Strongman competitions feature a wide range of events designed to test an athlete’s total-body strength, power, endurance, grip, and ability to handle heavy, awkward objects. Unlike many strength sports that focus on a fixed set of lifts, strongman events can vary significantly from contest to contest.

While event variations are common, most strongman competitions include a mix of pressing, pulling, carrying, loading, and endurance-based challenges.

Below is a comprehensive list of many of the most common strongman events used in competitions around the world.

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Overhead Press Events

Overhead events test an athlete’s ability to lift heavy objects from the ground or shoulders to a locked-out position overhead.

Common overhead events include:

• Log Press
• Axle Clean and Press
• Circus Dumbbell Press
• Viking Press
• Block Press
• Keg Press
• Dumbbell Press for Repetitions
• Log Press for Maximum Weight
• Axle Press for Repetitions

These events may be performed for maximum weight, maximum repetitions within a time limit, or as part of a medley.

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Deadlift Events

Deadlift events test maximal pulling strength and the ability to lift heavy loads from the ground.

Common deadlift variations include:

• Standard Barbell Deadlift
• Axle Deadlift
• Deadlift for Repetitions
• Deadlift for Maximum Weight
• Car Deadlift
• Silver Dollar Deadlift
• Hummer Tire Deadlift
• Tire Deadlift
• Frame Deadlift

Some contests also include rising bar formats where athletes can choose their starting weight.

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Carry Events

Carry events challenge athletes to move heavy implements across a specified distance as quickly as possible.

Common carry events include:

• Farmers Carry
• Yoke Walk
• Frame Carry
• Sandbag Carry
• Keg Carry
• Husafell Stone Carry
• Shield Carry
• Conan’s Wheel

Carry events test grip strength, core stability, speed, and the ability to control heavy loads while moving.

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Loading Events

Loading events require athletes to lift awkward objects and place them onto platforms or over bars.

Common loading events include:

• Atlas Stone Series
• Sandbag Loads
• Keg Loads
• Block Loads
• Natural Stone Loads
• Barrel Loads

Atlas stones are one of the most recognizable events in strongman competitions.

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Pulling Events

Pulling events involve moving extremely heavy objects across a distance.

Common pulling events include:

• Truck Pull
• Plane Pull
• Arm-Over-Arm Pull
• Sled Pull
• Rope Pull
• Vehicle Pull

Athletes often use harnesses, ropes, or sled systems to generate the pulling force needed to move these objects.

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Throwing Events

Throwing events require athletes to explosively launch objects over a bar or onto a platform.

Common throwing events include:

• Keg Toss
• Weight Over Bar
• Sandbag Toss

These events emphasize explosive power and coordination.

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Medley Events

Medleys combine multiple implements into a single event performed in sequence.

Examples include:

• Farmers Carry into Yoke Walk
• Sandbag Carry into Sled Drag
• Keg Carry into Atlas Stone Load

Medleys reward athletes who can transition quickly between implements while maintaining speed and control.

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Grip Events

Grip strength is a critical component of strongman performance. Some competitions include events designed specifically to test grip endurance.

Examples include:

• Hercules Hold
• Axle Deadlift Hold
• Frame Hold

These events challenge an athlete’s ability to maintain control of heavy implements for time.

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Strongman Event Variations

Strongman is known for creativity in event design. Contest organizers often modify implements or create new events to challenge athletes in unique ways.

Examples include:

• Car Walk
• Wheelbarrow Carry
• Shield Carry
• Natural Stone Lifts
• Power Stairs

Because events can vary widely, strongman athletes must be prepared for a broad range of strength challenges.

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Preparing for Strongman Events

Athletes preparing for strongman competitions typically train both traditional strength exercises and event-specific movements.

Training often includes:

• Squats
• Deadlifts
• Overhead Pressing
• Carry Training
• Grip Strength Development
• Event Technique Practice

Training with the same implements used in competition helps athletes develop the skills and strength necessary for strongman performance.

Understanding the wide range of strongman events allows athletes to train more effectively and prepare for the demands of competition.