(LAST UPDATED 12MAR25 - Hercules hold, presenting sponsor, 2-day clarification & Rules)

Presented by Bare Steel Equipment!

This is a United States Strongman sanctioned event, and Athlete memberships are required to compete.

This will be a 2-day competition.  Events 1-3 on day 1, events 4 & 5 plus any required tie-breakers on day 2!

Cash Prizes! These are based on ticket sales to the convention, competition entries, and competition sponsorships. Additionally, cash raised will be donated to the EOD Warrior Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. 

Weigh-ins will take place at the venue on June 26th and the morning of the 27th, 2025

Weights for events are subject to change until morning of competition.

There will be services for IV re-hydration available at weigh-ins for purchase 

Times:  TBA

Location: TBA

Spectators must purchase tickets through the Home Gym Convention website.

Code “KL10” will save 10% on the tickets available here: HGC Expo Spectator Tickets

Athlete Participation:

Athlete entry also gets the competitor access to The Home Gym Convention two-day event.  Athletes DO NOT need to buy Home Gym Con Tickets but all attendees DO require tickets be purchased at the discounted rate using code KL10. Kids under 14 are free to attend with no ticket purchased.

Event 1: Viking Press Rules

General Overview:

Competitors will perform a Viking Press for maximum repetitions within a 60-second time limit. Once the implement is lifted into the starting position, it must not be re-racked or set back down until the attempt is completed.

Execution & Judging Criteria:

Lift Initiation:

• Athlete must pick up the Viking Press and establish control before beginning repetitions.
• Once lifted, the implement may not be re-racked or set down. If it is, the attempt is over.

Pressing Mechanics:

• Strict press and push press are allowed.
• Push jerks, split jerks, and double-dipping (re-bending the knees after the initial leg drive) are NOT allowed.
• Each repetition must be pressed to full lockout (elbows fully extended, head through).

Repetition Standard:

• Each rep must return to the shoulders before initiating the next press.
• A judge will issue a "DOWN" command upon a successful lockout.
• If an athlete fails to lock out, the repetition will not count.

Time Limit & Scoring:

• 60 seconds to complete as many repetitions as possible.
• Only reps receiving a judge’s “DOWN” command will be counted.

Equipment Regulations:

Allowed Equipment:
 Soft belt, hard belt, elbow sleeves, wrist wraps, knee sleeves, chalk.

Not Allowed:
 Supportive suits (single or multi-ply).
 Lifting straps of any kind.
 Tacky or grip aids (except chalk).
 Bicycle helmets (or any headgear not deemed necessary for safety).

Event 2: Deadlift Ladder Rules

General Overview:

Athletes will complete a series of deadlifts in a ladder format, progressing through two deadlift barbells and an axle of increasing difficulty. The event is scored by the total number of successfully completed deadlifts within 60 seconds.

Event Flow & Execution:

Starting Position:

• Athletes will start behind a designated line, approximately 5 feet behind the first barbell.
• At the judge’s “GO” command, the athlete will approach the first barbell and begin lifting.

Barbell Sequence:

• First Bar: Perform one deadlift, wait for the judge’s “DOWN” command, then lower the bar.
• Step over the bar and proceed to the second bar.
• Second Bar: Perform one deadlift, wait for the “DOWN” command, then lower the bar.
• Step over the bar and proceed to the third bar (Axle Bar).
• Third Bar: Perform as many deadlifts as possible before time expires, waiting for the “DOWN” command on each rep.

Repetition Standards:

• A successful lift requires full hip and knee extension with shoulders behind the bar.
• The judge will issue a “DOWN” command upon a valid lockout.

Time & Scoring:

• 60-second time limit.
• Ties will split points evenly (no additional tiebreakers).

Equipment Regulations:

Allowed Equipment:
Lifting straps
Deadlift suits
 Lifting belt, knee sleeves, wrist wraps, chalk

Not Allowed:
 Tacky or grip aids (except chalk)

Event 3: Hercules Hold Rules

General Overview:

The Hercules Hold is a pure grip endurance event. Athletes will stand between two weighted pillars, holding handles attached to them for as long as possible. Once the grip fails and the handles are released, the attempt is over. The longest time held wins.

