Join Us in San Antonio on May 16-17, 2026!
EVENT START TIMES:
Saturday, May 16: AM SESSION – 8AM / PM SESSION – 3PM
Sunday, May 17: AM SESSION – 8AM / PM SESSION – 3PM
LOCATION:
Westin San Antonio North / Grand Ballroom
CASH PRIZES!
VISIT SAN ANTONIO
HOTEL INFO
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a qualifying total be from any sanctioned competition?
No, qualifying totals must be from a Powerlifting United event between 10/1/24 and 3/31/26. If you’ve competed with Powerlifting United and achieved a total that qualifies you within the weight class you intend to register between October 1, 2024 and March 31, 2026, you are eligible to register for the 2026 National Championships.
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.
I am a single-lift athlete (Bench Only or Deadlift Only) or a push/pull athlete. Can I register for the 2026 National Championships?
Yes, you must have achieved a 75kg total at a Powerlifting United event between October 1, 2024 and March 31, 2026.
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)?
In order to go down a weight class, the lifter must qualify at the lower 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 at a Powerlifting United event between October 1, 2024 and March 31, 2026. 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 at a Powerlifting United event between October 1, 2024 and March 31, 2026. 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 at a Powerlifting United event between October 1, 2024 and March 31, 2026. 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.
Do I have to have the qualifying total before I register?
Yes, all athletes must have achieved the qualifying total before registering. Upon registering, the total will be verified via Open Powerlifting. If an athlete does not have the qualifying total, they will be removed from the roster. If removed from the roster due to not achieving the qualifying total, athletes will NOT be refunded.
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 2026 National Championships. Athletes must be present to receive their Best Lifter Awards.