field, Fraser has worked hard on improving his volume and gymnastics. All this extra work will pay off when he takes the top spot in Carson.
2. Scott Panchik
Panchik has been one of the most consistent Games athletes the past few years with solid performances and multiple podium finishes. With very little weaknesses Panchik will power through Games week on his way to a 2nd place finish.
3. Dan Bailey
Dan "Danimal" Bailey will take his first ever podium spot when he finishes 3rd this year at the Games. Bailey has never looked stronger or healthier than he has this year, and he'll come out swinging hard from the first workout to the last.
Team:
1. NorCal CrossFit
Depth. That's the best way to describe Team NorCal CrossFit. Captained by former CrossFit Games winner and all around beast Jason Khalipa, NorCal CrossFit will use their deep and strong roster to fight their way to their first ever win at the CrossFit Games. With their experience from last years Games and the addition of superstar Khalipa, NorCal CrossFit will be extremely hard to beat.
2. CrossFit Mayhem Freedom
This year will be the first time since 2010 that Rich Froning will not be standing on top of the podium. In deciding to go team Froning will lead a very strong Team CrossFit Mayhem Freedom to a 2nd place finish. Despite having arguably the Fittest Man Ever on the team, lack of Games experience and a tough field will keep them from taking the top spot; but it will be close!
3. Hack's Pack Ute
Hack's Pack is back! 2x Team winners Hack's Pack Ute will capture their 3rd podium finish in 3 years. As the originators of the All-Star team concept, Hack's Pack is sure to perform well using their experience to take 3rd.
