San Diego’s Strongest Man & Woman 2025

San Diego’s Strongest Gym

Strongest Man & Woman 2025 in San Diego

Grinder Gym Presents

San Diego’s Strongest Man & Woman

2025 Strongman Competition


LOCATION

Grinder Gym

1013 Morena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92110

View on Google Maps

DATE & TIME

Saturday, August 9, 2025

Starts at 9:00 AM

Add to Google Calendar

SPONSORS

Partner With Us

Interested in sponsoring this event? Put your brand in front of the strength community.

Become a Sponsor

WEIGH-INS

Weigh-ins will be on Friday from 9 am to 12 noon and in the evening from 4 pm to 8 pm.

Same-day weigh-ins by APPOINTMENT ONLY between 7 am and 7:30 am.

RULES MEETING

Rules meeting will start at 8:00 AM. Competition starts at 9:00 AM.

NATIONAL QUALIFIER

The top 3 athletes in each class will receive an invite to the 2026 USS Nationals.

TRAINING/ PROGRAMMING

The 2025 San Diego’s Strongest 12-week Strongman Training plan will be available to purchase. This template will be delivered via the Grinder Gym Workouts Software.

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

ORDER of EVENTS

The order of events will be posted closer to the competition along with a detailed schedule. All events will be run as head-to-head events with more than one class going at a time. This means the order of events will not be the same for each class.

AWARDS

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

1
1st Place
2
2nd Place
3
3rd Place

SCHEDULE

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

CONTEST and EVENT RULES

Contesting a Call:  To contest a call any athlete would need to bring a video to review with the appointed head judge or competition director for review. 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 any questions. 

Athlete’s contest standing will be reordered after each event based on accumulative scoring of the completed events. This information is available live on IronPodium. The athlete’s order for the first event will be based on when the athlete signed up for the event. The first to sign up goes last and the last to sign up goes first. 

Catch All Rules: 

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

Event 1: SSB Squat for RepsDetails

Description:
Athletes will perform as many reps as possible with weight designated for their class using a Safety Squat Bar (SSB). Each repetition must reach proper depth and return to a full lockout to be counted. Judges will be strict on depth and lockout standards.

Time:
60-second time limit.

Starting Position:
The athlete begins standing upright with the SSB resting across the shoulders/traps in a racked position. Hands-on handles. Feet in preferred stance within lifting area. Bar is unracked from a fixed-height monolift.

Commands Given:

  • “Lift” to signal the athlete can begin unracking.
  • “Start” to initiate the event timer.
  • No down or up commands; the athlete proceeds through reps within the time limit.
  • “Stop” at the end of the time limit.

Equipment Allowed:

  • Belt
  • Knee sleeves or wraps
  • Elbow sleeves
  • Wrist wraps
  • Chalk
  • Lifters or flat shoes
  • Mouth guards
  • Briefs or compression shorts (non-supportive)

Equipment Not Allowed:

  • Squat suits or supportive briefs
  • Lifting straps
  • Knee braces with mechanical assistance
  • Tacky or adhesives
  • Multi-ply supportive gear

Implement Details:

  • Safety Squat Bar (SSB) will weigh 65 lbs (Elite FTS)
  • Weights will be pre-loaded for each class; the same bar used per class to ensure consistency
  • Height is determined at the athlete check-in.
  • Depth requirement: hip crease must pass below the top of the knee
  • Full lockout required at the top: hips and knees fully extended
  • Time limit: 60 seconds
  • No bouncing or double-dipping; each rep must be controlled
  • Judges will signal “no rep” when applicable

Event 2: Max Log Clean and PressDetails

Description:
Athletes will have three attempts to establish their heaviest successful lift in the log clean and press. Each attempt consists of a clean from the floor to the shoulders, followed by a press to full lockout overhead. The event follows a rising bar format, and athletes must declare their opening weight before the event begins.

Time:
60-second time limit.

Starting Position:
Athlete begins standing behind the log, hands on the neutral handles, with the log resting on the ground. The athlete may adjust grip before initiating the clean.

Commands Given:

  • “Start” to begin the attempt and to initiate the event timer.
  • “Down” is given by the judge once the athlete reaches a stable lockout overhead with feet in line and under control.
  • “Good” or “No rep” will be called immediately after the lift is completed or failed. Failure to lower the log under control after the down command will result in a “no rep” call.

