NorCal Classic opens online qualifier with six elite tests

Organizers launched the Northern California Classic online qualifier and opened athlete video submissions through January 25, 2026, setting the path for spots across divisions and semifinal invitations. The online slate for elite individuals consists of six distinct tests designed to tax strength, skill, grip, and aerobic capacity, with division-specific weights and standards.

The six elite tests are compact but varied. E1 is a barbell chipper that strings snatches, cleans, deadlifts and bar-facing burpees together under a 15-minute cap. E2 asks athletes to build over five minutes to a one-rep-max shoulder-to-overhead. E3 stretches into an AMRAP-style sequence pairing front squats and ring muscle-ups inside a running-clock structure that ranges from 12 to 18 minutes depending on division. E4 is a short, high-volume grip and conditioning test featuring pull-ups and traveling double-unders with a nine-minute cap. E5 is the longest challenge: a 35-minute endurance chipper mixing calorie rows, toes-to-bar and box jump overs. E6 finishes the slate with a 12-minute test combining a burpee shuttle, double-dumbbell walking lunges, wall balls and bodyweight accessory movements.

Athletes register and submit video scores through Competition Corner; the submission window closes January 25. Organizers will review submitted videos during a scheduled review window and will issue semifinal invitations at the end of February. The top 35 elite individual finishers from the online qualifier will advance to the NorCal Classic semifinal, which is scheduled for late May at Discovery Park in Sacramento. Semifinal podium spots carry prize money and qualification rewards for elite finishers.

For athletes and coaches this calendar creates a clear timeline: finalize attempts, plan filming, and enter scores before the deadline if you want a shot at the semifinal. The mix of tests rewards well-rounded programming—athletes who can switch between heavy single-effort lifts, gymnastic sets, and long chippers will be favored. Because weights and details differ by division, pick your scaling and strategy early so you can peaking workouts and technical practice line up with the specific demands of each test.

Our two cents? Treat the online window like a one-shot meet: rehearse transitions, lock a few clean attempts, and film everything with clear angles so judges can see range of motion. If you’re eyeing Sacramento, book travel early and plan recovery after a possible 35-minute grinder—this slate separates power athletes from the grinders, and the right game plan wins more than just points.