Welcome to the 7th Annual Battle Axe Showdown!

Join us at Battle Axe Barbell on January 31, 2026 for one of Texas’ premier strongman competitions. This event is dedicated to showcasing the next generation of strength athletes and bringing the community together for an unforgettable showdown.

Competitor Cap: 60 athletes

Divisions: All Strongman Corporation weight classes & experience levels

Expect a professionally run show, top-level equipment, and an electric crowd. Whether you’re a first-time competitor or a seasoned strongman, this is your chance to test your grit and stand on the Battle Axe platform.

Weigh-Ins

Weigh-In Date: January 30, 2026
Weigh-In Location: Battle Axe Barbell (Garland, TX) 

Battle Axe Barbell, 1494 W Buckingham Rd, Garland, TX 75042

Weigh-In Times

AM session: 9:00 - 11:00am
PM session: 4:00 - 5:00pm

ALL ATHLETES ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A STRONGMAN CORPORATION MEMBERSHIP - CLICK HERE

THIS IS A NATIONALS QUALIFIER

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS - CLICK HERE

Event Lineup

SHOES MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES DURING EVERY EVENT

Event 1 – DOUBLE-O DEADLIFT

Time Cap: 60 seconds
Athletes will accumulate as many reps/points as possible using a TRAP bar on monster tires. 

Reps must be locked out fully with hips through and shoulders back, and lowered under control. Athletes must wait for both the up and down commands. No bouncing or touch-and-go allowed. Reps that are incomplete, rushed, or not controlled will not be scored.

3 deadlift height options. Height is measured from handle height to floor.

Scoring:

• 8" - 3 points
• 12" - 2 points
• 16" - 1 point

Allowed:

• Belts
• Elbow sleeves
• Knee sleeves
• Wrist wraps
• Chalk

Not Allowed:

• Straps
• Tacky
• Grip shirts
• Suits or briefs
• Liquid grip or grip tape

Event 2 – OPERATION OVERHEAD

Time Cap: 60 seconds

Athletes will clean and press away an axle on wagon wheels as many times as possible. Only one clean is required for the Axle. Each rep must be fully locked out with feet stationary, head through, and receive a down command from the judge.

Allowed:

• Continental Cleans/Belt Cleans
• Strict, Push, and Jerk Press of any kind is allowed
• Belts
• Elbow sleeves
• Knee sleeves
• Wrist wraps
• Grip shirts
• Chalk

Not Allowed:

• Tacky
• Suits or briefs
• Built-up belts
• Pressing blocks
• Tree-topping or uncontrolled drops

Event 3 – LIVE AND LET LOAD

Time Cap: 60 seconds

Athletes will begin at the side of the yoke and when given the 'START', athletes will run 25ft feet to the sandbag then proceed by carrying the bag 25ft back to the yoke and loading it over. Athletes will load it back over the yoke and carry it an additional 25ft to the 'START' line. Time ends when both feet of the athlete cross the line, fastest time wins.

Only one bag will be used. Competitors will go head-to-head.

Load Heights:

• 42" women
• 48" men

Allowed:

• Belts
• Knee sleeves
• Elbow sleeves
• Chalk
• Grip shirts

Not Allowed:

• Tacky
• Suits or briefs
• Built-up belts

Event 4 – LICENSE TO PULL: 18,000lbs

Time Cap: 60 seconds

Athletes will strap in and drag a semi truck attached to their back and assist themselves by pulling a rope lead in front of them arm over arm for 50ft

Fastest time wins

Allowed:

• Chalk
• Belts
• Climbing shoes

Not Allowed:

• Straps
• Tacky
• Grip shirts
• Suits or briefs
• Liquid grip or grip tape

Spectator Information:

Spectator entry is $15 at the door.

Children 12 & under are free.

Bring your friends and family — the energy of the crowd makes the show even better!

FOOD TRUCK WILL BE AVAILABLE

Refund / Cancellation Policy:

All registrations are final. No refunds will be issued. 

$85 before January 10th, $125 after January 10th.