Prepare for a Battle of Barbells in
St. Louis’ premier Weightlifting contest.
This is your chance to flex your fitness and show your strength and skill. Don't miss the biggest weightlifting competition in the Midwest, hosted right here in St. Louis!
This isn’t a showcase. This isn’t a spectacle. It’s a battlefield of barbells, forged for those who crave the rush of adrenaline, the scream of the crowd, and the clang of plates that only real lifters know.
Hosted at the STL Athletic Center in St. Louis, Missouri, this two-day event brings together elite powerlifters, strongman competitors, CrossFit enthusiasts and Olympic lifters from across the Midwest and beyond. From Kansas City to Chicago, from Nashville to Des Moines, this is where the region’s best come to test their grit, strength, and limits.
The First Hands Grip Iron on JULY 31 - AUGUST 1, 2026
Every rep here tells a story
Dominate the Platform in Professional Weightlifting Contests
Weightlifting Wars is more than just a powerlifting event; it's a multi-discipline spectacle showcasing pure strength and fitness. We are hosting strongman and CrossFit competitions, Olympic weightlifting, and a full sanctioned powerlifting tournament, all at the STL Athletic Center.
Why Weightlifting Wars
This isn’t your community fitness expo.
This is the Midwest’s toughest, most respected strength competition, built for athletes who thrive under pressure and crave the thrill of weightlifting competition.
Every lift is earned. Every division is competitive. If you’re looking for a challenge that pushes past your comfort zone, you’ve found it.
We’re combining four elite disciplines, Powerlifting, Strongman, Olympic Lifting, and CrossFit, under one roof for a weekend that’s all intensity, no fluff.
Prepare for a full day of intense lifting action that will test the limits of your potential.
Across four elite divisions, you’ll find something that challenges your mind, body, and willpower. We are the most accessible open weightlifting competition in Missouri and St. Louis. We welcome lifters of all kinds. From novice strongman competitors, to competitive powerlifting professionals, we have a tier and level of competition to meet you where you are and push you to your limits!
Powerlifting Competitions
Where the Midwest’s Strongest Take the Stage
Three lifts. One mission:
lift heavy or go home.
A True Strongman Contest
Experience the classic three-lift powerlifting tournament, squat, bench, and deadlift, sanctioned and judged by certified officials. Whether you’re chasing a new PR or competing in your first open powerlifting meet in St. Louis, this is your moment to shine.
What to Expect
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USPA-level judging and competition standards
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Real-time scoring and live results
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Professional-grade equipment and calibrated plates
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A crowd that knows the sport and respects the grind
St. Louis Strongman Contests
Grit and Power = Glory
Step into one of the most exciting strongman competitions in St. Louis, featuring crowd favorites like:
If you’ve ever dreamed of lifting like the World’s Strongest Man, this is where your story begins, right here in Missouri.
With divisions for both novice and advanced athletes, this local strongman competition guarantees pure adrenaline and brute strength on display. Whether you want to hold the World’s Strongest Man title one day, or are simply wanting to push past limits you never thought possible. You can experience powerful, strong willed competition right here at home.
Atlas Stones | Log Press | Farmer’s Walk | Yoke Carry & Deadlift Medley
Brutal events.
Heavy medleys.
No excuses.
Olympic Lifting Competitions
Where Precision Meets Power
The Olympic Weightlifting Division brings the technical mastery of the snatch and clean & jerk to the heart of Missouri. This event is perfect for CrossFit and lifting athletes seeking to test precision, speed, and strength under pressure.
Competition Standards:
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USWL-style judging and competition setup
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Multiple weight and age classes
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Calibrated bars and plates
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Dedicated warm-up areas and coaching access
Speed.
Technique.
Explosiveness.
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This is your chance to earn a certified tournament win, showcase your skill, and compete alongside some of the Midwest’s top lifters.
It’s not about the show, it’s about the lift.
The technique. The fight to make every rep count.
Put a certified tournament win on your resume at Weightlifting Wars and STL Athletic Center. Whether you are looking for sponsors, promotions, or simply want to adorn your neck in gold, it all starts here!
St. Louis Crossfit Competitions
Intensity, Strength, Endurance
The Weightlifting Wars CrossFit division brings raw athleticism, relentless conditioning, and high-pressure competition together inside the STL Athletic Center. This is where the fastest, strongest, and most resilient athletes in the Midwest go head-to-head in a series of high-intensity CrossFit events judged and scored by certified officials.
This is a measured test of endurance, mobility, strength, and grit under the clock and under pressure. Every second counts. Every rep matters. Every misstep opens the door for the athlete beside you to take the lead.
If you want to be crowned the king or queen of the course, you’ll need more than strength, you’ll need stamina, mental discipline, precision, and the drive to push through the final seconds when everyone else is breaking down. Weightlifting Wars delivers the kind of CrossFit competition that keeps the crowd on its feet and keeps athletes fighting for every point.
