Mana Strongman Challenge 2026

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.  1. Circus Dumbbell — Max Weight Athletes will compete for a maximum successful circus dumbbell press using Wessels Rule. The dumbbell must be cleaned from the ground and pressed overhead with one arm. A successful lift requires the athlete to demonstrate control at lockout and receive the judge’s down command. Wessels Rule: Athletes receive a maximum of 3 attempts.Athletes will declare their opening weight before the event begins.Athletes will be called in order of their declared weight.All athletes’ first attempts will be completed before second attempts begin; all second attempts will be completed before third attempts begin.The dumbbell weight will only increase. Once the weight has increased, it will not be lowered.Athletes may pass an attempt.If an athlete misses an attempt, they are out of the event and do not receive additional attempts.1 minute per attempt.Highest successfully completed weight wins.Allowed: Belt, wrist wraps, elbow sleeves, knee sleeves, chalk. Not allowed: Straps or tacky. 2. Over the bar Load Medley — Keg / Sandbag / Keg / Sandbag Athletes will start with one hand touching the frame, implements will be lined up 40' away. On the start command the athlete will run and grab the first implement, run it back and load it over the bar. It must clear the bar before moving onto the next implement.  Bar heights: Men: 48 inchesWomen: 42 inchesEach implement must be loaded over the designated bar. The athlete may not begin moving the next implement until the previous implement has been successfully loaded. This event will be scored by fastest completion time. Implements must be completed in the designated order.Athletes may lift the implements using any safe technique.An implement is complete when it has fully crossed the designated load point and the judge signals that the load is good.If an athlete does not complete all four implements within the time limit, scoring will be based first on number of implements successfully completed, then time to the last completed implement.Dropping an implement is allowed, but the athlete must regain control and continue from where the implement comes to rest unless otherwise directed by the judge.Deliberately throwing an implement in an unsafe manner may result in a penalty or disqualification.Allowed: Belt, knee sleeves, elbow sleeves, grip shirts, chalk. Not allowed: Tacky. 3. Axle Deadlift Athletes will complete as many successful reps as possible within 60 seconds. These will be from the floor, NOT wagon wheel. The athlete must lift the bar from the floor to a fully locked-out standing position. At lockout, knees and hips must be extended and the athlete must be standing under control. The athlete must wait for the judge’s down command before returning the bar to the floor. Each successful lockout counts as 1 rep.Athletes must wait for the judge’s down command before lowering the bar.Reps completed without a down command will not count.Touch-and-go reps are not allowed. Each rep must return to the floor before the next pull begins.Hitching and ramping are allowed.Allowed: Deadlift straps, belt, knee sleeves, chalk, deadlift suits, hitching, and ramping Not allowed: Tacky. 4. Yoke Athletes will carry the yoke through the 50' run as many times as possible for longest distance. The athlete begins behind the starting line and may start moving the yoke on the judge’s signal. The event is complete when 90s is up or athlete calls it.  Athletes may set the yoke down and repick as many times as necessary within the time limit.There is no penalty simply for dropping/set-downs.Athletes must remain within the designated course.Intentionally sliding, dragging, or pushing the yoke across the finish rather than carrying it may result in a penalty or no completion at the judge’s discretion.Distance completed will determine placing.Allowed: Belt, knee sleeves, elbow sleeves, chalk, grip shirts. Not allowed: Tacky or straps. 5. Four-Stone Load Series Athletes will have 60s to load 4 Atlas Stones in ascending weight order. Because this event uses a four-stone series rather than five, the stone weights will be heavier. Loading heights: Men: 48 inchesWomen: 42 inchesAthletes must load the stones in the designated order. A stone is complete when it is successfully loaded onto the platform and the judge confirms the load. Fastest time to complete all four stones wins.Stones must be attempted in order.If an athlete cannot complete the next stone, the run is over.Athletes who do not complete all four stones will be scored by number of stones completed, then time to the last successfully loaded stone.Athletes may use tacky.A designated tacky cleanup station will be provided.Tacky may only be cleaned/removed in the designated cleanup area. Cleaning tacky anywhere else may result in a zero for the event.Allowed: Tacky, tacky towels, belts, stone forearm sleeves, knee sleeves, grip shirts. Not allowed: Strongman Corporation grip shirts **All weights and events are subject to change at any time. **Please register using an email address you check regularly. All event communication will be sent through Iron Podium to the email address you use during registration. Be sure to check your spam/junk folder so you don’t miss important event updates or instructions. 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 classOpen 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 PodiumPurchase your membership here: USS Membership Link3. 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!