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Powerlifting

Powerlifting

IPF and US powerlifting: squat, bench press and deadlift — meets, rules, federations and records.

Facts last verified: Oct 18, 2026

3Lifts: squat, bench press, deadlift
1972IPF founded
Classic · EquippedIPF divisions
GL PointsIPF scoring formula
Powerlifting AmericaIPF's US member federation

Powerlifting is decided by the best total of three lifts: squat, bench press and deadlift, each with three attempts judged by three referees. The International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) runs drug-tested Classic (raw) and Equipped world championships. In the US, USA Powerlifting (USAPL) left the IPF in 2021 and Powerlifting America is now the IPF's member federation.

Organizations

IPFThe International Powerlifting Federation, founded in 1972, is the world governing body for drug-tested powerlifting.USAPLUSA Powerlifting is one of the largest drug-tested powerlifting federations in the United States.

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Latest Powerlifting results

EventLatest editionDateHeadline result
IPF World Classic Championships2026 IPF World Classic Powerlifting ChampionshipsJune 2026Austin Perkins — Top men's lifter by DOTS (649.15)Results
IPF World Equipped Championships2025 IPF World Open Equipped Championships (2026: Nov 9–15, Istanbul)November 202538 — World records set (2025)Results
USAPL Raw Nationals2026 USA Powerlifting Raw NationalsJune 2026878 — EntriesResults

Coverage led by Robert Wilson, Strength Sports Editor. Fact-checked by John Miller, Editor-in-Chief.