Three events, max weight wins!

Why lift heavy stuff over and over again, when you can lift even heavier stuff one time? We all know cardio isn’t as fun as hitting your one rep max (and anything over two or three reps is basically cardio), so we have combined three strongman greats: log, 18” deadlift, and a bizarrely ridiculous grip event. We call it Overheads & Deads. You’ll call it the best strongman event you’ve ever done that required less than ten lifts.

Event 1: The Overheads

This will be an overhead log press for max weight.  Weight will start at 75 pounds on a 10 inch log and competitors will choose weight auction style. Yell out if you want a lift at the weight called, three attempts for max weight.  Wessels rule applies.  (You miss a lift, you're done). All weights 190 and above will be on the 12 inch diameter log.

Event 2: The Deads

We will continue on with a deadlift-the best kind of deadlift- 18 inch deadlift from blocks. Just as in the first event, athletes will choose weights rising bar auction style,  with 3 attempts.  (Wessels rule applies here as well).  Sorry,  no Sumo stance for this one.

Straps (regular or figure 8), chalk, belts, grip shirts will be allowed.

Not allowed: tacky, deadlift suits, squat suits, hooks, hydraulic and pneumatic lifts, bears disguised as humans who have been trained in Strongman lifts

Event 3: The Grip

This event will introduce our brand new grip implement… ((drum roll))….. HammerTHORus Rex! He’s 175 pounds of beefy diamond plate ridiculousness! Plate loadable to challenge your grip to its full potential, HammerTHORus Rex is an enormous 15x24 inch hammer with a 2 3/8 inch handle. Chalk will be fine, but no tacky, straps, or tacky straps. We’re currently doing testing and will finalize the details, but most likely will use a loading pin to work up to 175. Photos are available on Facebook and Instagram if you want to see him in all his steel beefcake glory.

We will do early weigh-ins the day before the event at Steam Hollow (time TBA) or you can weigh in the day of the competition.

This contest is sanctioned by USS, and as such is a qualifier for 2023 USS Nationals in Dallas, TX.

No spectator fee, so bring all your friends and family to cheer on the strong people! There will be a food truck for all your competition day food purchase needs (TACOS!),  and Steam Hollow will have a variety of beer and other beverages including gluten free/reduced options.

Steam Hollow is a veteran-owned and operated family-friendly microbrewery. For more info on the venue and to see what's on tap, check out www.steamhollowbrewing.com

For updates on this and future events, check out Illinois Strongman Association on Facebook or TonySoucie on Instagram