That's right, people! The world famous Fran-Off is back with brand new levels of awesomeness. What's a Fran-Off? Teams of two compete head-to-head in a double elimination tournament for winner-take-all prize money. "How much?", you ask. $1,000. That's right. 1k, a grand, a "G." Paid-in-full to the winner.

When is the last time you had the chance to win $1000 just for working out? This is a one day tournament that will require a team of two to fight their way through a minimum of 16 teams while feeling the satisfaction of domination and becoming 1 grand richer.

There are no rules as to which team member has to perform the movements or how to divide the work. One team member can do every Fran solo if they choose. Strategy is open and left to teams to choose what's best for them.

You don't have to have the fastest time. You just have to beat the team against whom you are matched to move on. You win your match-up...you win.

Teams will be chosen randomly in a drawing held before the first round. The teams will remain the same for the duration of the tournament. This causes the stronger participants to redline it while trying to keep their team in contention, and weaker participants to go harder than they would normally (as they try not to let the team down).

Open to men and women who can meet the Rx'd standards. And just for the record, a mixed team won the last Fran-Off in convincing fashion.

Simple enough...so STFU and sign up. $1000 cash money - American!

Rules

Fran:
21-15-9
Thrusters (95 lbs for men and 65 pounds for women) and pull ups.
Pull ups must be CHEST-TO-BAR. (Chest must touch bar for rep to count)

Teams will be randomly selected in a drawing right before the first round.

All potential participants will be required to demonstrate a minimum standard of five consecutive chest-to-bar pull ups to participate.

Every team will compete at least twice before they are eliminated.

For thrusters, there will be two bars per team - one set up for men's and one for women's weight, as needed.

Teams must do pull ups on same bar.

There are no minimum or maximum required reps per team member during Fran. One team member can choose to do the whole thing.

Standards will be reviewed before tournament. Head judge ruling is final on all disputes.

If your teammate is injured or cannot continue, a new teammate will be randomly drawn from previously eliminated players.

Entry fee is $45 and must be paid in single $1 bills.

Thanks to Tom Campitelli for the use of his pictures on this site.

Please feel free to ask your own questions in the comments section of this blog post.


Q: Why Fran?
A: It's simple to explain and moves quickly enough, so that a team can do multiple wods in a day.

Q: What's up with the random team thing?
A: In the last tournament it seemed to balance out all the teams nicely, and made everyone push themselves hard.

Q: Balance how?
A: The fittest two people will win, guaranteed.

Q: But I really want to pick my own team.
A: Dude, let it go!

Q: How will the $1,000 be paid?
A: Cash. $1,000 in $1 bills.

Q: If I win can I make it rain?
A: It's required.

Q: What if I don't like my teammate?
A: Hug it out.

Q: What does 2nd and 3rd place get?
A: Laughed at.

Q: What if my team has the slowest Fran time?
A: Irrelevant. You just have to win your match-up.

Q: In a 16 team tournament how many total Frans do we have to do to win?
A: 5-8. 5 if you stay undefeated. 8 if you fall to the losers' bracket.

Q: 8 Frans?! Is that too many?
A: Perhaps it is. YouTube may be able to provide some perspective here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EY7lYRneHc

Q: Do you feel as though heavy metal is a purely modern genre, or does it have its roots in classical music?
A: There's a lot of metal in classical music. Examples include: Night on Bald Mountain by Mussorgsky, the last movement of Beethoven's Emperor Concerto (Piano Concerto No. 5), Stravinsky's Rite of Spring (what's more metallic than atonal music about a pagan ritual?), and Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture (with cannons in it). The final movement of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 (Ode to Joy) might be the most beautiful and powerful piece of music ever written. It is very metal. Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries is also rich in head-banging potential. Just ask Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore. Charlie don't surf.

Q: Let's revisit this random team thing again.
A: Brandon, seriously. This is bordering on sexual harassment.

Q:What am I getting for my $45?
A: A chance to meet hot, good looking CrossFitters from different affiliates, the chance to dominate and humiliate those weaker than you. And a 1 in 16 chance at $1,000. Did I mention the $1,000?

Q: Can I pay by check?
A: $1 bills only.

Q: My girlfriend says it happens to a lot of guys.
A: Nope, just you.

Q: Will you be having more money competitions in the future?
A: Yes! But they will be something other than Fran.

Q: But I don't want someone from another affiliate on my team.
A: Geez, relax...you do realize you're not in a gang? It's OK to workout with different people. You'll live, cupcake.

Q: Does the winning team have to split the $1,000 evenly?
A: It's your call. Do what you got'a do.

Q: Will this competition help me with my sculpting and toning regimen? (Tom C)
A: Tom, without a doubt Fran-Off will get you that bikini body you have been after for so long. Don't forget to wax, buddy.

Q: What if I only need $575? (ajc)
A : With your remaining $425, you can either buy 21 Crossfit Sweat Shop shirts at $20 each...or 1 Crossfit Oakland shirt.