US STRONGMAN SANCTIONED
West Coast’s Strongest 2026
Grinder Gym Strongman Club · San Diego, CA
LOCATION
DATE & TIME
SPONSORS
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WEIGH-INS
Friday – 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Same-day weigh-ins by appointment only, 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM
No weigh-ins after the posted windows.
GENERAL RULES
FOR ALL EVENTS
Competition shirt must be worn (unless the event specifies otherwise).
Shoes are required (unless the event specifies otherwise).
No tacky or sticky substance whatsoever. No gloves.
No built-up belts (one hard and one soft only). Squat and deadlift suits or briefs are allowed.
Any athlete who leaks body fluids on the competition floor must help clean it up.
EVENTS
1. Axle Tire SquatDetails ▾
Time Limit
60 seconds
Scoring
Max Reps
As many reps as possible with the loaded axle bar for your class. Each rep must reach depth (hip crease below the top of the knee) and return to full lockout. The bar is walked out, no monolift. Judges are strict on depth, stability, and lockout.
2. Viking PressDetails ▾
Time Limit
60 seconds
Scoring
Max Reps
As many reps as possible on the Viking Press at the class weight. Each rep starts from the bottom and finishes with a controlled full lockout, arms straight and body stable. No bouncing, double-dips, or soft lockouts. Unlimited restarts within the time window.
3. Yoke MedleyDetails ▾
Time Limit
60 seconds
Distance
Three yokes, 50 feet each (150 feet total)
Scoring
Time, then Distance
Carry three progressively heavier yokes 50 feet each. Each yoke must be fully set down before the next. Fastest full completion wins; if not completed, total distance is scored. Unlimited drops; a 5-second penalty per slide.
4. Tire DeadliftDetails ▾
Time
30 seconds per attempt (3 attempts)
Bar Height
13 inches
Scoring
Max Weight
A max-effort tire deadlift from a fixed height. Three attempts; heaviest successful lift places. Full lockout required (hips and knees extended, shoulders back) with control. Hitching is allowed; sumo stance is not. Controlled return to the floor required.
5. Conan’s WheelDetails ▾
Time Limit
60 seconds
Scoring
Max Distance
Carry the Conan’s Wheel for maximum distance without setting it down. The arm rests in the crook of the elbows or forearms. Once the implement is dropped or released, the attempt is over. No restarts.
6. Hercules HoldDetails ▾
Time
Until grip is lost
Scoring
Max Time
A maximum-time grip hold on two 1-inch spinning knurled handles. Arms remain extended, standing upright between the pillars with no bracing or leaning. The attempt ends the moment either hand releases. No restarts.
7. Natural Stone to Shoulder SeriesDetails ▾
Time Limit
60 seconds
Scoring
Most stones, then fastest time
Lift three natural stones from the ground to one shoulder in ascending weight order, each controlled before advancing. Fastest full completion wins; otherwise the number of stones shouldered and the time at the last stone are scored.
EVENT WEIGHTS
Events & Weights
All weights in pounds. Yoke Medley shows the three progressive yoke weights (50 feet each). Tire Deadlift is a max-effort lift (weights announced at the briefing). Conan’s Wheel shows the loaded weight. Natural Stone Series shows the three ascending stone weights. Weights are subject to change.
| Division | Axle Tire Squat | Viking Press | Yoke Medley | Tire Deadlift | Conan’s Wheel | Hercules Hold | Natural Stone Series |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Novice W HW (165+) | 225 | 120 | 315 / 355 / 395 | TBD | Wheel + 230 | 85 | 74, 88, 94 |
| Novice W LW (165-) | 225 | 120 | 300 / 340 / 375 | TBD | Wheel + 230 | 75 | 65, 74, 88 |
| Open W LW (123-) | 225 | 130 | 315 / 355 / 395 | TBD | Wheel + 230 | 65 | 65, 74, 88 |
| Open W LW (132-) | 225 | 130 | 335 / 375 / 415 | TBD | Wheel + 230 | 65 | 65, 74, 88 |
| Open W MW (148-) | 225 | 140 | 350 / 390 / 430 | TBD | Wheel + 270 | 75 | 74, 88, 94 |
| Open W MW (165-) | 225 | 140 | 365 / 405 / 445 | TBD | Wheel + 270 | 85 | 74, 88, 94 |
| Open W HW (181-) | 250 | 150 | 380 / 415 / 465 | TBD | Wheel + 320 | 95 | 88, 94, 114 |
| Open W HW (198-) | 275 | 150 | 395 / 435 / 475 | TBD | Wheel + 320 | 105 | 88, 94, 114 |
| Open W SHW (242-) | 300 | 160 | 415 / 455 / 495 | TBD | Wheel + 360 | 115 | 94, 114, 128 |
| Open W SHW (+) | 325 | 160 | 435 / 485 / 535 | TBD | Wheel + 360 | 125 | 94, 114, 128 |
| Masters W LW (132-) | 225 | 120 | 300 / 340 / 375 | TBD | Wheel + 230 | 85 | 74, 88, 94 |
| Masters W HW (+) | 250 | 120 | 325 / 375 / 425 | TBD | Wheel + 230 | 95 | 88, 94, 114 |
