

January 17, 2026
Conquer Connecticut
$75
South Windsor, CT
USS Sanctioned Strongman Competition
Get ready to test your strength and compete with the best. This event is officially sanctioned by United States Strongman (USS) and serves as a qualifier for USS Nationals 2026.
Membership Requirement
All competitors must have a valid USS membership to compete.
- Purchase your membership after January 1st at: unitedstatesstrongman.com
- Be prepared to show proof of membership (digital card or receipt) at check-in.
Nationals Qualification
- Novice: 1st place qualifies for USS Nationals 2026
- Open & Masters: All podium finishers qualify
Weight Class Info
- Novice & Masters: Will compete in a single class
- Open: Classes may be consolidated into LW, MW, HW, SHW unless there are 6 or more athletes per subclass
Pro Division Possibility
If there is enough interest, we will open a Pro Division with a minimum of 6 athletes per class:
- Women Open
- Women 165-
- Men Open
- Men 220-
1st place in each Pro Division class earns an invite to the 2026 USS Pro International.
Prize money will depend on sponsorships.
To express interest, email: usstrongmanct@gmail.com
Weigh-In / Check-In
Friday, January 16 at Lightning Fitness
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Saturday, January 17
- 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM
Athletes will receive shirts and other items at check-in.
Competition Day – Saturday, January 17
- Indoor venue – bring chairs if you’d like to sit
- Rules Meeting: 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
- Warm-Ups End: 9:50 AM
- Competition Starts: 10:00 AM sharp
Event Lineup & Rules
General Rules for All Events
- Equipment Not Allowed: Tacky, spray tacky, grip shirts, briefs, suits, straps
- All weights are subject to change.
Athlete Notes
- Athlete order is based on sign-up order (first to sign up = last to go). No reordering!
- Athletes must wear their event shirts during all events.
- Judges have full discretion on all calls, do not argue with them about calls during or after the fact.
Event 1: Keg Load Over Bar
- 60-second time limit.
- Keg starts upright in front of the athlete.
- Reps must be completed before time is called.
- Bar height: 48” (women), 52” (men)
Event 2: Sandbag Medley
- 60-second time limit.
- Start with one sandbag upright. On “GO,” carry it 30 feet.
- At the end of the runway, shoulder the sandbag.
- Athlete will switch to the second sandbag and press overhead for one rep.
- Return to the previous sandbag carry it back 30 feet then shoulder one rep.
- Time stops after the last shoulder rep is completed.
Event 3: Circus Dumbbell Ladder
- 60-second time limit.
- Complete a 3-implement ladder. The final dumbbell is for reps.
- Each dumbbell must be controlled to the crash pad—no deliberate drops or you receive a no rep.
- Final dumbbell must touch the ground between reps.
- Judges have full discretion. Discuss mobility issues with your judge beforehand.
Event 4: Double Overhand Axle Deadlift
- 60-second time limit.
- Max reps from standard height using double overhand grip only.
- No straps allowed.
- Must lock out fully and wait for the down command.
- No dropping from the drop.
- No sumo.
Event 5: Mystery Event
- Details will be revealed closer to the event.
- No hints will be given—this is meant to be fun!
Interested in Volunteering?
We’re always looking for great volunteers to help make this event a success. If you’re interested in volunteering, please reach out via email at usstrongmanct@gmail.com.
Stay Updated
For questions or updates:
- Email: usstrongmanct@gmail.com
- Follow us on Instagram @usstrongmanct
- Updates will also be sent via email and posted on Iron Podium
Let’s have fun and do some strong things!
Events and Weights
Division | Keg Load Over Bar | Sandbag Medley | Circus Dumbbell Ladder | Double Overhand Axle Deadlift | Mystery Event |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Novice Women (Single Class) | 130 | 130/75 | 40-50-60 | 175 | TBD |
Open W LW (123-) | 150 | 130/75 | 40-50-60 | 175 | TBD |
Open W LW (132-) | 150 | 130/75 | 40-50-60 | 175 | TBD |
Open W MW (148-) | 175 | 150/100 | 60-70-80 | 200 | TBD |
Open W MW (165-) | 175 | 150/100 | 60-70-80 | 200 | TBD |
Open W HW (181-) | 200 | 175/130 | 70-80-90 | 225 | TBD |
Open W HW (198-) | 200 | 175/130 | 70-80-90 | 225 | TBD |
Open W SHW (242-) | 225 | 200/130 | 80-90-100 | 250 | TBD |
Open W SHW (+) | 225 | 200/130 | 80-90-100 | 250 | TBD |
Masters Women (Single Class) | 150 | 130/75 | 40-50-60 | 175 | TBD |
Novice Men (Single Class) | 200 | 150/100 | 80-90-100 | 225 | TBD |
Open M LW (165-) | 225 | 200/150 | 100-110-120 | 225 | TBD |
Open M LW (181-) | 225 | 200/150 | 100-110-120 | 225 | TBD |
Open M MW (198-) | 250 | 250/175 | 120-130-140 | 250 | TBD |
Open M MW (220-) | 250 | 250/175 | 120-130-140 | 250 | TBD |
Open M HW (242-) | 275 | 275/200 | 140-150-160 | 300 | TBD |
Open M HW (275-) | 275 | 275/200 | 140-150-160 | 300 | TBD |
Open M SHW (308-) | 300 | 300/200 | 150-160-170 | 350 | TBD |
Open M SHW (+) | 300 | 300/200 | 150-160-170 | 350 | TBD |
Masters Men (Single Class) | 200 | 150/100 | 80-90-100 | 225 | TBD |
$75
Registration Closes Jan 09, 2026
No refunds.
76 spots remain.