West Coast’s Strongest Man and Woman 2026

24 January, 2026 - Author: Dave DePew

Events- Strongman Events

Grinder Gym Presents
WEST COAST’S STRONGEST MAN & WOMAN 2026

LOCATION

Grinder Gym

1013 Morena Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92110

DATE & TIME

Feb 07–08, 2026
Start Time: 9:00 AM

ENTRY FEE

$120

CONTACT

Competition Director: Dave DePew
thedavedepew@gmail.com
619-840-8175

If you have questions email thedavedepew@gmail.com. This is going to be an epic weekend.

WEIGH-INS

Weigh-ins will be on Friday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and in the evening from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Same-day weigh-ins by appointment only from 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM.

RULES MEETING

Rules meeting will start at 9:00 AM. Competition starts at 11:00 AM.

NATIONAL QUALIFIER

The top 3 athletes in each class will receive an invite to the 2025 USS Nationals.

TRAINING/ PROGRAMMING

The 2026 West Coast’s Strongest 12-week Strongman Training Plan will be available to purchase.

In addition, we will host group training classes at Grinder Gym in preparation for West Coast’s Strongest.

ORDER OF EVENTS

The order of events will be posted closer to the competition along with a detailed schedule.

AWARDS

Medals will be awarded to the top 3 finishers in each class.

SCHEDULE

We will provide a detailed schedule as the competition draws closer.

CONTEST AND EVENT RULES

Contesting a Call: To contest a call, the athlete must bring a video to review with the appointed Head Judge or Competition Director. This person will review any video footage and make a final call. At no time should any athlete, or athlete representative, approach the scorekeeper or the scorekeeper table with questions.

Athlete standings will be reordered after each event based on cumulative scoring of completed events. This information is available live on IronPodium. The athlete order for the first event will be based on when the athlete signed up: first to sign up goes last, last to sign up goes first.

Catch All Rules:

Competition shirt MUST be worn (Unless Event Specified)
Shoes are required (Unless Event Specified)
No tacky or sticky substance WHATSOEVER!
No gloves!
No build-up belts (only one hard and one soft)
SQUAT & DEADLIFT SUITS OR BRIEFS ARE ALLOWED!
Any athlete who leaks any body fluids (blood, urine, vomit, etc.) on the competition floor must help clean it up!

Event 1: Axle Tire Squat

Description:

Athletes will perform as many reps as possible using the loaded axle bar with tires designated for their class. Each rep must reach proper depth and return to a full lockout to count. Judges will be strict on depth, stability, and lockout. Control matters—no sloppy reps.

Time:

60-second time limit.

Starting Position:

Athlete starts standing upright with the axle across the upper back/traps. Grip width is the athlete’s choice. Feet must be inside the designated lifting zone. The bar will be walked out—no monolift.

Commands Given:

Athlete walks out and gets set.
“Squat” — timer begins; reps may commence.
“Stop” — end of time. Any rep not fully locked out before the call will not count.

Equipment Allowed:

Belt
Knee sleeves or knee wraps
Elbow sleeves
Wrist wraps
Chalk
Heeled lifters or flat shoes
Mouth guards
Briefs or compression shorts of any type
Multi-Ply Squat or Deadlift Suit

Equipment Not Allowed:

Lifting straps
Knee braces with mechanical assistance
Tacky or adhesives

Implement Details:

Axle bar with tire loading (weights preset by class)
Standard axle thickness (~2″)
Depth: hip crease must pass below the top of the knee
Full lockout required: hips and knees extended
No bouncing off the tires, no soft lockouts, no sloppy walkouts
Judges will call “no rep” when necessary

Equipment Accessibility:

This equipment is currently available and remains set up at Grinder Gym.

Event 2: Viking Press

Description:

Athletes will perform as many reps as possible on the Viking Press at the designated class weight. Each rep must start from the bottom and finish with a controlled full lockout—arms straight and body stable. No bouncing, double-dips, or soft lockouts.

Time:

60-second time limit.

Starting Position:

Athlete may face inward or outward. Hands start on handles with the implement motionless before the first rep. Feet must remain inside the designated lifting zone.

Commands Given:

“Press” — timer begins; reps may commence.
“Stop” — end of time. Any rep not locked out and stabilized before the call will not count.

