Represent Australia at the
2026 IPL World Championships

Wear the Green and Gold.
Compete against some of IPL's best powerlifters.
This is Australia's pathway to the world stage!

Nov 20–22
Competition Dates
Las Vegas
Host City
Three
Platforms
540
Athlete Cap
Oct 19
Registration Closes
APL x IPL World Championship 2026

Australia's Pathway to the World Stage

The IPL World Championship is one of powerlifting's premier international events - bringing National teams, elite lifters, coaches, and families together from across the globe for a three-day championship experience.

Because APL is Australia's official IPL affiliate, every Australian who competes in an APL-sanctioned competition has a direct pathway to wear the green and gold on an international platform.

The 2026 IPL World Championship takes place at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, November 20–22, 2026 - with Nations from around the world competing across Drug-Tested and Untested divisions.
APL athletes competing

ONCE YOUR ENTRY IS ACCEPTED AND PAID, YOUR SPOT IS SECURED.

No waitlist. No APL approval. No extra steps. You register directly with IPL - and once you’re paid, you’re competing.

Event Overview

Everything you need to know about the 2026 IPL World Championship at a glance.

Dates

November 20–22, 2026
Weigh-ins from Nov. 19

Venue

Westgate Las Vegas
Resort & Casino

Location

Las Vegas, Nevada
United States

Registration Deadline

October 19, 2026
Last day to qualify: Oct. 18

Disciplines

Full Power · Bench Only
Deadlift Only

Categories

Drug Tested & Untested
Raw · Classic Raw (Wraps) · Single Ply · Multi Ply

Athlete Cap

540 Athletes Total
180 per day across 3 platforms

Awards

World Championship medals
Per weight class, age group & gear

For complete event information visit the Official IPL Worlds Page →

Wear the Green & Gold. Lift for Australia.

This isn't just another competition. It's the world stage - and Australia belongs on it.

01

Wear the Green & Gold

Representing your country in any sport is a privilege. Stepping onto an international platform representing Australia - competing under the Australian flag against the world's best - is a moment that stays with you for life.

02

Compete Against the World's Best

Worlds draws elite powerlifters from Nations across the globe in every division. It's the benchmark - the chance to measure yourself against lifters who've earned their spot through the same process you have.

03

Lift for Australia

You don't go as an individual. APL connects you with fellow Australian athletes making the trip - sharing announcements, building community, and making sure you arrive as part of a crew, not just a solo entry.

04

An Experience Like No Other

Las Vegas. Three platforms. World Championship medals. An international crowd. The IPL World Championship is a full-scale international event - not a club comp. You'll know the difference from the moment you walk in.

How Qualification Works

Five clear steps. If you've competed in an APL event, you may already be on your way.

1

Compete in an APL Sanctioned Competition

Your qualifying total must be achieved at a Tested or Untested IPL affiliate event between January 1, 2025 and October 18, 2026. APL events count - so if you've already competed this year, you may already have a qualifying total.

2

Achieve the Required IPL Qualifying Total

Drug-Tested lifters need a Master total for their age group and weight class. Untested (Open) lifters need an Elite total. Check the official classification chart to confirm your total qualifies.

View Classification Standards →
3

Maintain Your APL Membership

Your APL membership must be current. If you're not yet a member or your membership has lapsed, get this sorted before registration opens.

4

Purchase Your IPL Membership

You need a current IPL membership to register for Worlds. This is separate from your APL membership and is purchased directly through the IPL.

Get IPL Membership →
5

Complete Your Worlds Registration

Register through the official IPL registration system by October 19, 2026. Registration is split by competition day based on weight class - choose the correct day for your weight class when you register.

Jump to Registration →
How to Register

Once you've qualified, the path to Las Vegas is four steps. Registration closes October 19, 2026.

Get IPL Membership

Purchase your IPL membership at powerlifting-ipl.com - required before you can register.

Register for Your Day

Registration is by weight class and competition day. Select the correct day below - and complete registration before October 19.

Book Travel & Hotel

Book flights and accommodation independently. The official hotel block is at Westgate Las Vegas - use code SIPL6R for the event rate.

You're In. Represent Australia.

Receive your confirmation, connect with the APL Team Australia group, and start your preparation for the world stage.

Register by Competition Day

Select the correct day for your weight class. All times are Las Vegas local time (PDT).

Day 1 - Friday Nov. 20

Men: 52, 56, 60, 67.5 kg

Women: 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 67.5 kg

Register Day 1

Day 2 - Saturday Nov. 21

Men: 75, 82.5, 90 kg

Women: 75, 82.5, 90 kg

Register Day 2

Day 3 - Sunday Nov. 22

Men: 100, 110, 125, 140, 140+ kg

Women: 100, 110, 110+ kg

Register Day 3

Athlete cap: 540 total · 180 per day. Spots are not guaranteed - register early.

Team Australia

You're not just entering a competition. You're joining a team. APL coordinates Team Australia so you have support from the moment you qualify to the moment you step on the platform.

Team Communication

APL connects Australian athletes heading to Worlds. You'll have access to a dedicated Team Australia group with updates, announcements, and support from fellow Aussies making the trip.

Athlete Announcements

APL publicly celebrates Australians heading to Worlds. Your qualification will be announced across APL's channels - because representing Australia deserves to be recognised.

Travel & General Updates

As the event approaches, APL will share travel tips, schedule updates, weigh-in reminders, and any important information specific to the Australian team heading to Las Vegas.

