More Than Hybrid. Built For Both. Dare To Be Different.
More than hybrid.
How well can you move under load, under fatigue, under a barbell?
APEX Challenge 5 is built different. Designed for the athletes who like Olympic lifts, gymnastics and barbell cycling at competitions.
The format: Every team competes in 3 events on the same day, on the same floor, against the same standards. The top 5 teams advance to a fourth and final event. One day. One floor. One team standing.
3 Events + Finals
Every team competes in all three events on event day. The top 5 teams on the cumulative leaderboard advance to the final.
Nothing to Lose
Expect the machine. A pure engine test — rowers, bikes, ski. No tricks, no barbell, just output. Set the tone and stack early points before the floor gets technical.
Everything to Gain
Barbell on the floor. Heavy load, sharp standards. Snatch, clean, front squat — where CrossFit athletes separate themselves from hybrids. Movement quality is scored.
Ready to Die
Mixed modal. Long, brutal, redline. Rope climbs, chest-to-bar, wall walks, kipping HSPU. Everything you have on the floor — leave it there.
Life After Death
Only the top four teams from the three qualifying events advance. A new test, fresh standards, raised stakes — the final event decides the champion. Earn it on the floor.
Meet your Head of Programming.
Fresh from the REBEL Renegade Games 2026, Mike brings 10 years of competing and 10 years of coaching to the APEX floor. A 6x Semifinals qualifier and CrossFit Games Team athlete, he holds a BSc (Hons) in Sport Science & Injury Rehabilitation — and carries the kind of knowledge that only comes from living the sport at the highest level.
Through MVT Coaching, Mike has helped athletes across the full spectrum — from beginners finding their feet to competitors chasing Semifinals — with individualized programming built on real sport science, not templates.
That energy is behind every workout at APEX Challenge 5. Programmed to challenge you. Designed to reveal what you're made of.
Teams of four. MMFF
TEAMS
Intermediate (RX) and Scaled division for athletes ready to compete at the highest standard. Every team is composed of three athletes — MMFF (two male, two female).
Know what's on the floor
A preview of the movements you should expect across the three qualifying events and the final. Train the list. Show up ready.
The movements below will be scaled — same movement, scaled version (lighter weights or an easier variation). Beginner and casual athletes are welcome to compete. Cash prizes for RX only but the podium + Medals remain for both divisions
Movement standards may evolve based on field strength. Final movement list locks 72 hours before event day.
| Movement | Expect it? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Weights | Yes | 50/35lb dumbbells ; 24/16kg kettlebells |
| Rope Climbs | Yes | Legless not required. Standard 15ft rope. |
| Handstand Push-Ups | Yes | Kipping allowed. Strict not required. |
| Wall Walks | Yes | Full range — chest and thighs touch the wall. |
| Snatch · Clean · Front Squat | Yes | Loaded barbell work. Power or squat variation announced on event day. |
| Chest-to-Bar Pull-Ups | Yes | Chest must make contact below the collarbone. |
| Toes-to-Bar | Yes | Both feet make simultaneous contact with the bar between the hands. |
| Overhead Walking Lunges | Yes | Loaded barbell or kettlebells overhead. Locked-out arms required. |
| Worm & Sandbags | Yes | Team carries, cleans, and over-shoulder work. Coordination wins. 100kg Woms. |
| Muscle-Ups | No | Not programmed |
| Handstand Walks | No | Not programmed |
Cash on the line. AED 7,000
Everything you need to know.
Questions? Answers.
Who can compete?
APEX Challenge 5 is open to all teams. Scaled options are available so any athlete can compete — but the cash prizes and bragging rights belong to the RX division. Every team is made up of three athletes (MMFF — two male, two female).
Are there scaled options for beginners?
Yes. Every workout has a scaled version — the same movement, made more accessible with a lighter weights or an easier variation. New and casual CrossFitters are welcome to register and compete. Just note that the cash prizes and the podium are reserved for the RX division.
What does AED 1000 cover?
Entry for the entire team of three athletes. Includes competition floor access, event programming, judges, and event-day logistics at Levelup Gym, Dubai.
How do the finals work?
After three programmed events, the top five teams on the cumulative leaderboard advance to a fourth and final event. New test, raised stakes — the final decides the champion.
Will the workouts be released in advance?
Yes.
What if a teammate drops out?
You may substitute a teammate up to the day of the event.
Is the venue spectator-friendly?
Yes — Levelup Gym in Dubai is set up with full spectator access on event day. Bring your support crew.
Highlights from past APEX Challenges
Don't watch.
Compete.
Spots are limited. Once teams are full, registration closes. Lock in your three before someone else does.
Reserve Your Team Spot