Strongest Firefighter

The World's Strongest Firefighter Contest will return to the Arnold Sports Festival  in 2027.

The 2027 World’s Strongest Firefighter competition will take place on Friday, March 5 and Saturday, March 6 at the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio.

This event gathers the strongest firefighters from around the world to compete for the title of World’s Strongest Firefighter.

Friday is the Divisional Championship. Compete to be the World’s Strongest Firefighter in your weight class!

Top athletes from each open (non-masters) division will then be invited to the World’s Strongest Firefighter Finals, taking place on Saturday on the Expo Stage.

The competition is inclusive of all active-duty firefighters, welcoming both men and women, and offers different weight classes for participants. Proceeds from the event will benefit firefighter benevolent foundations, supporting those most impacted by tragedy.

2027 SCHEDULE

Schedule subject to change.

Competitors can attend any check-in session. If you are unable to check in Thursday or attend the rules meeting, please let us know!

Thursday, March 4, 2027
Celeste Center at the Ohio Expo Center
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Weigh-Ins
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Weigh-In / Check-in session 2
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM – Weigh-In / Check-in session 3
6:00 PM – Rules Meeting
Immediately after rules meeting: Shirt Swap / Coin Swap

After rules meeting concludes, firefighter athletes will have the ability to meet their fellow competitors, and swap coins, patches, or department t-shirts with them.

Friday, March 5, 2027 – Divisional Championships
Celeste Center at the Ohio Expo Center
8:00 AM – Doors Open to Athletes/Coaches
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Events
5:00 PM – Awards

Saturday, March 6, 2027 – Finals
Goodale St and the Arnold Expo Stage
10:00 AM – Truck Pull on Goodale St (tentative)
1:00 PM – Finals on Expo Stage
6:00 PM – Athlete Dinner at Schmidt’s

Divisions:
Lightweight Men: 90 kg (198 lbs) and under
Middleweight Men: 105 kg (231 lbs) and under
Open Men: Over 105kg (231 lbs)
Masters Men: Men 40 years old and above
Lightweight Women: 73 kg (161 lbs) and under
Open Women: Over 73kg (161 lbs)
Masters Women: Women 40 years old and above

Admission is included with Expo Passes.

Register Now