  • Hotel booking information
  • Schedule & weigh-in reminders
  • Team merchandise (coming soon)
Team Australia Coach

There will be a dedicated coach on the ground in Las Vegas available to any Australian athlete making the trip. If your usual coach or handler can’t attend, Ishbel is there to support you - though there’s no obligation to use this.

Ishbel Graham - Team Australia Coach

Ishbel Graham

Australian Athletes Coach - IPL Worlds 2026

Ishbel is one of Australia’s most accomplished competitive powerlifters, with a career spanning nearly a decade of National-level competition. A multi-time APL National Champion - most recently winning the 2025 Open and Junior titles in the 60kg class - she brings elite-level experience and a deep understanding of what it takes to compete at the top of the sport.

Crucially, Ishbel has stood on the IPL Worlds platform herself - competing in Las Vegas at the 2018 IPL Drug Tested World Championships, where she won gold in the Junior 15–19 division. She knows the environment, the expectations, and how to get the best out of an athlete on the day.

If your usual coach or handler can’t make the trip, Ishbel will be there. Reach out to the APL team to discuss how she can support your preparation and performance at Worlds.

Know the Rule Differences

The IPL operates under rules that differ slightly from what APL members compete under domestically. These differences are small but important - and every Australian athlete competing at Worlds will need to be across them before stepping on the platform.

APL Athlete Briefing

In the lead-up to Worlds, the APL will provide all registered Australian athletes heading to Worlds with a full briefing covering the relevant IPL rule variations. You won’t be left to figure it out on your own - we’ll make sure you arrive informed, prepared, and ready to compete with confidence.

Travel Information

Athletes organise their own travel to Las Vegas. Here's what you'll need to sort before you go.

Flights

Book direct or connecting flights to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), Las Vegas. Book early - November is a busy period in Las Vegas.

Accommodation

The official event hotel is Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, 3000 Paradise Rd. Use booking code SIPL6R for the event room block rate.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is highly recommended for any international trip. Ensure your policy covers sporting events and any pre-existing conditions before you depart.

Passport & Visa

Australian citizens travelling to the USA require a valid passport. Most Australians can enter under the ESTA Visa Waiver Program. Apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov well in advance.

Airport Transfers

Harry Reid Airport is approximately 10 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft), taxi, and shuttle services are all readily available from the terminal.

Family & Supporters

Families and supporters are welcome to attend the event. Spectator access details will be confirmed on the official IPL event page closer to the event.

Book the Official Event Hotel

Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino - the competition venue. Use code SIPL6R for the event room block. Alternatively call 1-800-732-7117 and quote the code.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything Australian lifters ask us about going to Worlds - answered.

Do I need to qualify to compete at Worlds?

Yes. All athletes must achieve the required qualifying total at a sanctioned IPL affiliate event between January 1, 2025 and October 18, 2026. Drug-Tested athletes need a Master total; Untested (Open) athletes need an Elite total for their age group and weight class. Check the IPL Classification Chart to confirm your total.

Can I compete in the Drug-Tested division?

Yes. The IPL World Championship includes both Drug-Tested and Untested divisions. If you compete in the Drug-Tested division, you must meet the Drug-Tested qualifying standards (Master total) and comply with all IPL drug-testing requirements. APL runs both Drug-Tested and Untested events throughout the year.

Can I compete in the Untested (Open) division?

Yes. The Untested (Open) division requires an Elite total for your age group and weight class at a sanctioned event. Check the Classification Standards for the exact totals required.

How do I know if my total qualifies?

Use the IPL Classification Calculator to check your total against the current standards. You can also view the full Men's and Women's Classification Chart directly. If you're unsure, contact APL and we'll help you work it out.

Do I need an IPL membership as well as my APL membership?

Yes. Your APL membership gives you access to APL competitions in Australia. To compete at Worlds you also need a current IPL membership, which is purchased separately at powerlifting-ipl.com. Both must be current when you register.

Do I organise my own travel and accommodation?

Yes. All athletes organise and fund their own flights, accommodation, and travel independently. The official event hotel is the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino - use booking code SIPL6R or call 1-800-732-7117 to access the event room block rate. APL will share travel information and tips through our Team Australia communications.

Can my family and supporters attend?

Yes. Families and supporters are welcome to attend and cheer you on. Spectator information will be confirmed on the official IPL Worlds page closer to the event. Las Vegas is a destination in itself - most athletes find their supporters are very enthusiastic about making the trip.

What happens after I register?

Once you've registered through the official IPL system, you'll receive confirmation from the event organisers. APL will also announce Australian entries through our channels and connect you with the Team Australia group. From there - it's about training, booking your travel, and preparing for the world stage.

Do I register through APL, or directly with IPL?

You register directly with IPL via the official Worlds registration page. APL is not involved in processing registrations - we’re here to support you through the process, but your entry goes straight to IPL.

Does entering automatically put me on the Australian team?

There is a formal Team Australia - selected after Nationals based on Dots rankings. However, any Australian athlete who meets the qualifying standard can enter and compete at Worlds representing Australia. Entering and paying your entry fee is all you need - you don’t need to be part of the formal team selection to represent your country at Worlds.

Should I wait until I have a better total before entering?

No - enter as soon as you meet the qualifying standard. Whether you hit the total by 1kg or 100kg makes no difference to your entry. There is no benefit to waiting, and spots are limited, so we encourage athletes to register the moment they qualify.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

For questions about qualifying, APL membership, or the Australian team, contact APL directly at [email protected]. For questions about event logistics, registration issues, or official IPL matters, contact the meet directors: Steve Denison or Tyler Van Loon via the official Worlds page.