New Zealand Championship (NZ Champs) FINALS 2026

WELCOME TO THE 2026 NEW ZEALAND CHAMPIONSHIP

The New Zealand Championship returns to Claudelands Arena in 2026 for three days of elite competition, community celebration, and world-class fitness action.

As a CrossFit Licensed Event and a cornerstone of the Championship Event Series, NZ Champs has become one of the premier fitness competitions in Oceania, bringing together the region’s top athletes, teams, adaptive competitors, and fitness communities under one roof.

From emerging athletes chasing their first major competition experience to seasoned competitors pursuing championship titles, the New Zealand Championship provides a pathway for athletes at every level to test themselves on the competition floor.

Whether you’re competing, volunteering, supporting friends and family, or simply coming to experience the atmosphere, NZ Champs delivers an unforgettable weekend of fitness, community, and competition.

PROJECT 1 MAKES ITS NEW ZEALAND DEBUT

For the first time ever, PROJECT 1 (P1) arrives in New Zealand as part of the 2026 New Zealand Championship weekend.

Designed for athletes who thrive on endurance, strength, grit, and determination, PROJECT 1 combines running with functional fitness challenges to create a race experience unlike any other.

Following its introduction to the Oceania Championship in May, PROJECT 1 now brings Hybrid Fitness Racing to New Zealand, providing athletes with the opportunity to compete in one of the fastest-growing formats in fitness.

PROJECT 1 features:

• Solo Divisions
• Mixed Pairs
• Same-Sex Pairs

Athletes will tackle a challenging race format designed to test:

• Aerobic Capacity
• Functional Strength
• Muscular Endurance
• Work Capacity
• Mental Toughness
• Race Strategy

Throughout the weekend, PROJECT 1 athletes will race alongside the New Zealand Championship competition, creating a unique festival atmosphere that showcases multiple disciplines of fitness under one roof.

Whether you’re chasing a podium finish, a personal best, or simply looking for your next challenge, PROJECT 1 provides a professional race experience for athletes of all levels.

Be part of history as PROJECT 1 launches in New Zealand for the very first time.


THE ROAD TO NZ CHAMPS

The journey to the competition floor begins with the 2026 Online Qualifiers hosted on Competition Corner.

Athletes will complete a series of tests designed to challenge:

• Strength
• Skill
• Fitness
• Work Capacity
• Resilience
• Strategy Under Pressure

All performances are judged, validated, and ranked on the official leaderboard, with the top athletes in each division earning their invitation to compete live at Claudelands Arena.

CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISIONS

The New Zealand Championship showcases competition opportunities across a wide range of divisions, including:

• Elite
• Intermediate
• Scaled
• Masters
• Teens
• Adaptive
• Teams

The event continues to raise the standard for inclusive, high-performance competition while creating opportunities for athletes across all stages of their competitive journey.

As an official CrossFit Licensed Event, all athletes advancing to the live competition must hold an active CrossFit.com account.

PROJECT 1 (P1) DIVISIONS

• Solo
• Mixed Pairs
• Same-Sex Pairs

PROJECT 1 is designed for athletes of all levels, from first-time hybrid racers through to experienced competitors looking to test themselves in a professionally delivered race environment.

FRIDAY

Friday marks the official opening of the 2026 New Zealand Championship and proudly supports Daffodil Day and the Cancer Society of New Zealand.

Friday includes:

• Athlete Check-In
• Athlete Briefing
• Opening Ceremony
• Championship Competition Events
• P1 Races
• Vendor Village
• Community Activations

SATURDAY

Saturday showcases a full day of competition across multiple divisions, with athletes battling for crucial leaderboard positions and a place in the finals.

The day features:

• Championship Competition Events
• P1 Races
• Vendor Village
• Sponsor Activations
• Community Experiences

Fans can expect fast-paced action, incredible performances, and some of the most exciting moments of the weekend.

SUNDAY – FINALS DAY

Sunday brings the highest level of competition as athletes fight for championship titles and podium finishes.

The day includes:

• Championship Finals
• P1 Races
• Podium Ceremonies
• Championship Crowning Moments
• Athlete Celebrations

Every rep, every second, and every decision leads to this moment.

LIVE STREAM & MEDIA

The New Zealand Championship will be professionally live streamed throughout the weekend, allowing supporters from around New Zealand and around the world to follow the action live.

Coverage includes:

• Professional Commentary
• Leaderboards
• Heat Coverage
• Finals Coverage

ATHLETE EXPERIENCE

The New Zealand Championship is designed to deliver a premium athlete experience from start to finish.

ATHLETES CAN EXPECT

• Professional Competition Floor
• World-Class Equipment
• Dedicated Warm-Up Areas
• Athlete Recovery Zones
• Live Leaderboards
• Vendor Village
• Premium Event Production
• Athlete Services & Support
• Community-Focused Atmosphere

Our goal is simple: provide every athlete with an experience worthy of a championship event.

Whether your goal is to stand on the podium, qualify through the ranks, or simply test yourself against the best, NZ Champs provides the stage.

PROUDLY PARTNERED WITH PRVN

The New Zealand Championship is proudly partnered with PRVN for the 2026 season.

Together, we continue to support athlete development, competitive excellence, and the growth of fitness throughout New Zealand and Oceania.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Limited athlete capacity across all divisions
• Qualification required for championship divisions
• Final event schedule released closer to competition weekend
• Athletes competing at NZ Champs must hold an active CrossFit.com account
• Event details, standards, and updates will be communicated through official channels

OUR FINAL MESSAGE

The New Zealand Championship is more than a competition.

It is a celebration of hard work, resilience, community, and the pursuit of excellence.

Three days.
Hundreds of athletes.
One championship.

August 28–30, 2026.

Welcome to the 2026 New Zealand Championship.