Equipment Allowed:

  • Belt
  • Elbow sleeves
  • Knee sleeves
  • Wrist wraps
  • Chalk
  • Lifters, flats, or Olympic shoes
  • Soft belt and/or hard lever/prong belt
  • Grip shirts

Equipment Not Allowed:

  • Tacky or grip-enhancing substances
  • Elbow or shoulder wraps
  • Double belts (above and below)
  • Multi-ply shirts or suits
  • Lifting straps

Implement Details:

  • Log type: Steel with neutral grip handles. Titan Log (10″ Ladies, 12″ Men)
  • Standard weights will increase by fixed increments between attempts (to be announced)
  • Each athlete will have 60 seconds per attempt
  • Clean must start from the ground or crash pads (athlete preference)
  • Press can be strict, push press, push jerk, or split jerk (feet must end together to complete lift)
  • Lift must be completed in one continuous movement—clean, then press
  • Dropping the log from overhead under control is allowed; however, reckless drops may result in disqualification
  • Three attempts at heaviest lift; unlimited attempts in the allotted time (unless declared unsafe by the judge)


Event 3: Carry Medley: Yoke/ Frame/ HusafellDetails

Description:
Athletes will complete a medley consisting of three heavy carries for distance: a Yoke walk, followed immediately by a Frame carry, and then a Husafell carry. The goal is to complete the course as quickly as possible. Fastest time to finish wins; distance will be measured if the course is not completed.

Time:
90-second time limit.

Starting Position:
Athlete begins standing behind the yoke with hands off the implement. All three implements will be pre-staged along the same lane in order: Yoke → Frame → Husafell. Athletes must fully cross each designated line before moving to the next implement.

Commands Given:

  • “Athlete ready?”
  • “Go” to begin the timer
  • “Time” once the final implement crosses the finish line
  • Judge may call “Down” if control is lost or time expires

Equipment Allowed:

  • Belt
  • Knee sleeves or wraps
  • Elbow sleeves
  • Wrist wraps
  • Chalk
  • Any shoes
  • Soft belt and/or lever/prong belt
  • Grip shirts

Equipment Not Allowed:

  • Tacky or sticky substances
  • Lifting straps or hooks
  • Gloves
  • Suits with built-in gripping surface
  • Any assistive lifting device

Implement Details:

  • Yoke: Rogue Yoke, carried on the back across the traps/shoulders. Must be carried for ~50 feet.
  • Frame: Custom Frame. Neutral-handled frame. Picked up and carried for ~50 feet.
  • Husafell: Custom Stone or steal shield-style implement, front-loaded and carried in a bear-hug position for ~50 feet.
  • Drops are allowed but time continues running; no sliding or dragging allowed. 4 seconds will be added for any sliding.
  • Implements must be moved in the correct sequence.
  • Athletes have a 90-second time cap to complete the medley.
  • Distance will be marked at point of final drop if time expires before completion.

Event 4: Overhead Press Medley: Keg Clean & Press/ Block Clean & PressDetails

Description:
Athletes will alternate between a keg and a block in an overhead pressing medley. Athletes will go back and forth completing as many successful reps as possible. The sequence is as follows: clean and press the keg for 1 rep, then clean and press the block for 1 rep, then return to the keg, and continue alternating. Only successfully pressed reps will be scored. Athletes must complete the lift before progressing to the next implement. The athlete with the highest number of total reps within the time limit wins.

Time:
90-second time limit.

Starting Position:
Athlete may begin with hands on the keg, but may not lift until the “Start” command is given. Implements are placed in a fixed sequence and must be approached in order.

Commands Given:

  • “Start” to begin the medley and the timer
  • “Down” command for each overhead press (given once the athlete reaches full lockout with control)
  • “No rep” may be called for failed lockout, lack of control, or press-out issues
  • Reps will be deducted at judge’s discretion

Equipment Allowed:

  • Grip shirt
  • Elbow sleeves
  • Knee sleeves
  • Wrist wraps
  • Chalk
  • Soft belt or hard (prong or lever) belt

Equipment Not Allowed:

  • Tacky or grip adhesives of any kind
  • Lifting straps
  • Supportive suits or multi-ply gear
  • Elbow wraps

Implement Details:

