WHERE STRENGTH TAKES THE STAGE
MARCH 21-22 - MCEC MELBOURNE
Over two massive days, the APL Pro brings powerlifters from Australia and New Zealand together in front of thousands at AusFitness Expo!
how to qualify
Lifters can qualify for the APL Pro with a DOTS score set after January 1st, 2025.
Open Pro Division
Men – 470 DOTS minimum
Women – 450 DOTS minimum
DOTS scores may be achieved in any powerlifting federation worldwide.
Tested Divisions
Men – 400 DOTS minimum
Women – 365 DOTS minimum
DOTS must be achieved at an APL or NZPU sanctioned event.
Athlete information
Pro Flights & Standard Flights
APL Pro will run both Pro and Standard flights.
– Pro Flights use DOTS guidelines to group higher-level lifters together in the feature sessions.
– Standard Flights are open to lifters of all levels who want the full expo-stage experience.
Lifters who meet or are close to the DOTS guideline will be considered for Pro Flights. All other lifters will compete in Standard Flights — same stage, same equipment, same atmosphere.
Lifters can qualify for the APL Pro with a DOTS score set after January 1st, 2025.
Open Pro Division
Men – 500 DOTS minimum
Women – 470 DOTS minimum
DOTS scores may be achieved in any powerlifting federation worldwide.
Tested Divisions
Men – 425 DOTS minimum
Women – 400 DOTS minimum
DOTS must be achieved at an APL or NZPU sanctioned event.
We would like to thank ZeroW Equipment for providing the equipment for both the warm-up room and the platform.
You will find the same equipment on the platform and the warm-up room:
- ZeroW Combo rack for Squats and Bench Press
- 29mm Texas power bar for Squats and Bench Press
- 20kg Texas deadlift bar
All divisions will use ZeroW calibrated plates
All lifters must adhere to the APL’s official competition rules. Review the latest guidelines before the APL Pro:
Stay tuned for more updates as 2026 approaches!
APL Pro is a showcase event for powerlifting, run live inside AusFitness Expo.
– Big-show feel with crowd, lighting, music and MC
– Livestream and media so lifters get real footage and photos
– Pro Flights for higher-level lifters, Open Flights for anyone ready to step onto a bigger stage
It’s built for lifters who want more than a quiet local meet.
The APL follows a 24-hour weigh-in protocol.
Weigh-ins for Sunday competitors will take place 24 hours prior at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).
Saturday’s weigh-ins will be conducted at Apex Strength in Coburg on Friday, March 20th.
Photography details coming soon!
Lifters are welcome to bring their own videographers to the venue, however there are a few stipulations that must be adhered to:
- The lifters’ experience and safety is our first priority, and the warm-up room will be a very busy area with up to 40 lifters in a session. If things get too congested or videographers are in the way, they will be asked to leave the area and will not be able to return
- Your videographer must only be filming you
Videographers cannot film other athletes in an attempt to sell the footage to them.
FAQ
Yes. There is a minimum DOTs to enter this event. More information can be found in the How to Qualify section.
If you’ve done at least one comp and want a bigger, more intense platform, APL Pro is a great next step.
This is NOT an invite only event.
If you have achieved the required DOTs you are ready to enter!
We run both Drug-Tested and Open (untested) flights. You will choose your division on entry.
Inside AusFitness Expo at Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre, with thousands of spectators across the weekend.
Spectator information
Venue:
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)
Address: 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf VIC 3006
The APL Pro will take place at AusFitness Expo, located in the MCEC, at the heart of Melbourne’s CBD.
The MCEC offers world-class facilities, convenient public transport access, and nearby accommodation and dining options for athletes and spectators.
Visit AusFitness Expo Website Here
Dates & Run Time:
Saturday 21 March 2025: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday 22 March 2025: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Spectator entry to the APL Pro is included with a valid AusFitness Expo ticket.
Tickets can be purchased directly through the AusFitness website from January 9th.
Use code: APL to save 20% at checkout!
Visit AusFitness Expo Website Here
Athletes will receive specific access details and entry times closer to the event date.
The APL Pro is fast, loud, and best enjoyed when you’re amongst the chaos! But if you can’t make it in person, the entire event will be streamed live so you can follow all the action from anywhere.
Livestream details will be announced closer to the event.
Yes children are welcome at this event. All spectator tickets must be organised through the AusFitness Expo directly.
Event information
Saturday 10am – 5pm | March 21st 2026
Sunday 10am – 5pm | March 22nd 2026
