Strongman Corporation Pro Athlete Info & Resources
Updated June 13, 2025.
This page covers the following topics:
- Pro Card Overview
- Pro Card Benefits
- Pro Invites
- Pro Card Limitations
- How to Become a Strongman Corporation Pro
- Pro Card FAQ
If you’re looking for information about Amateur and Novice athletes, check out the “Athlete Info Overview” page.
1. Pro Card Overview
Pro Cards are awarded to athletes in specific weight classes who have demonstrated their ability to compete at an elite level through success in high-level amateur competition.
Strongman Corporation awards Pro Cards in the following weight classes only:
- Women: 64kg, 73kg, 82kg, Heavyweight
- Men: 80kg, 90kg, 105kg, Heavyweight
2. Pro Card Benefits
Strongman Corporation Pro athletes receive the following benefits for as long as they are active in strongman:
- Automatic qualification for Strongman Corporation Pro events (see below)
- Free Strongman Corporation membership
- Free entry at locally hosted Pro/Am events in Pro/Am classes for which they hold a Pro Card
3. Pro Invites
Strongman Corporation Pro athletes are automatically qualified for:
- America’s Strongest Man or Woman in their Pro class
- Arnold Pro/Am in any class
- Amateur Nationals in any class *outside* their Pro class
- Masters Nationals in any class *outside* their Pro class
- All future Strongman Corporation Pro competitions
4. Pro Card Limitations
- Pro card holders may no longer compete in their Pro class at the amateur level. (Pros may compete as an amateur *outside* their Pro class.)
- Registration fees for amateur and Pro/Am competitions are not waived for classes outside of the Pro class. In other words, to compete as an amateur in a different class, the Pro is effectively an amateur again and needs to register as such (including paying an entry fee). This ensures that we continue to support our local amateur promoters and competitions. (Note that Pros may still use their complimentary Strongman Corporation membership for local amateur competitions.)
- Strongman Corporation does not recognize Pro cards from any other federation. Some exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for international athletes. Contact admin@strongmancorporation.com for questions about international eligibility.
5. How to Become a Pro
Athletes may earn a Pro Card at Strongman Corporation Nationals, the Arnold, and at select Pro/Am competitions.
Pro Cards are awarded as follows:
- Amateur Nationals: Pro Cards are awarded to the top 3 athletes in 80kg Men, 90kg Men, and 72kg women; and to the 1st place athlete in every other pro-eligible class
- Arnold Championships: Pro Cards are awarded to any athlete on the podium who does not already have a Pro Card
- Pro/Am Competitions: one Pro Card is awarded in each predetermined Pro/Am class to the highest placing Amateur athlete on the podium in that class
- America’s Strongest Man and Woman: Pro Cards are awarded to Amateur athletes who place in the top 3 in their respective classes
To see a full list of competitions with Pro cards available, visit the Upcoming Events page.
6. Pro Card FAQ
Below are frequently asked questions about Pro cards and competitions. If you have a specific question that isn’t answered below, please email katie@strongmancorporation.com.
Can athletes hold pro cards in multiple classes?
Yes. Pro athletes may not compete again as an amateur in their Pro class, but they may re-start the “pro pipeline” in any amateur class outside of the class in which they hold their Pro card and earn a Pro card in an additional class.
Are there Pro Cards for Masters athletes?
While some Pros may be in the Masters category based on their age, there is no separate designation for Masters Pros. For the purposes of “pro vs amateur,” the Masters classes are amateur classes. Pro athletes may compete as amateurs in any class outside their Pro class. Additionally, the only way for a Masters athlete to earn a Pro card is to compete in an open age category in the normal amateur-to-pro pipeline.
Do Pro Athletes always get to compete for free?
No. Pro athletes are not required to pay a registration fee at locally hosted Pro/Am events in the Pro/Am class for which they hold their Pro card. Pro athletes are required to pay a registration fee in any instance where they are competing as an amateur (such as at a local or Pro/Am show outside their Pro class).
At national- and international-level events, Pro athletes may be required to pay a registration fee or deposit as required by that specific event. This will vary by event.
Do Pro Cards expire?
No. Once an athlete earns a Pro Card in a specific class, they maintain that Pro status – and its related benefits – for as long as they are active with Strongman Corporation.
Does Strongman Corporation recognize Pro Cards from other Federations?
No. Only Strongman Corporation Pros are entitled to Strongman Corporation’s Pro Card benefits. Some exceptions may be made for international athletes. If you are an international athlete with questions about Pro Card eligibility, please email admin@strongmancorporation.com with details.
Can Pro Athletes still compete in amateur divisions or competitions?
Pro athletes may compete in amateur divisions in a class outside their Pro class. On a case-by-case basis, Pro athletes may also be able to compete in an “exhibition” capacity at an amateur competition. This should be arranged directly with the promoter of the competition.
How do I host a Pro/Am Competition?
Pro/Am competitions can be hosted by application only. You can find the full details about hosting competitions at all levels on our “Host a Show” page.