Equipment Allowed:

Belt
Wrist wraps
Knee sleeves or wraps
Elbow sleeves
Chalk
Flat shoes or heeled lifting shoes
Mouth guards
Non-supportive briefs or compression shorts

Equipment Not Allowed:

Multi-ply supportive gear
Tacky or adhesives
Gloves or rubberized material
Shoulder braced assistance devices

Implement Details:

Viking Press apparatus with preset weight by class
Full lockout required: elbows fully extended and body stable
Controlled return to bottom—no intentional dropping
Athlete may set the implement down and restart as needed within time
Judges will call “no rep” when standards aren’t met

Equipment Accessibility:

This equipment is currently available and remains set up at Grinder Gym.

Event 3: Yoke Medley

Description:

Athletes will carry three progressively heavier yokes for 50 feet each (150 feet total) in a timed medley. The yoke must be fully set down after each carry before moving to the next implement.

Time:

60-second time limit.

Starting Position:

Athlete begins under the first yoke with hands set. Yoke stays on the ground and motionless until the start command.

Commands Given:

“Go” — timer begins.
“Stop” — time expires; distance recorded if not completed.

Equipment Allowed:

Chalk
Wrist wraps
Elbow sleeves
Knee sleeves or wraps
Warmer shorts
One soft belt + one hard belt

Equipment Not Allowed:

Tacky
Tacky shirts
Straps
Lifting suits or multi-ply supportive gear

Implement Details & Scoring:

Three yokes total — each set at increasing weight by class
Each carry is 50 feet (150 feet total)
Yoke must be carried fully on the athlete’s body — no sliding
Clock stops when the front of the final yoke crosses the finish line
Fastest time wins
If the athlete does not finish all three yokes, scoring will be based on total distance completed

Rules & Penalties:

Unlimited drops are allowed
Sliding the yoke will result in a 5-second penalty per occurrence
The front of the yoke must cross the line before the athlete can move to the next yoke or complete the course

Event Notes:

This medley combines static strength, speed under load, conditioning, and mental discipline. Athletes must attack the first yoke with speed, transition efficiently, and hold composure as fatigue builds. Those who stay technical and controlled—especially under the final heavy load—tend to make up critical time.

Equipment Accessibility:

One Yoke is currently available, and the two others are on order.

Event 4: Tire Deadlift

Description

Athletes will perform a max-effort tire deadlift from a fixed height. Each athlete will have three attempts to record their heaviest successful lift. A full lockout is required—knees and hips fully extended, shoulders back, and visible control. Hitching is allowed. The bar must be returned to the ground under control for the lift to count.

Time

30 seconds per attempt once called to the platform

Starting Position

Hands gripping the bar (grip style optional)
Bar must be motionless before lifting
Feet must remain in a conventional stance (sumo not permitted)

Commands

“Go” — Attempt begins
“Down” — Bar must be lowered under control
Dropping or releasing before the down command = no lift

Equipment Allowed

Belt
Lifting straps (Figure 8 straps allowed)
Knee sleeves or wraps
Wrist wraps
Elbow sleeves
Chalk
Flat or heeled lifting shoes
Briefs or compression shorts
Multi-ply squat or deadlift suit

Equipment Not Allowed

Gloves
Tacky or adhesives

Implement Details & Scoring

Fixed-height tire deadlift setup
Bar height: 13 inches from the floor
Standard bar or axle bar (equipment dependent)
Three attempts per athlete
Heaviest successful lift wins

Tie-Breakers

Lighter athlete bodyweight
Earlier successful attempt if bodyweight tie remains

Rules & Standards

Hitching is allowed
Sumo stance is not allowed
Full lockout with control required
Bar must be lowered under control—no drops

Event Notes

This event rewards raw strength and smart attempt selection. Choose openers wisely, manage fatigue, and be prepared to grind through sticking points.

Equipment Accessibility

This equipment is not currently available. The page will be updated once it is ready.

Event 5: Conan’s Wheel

Description

Athletes will carry the Conan’s Wheel for maximum distance without setting it down. The implement is fixed on a pivot and pre-loaded by class. Once the implement is dropped or released, the attempt is over.