| Teen W HW (165+) | 200 | 120 | 275 / 300 / 325 | TBD | Wheel + 200 | 75 | 74, 88, 94 |
| Teen W LW (165-) | 180 | 120 | 225 / 275 / 300 | TBD | Wheel + 180 | 65 | 65, 74, 88 |
| Novice M HW (220+) | 405 | 220 | 505 / 555 / 605 | TBD | Wheel + 470 | 160 | 140, 160, 182 |
| Novice M LW (220-) | 365 | 200 | 455 / 505 / 555 | TBD | Wheel + 450 | 140 | 128, 140, 160 |
| Open M LW (165-) | 365 | 200 | 455 / 505 / 555 | TBD | Wheel + 470 | 140 | 128, 140, 160 |
| Open M LW (181-) | 385 | 220 | 495 / 545 / 595 | TBD | Wheel + 470 | 150 | 140, 160, 182 |
| Open M MW (198-) | 405 | 240 | 545 / 595 / 645 | TBD | Wheel + 500 | 160 | 182, 192, 203 |
| Open M MW (220-) | 425 | 240 | 595 / 645 / 695 | TBD | Wheel + 500 | 170 | 192, 203, 222 |
| Open M HW (242-) | 450 | 260 | 635 / 685 / 735 | TBD | Wheel + 550 | 180 | 203, 222, 250 |
| Open M HW (275-) | 475 | 260 | 675 / 725 / 775 | TBD | Wheel + 550 | 190 | 222, 250, 265 |
| Open M SHW (308-) | 500 | 280 | 675 / 765 / 815 | TBD | Wheel + 600 | 200 | 250, 265, 280 |
| Open M SHW (+) | 550 | 300 | 755 / 805 / 855 | TBD | Wheel + 650 | 200 | 250, 265, 280 |
| Masters M MW (220-) | 385 | 220 | 505 / 555 / 605 | TBD | Wheel + 470 | 170 | 182, 192, 203 |
| Masters M HW (+) | 405 | 240 | 595 / 645 / 695 | TBD | Wheel + 500 | 190 | 192, 203, 222 |
| Teen M HW (220+) | 300 | 200 | 425 / 475 / 525 | TBD | Wheel + 420 | 170 | 140, 160, 182 |
| Teen M LW (220-) | 280 | 180 | 425 / 475 / 525 | TBD | Wheel + 400 | 150 | 128, 140, 160 |
ORDER OF EVENTS
1. Axle Tire Squat 2. Viking Press 3. Yoke Medley 4. Tire Deadlift 5. Conan’s Wheel 6. Hercules Hold 7. Natural Stone to Shoulder Series
AWARDS
Awards for the top three finishers in each class.
SCHEDULE
Weigh-ins Friday, February 6. Competition runs Saturday and Sunday, February 7-8, starting at 9:00 AM.
A detailed running order is posted closer to the competition.
CONTEST AND EVENT RULES
The one belt rule: an athlete may wear one soft belt and one hard belt over the soft belt, but may not wear two hard belts.
Equipment allowances are listed per event above.
ENTRY FEES, PAYMENTS & REFUNDS
$120.00 online registration (Early Bird $100.00)
Entries are non-refundable and non-transferable.
COMPETITION SHIRTS
Competition Shirt
One T-shirt provided per athlete. Additional shirts available for purchase.
Buy ShirtBuy UnavailableSPECTATORS
Spectator entry is $20.00. Parking is mostly public, so be prepared to walk.
REGISTRATION
Sign up online through Iron Podium to claim your spot. Walk-up registration may be available on event day while classes still have room.
Register OnlineAthlete spots are limited and capped per event.
SANCTIONED EVENT
Since its inception in 2014, United States Strongman has continually recommitted itself to providing opportunities for athletes to achieve their goals through competition. Everything earned. Part of this commitment is to help create the best atmosphere for our promoters to actively provide these opportunities at local and regional locations, and working with veteran and quality promoters for YOUR USS Nationals competitions. This is prefaced by our motto, “For Athletes, By Athletes,” as USS’s history began with athletes. We appreciate you, and are thankful that you are part of the USS family.
Learn More About USSELIGIBILITY
USS Membership
A current United States Strongman membership is required for every athlete. Purchase or renew yours before competition day so you are cleared to compete.
Get USS MembershipNovice
The entry division for athletes new to strongman. If this is your first time on the competition floor, this is where you start. Choose the bodyweight class that fits you in the Events and Weights chart above.
Amateur
The open competitive division for athletes past their first meet. Compete in the Open bodyweight class that matches you in the Events and Weights chart above.
ORGANIZER
RESULTS
Final standings from West Coast’s Strongest 2026. Athletes are listed in finishing order within each class. Full event-by-event scoring is on Iron Podium.
Novice W LW (165-)
- 1Alexandra Gibson
Novice W HW (165+)
- 1Cori Johnson
Open W HW (181-)
- 1Courtney Culhane
Novice M LW (220-)
- 1Luis Dengel
- 2Andrew Winn
- 3Luke Herrington
Novice M HW (220+)
- 1Joshua Garcia
- 2Daniel Howsley
Open M LW (165-)
- 1Marc Benitez
- 2Vijay Reddy
Open M LW (181-)
- 1Craig Mariani
Open M MW (198-)
- 1Jesse Havens
- 2Jason Avalos
- 3Joseph Mays
- 4Trevor Corrado
Open M HW (242-)
- 1Anthony Canedo
- 2Adam Heney
Open M HW (275-)
- 1Taylor Dutcher
- 2Benjamin Christensen
- 3Donovan Jones
Open M SHW (+)
- 1Brett Ronhaar
Masters M MW (220-)
- 1Mike Skirvin
Masters M HW (+)
- 1Eloy Martinez