A high energy Deadlift competition open to anyone attending AusFitness Expo
What is the Deadlift showdown?
Your chance to win up to $1,000 cash!
The AusFitness Expo Deadlift Showdown, presented by the Australian Powerlifting League, is an open-entry deadlift competition built specifically for the Expo floor.
It will run at 1:30pm straight after APL Pro: Pro Day on Saturday and is designed to be simple, fast, and fun to watch. One lift, three attempts, and a platform that stays busy. Straps are allowed, the atmosphere is loud, and the focus is on putting on a good show for both lifters and spectators.
There are no qualifying totals and no invites.
If you want to take a pull on the Expo floor, this is your chance.
event information
This is a Deadlift-only event. Each athlete will have up to three attempts to lift the heaviest deadlift they can on the platform.
You can increase the weight each attempt if you choose. Your best successful lift is the one that counts for prizes.
There are no squats or bench press – just deadlift.
Straps are allowed
Standard powerlifting belts are allowed
Powerlifting singlets / soft suits are not required to enter this event
- Single and Multiply suits are not permitted
If you are unsure about your equipment, staff will be available on the day to help.
On the platform you will find a 20kg Texas Deadlift bar and ZeroW calibrated plates
There is a $2,000 cash prize pool, awarded across four categories:
Male DOTS – Best performance relative to bodyweight
Female DOTS – Best performance relative to bodyweight
Biggest Male Deadlift – Heaviest successful lift
Biggest Female Deadlift – Heaviest successful lift
You do not need to be the strongest lifter on the floor to win – DOTS rewards performance across all body weights.
To lift in the Deadlift Showdown, you must be attending the AusFitness Expo on Saturday.
There is no cost to enter but spots are limited!
As long as you have a valid Expo entry, you can enter.
The Deadlift Showdown is an unsanctioned strength exhibition, not a sanctioned powerlifting competition.
It does not produce official results or records
It does not count toward rankings or qualification
Athletes participate at their own discretion
Athletes who are members of other federations should ensure participation aligns with their own federation obligations.
Lifting slots are limited to ensure the event runs smoothly and stays exciting for spectators.
We will open this competition to only 30 attendees.
That is completely fine.
This event is designed to be:
Easy to understand
Welcoming to first-timers
Supported by experienced judges and staff
If it is your first time lifting in front of a crowd, this is one of the most approachable ways to do it.
event rules
Conventional and sumo deadlifts are both permitted
The lifter may choose their preferred stance
For a deadlift to be successful:
The bar must be lifted from the floor to a fully upright, locked-out position
Knees must be locked
Hips must be fully extended
Shoulders must be back
The lifter must demonstrate clear control of the bar at the top
A down command will be given by the referee once the lift is complete.
The following will result in a no lift:
Hitching or ramping the bar up the thighs
Supporting or resting the bar on the thighs (lapping)
Any downward movement of the bar before lockout
Dropping the bar at any time before it hits the ground
Any lift deemed unsafe by the referees
Straps are permitted
Belts are permitted
Standard powerlifting footwear is permitted
No supportive suits or deadlift suits
Chalk is permitted
No tacky or adhesives
All lifts will be judged by experienced APL referees
Referee decisions are final
The referee’s primary focus will be safety, lift completion, and clear lockout
Lifters must follow referee instructions at all times
Unsafe behaviour may result in removal from the event
The event staff reserve the right to refuse attempts that pose a safety risk
venue information
Saturday 10am – 5pm | March 21st 2026
Sunday 10am – 5pm | March 22nd 2026
