This article is an overview of federations that operate in the United States, as well as higher-level invitational contests and how to qualify for them.
If you’d like to learn more about what federations are, why they exist, and how to choose one, check out Part 1 of this series: Federations 101: What and Why They Are, How to Pick One.
Strongman Federations and Organizations in the United States
Strongman Corporation (SC, NAS, or North American Strongman)
This is the longest-running current federation in the United States and in many areas of the country is the most prolific federation.
If you want to compete as an amateur at The Arnold, this is the only way to get there. You can qualify at Regionals, Nationals, or Platinum Plus/Pro-Am shows held throughout the year. You can view the full qualification requirements for each level of competition here: https://strongmancorporation.com/faq/
Women’s Weight Classes are: 125lbs, 140lbs (pro), 165lbs, 180lbs (pro), Open (pro)
Men’s Weight Classes are: 175lbs, 200lbs, 231lbs (pro), 265lbs, Open (pro)
Masters divisions start at 40+ with weight classes, and 50+ as an open weight class. Teen divisions are available for ages 13-17. America’s Strongest Teen is held annually for qualified athletes and has age divisions and weight classes.
Membership terms: good for 12-months from date of purchase, $87/77/52/42 (new/renewal/new teen/renewal teen), includes personal injury insurance from SPOT
United States Strongman (USS)
USS was formed in 2014, and has grown exponentially to become the most prolific federation in some parts of the US. Their Nationals competition is huge (due at least in part to the more relaxed qualification standards) and by all accounts efficient.
USS has a loose connection to the Pro Strongman League (PSL). Some podium finishers from USS Nationals and select USS-sanctioned shows qualify for select PSL shows.
Women’s Weight Classes: 132lbs (123 subclass), 165lbs (148 subclass), 198lbs (181 subclas), SHW (242 subclass)
Men’s Weight Classes: 181lbs (165 subclass), 220lbs (198 subclass), 275lbs (242 subclass), SHW (308 subclass)
There are Masters divisions for 40+, 50+, and 60+ with separate classes; as well as Teen and Heros (police, fire, military) classes.
A full list of weight classes and divisions can be found here: https://www.unitedstatesstrongman.com/about
Membership Terms: $33 per calendar year, integrated with Iron Podium (so when you sign up for a USS-sanctioned competition it is tied to your membership as well)
Official Strongman Games (OSG)
OSG rides a fine line between federation and competition series. There is no membership fee, but there is a clear hierarchy of related events and path of advancement to higher level events. Qualifications for the World Championship are held both online and at in-person Regionals. Competitors at Worlds in the Open Men’s class qualify for the next step toward World’s Strongest Man (see below). Competitors in all other classes are titled “World’s Strongest” in their respective class.
OSG is one of the clearest paths to high-level international competition currently offered in the United States. It’s extremely difficult to qualify for the World Championship, but with online options and minimal fees at the entry level, it’s very accessible.
Professional Invitationals
These are competitions that are hosted once per year or are part of a series of events. Rosters are filled by invitation or high-level qualification only, and they typically only include Open Men. At the time of this writing, Arnold Strongman recently introduced an Open Women class, and Giant’s Live has just produced its first women-only show in the UK. The Shaw Classic has an Open Women division, but it requires an online qualifier and is on par with the Amateur Open Men division (not at the same level in coverage or awards as the Pro Open Men).
Arnold Strongman Classic (“The Arnold”)
The Arnold is widely regarded as the heaviest, most competitive, and most exclusive strongman competition. This event is invite-only with extremely limited (and competitive) qualifiers taking place around the world throughout the year.
The Men’s division began in 2002. A Pro Women’s division was added in 2017, though it hovered in a gray area below the Men’s division. In 2023 Women were given equal footing for the first time and the event was retitled from “Arnold Pro Strongwoman” to “Arnold Strongwoman Classic” and featured the same events as the Men’s division for the first time.
Giants Live is affiliated with World’s Strongest Man and hosts a number of high level shows, primarily in the UK and historically focused on male athletes. Giants Live has recently added a women’s competition, Britain’s Strongest Woman, and a co-ed team competition, World’s Strongest Nation.
The women’s shows are invite-only. The men’s shows are by invitation and qualification from other events, including Official Strongman Games (for Open Men only).
World’s Strongest Man (WSM)
WSM is probably the most famous strongman competition in the world. It features a group of 30 athletes selected by invitation and at various qualifying events throughout the year. Giants Live has become the primary “feeder” federation for WSM.
For Open Men, Official Strongman Games can also be the first step to qualifying for WSM. A podium finish there qualifies for a Giants Live show, which in turn can be used to qualify for WSM.
You can read more about the qualifying process for World’s Strongest Man here: https://giants-live.com/news/the-ultimate-guide-to-qualifying-for-the-worlds-strongest-man-contest/
Part of the larger CrossFit-focused Rogue Invitational, the Rogue Strongman Invitational stormed onto the scene in 2021 with the largest prize purse in strongman. It includes 10 athletes by invitation only and is not affiliated with any other federations or competitions.
Legendary strongman Brian Shaw started promoting the Shaw Classic in 2020. The first 2 years it was invite-only for Pro Men. In 2022 they added Open divisions for Men and Women using an online qualifier. The winner of the Open Men’s division now qualifies for the Pro Men’s invitational the following year. This competition isn’t affiliated with any other federations or competitions.
More Info
For more information about how to choose the right federation or competition pathway for you, check out Part 1 of this series: Federations 101: What and Why They Are, How to Pick One.
If you’d like more personalized guidance, you can reach out for a free 15-min coaching call or to set up a longer consult by emailing katiefeeleystrength@gmail.com.
