WORLD STRONGMAN
International Union
World Strongman competitions are structured into two official relay formats comprising eight core standardised disciplines, governed by the Official Technical & Competition Rules.
Each relay is performed for time. The athlete completing all stages in the shortest time wins.
Each discipline must be completed in sequence:
Operating under sanctioned judging procedures and official technical regulations.
The athlete must successfully complete all repetitions of the current stage before progressing to the next discipline.
On the judge’s signal, the athlete lifts and flips the stone over a 110 cm bar.
! The use of special glue (tacky) is prohibited.
The athlete lifts the dumbbell from the ground with both hands, sets it on the shoulder, and presses it overhead with one hand.
The dumbbell must be secured overhead for one second.
! Supporting the implement with the non-working hand during the press is prohibited.
The athlete lifts the axle from the ground until fully upright.
The implement must be secured for one second before the judge gives the command to lower it.
! Straps Prohibited
! No Touch-and-Go
The athlete lifts the log from the ground and presses it overhead.
The log must be secured overhead for one second.
! Holding on the head, detaching hands, or improper support is prohibited.
The athlete must carry the implement across the full 20-meter course before proceeding to the next stage.
The athlete picks up the sandbag and carries it forward over the 20-meter course.
Chest and Stomach only.
The athlete must carry the bag past the finish line and cross the line with both feet to complete the stage.
! Contact with shoulders, head, or other body parts is prohibited.
The athlete places the yoke on the shoulders and moves forward over the 20-meter course.
The judge will signal the completion of the stage once both conditions are met.
The athlete carries two implements by the handles over the 20-meter course.
! Use of straps is prohibited.
The athlete flips the regulated “Tyre” apparatus forward over a 20-meter distance.
Applied for deliberate advancement (pushing/sliding) of the apparatus without proper flipping.
All relay formats are conducted within a defined competition lane including marked boundaries and an official electronic timing system to ensure absolute measurement integrity.
Primary Method: Electronic Sensor/Button
Backup: Manual Simultaneous Timing
Results are validated by technical officials.
The shortest official time for all completed stages wins.
Tie-breaking procedures are applied in accordance with the Official Technical & Competition Rules.
The eight disciplines presented on this page constitute the Core Standardised Disciplines of World Strongman and apply to official Lift Relay and Carry Relay formats.
Where competitions are conducted under Para-Strongman regulations, discipline structure and technical parameters may be adapted. Such adaptations include modified implement specifications, adjusted repetition standards, load scaling, and accessibility requirements.
→ View Para-Strongman RegulationsWorld Strongman recognises additional formats including Ethnosport, Show formats, and Battle exhibition formats. These may incorporate alternative disciplines or adapted equipment.
Alternative disciplines do not constitute Core Standardised Disciplines unless explicitly regulated under the Official Technical & Competition Rules.
The disciplines presented on this page operate within the official regulatory framework of World Strongman.
Comprehensive rules governing relay structure, judging criteria, penalties, and scoring.
Uniform specifications for implements, field-of-play, and safety requirements.
Phased model (2025–2028) including Transitional Tolerance Policy and Tier Model.
Adapted technical and operational provisions for Para-Strongman athletes.
Institutional governance framework and sanctioning jurisdiction.
World Strongman Regulatory Division © 2024–2028 | Technical Documentation