frequently asked questions
The two best places for information are…
Athlete Info Overview: Click here to learn about weight classes and weigh-ins, how to qualify for different levels of competition, Pro cards, novice vs open classes, and more.
Promoter Info Overview: Click here to view a step-by-step guide to promoting a competition with Strongman Corporation, including timelines, rules/standards, contact info, how to acquire a license and insurance, and more.
Memberships can be purchased online on the day of the competition, but we recommend purchasing the membership 3-7 days prior. This allows time to address any issues that may occur and provide advance info to the promoter to make check-ins easier.
Men’s Weight Classes:
u175 – 175.4 lbs and under (80kg intl)
u200 – Between 175.5 lbs and 200.4 lbs (90kg intl)
u231 – Between 200.5 lbs and 231.4 lbs (105kg intl)
u265 – Between 231.5 lbs and 265.4 lbs (120kg intl)
Open – 265.5 lbs and above
Women’s Weight Classes:
u125 – 125.4 lbs and under (57kg intl)
u140 – Between 125.5 lbs and 140.4 lbs (64kg intl)
u160 – Between 140.5 lbs and 160.4 lbs (73kg intl)
u180 – Between 160.5 lbs and 180.4lbs (82kg intl)
Open – 180.5lbs and above
Please note many competitions, such as Strongman Corp Nationals, have a 0.4lb weight allowance to accommodate for clothing requirements at weigh-ins.
At a Local competition, the number of qualifying athletes depends on the number of athletes competing ON THE DAY OF COMPETITION and follows these standards:
- 1 athlete in a class: the promoter may merge the class with another class; if the athlete competes alone they will earn an invite by completing (i.e. not “zeroing”) at least 4 of the 5 events to the standards originally set forth by the promoter.
- 2-4 athletes in a class: 1st place qualifies for Nationals
- 5-9 athletes in a class: 1st and 2nd place qualify for Nationals
- 10+ athletes in a class: 1st-3rd place qualify for Nationals
At a Regional competition, the number of qualifying athletes depends on the number of athletes competing ON THE DAY OF COMPETITION and follows these standards:
- 1 athlete in a class: the promoter may merge the class with another class; if the athlete competes alone they will earn an invite by completing (i.e. not “zeroing”) at least 4 of the 5 events to the standards originally set forth by the promoter.
- 2-8 athletes in a class: 1st-3rd place qualify for Nationals
- 8-11 athletes in a class: 1st-4th place qualify for Nationals
- 12+ athletes in a class: 1st-5th place qualify for Nationals
At a Pro-Am competition, qualifications vary by class (Pro-Am qualifies separately from Amateur) and based on the number of athletes ON THE DAY OF COMPETITION. Qualifications follow these standards:
All Amateur classes qualify following the same standards as a normal Local Amateur competition (see above).
In the Pro-Am Classes:
- 1-8 athletes in a class: 1st-3rd place qualify for Nationals
- 8-11 athletes in a class: 1st-4th place qualify for Nationals
- 12+ athletes in a class: 1st-5th place qualify for Nationals
Competitions 4-8 weeks before Nationals can qualify for the upcoming Nationals or Nationals the following year, but not both. This is at the athlete’s discretion.
Competitions less than 4 weeks before Nationals qualify for Nationals the following year.
All other competitions qualify for the upcoming Nationals.
Not usually. Most events have an entry deadline. If you’re past the deadline, you can reach out to the promoter directly to ask.
You must be at least 12 years old. Anyone under the age of 18 years of age must have permission from their parent or guardian, and their Parent or guardian must register the athlete.
Pro-Am events are high-level competitions that feature select divisions where professionals and amateurs compete together for titles and prize money. These events also provide amateur athletes with the opportunity to earn their Pro Card.
There are no qualifications required to compete in a designated Pro-Am class.
First time competitors can compete in the Novice or Open division in most Strongman Corporation licensed events, including local shows, State Championships, Regional Championships, and Pro-Ams.
Nationals, the Arnold World Championship, the America’s Strongest series, and any “invitationals” require qualification, so they are not open to first-time competitors.
Pro Cards are earned at Strongman Corporation Nationals, the Arnold Strongman World Championship, and designated Pro-Am competitions. Please check with the competition to see what the pro-card qualification requirements are for that particular competition.
Fees paid for licensing, event insurance, and memberships are non-refundable. Before completing your order, be sure all billing and shipping information is correct.
Merchandise purchased from a Strongman Corporation partner or affiliate and not purchased from the Strongman Corporation website is subject to the return/exchange policy for that company, not Strongman Corporation.
The Novice class is open to all first-time competitors in Strongman Corporation, regardless of prior experience in other sports or strength disciplines.
The Novice class is intended for athletes early in their strongman competition journey or for whom Open class standards are legitimately unattainable at the time of the competition.
An athlete’s first stop for guidance should always be their coach. The second stop is to reach out to the promoter. The promoter will have the best guidance based on their competition, the selected weights and events, and how the weight classes are shaping up based on registrations. If the coach, athlete, and promoter struggle to come to an agreement, they should reach out to their local State Representative for guidance.
More detail on choosing the appropriate division can be found in the Athlete Info Overview at the top of this page.
No. No one is obligated to compete in Novice.