USS Sanctioned Strongman Competition

Get ready to test your strength and compete with the best. This event is officially sanctioned by United States Strongman (USS) and serves as a qualifier for USS Nationals 2026.

Membership Requirement

All competitors must have a valid USS membership to compete.

• Purchase your membership after January 1st at: unitedstatesstrongman.com
• Be prepared to show proof of membership (digital card or receipt) at check-in.

Nationals Qualification

• Novice: 1st place qualifies for USS Nationals 2026
• Open & Masters: All podium finishers qualify

Weight Class Info

• Novice & Masters: Will compete in a single class
• Open: Classes may be consolidated into LW, MW, HW, SHW unless there are 6 or more athletes per subclass

Pro Division Classes

Pro Divisions require a minimum of 6 athletes per class:

• Women Open
• Women 165-
• Men Open
• Men 220-

1st place in each Pro Division class earns an invite to the 2026 USS Pro International. For every 6 athletes, another spot can qualify for the 2026 Pro International. (example: 6 athletes = 1 invite - 12 athletes = 2 invites)

IF there are less than 6 athletes, you will have the choice to compete in the open class, but please remember there are NO REFUNDS once you are signed up.

Prize money will depend on sponsorships - these are in the works now and the prize pool will be announced at a closer date.

Weigh-In / Check-In

Friday, January 16 at Lightning Fitness

• 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Saturday, January 17

• 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM

Athletes will receive shirts and other items at check-in.

Competition Day – Saturday, January 17

• Indoor venue – bring chairs if you’d like to sit
• Rules Meeting: 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
• Warm-Ups End: 9:50 AM
• Competition Starts: 10:00 AM sharp

Event Lineup & Rules

General Rules for All Events

• Equipment Not Allowed: Tacky, spray tacky, grip shirts, briefs, suits, straps
• All weights are subject to change.

Athlete Notes

• Athlete order is based on sign-up order (first to sign up = last to go). No reordering!
• Athletes must wear their event shirts during all events.
• Judges have full discretion on all calls, do not argue with them about calls during or after the fact.

Event 1: Keg Load Over Bar

• 60-second time limit.
• Keg starts upright in front of the athlete.
• Reps must be completed before time is called.
• Bar height: 48” (women), 52” (men)

Event 2: Sandbag Medley

• 60-second time limit.
• Start with one sandbag upright. On “GO,” carry it 30 feet.
• At the end of the runway, shoulder the sandbag.
• Athlete will switch to the second sandbag and press overhead for one rep.
• Return to the previous sandbag carry it back 30 feet then shoulder one rep.
• Time stops after the last shoulder rep is completed.

Event 3: Circus Dumbbell Ladder

• 60-second time limit.
• Complete a 3-implement ladder. The final dumbbell is for reps.
• Each dumbbell must be controlled to the crash pad—no deliberate drops or you receive a no rep.
• Final dumbbell must touch the ground between reps.
• Judges have full discretion. Discuss mobility issues with your judge beforehand.

Event 4: Double Overhand Axle Deadlift

• 60-second time limit.
• Max reps from standard height using double overhand grip only.
• No straps allowed.
• Must lock out fully and wait for the down command.
• No dropping from the drop.
• No sumo.

Event 5: Mystery Event

• Details will be revealed closer to the event.
• No hints will be given—this is meant to be fun!

Interested in Volunteering?

We’re always looking for great volunteers to help make this event a success. If you’re interested in volunteering, please reach out via email at usstrongmanct@gmail.com.

Stay Updated

For questions or updates:

• Email: usstrongmanct@gmail.com
• Follow us on Instagram @usstrongmanct
• Updates will also be sent via email and posted on Iron Podium

Let’s have fun and do some strong things!