Strength games

The Strength Games consists of four main events designed to test maximal strength, relative strength, and power endurance across multiple movement patterns:

1. Barbell Deadlift — 1 repetition maximum (1RM) across three attempts

2. 1-Arm Kettlebell Press — 1RM per side

3. Pull-Up or Flexed Arm Hang (FAH in Pronated grip) — 1 repetition maximum (1RM) or weighted maximum for FAH

4. Kettlebell Snatch Test — maximum repetitions completed within a 4-minute time limit

Together, these four events assess a broad spectrum of athletic qualities, including maximal force production, upper-body pressing and pulling strength, grip endurance, and cardiovascular power endurance.

The competition is intentionally structured to balance the advantages and limitations of different body types and athletic attributes. While the deadlift may favour larger and heavier athletes, pull-ups and flexed arm hangs tend to favour lighter athletes with higher relative strength. The kettlebell snatch test serves as a more universally demanding conditioning and endurance assessment across all competitors.

By combining these contrasting demands into a single competition format, the Strength Games aims to identify the most well-rounded strength athlete — one who demonstrates not only absolute strength, but also relative strength, endurance, technical efficiency, and resilience under fatigue.