Frequently Asked Questions
Where will the 2027 Powerlifting United National Championships be held?
The 2027 Powerlifting United National Championships will be held in Noblesville, IN at the Riverview Health Arena! This location is also ~25 miles from Downtown Indianapolis!
Is there a hotel group rate?
Yes! We will have exclusive hotel group rates available for anyone planning to attend 2027 PLU Nationals.
Can a qualifying total be from any sanctioned competition?
Yes. Your qualifying total can be from any sanctioned competition within the qualifying timeframe (January 1st, 2025 through April 23rd, 2027).
Do I need to be part of a powerlifting team to compete, or can I go alone?
Athletes may compete as individuals or as members of a team. Teams’ awards will be awarded to any registered team with 4 or more athletes. Teams must be officially registered to be eligible for official scoring and for the Team Name to display on LiftingCast.
I am a single-lift athlete (Bench Only or Deadlift Only) or a push/pull athlete. Can I register for the 2027 National Championships?
You may add your single-lift or push/pull event as a crossover event, but you MUST qualify with a Full Power Total.
I achieved a qualifying total in the Open Age Category within my weight class, can I cross over into an age category (i.e. Youth, Juniors, Masters)?
Yes, you can cross over into whichever Age Category that is applicable to the age you will be at the time of the event. Athletes that have achieved a qualifying total in a specific age category may cross over into the Open Division; however, the primary category must be the Age Division in which they qualified. Athletes can add the crossover into the Open Division as your secondary division.
I achieved a qualifying total in a higher weight class (I.e. 110kg), can I register in a lower weight class (I.e 100kg)?
Yes, when registering, we will verify your declared weight class against the total achieved between January 1st, 2025 and April 23rd, 2027. If you’ve achieved the qualifying total for that weight class, you may register for that weight class.This also applies for athletes who achieved a qualifying total in a lower weight class when registering for a higher weight class.
I achieved a qualifying total as a Drug Tested athlete, can I register Untested at Nationals?
Yes, when registering, we will verify your declared weight class against the total achieved between January 1st, 2025 and April 23rd, 2027. If you’ve achieved the qualifying total for that weight class within the Untested Division, you may register. This also applies to athletes who achieved a qualifying total in the Untested Division registering in a Drug Tested Division.
I achieved a qualifying total as a Raw W/ Wraps athlete, can I register in the Raw Equipment Category?
Yes, when registering, we will verify your declared weight class against the total achieved between January 1st, 2025 and April 23rd, 2027. If you’ve achieved the qualifying total for that weight class, you may register for that weight class. This also applies to athletes who achieved a qualifying total in the Raw Equipment category, registering for Raw w/ Wraps.
What happens if I register for one weight class with a qualifying total, and I need to change it later (i.e. move up or down a weight class), do I have to re-qualify with a new total in the new weight class?
When registering, we will verify your declared weight class against the total achieved between January 1st, 2025 and April 23rd, 2027. After registering and declaring their weight class, athletes may move up to the higher weight class if they’ve achieved that qualifying total. Athletes may not move down a weight class unless they’ve achieved the qualifying total at the new weight class. If they have not achieved the total at the new weight class, they will have to re-qualify.
For example, if a registered 100kg athlete requests to move to the 90kg weight class but they have not competed in the 90kg weight class (verified via OPL), they will have to requalify. If they have a qualifying total in the 90kg weight class within the qualifying period, they will be able to go down a weight class.
Do I have to have the qualifying total before I register?
No. You do NOT need to post the qualifying total prior to registering for 2027 National Championships. You DO, however, need to obtain that qualifying total prior to six weeks out from National Championships (March 13th, 2027), or you will be removed from the roster with no refund.
What happens if I miss weight at weigh-ins?
If you miss weight at weigh-ins, you will be a Guest Lifter.
Do I need to have a membership to register?
Membership to register is not required; however, athletes must have an active membership at the time of weigh-ins.
What equipment are we using?
We will be using a combo rack for squat and bench. We will be using a 25kg Squat Bar for all squats, 20kg Power Bar for bench, and a 20kg Deadlift Bar for all deadlifts.
Will Awards be awarded each day, or will I have to stay all weekend to receive my award?
We will have an Awards Ceremony at the end of each day.
If I am in the running for Best Lifter, do I have to stay all weekend to receive the award?
Best Lifters will be awarded on the final day of the 2027 National Championships. Athletes must be present to receive their Best Lifter Awards.
Will Nationals 2027 be livestreamed?
Yes, the 2027 National Championships will be livestreamed via the Powerlifting United YouTube Channel.
I can no longer make it to Nationals because [insert reason here], can I get a refund or transfer my entry fees to a future event (I.e, a local event or next years Nationals)?
No, there will be no refunds or transfers of registration for any reasons. This extends to additional items purchased (including but not limited to crossovers, coach passes, tshirts, etc).
I can no longer make it to Nationals because [insert reason here], can you at least mail me the tshirt?
No, we will not ship t-shirts or any additional purchases. Additionally, we will not ship medals for any athletes not present at awards.
April 24-25, 2027 Noblesville, IN
