The IPF World Equipped Championships use supportive squat suits, bench shirts and deadlift suits.
The IPF World Equipped Championships are for lifters who use supportive equipment: single-ply squat suits and knee wraps, bench shirts and deadlift suits. Equipment allows heavier lifts than Classic.
The IPF's first world championships, held in 1973, were the origin of the equipped tradition.
Latest results
2025 IPF World Open Equipped Championships (2026: Nov 9–15, Istanbul) — November 2025, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Recent and upcoming editions
| Edition | Dates | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 World Open Equipped | Nov 9–15, 2026 | Bahçelievler, Istanbul, Türkiye | Upcoming |
| 2025 World Open Equipped | November 2025 | Cluj-Napoca, Romania | 38 world records; ~200 athletes |
History & key moments
| Year | Moment |
|---|---|
| 1973 | First IPF world championships |
| 2025 | Cluj-Napoca, Romania: 38 world records |
| Nov 2026 | Istanbul, Türkiye, November 9–15 |
A fan's guide
Equipped lifting looks different from Classic: lifters wear stiff suits and shirts that store energy, and bench presses in particular are much heavier. The technique required to use the equipment is a skill of its own.
The IPF streams the championships live online.
Our take
Equipped lifting is the sport's original form and produces its biggest numbers, but its field is smaller than Classic's and its records fall frequently as equipment improves.
We will publish full 2026 results after the November championships.
What's next
The 2026 IPF World Open Equipped Championships run November 9–15 in Istanbul.
Latest coverage
Coverage of the next edition will appear here.
FAQ
What is equipped powerlifting?
Lifting with supportive suits and shirts that store elastic energy.
When is the 2026 IPF Equipped Worlds?
November 9–15, 2026, in Istanbul.
How many world records were set at the 2025 championships?
38.