  • Keg: Standard competition-style keg, loaded to class-specific weight
  • Block: Custom fabricated block implement with smooth grip surface (exact dimensions will be announced per class)
  • Each implement begins on the ground and must be cleaned to the shoulder before pressing
  • Pressing styles allowed: strict press, push press, push jerk, or split jerk
  • Implements must be controlled at the top and receive a down command for the rep to count
  • Time cap: 90 seconds
  • One point awarded per successful press; partial reps or transitions without completion do not score

Event 5: Stone Load to Platform (5 Stones)Details

Description:
Athletes will load five Atlas stones to a platform in ascending order, from lightest to heaviest. Each stone must be successfully lifted from the floor and placed securely on the platform within the 60-second time limit. The event is scored by the number of stones successfully loaded, with time serving as a tiebreaker for athletes who load the same number of stones.

Time:
60-second time limit.

Starting Position:
Athlete begins standing behind the first stone, hands off. Stones are pre-positioned in front of the platform in designated loading order from lightest to heaviest. Athlete may chalk up and apply tacky before the event begins.

Commands Given:

  • “Athlete ready?”
  • “Go” to begin the timer
  • “Time” called at the end of the 60-second limit
  • Judge may call “No lift” if stone is not securely placed on the platform

Equipment Allowed:

  • Grip shirt
  • Tacky
  • Elbow sleeves
  • Forearm sleeves
  • Knee sleeves
  • Wrist wraps
  • Chalk
  • Soft or hard belt
  • Tape on hands and forearms (athlete preference)

Equipment Not Allowed:

  • Lifting straps or hooks
  • Multi-ply suits
  • Adhesives other than tacky
  • Bracing or supports that interfere with implement contact

Implement Details:

  • 5 traditional Atlas stones made from concrete
  • Stone weights will increase in set increments (exact weights per class to be announced)
  • Platform height will decrease from highest to lowest height (exact heights to be listed)
  • Stones must be lifted from the ground
  • Stone must remain on the platform without falling or rolling off for the lift to count
  • Time cap: 60 seconds
  • Ties broken by time of final successful load. Split times recorded and scored.

Events & Weights

All weights in pounds. Log Clean & Press is a max event. Carry Medley shows Yoke / Frame / Husafell. Overhead Press shows Keg / Block. Stone Load shows the five stone weights. Weights are subject to change.

DivisionSSB SquatLog C&PCarry (Y/F/H)OH Press (K/B)Stones (×5)
Novice W HW (165+)145MAX275/200/10065/65100/115/150/160/170
Novice W LW (165-)125MAX275/200/10065/65100/115/150/160/170
Open W LW (123-)165MAX300/225/12585/85115/150/160/170/200
Open W LW (132-)185MAX300/225/12585/85115/150/160/170/200
Open W MW (148-)205MAX375/275/15095/95150/160/170/200/225
Open W MW (165-)225MAX375/275/15095/95150/160/170/200/225
Open W HW (181-)245MAX450/325/175105/105160/170/200/225/250
Open W HW (198-)265MAX450/325/175105/105160/170/200/225/250
Open W SHW (242-)285MAX500/375/200110/110170/200/225/250/265
Open W SHW (+)295MAX500/375/200110/110170/200/225/250/265
Masters W MW (165-)185MAX300/225/12565/65100/115/150/160/170
Masters W HW (+)225MAX325/250/15085/85115/150/160/170/200
Novice M HW (220+)335MAX500/400/250120/120170/200/225/250/265
Novice M LW (220-)315MAX450/350/200120/120160/170/200/225/250
Open M LW (165-)355MAX500/400/250140/140200/225/250/265/295
Open M LW (181-)375MAX500/400/250140/140200/225/250/265/295
Open M MW (198-)395MAX600/500/250160/160225/250/265/295/330
Open M MW (220-)415MAX600/500/250160/160225/250/265/295/330
Open M HW (242-)435MAX650/550/275180/180225/265/295/330/350
Open M HW (275-)455MAX650/550/275180/180225/265/295/330/350
Open M SHW (308-)475MAX700/600/300200/200265/295/330/350/365
Open M SHW (+)495MAX700/600/300200/200265/295/330/350/365
Masters M MW (220-)355MAX475/375/225140/140170/200/225/265/295
Masters M HW (+)395MAX600/500/250160/160200/225/265/295/330

ENTRY FEES, PAYMENTS & REFUNDS

$125 for online registration (Early Bird $100)

ENTRIES ARE NON REFUNDABLE AND NON TRANSFERABLE

COMPETITION SHIRTS

Competition Shirt

One T-shirt provided per athlete. Additional shirts available for purchase.

