The 2026 USPA Ultra Nationals are shaping up to be one of the most ambitious powerlifting events the federation has ever hosted. Taking place May 25–30, 2026 at the Hilton Anaheim in Anaheim, California, this meet is designed to be bigger in scope, broader in participation, and more immersive than a traditional Nationals meet.
Ultra Nationals are an extraordinary national championship. They are a multi-day event built to bring tested and non-tested lifters, multiple divisions, and the wider powerlifting community together under one roof.
What Makes Ultra Nationals Different
First – the scale. The event runs across six full days, allowing for a more balanced schedule, larger sessions, and a smoother experience for both athletes and spectators.
Second – inclusion. Ultra Nationals features both tested and non-tested divisions, creating a rare opportunity for a wide range of lifters to compete at a national-level event without splitting into separate meets.
Third – the atmosphere. Promotional material and early announcements make it clear that this event is intended to feel like more than just a competition. Alongside lifting, Ultra Nationals is being built as a destination event with planned social gatherings, brand involvement, and a focus on community engagement throughout the week.
Cash prizes and special awards will also be offered, adding another layer of excitement for top-performing powerlifters.
Divisions and Events Offered
Ultra Nationals will offer multiple lifting events and equipment categories, allowing athletes to compete in the format that best matches their experience and goals.
Lifting Events
- Full Power (Squat, Bench Press, Deadlift)
- Bench Press Only
- Deadlift Only
Equipment Categories
- Raw
- Classic Raw
- Single Ply
- Multi Ply
Each event will be contested separately within the tested and non-tested divisions.
Weight Classes and Daily Schedule
The competition is organized by weight class across multiple days, with weigh-ins held the day before competition. Same-day weigh-ins will not be permitted.
Daily schedule overview:
May 26
- Women: 44 kg to 67.5 kg
- Men: 52 kg to 60 kg
May 27
- Women: 75 kg
- Men: 67.5 kg and 75 kg
May 28
- Women: 82.5 kg and 90 kg
- Men: 82.5 kg
May 29
- Women: 100 kg and 110 kg
- Men: 90 kg and 100 kg
May 30
- Women: 110 kg and 110+ kg
- Men: 110 kg, 125 kg, 140 kg, and 140+ kg
Doors open at 7:45 am each day, with lifting beginning at 9:00 am.
Qualification and Registration Details
Ultra Nationals is a qualifying event, and athletes must meet USPA standards to register.
- Qualifying totals must be achieved between January 1, 2025 and April 26, 2026
- Lifters must achieve at least a Class 2 total at a sanctioned USPA meet
- Tested division lifters must qualify at a tested meet
- Lifters with elite DOTS scores (450+ men, 440+ women) may use totals from tested or non-tested meets within the qualifying period
Registration closes on April 27, 2026, with an early registration deadline set for March 1, 2026.
Click HERE to register!
The Buzz Around Ultra Nationals
As announcements and promotional videos have rolled out, Ultra Nationals has already generated noticeable interest across the powerlifting community. Conversations online have focused less on individual sessions and more on the idea of bringing the sport together in one large, shared event.
Athletes, coaches, and fans have responded positively to the emphasis on community, atmosphere, and scale. Many see Ultra Nationals as a chance to experience Nationals in a way that feels more connected and less fragmented than traditional formats.
Why Ultra Nationals Matters
Ultra Nationals represents a shift in how national-level powerlifting meets can be run. By expanding the schedule, opening access across divisions, and intentionally building a broader event experience, the USPA is signaling a new direction for large-scale competitions.
For some lifters, this meet will be about chasing titles and totals. For others, it will be about stepping onto a national platform for the first time. Either way, the 2026 USPA Ultra Nationals are positioned to be one of the most talked-about powerlifting events of the year.
Stay tuned, get registered, and get ready to Go Ultra. Will you answer the platform’s call?
Powerlifting.com preview coverage based on announced event information and available reporting.
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