WELCOME TO THE 2026 BULL OF THE DESERT

STRONGMAN COMPETITION - JANUARY 31, 2026!

We have partnered with Cocopah Casino for the 2026 Bull of the Desert Strongman Competition and have moved the event location to their site.  The address is 15318 S Avenue B, Somerton, AZ 85350. This event is being combined with our annual Marathon and Half Marathon event so please follow signage for proper check-in/registrations day of competition. 

This is a United States Strongman sanctioned event. USS membership is required of all athletes. Membership can be purchased ONLY here: https://www.unitedstatesstrongman.com/uss-membership.

The competition is still using military equipment, still military-themed, and we have some exciting events planned in our 9th Annual Event. Please continue reading for specific event details and event weights. 

THE 5 EVENTS WILL BE:

The 3 Leg Medley:  This medley will consist of military items and gear that our service members may encounter on a daily basis.  Competitors will front carry a military related item (155mm shell/fire hose/warhead) for 10 meters.  The entire implement must cross the line before being sat down, drops do not count.  In the event of a drop, the athlete must pick the object up and reposition onto the mat/pad for completion.  Athlete will then front carry a seabag back to their original starting point 10 meters.  Athlete cannot use the straps/handle of the seabag for any portion of the event.  Athlete and seabag must cross the line for completion.  Athlete will then move to the Keg Overhead for a single rep (we said it was all military themed!)  Keg CANNOT be dropped from overhead...the rep will not count.  Athlete must follow the keg to the crash pad.  Fastest time wins; if athlete cannot complete the event, credit will be given for distance.  If more than one athlete finishes a leg but fails the next portion (i.e. "tie on distance") fastest time to complete the previous leg wins the points.

Deadlift:  Competitors will perform the deadlift as many times as possible in 60 seconds.  Athletes must wait for the down command.  There will not be an "up" command.  Pick it up, put it down, keep doing that.  Most reps win; points will be divided in the event of a tie.

Fingal Fingers:  As many reps as possible in a 60 second time limit.  Athlete will lift the finger off a tire.  There are no restrictions to how the athlete gets the finger over the pivot point (walk it over with arms extended, bear hug it, telepathy, intimidation).  Push it over, run to the other side, do it again, and again, and again.  Most reps win; points will be divided in the event of a tie.

Vehicle Pull:  Athletes order will be reverse order as determined by point totals of the first three events (highest total goes first).  Competitors will strap in, and pull for distance of 25 meters.  Military Vehicles will be used in this event.  If you are familiar with last year's event...yes, same vehicles so train heavy!  We are in a new location which is flat.  We understand is was great attempting to pull the implements last year and we know it will be great to see you actually move the implements this year!

The Atlas Stones:  Athletes order will be determined by point totals of the previous events (lowest points go first).  Competitors will go head to head in a race showing off strength and speed while lifting and setting 4 stones onto a platform.  Competitors will start behind the staged series of atlas stones.  Once given the command to go, the competitors will have 90 seconds to lift and set 4 stones onto their corresponding tower.  Only stones that have been property secured to their tower will count as completed; it is the athlete's responsibility to ensure the stone is secure on the podium.  Split times will be taken and used in the event of a tie.  If split times are tied (determined by the tenth of a second), lighter athlete wins.

Round-robin of Medley, Fingal Fingers, Deadlift.  Starting event for age/weight class will be determined based on entrants and announced the morning of the competition.  After the round-robin, points will be tallied to determine athlete order for the Vehicle Pull.  Note: The Vehicle Pull athlete order will be highest points go first.  Points will be tallied again to determine athlete order for Atlas Stones.  The Atlas Stone athlete order will be the traditional lowest point total first.

WEIGH IN DATE / TIME AND LOCATION:

Date: Friday, January 30, 2026

Time: 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM 

Location: Cocopah Casino (15318 S. Avenue B, Somerton, AZ 85350)            
 

Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026

Time: 6:30 AM to 8:00 AM 

Location: Cocopah Casino (15318 S. Avenue B, Somerton, AZ 85350)         

SEQUENCE OF EVENTS:

0900: Competition begins with round-robin: Medley/Deadlift/Fingal Fingers (your specific order of events may vary)

After completion of round-robin and 15 minute intermission, all athletes go to the Vehicle Pull (we will have 3 lanes operating at the same time).

After completion of the Vehicle Pull and just enough time to get points totals calculated and score cards printed, all athletes go to the Atlas Stones for head to head competition.  Expect the order to be LW Women to HW Men following the progression of stone weights.
 

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION:

An awards and recognition ceremony will take place once all scores have been counted by the judges and scorekeepers.

AUTHORIZED GEAR:

• Lifting belts, maximum of 4 inches.  (Soft belts over 4 inches upon approval)
• Knee Wraps / Sleeves
• Elbow Wraps / Sleeves
• Forearm Braces / Sleeves
• Wrist Wraps and Supports
• Grip Shirts (Atlas Stones Only)
• Tack (Atlas Stones Only)
• Gloves (Aircraft Pull Only)

PROHIBITED GEAR:

• Belts wider than 4 inches
• Deadlift Suits
• Squat Suits
• Bench Press Shirts
• Slingshot Gear
• Any form of gear designed to mimic the above-mentioned gear.

Stay tuned for further information!!!!