Jayson Hopper Withdraws From Mayhem Classic

2025 CrossFit Games champion cites groin injury as reason for late pullout

Apr. 15, 2026 at 9:05pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a CrossFit athlete in mid-lift, with their body fractured into overlapping planes of navy, green, and orange, conveying the competitive intensity and unpredictability of the Mayhem Classic event.The withdrawal of reigning CrossFit champion Jayson Hopper from the Mayhem Classic opens the door for new contenders to earn a spot at the 2026 Games.Del Mar Today

Jayson Hopper, the reigning CrossFit Games champion, has withdrawn from this weekend's Mayhem Classic competition just two days before the event. Hopper cited a nagging groin injury as the reason for his late withdrawal, with his focus now shifting to being fully healed for the upcoming Syndicate Crown event in late May.

Why it matters

Hopper's withdrawal is a significant development in the CrossFit competition calendar, as the Mayhem Classic was expected to be a key qualifying event for the 2026 CrossFit Games. His absence leaves the door open for other top athletes like Jeff Adler, Austin Hatfield, Colten Mertens, and Roman Khrennikov to potentially earn one of the three qualifying spots.

The details

Hopper informed organizers of the Mayhem Classic on Thursday that he would not be able to compete this weekend due to a groin injury that he has been dealing with recently. The 2025 CrossFit Games champion now plans to focus on recovering in time for the Syndicate Crown event on the last weekend of May, which will be another crucial qualifier for the 2026 Games.

  • Hopper withdrew from the Mayhem Classic on April 13, 2026, just two days before the competition was set to begin.
  • The Mayhem Classic is scheduled for April 15-17, 2026.
  • The Syndicate Crown event that Hopper is now targeting is scheduled for the last weekend of May 2026.

The players

Jayson Hopper

The reigning 2025 CrossFit Games champion, who has now withdrawn from the Mayhem Classic due to a groin injury.

Jeff Adler

A top CrossFit athlete who is now one of the favorites to qualify for the 2026 CrossFit Games out of the Mayhem Classic.

Austin Hatfield

A top CrossFit athlete who is now one of the favorites to qualify for the 2026 CrossFit Games out of the Mayhem Classic.

Colten Mertens

A top CrossFit athlete who is now one of the favorites to qualify for the 2026 CrossFit Games out of the Mayhem Classic.

Roman Khrennikov

A top CrossFit athlete who is now one of the favorites to qualify for the 2026 CrossFit Games out of the Mayhem Classic.

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What they’re saying

“I'm disappointed to have to withdraw from the Mayhem Classic, but my health has to be the priority right now. I'm focused on getting fully healthy so I can be at my best for the Syndicate Crown in May.”

— Jayson Hopper

What’s next

With Hopper out, the competition at the Mayhem Classic this weekend will be fierce as athletes vie for the three qualifying spots for the 2026 CrossFit Games.

The takeaway

Hopper's late withdrawal from the Mayhem Classic highlights the unpredictable nature of elite-level CrossFit competition, where injuries can derail even the best athletes' plans. His absence opens up the field and creates an opportunity for other top competitors to secure their spot at the 2026 CrossFit Games.