Buy Shirt

SPECTATORS

Spectator entry is $20. Cash at the door or show proof of online purchase. Kids under 12 get in free.

Buy Spectator Tickets

Day-of tickets are available at the gate.

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 Online

Athlete spots are limited and capped per event.

SANCTIONED EVENT

United States Strongman

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 USS

ELIGIBILITY

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 Membership

Novice

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

Dave DePew

Dave DePew

Meet Director

Email Dave

RESULTS

Final standings from San Diego’s Strongest Man & Woman 2025.

Novice W HW (165+)

  1. 1Yali Gerardo30 pts
  2. 2Sarah Shoemaker18.5 pts
  3. 3Shante Lampkin17 pts
  4. 4Adlih Villanueva15 pts
  5. 5Marisa McCormack12.5 pts
  6. 6Angel Robertson12 pts

Novice W LW (165-)

  1. 1Mizhel Complido22.5 pts
  2. 2Lavetta Ryles17.5 pts
  3. 3Elba Piligrino13.5 pts
  4. 4Alejandra Higuera Montano11.5 pts
  5. 5Hollis Albrecht10 pts

Open W MW (165-)

  1. 1Edna Ferrer15 pts
  2. 2Stacy Esparza8.5 pts
  3. 3Diana Flores5.5 pts

Open W HW (198-)

  1. 1Dianna Silva-Martinez5 pts

Masters W HW (+)

  1. 1Kelly Aasen8.5 pts
  2. 2Leslie Caoili6.5 pts

Novice M LW (220-)

  1. 1Joey Gallegos17.5 pts
  2. 2Gavin Blomberg15.5 pts
  3. 3Michael Rudolphsen10 pts
  4. 4Vijay Reddy7 pts

Novice M HW (220+)

  1. 1Angel Saenz8 pts
  2. 2Kasey Krasne7 pts

Open M LW (181-)

  1. 1Steven Dennis4 pts

Open M MW (198-)

  1. 1Jesse Havens14.5 pts
  2. 2Joseph Mays14 pts
  3. 3Jason Avalos12 pts
  4. 4Holland Moser9.5 pts

Open M MW (220-)

  1. 1Spencer Beane17 pts
  2. 2Guillermo Malfavon15 pts
  3. 3Erick Ramirez9.5 pts
  4. 4Mike Skirvin8.5 pts

Open M HW (275-)

  1. 1Michael Gentile20 pts
  2. 2Chris Gallegos15 pts
  3. 3Jose Lara8 pts
  4. 4Bradley Bowers7 pts

Open M SHW (308-)

  1. 1Joe Fryer12.5 pts
  2. 2Fabian Cruz10.5 pts
  3. 3Shawn Foster6 pts

Open M SHW (+)

  1. 1Landon Whitt8 pts
  2. 2Austin Bons7 pts

Masters M HW (+)

  1. 1Christopher Waits14.5 pts
  2. 2Eloy Martinez13.5 pts
  3. 3AJ Roberts7 pts

Full event-by-event scoring is on Iron Podium.

Coaching at Grinder Gym

What Our Athletes Say

★★★★★

Grinder Gym is that perfect strength athlete atmosphere. Tons of equipment and options for strongman, powerlifting, and arm wrestling.

Andrew Morrisonvia Google
★★★★★

Very happy to know this crew. From strongman to arm wrestling to powerlifting and beyond, this facility is a beacon for San Diego strength.

David Stenvia Google
★★★★★

Incredible gym with everything a powerlifter, strongman or bodybuilder would need. One of my favorite places to train in San Diego.

AJ Robertsvia Google
★★★★★

This gym is great! They have all the equipment you need for bodybuilding, powerlifting, strongman, and arm wrestling.

Tyler Myersvia Google
★★★★★

Amazing powerlifting and strongman gym! Grinder Gym has all the equipment a powerlifter or strongman could ever want, with awesome coaches and a great community.

Tadd Mearsvia Google
★★★★★

THE BEST Powerlifting, Strong Man, Arm wrestling, and any strength sport gym.

Oan Bassonvia Google
Reign Total Body Fuel at Grinder Gym

Reign Total Body is here to fuel your training.

Shop Reign on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, Grinder Gym earns from qualifying purchases.