Events That Test Every Corner of Your Fitness
Athletes will battle through the most iconic and demanding CrossFit-style events, built to test your training and expose your limits:
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Pull-ups
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Handstand walks
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Cleans
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Deadlifts
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Snatches
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Press and Jerk
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Chipper-style workouts
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Obstacle course races
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Max load events
Tie your laces tight, chalk your hands, and warm up well, because once the bell sounds, it’s all-out war. This is your opportunity to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the strongest and most conditioned CrossFit athletes St. Louis has to offer.
Weightlifting Wars is designed to be the most accessible, inclusive CrossFit competition in the region, without lowering the bar of intensity.
We offer divisions for all skill levels:
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Beginner CrossFit competitors
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Intermediate athletes
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Advanced competitors
No matter where you are in your training, there is a lane for you at Weightlifting Wars. Each division is built to challenge you, push you, and give you a fair shot at ranking against athletes of similar experience.
If you’re ready to test your engine, sharpen your competitive edge, and fight for the podium, your journey begins here.
When it comes to Competitive Weightlifting in St. Louis...Train Hard. Compete Harder.
Secure Your Spot Today
Registration is open now
Divisions fill fast
This event isn’t for everyone, and that’s the point.
Weightlifting Wars 2026 is built for those who want more than a medal. It’s for those who crave the burn of competition, who live for that split second before the bar leaves the ground, who thrive on discipline, pressure, and pain.
Whether you’re coming from Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, or beyond, this is your chance to make your mark on the Midwest stage.
Sponsor Weightlifting Wars
Align with the Midwest’s Strongest Weightlifting Event
Partner with the premier powerlifting event in the St. Louis area through STL Athletic Center. Gain unparalleled visibility with hundreds of dedicated athletes and spectators from across the country. We offer three tiers designed to maximize your brand exposure.
Bronze Tier
Logo placement on event
t-shirts, website feature, and mention during athlete weigh-ins.
✓ Website Link
✓ Social Media Shoutout (x2)
✓ 10x10 Booth Space
$999
Silver Tier
Featured
Branding across one discipline (e.g., "The [Your Brand] Deadlift Challenge"), premium banner placement, and exclusive stage visibility.
✓ Discipline Naming Rights
✓ VIP Access for 4 Guests
✓ Media Interview Opportunities
$1,299
Gold Tier
Title sponsorship consideration, inclusion in all press releases, and dedicated product sampling opportunities.
✓ Exclusive Banner Rights
✓ Logo on All Trophies
✓ Primary Website Header Placement
$1,999
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Weightlifting Wars FAQ
Know your Weightlifting Meet
1. Where is Weightlifting Wars 2026 being held?
The event takes place at the STL Athletic Center in St. Louis, Missouri, a state-of-the-art facility equipped for powerlifting, strongman, CrossFit, and Olympic lifting competitions.
2. Who can compete?
Athletes of all levels are welcome, from novice lifters stepping onto the platform for the first time to elite powerlifters chasing records. We offer multiple divisions by experience level, age, and weight class.
3. What events are featured?
Weightlifting Wars features four main divisions:
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Powerlifting: Squat, Bench, and Deadlift (raw and equipped)
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Strongman: Atlas Stones, Log Press, Yoke Carry, Deadlift Medley, and more
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Olympic Weightlifting: Snatch and Clean & Jerk under USWL standards
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CrossFit: Pull-ups, Handstand Walks, Cleans, Deadlifts, Snatches and more
4. What do I need to bring?
Bring your lifting gear, photo ID, membership card (if applicable for your federation), and a competitive mindset. Hydration and food vendors will be available on-site.
5. Is the event open to out-of-state competitors?
Absolutely. We attract lifters from across the Midwest and beyond, including Illinois, Kansas, Tennessee, Iowa, and Kentucky. If you can lift, you can compete here.
6. Is this a sanctioned event?
Yes, events will be run according to official USPA and USWL guidelines, ensuring fair and certified competition standards.
7. Are there spectator passes available?
Yes. Spectator tickets are available for purchase online and at the door. Expect loud music, roaring crowds, and an electric atmosphere, this isn’t a quiet gym meet.
8. Can my gym or business sponsor the event?
Absolutely. We offer multiple sponsorship tiers for gyms, nutrition brands, and local businesses looking to connect with the strength community. Visit our Sponsorship Section or contact our team for details.
9. How do I register?
Click the “Sign Up” button on this page or visit our official registration form. Early registration is encouraged, divisions fill quickly.
10. What’s the prize or award structure?
Winners in each division receive trophies, medals, and recognition across all event media. Gold Tier sponsors will also be featured on awards.
Get in Touch
We'd like to hear from you! Please send us your questions and comments. We'll be happy to assist you.
Keep strong. Keep Updated.
