Earlier in October, BarBend analyzed the first three years of CrossFit programming for the 2022 Rogue Invitational in an attempt to best predict what we might expect for the 2022 version of the test.
As of October 27, Rogue has announced a majority of the workouts, and while we were on the money with some of the predictions, there are also some exciting new elements embedded into this year’s programming for the offseason showcase event.
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Editor’s note: This article is an op-ed. The views expressed herein and in the video are the author’s and don’t necessarily reflect the views of BarBend. Claims, assertions, opinions, and quotes have been sourced exclusively by the author.
What’s the Same?
Here’s a look at four aspects of the Rogue Invitational that have remained throughout the last three years.
Double Dip on Down-and-Back Chipper
There are two down-and-back chippers so far already this year: Event Two, “Ski Bar”, and Event Five, “The Turtle.” There was one in 2019, one in 2020, and two in 2021. With two down-and-back chippers in 2022, Rogue’s average for this event type is now two per year.
It Pays to Be Strong
Through the first three years of the Rogue Invitational, there have been five lifting-only tests and zero gymnastics-only tests. Enter the “Texas Oak,” a one-rep max log lift, to continue that tradition.
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Although two tests remain unknown, it seems likelier that Rogue will continue to skip over single modality gymnastic tests tradition of no single-modality gymnastics tests will also continue.
Rounds and Rounds for Time
“DT with a Spin”, “Snatch and Press” and “The Goblet” fit the mold of ‘rounds for time’ style programming Rogue loves to incorporate. Snatch and Press in 2019 was the only workout of this style.
In 2020, there was a buy-in of double-unders before a two-rounds-for-time workout in Event Three, and in 2021 there was a four-rounds-for-time workout. So while we were expecting at least one event like this, three is more than anticipated.
A Repeat Treat
In 2021, Rogue programmed their first repeat workout with “The Mule.” The Mule first showed up in 2019, and made its second appearance in 2021. Another 2019 workout, “Snatch and Press” is in line for a repeat as it appears in the 2022 programming as Event Eight.
It’s starting to seem like repeat workouts could be a tradition Rogue draws upon for years going forward; they certainly have plenty of events looking backward which would be fun to repeat. Cyclone or Echo Burner in 2023, anyone?
What’s New?
Not everything is as expected this year at Rogue. There are some new additions to the CrossFit programming that are sure to excite spectators and athletes alike.
New Toys
One of the most predictable things about the Rogue Invitational is that there will almost always be new implements in play. After all, Rogue is a leading equipment manufacturer in the strength sports space.
- Monkey Bars: Most well known for their appearance at the 2013 CrossFit Games in the iconic “Killer Kage” workout. However, monkey bars were also used in both 2017 and 2018 at the Games as part of the “O Course” and “Battleground” events.
- The Turtle (Bag): This is almost definitely a brand new ‘bag’ Rogue has come up with for this event. It falls in the long line of Rogue created objects to be named after animals (the Worm, the Pig, the Snail, the Slug, the Alpaca, etc.). Since they will be pulling it up a hill, and presumably Rogue wants that to be difficult, we’re imagining dragging a turtle by its small appendages while it’s flipped on its back.
- The Goblet(?): There’s a question mark here because there’s no guarantee that a new implement called ‘the Goblet’ will actually appear. This name could be in reference to the goblet squat. It’s very possible this is just a kettlebell, but could it just as likely be something new, perhaps that also looks like a goblet. If that’s the case, maybe they have to hold it a certain way that could interfere with the grip required for ring muscle-ups.
Four Days, 10 Scored Events
The most days of competition Rogue has had in the past is three. The most scored events Rogue had ever had before is eight. This year, competitors will see an 25-percent increase in the number of competition days and a 20-percent increase in the total number of opportunities athletes have to earn points.
It’s fairly rare to have a four-day, 10-event competition in the offseason. The Dubai Fitness Championship was known for being robust, but has since tapered it back to about this quantity in recent years. Last season (2021), both Dubai and Wodapalooza had nine scored events. With such a prestigious field, and so much money available, this makes sense. But given Rogue’s history, the increase was still unexpected.
Back Squatting for Reps
In the past, the back squat in competition typically has been associated with The CrossFit Total. It’s unusual to have this heavy of a load for reps. Back in the 2013 CrossFit Games, there were 15 reps of deadlifts programmed at 405 pounds for men and 265 for women.
Fast forward to 2022, and we have a workout with the same weight (for the men) and same number of reps, only the athletes have to back squat it (and it’s 275, not 265, for the women).
Don’t Miss the 2022 Rogue Invitational
The 2022 Rogue Invitational was originally slated to run between Oct. 28-30. The week of the Invitational, it was publicly announced that the contest would include its first CrossFit event, “Texas Trail,” on Oct. 27. The long weekend also features an elite strongman competition, which will span six events over Oct. 28 and 29.
You can tune into the Rogue Invitational livestream through the Rogue Fitness YouTube channel. If you can’t catch the action live, you can monitor the up-to-date coverage here at BarBend.
Featured Image: @rogueinvitational / Instagram