Time

60-second time limit

Starting Position

Implement resting securely in the crook of the elbows or upper forearms
Grip position optional
Implement must be motionless before the start
Feet inside the designated start zone

Commands

“Go” — Timer begins
“Stop” — Time expires or athlete drops the implement
No restarts allowed

Equipment Allowed

Belt
Knee sleeves or wraps
Wrist wraps
Elbow sleeves
Chalk
Flat or heeled lifting shoes
Non-supportive briefs or compression shorts

Equipment Not Allowed

Tacky or adhesives
Straps or grip-assisting devices
Gloves
Multi-ply supportive gear
Shoulder or chest harness attachments

Implement Details & Scoring

Weight preset by class
Distance measured in feet
Farthest distance wins

Rules & Standards

No dragging, sliding, or bouncing
Distance is recorded at the moment control is lost or time expires
Implement must stay in the crook of the elbows/forearms
Supporting the implement on belt, hips, or stomach may result in a no-score ruling

Event Notes

This is a test of breathing, bracing, and pain tolerance. Smooth pacing and posture matter more than reckless speed.

Equipment Accessibility

This equipment is currently available and remains set up at Grinder Gym.

Event 6: Hercules Hold

Description

Athletes will perform a maximum-time grip hold using the Hercules Hold apparatus. Once the weight is released, the goal is simple: hold on as long as possible. Arms must remain extended with no bracing or leaning.

Time

Timer starts when weight is fully released
Timer stops when either handle is dropped

Starting Position

Athlete stands centered between pillars
Feet inside the designated box
Hands on handles with a neutral grip
Weight remains supported until athlete confirms readiness

Commands

“Athlete Ready?”
“Hold” — Weight released and timer begins
Attempt ends immediately when a handle is released

Equipment Allowed

Chalk
Wrist wraps
Belt
Knee sleeves or wraps
Elbow sleeves
Flat or heeled footwear
Non-supportive compression shorts

Equipment Not Allowed

Straps or grip aids
Tacky or adhesives
Gloves or friction-enhancing materials
Bracing or leaning on the frame
Multi-ply supportive gear

Implement Details & Scoring

Weight preset by class
1-inch spinning knurled steel handles
Longest uninterrupted time wins

Rules & Standards

Both hands must remain engaged
Feet must stay inside the designated box
No regripping after the weight has fully settled
Leaning or driving into the frame = no score
Releasing one hand ends the attempt

Event Notes

This event rewards composure and stubbornness. The best grip athletes stay calm and fight through the burn.

Equipment Accessibility

This equipment is currently being built for the competition. Updates will be posted once available.

Event 7: Natural Stone to Shoulder Series

Description

Athletes will lift three natural stones from the ground to the shoulder in ascending weight order. Each stone must be controlled on one shoulder before advancing. Fastest completion wins.

If no athlete completes all three stones, scoring is based on stones completed and time.

Time

60-second time limit

Starting Position

Athlete stands behind Stone #1
Hands off until the start command
Stones begin fully resting on the ground

Commands

“Go” — Timer starts
“Stop” — Time expires
Stones not fully controlled before time expires do not count

Equipment Allowed

Belt
Knee sleeves or wraps
Wrist wraps
Elbow sleeves
Chalk
Flat or heeled lifting shoes
Non-supportive briefs or compression shorts

Equipment Not Allowed

Tacky
Lifting straps
Gloves
Adhesive grip fabrics
Suits or multi-ply gear
Additional shoulder padding

Implement Details & Scoring

Three natural stones, increasing in weight
Weights set by class
Each stone must be placed on one shoulder
Control must be demonstrated before moving on

Scoring Priority

Most stones completed
Fastest time to last completed stone
Judge’s discretion if needed

Rules & Standards

A rep counts only when:

Stone is secured on one shoulder
Athlete shows clear control
Free hand briefly releases or demonstrates control

Additional rules:

Stones may be dropped and retried
Free hand may not brace on belt, hips, or torso
No pushing the stone off the shoulder—must be controlled

Event Notes

Natural stones are unpredictable. Efficient transitions and composure under fatigue will separate the field—especially on the final stone.

Equipment Accessibility

Natural stones are still being collected. This page will be updated as equipment becomes available.

Additional Details

Parking

Mostly public parking
Be prepared to walk

Spectators

$20 per spectator

Medical & Safety

Judges, medical staff, or the Competition Director may stop any athlete deemed unsafe to continue

Disclaimers

Events, weights, rules, and prizes are subject to change without notice
Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated
No registration refunds or exchanges

SPONSORS:

If you’re interested in sponsoring this event check out our sponsorship page. [Read more…]

SANCTIONED BY:

Must have a membership with USS on the day of the competition. https://www.unitedstatesstrongman.com/