Event Flow & Execution:

Starting Position:

• The athlete will be positioned between two weighted pillars, gripping a handle in each hand.
• The handles will be attached to the pillars via chains or cables, ensuring a consistent tension.
• The athlete's arms must be fully extended at the start.

Hold Duration:

• The timer starts when the handles are released to the athlete’s control.
• The athlete must stand upright with arms extended and not brace against their body.
• The attempt ends when the athlete releases one or both handles.

Judging Criteria:

• The official time starts when the athlete has full control of the handles and stops when the first handle is released.
• Shrugging the handles, or resting them against the body may result in a time penalty or disqualification.

Time & Scoring:

• The longest duration held determines placings.
• Ties will split points evenly.

Equipment Regulations:

Allowed Equipment:
 Chalk
 Lifting belt
 Knee sleeves, wrist wraps

Not Allowed:
 Lifting straps
 Tacky or grip aids
 Hook grip (fingers must wrap naturally around the handle)

Event 4: Conan’s Wheel Rules

General Overview:

The Conan’s Wheel is a max-distance carry event where athletes will support the implement in the crook of their elbows or on their forearms. The goal is to carry the implement for the longest distance possible within a 75-second time limit.

Event Flow & Execution:

Pick & Carry:

• The athlete must carry the Conan’s Wheel in the crook of their elbows or on their forearms.
• The athlete may not rest the implement on their belt or shoulders for additional support.
• The judge will give a start command, after which the athlete has 30 seconds to pick up the implement and begin moving.
• The maximum time allowed for the carry is 75 seconds.

Movement & Distance Marking:

• The athlete will walk in a circular path for as far as possible within 75 seconds.
• Incidental contact (light tapping) with the ground in the front or back does not stop the attempt. (judge's discretion)
• The attempt ends when the implement fully touches the ground or when the 75-second time limit expires.

Scoring & Mercy Rule:

• Distance is measured at the point where the implement comes to a complete stop.
• A 5-foot mercy area applies at the start:
  • If the implement is dropped within this zone, the athlete may attempt a repick within their original 30-second window.
  • If dropped beyond the 5-foot mark, the distance is locked in and the attempt ends.
• If the athlete is still moving when the 75-second time limit expires, their distance at that exact moment will be recorded.

Pick Height Options:

• Athletes may choose their preferred pick height before starting.
• Only limited pick height options will be provided.

Equipment Regulations:

Allowed Equipment:
One soft belt
One hard belt
 Knee sleeves, elbow sleeves, wrist wraps, chalk

Not Allowed:
Lifting straps
Tacky or grip aids including grip shirts
Loose belt setups to create a “shelf” (Elbows may not be tucked into the belt)

Event 5: Sandbag Loading Steeplechase Rules

General Overview:

Athletes will load sandbags in ascending order onto a designated platform or over a bar within a 60-second time limit. The goal is to load all sandbags as quickly as possible; the fastest time wins. If an athlete does not complete all sandbags, their score is based on the last successfully loaded bag before time expires.

Event Flow & Execution:

Starting Position:

• Athletes will start hands off the sandbags but may orient them to their preference before the timer begins.
• On the judge’s “GO” command, the athlete will begin loading sandbags in ascending order.

Loading Sequence:

• Sandbags must be loaded in order, from lightest to heaviest.
• Skipping a bag is not allowed. If an athlete accidentally skips a bag, they must correct it before proceeding.
• Each sandbag must be fully placed on the platform or over the designated bar before moving to the next one.
• The event ends either when:
  • All sandbags are successfully loaded (fastest time wins).
  • The 60-second time limit expires (score is based on last fully loaded bag).

Time & Scoring:

• Fastest time to load all bags wins.
• If an athlete does not complete all sandbags, their score will be the number of sandbags successfully loaded.
• Hard time limit:
  • If the athlete is in the process of loading a sandbag when time expires, it does not count unless it has already made contact with the platform or cleared the bar.

Equipment Regulations:

Allowed Equipment:
 Knee sleeves, elbow sleeves
 Grip shirts
 Gloves
 Wrist wraps
 Belt
 Chalk

Not Allowed:
 Lifting suits
 Tacky or tacky-like substances