James Sprague has once again triumphed on a stage filled with the fittest men on the planet, reminding everyone that he is the reigning CrossFit Games champion—a title earned in an edition forever marked by the tragic passing of Lazar Dukic.

The 2025 Wodapalooza presented a fresh opportunity for the young athlete to showcase his physical prowess, and he successfully made the podium in Miami. Sprague demonstrated that he is truly at the peak of fitness, securing a dominant victory against a competitive field that included three-time TYR WZA champion and five-time CrossFit Games medalist Pat Vellner, as well as reigning two-time TYR WZA champion Ricky Garard.

Rounding out the podium were Vellner in second place and 2024 CrossFit Games rookie Austin Hatfield in third.

James Sprague’s Dominant Weekend

James Sprague, crowned the Fittest Man on Earth last August, returned to competition this weekend and proved he’s sharper than ever. His performance showcased a level of consistency and growth that sets him apart in the CrossFit world.

A Strong Start

Sprague kicked off the event with a decisive win in “Two Rounds Too Many” on Thursday. Known for his exceptional endurance, it was no surprise to see him dominate an event that played to his strengths. He carried this momentum into two additional top-two finishes by the end of Day 1, leaving little doubt about his intent to dominate.

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Breaking Barriers on Day 2

The turning point of Sprague’s weekend came during “Worth the Weight,” a demanding weightlifting complex of one clean plus one hang clean. Historically, heavy lifting has been a challenging area for the 6-foot-2 athlete. However, Sprague rose to the occasion, lifting an impressive 345 pounds—good enough for a respectable 14th-place finish in an event that would typically have been damage control for him.

Surpassing Expectations

Sprague continued to defy expectations in Event 5, “Cuban Press,” which emphasized heavy dumbbell bench presses—a movement traditionally difficult for athletes with his taller, long-limbed physique. Despite the odds, he secured another second-place finish, further cementing his versatility.

A Victorious Finale

To cap off an extraordinary weekend, Sprague delivered yet another second-place finish in the final event, “Cortadito 2.0.” This performance not only reinforced his consistency but also solidified his spot at the top of the podium.