Celebrating Polynesian Strength! The Mana Strongman Challenge is a unique competition that showcases raw strength, power & endurance while honoring the rich heritage of Polynesian culture. This event is designed to highlight the athletic prowess of Polynesian strongmen and women, but athletes from all backgrounds are welcome to participate. Join the challenge! Whether you're Polynesian or just passionate about strength athletics, we invite you to join the Mana Strongman Challenge. 

Max Log Press (Wessles Rule)

Single platform. Athletes get 3 attempts under Wessels rule: if you miss an attempt, you're out.

1 minute per attempt.

All first attempts will be completed before the bar rises and second/third attempts begin.

Athletes will be called in order of their declared opening weight.

Successful lifts must show: knees, hips, and elbows locked out, feet together, head through, and will require a down call from the judge.

Log Sizes:

Novice Women: 10” log (65 lbs empty)

LW, MW, Masters Women: 10” Titan log (75 lbs empty)

HW Women & All Men: 12” log (100 lbs empty)

Weight jumps: 5 lb increments

Allowed: Chalk, grip shirt, soft or hard belt, knee & elbow sleeves, wrist wraps, any shoes
Not Allowed: Strongman Corp grip shirts, tacky or sticky substances

Deadlift Ladder

Athletes have 60 seconds to complete 3 deadlifts in ascending weight.

Bars must be lifted in order — no skipping.

Conventional stance only: hands must be outside legs.

Each rep must receive a down command before moving on.

Bars must be lowered under control — no dropping.

Timer stops when final bar is lifted.

Allowed: Straps, belt, chalk, knee sleeves or wraps
Not Allowed: Tacky or tacky towel

Stone to Shoulder (Max Reps)

Athletes will have 2 minutes to lift the stone to their shoulder for as many reps as possible.

A rep counts when the athlete shows control, one hand is clearly off the stone, and they receive a down command.

Tacky Cleanup:
There will be a tacky cleanup station in the rocks outside.
Do not clean off tacky in bathrooms or common areas — doing so may result in a zero for this event.

Allowed: Cerberus grip shirt, tacky, knee & elbow sleeves, soft/hard belt, any shoes
Not Allowed: Strongman Corp grip shirt, chalk

Sandbag to Wheelbarrow

Athletes will carry two sandbags (one at a time) down a 40 ft lane and load them onto a wheelbarrow. Once both sandbags are on, the athlete will carry the wheelbarrow by it's handlebars across the finish line.

Bags must be carried in order; no double carries allowed

Allowed: Belts, knee sleeves, elbow sleeves, chalk, gloves
Not Allowed: Tacky, lifting straps

Sandbag Throw

Athletes will throw four sandbags over a bar in ascending weight. Women will throw over a 12-foot bar, and men over a 14-foot bar.

All four bags must be thrown in order, lightest to heaviest.

Each bag must clear the bar before moving to the next.

No skipping or moving multiple bags at once.

Allowed: Belts, elbow sleeves, knee sleeves
Not Allowed: Tacky, gloves, throwing aids

All weights and events are subject to change at any time.

Check-In

All athletes must check in / weigh in on Friday December 5th from 9am-11am or 5pm-7pm at Valhalla Strength gym in American Fork.  Please reach out if you have complications and we will work with you the best we can.

You will need to have a current USS membership to compete.  Please have it ready to view at check-in.

Comp Day

Athletes can arrive as early as 8am.  Rules meeting will be at 8:30am & competition will start at 9am.

Spectator tickets can be purchased at the door on the day of the event for $10 a person

New to Strongman? 

If you’re new to strongman, welcome! We’re so excited you’re here! This event is for everyone, and we’re here to help you feel confident and ready. Here are some FAQs you might have:

1. What’s the difference between the classes?

• Novice: Ideal for beginners or those who aren’t quite ready for the heavier weights of Open class. No weigh-in required.
• Open: You must weigh in, and your weight must fall within the range of your registered class. Example: Women’s Open Middleweight is 133–165 lbs.
• Masters: For athletes 40+ years old who prefer to compete in an age-based class

Open classes will have heavier weights than Novice or Masters.

2. What is a USS Membership?

This is a United States Strongman sanctioned event, which means all athletes must have a current USS membership. Memberships are valid for the calendar year (Jan 1–Dec 31)

If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to:

• Create an account at Iron Podium
• Purchase your membership here: USS Membership Link

3. Do I have to do every event?

• Yes and no. You’re encouraged to attempt every event, even if you’re unsure!
• If you skip an event, you’ll zero it in scoring — but you won’t be disqualified.

4. Can I practice the lifts before the event?

Yes! We will be hosting practice workouts to give athletes the opportunity to try out the implements. Stay tuned for those announcements! (be sure to check your spam folder in case emails get sent there)

And of course Remember: This is Strongman. You’re here to lift odd heavy objects and have fun! cheeehooo!