The world of strength sports is set to converge on the Lone Star State this May as the 2026 Powerlifting United (PLU) National Championships prepare to descend upon San Antonio, Texas. From May 16 to 17, the Westin San Antonio North will transform into the epicenter of elite raw and equipped powerlifting, playing host to 300 of the most formidable athletes in the country. With a $10,000 cash purse on the line and a reputation for producing record-shattering performances, this year’s Nationals represents a pivotal moment for the federation.
The Foundation of Excellence: A High-Stakes Weekend
The path to the national stage is paved with discipline and strict qualifying criteria. Every athlete stepping onto the PLU platform this weekend has successfully navigated the qualifying process, having previously posted a verified total to earn their right to compete among the nation’s best. The event is more than just a competition; it is a meticulously orchestrated showcase of human potential.
The logistics are as precise as the technique required for a perfect deadlift. Athletes are mandated to attend weigh-ins on Friday, May 15, ensuring all competitors are properly classified for their respective weight classes. With a sold-out venue, the excitement among the local powerlifting community is palpable, marking the first time in PLU history that the event has reached full capacity. Fans eager to track the progress of their favorite lifters can access the full roster and flight schedule via LiftingCast, which provides real-time updates as the action unfolds.
Scoring and Competition Mechanics: The Science of Strength
At the core of the PLU National Championships is a commitment to equitable competition. The scoring format evaluates each athlete based on their best squat, bench press, and deadlift. These three figures are combined into a cumulative total, but the path to the podium is determined by the DOTS (Dynamic Objective Total Score) coefficient.
The DOTS system is the industry standard for leveling the playing field, allowing officials to compare athletes of different body weights fairly. By factoring in the lifter’s total relative to their body weight, the system identifies the most pound-for-pound efficient lifters in the room. This ensures that the title of "Best Lifter" is awarded to those who display the greatest technical mastery and relative strength, rather than simply the heaviest raw weight moved.
Awards will be distributed to the top three finishers in every category, spanning gender, weight class, age, and equipment divisions. Furthermore, in an effort to highlight depth in the field, Best Lifter awards will be presented to standout performers in the Youth (10-12), Junior (13-23), Open, Sub-Masters (35-39), and Masters (40+) categories, provided that at least five athletes are registered within the specific division.
A Legacy in the Making: The Leadership Vision
The scale and ambition of this year’s event are the result of tireless efforts by PLU President Ana Perez and her dedicated operations team. Recognizing the importance of the event, Perez has cultivated partnerships with high-profile sponsors, including ANIMAL, the U.S. Army, and Repmax. These collaborations have been instrumental in elevating the production value of the meet.
"We are looking forward to bringing PLU Nationals to San Antonio," says Perez. "This is our first sold-out Nationals, and we are so grateful for all the support from our powerlifting community. We take so much pride in the overall experience that we provide—everything from the production and atmosphere to the sheer level of competition on the platform. We pulled out all the stops on this one."
Men’s Division: The Heavy Hitters to Watch
While the beauty of powerlifting lies in the potential for a dark-horse upset, several athletes enter the San Antonio meet with significant momentum.
Zac Meyers: The Standard Bearer
Zac Meyers stands alone as the only competitor in the field with a DOTS score exceeding 600. His recent performance at the March 2026 "Bar Showdown" was nothing short of legendary, where he secured a massive 2,300-pound total in the 308-pound division while weighing in at just 285 pounds. Meyers’ ability to dominate both raw and wrapped categories makes him the man to beat.
Christian Kearney: The Technician
Making his highly anticipated return to the platform, Christian Kearney is expected to compete in the 148-pound division. A veteran of the sport since 2015, Kearney is renowned for his extraordinary power-to-weight ratio; he is frequently capable of totaling ten times his body weight. His 733-pound deadlift from 2024 remains a benchmark that he is looking to surpass this weekend.
Aaron Madriaga: The Returning Silver Medalist
Coming off a stellar 2025 campaign, Aaron Madriaga returns to defend his standing as the second-best overall lifter from last year’s Nationals. At 41, Madriaga defies the aging curve, having put up a 1,655-pound total last year. With a 702-pound deadlift in his arsenal, he remains a consistent threat to the podium.
Luke Frandsen and Trey Jones
Rounding out the top contenders, Luke Frandsen and Trey Jones represent the explosive potential of the field. Frandsen, who posted a 1,515.6-pound total at the 2025 HGC Derby City Classic, is looking to improve upon his 629.3-pound deadlift. Meanwhile, Trey Jones is coming off a career-defining performance at the 2025 "PLU For Tomorrow" event, where he recorded personal bests across all three lifts, including an 804.7-pound squat and an 815.7-pound pull for a staggering 2,083.3-pound total.
Women’s Division: High-Octane Competition
The women’s field is equally stacked, featuring a mix of returning champions and hungry challengers looking to secure their place in PLU history.
Allison Whorton: The DOTS Leader
Leading the women’s field with a best DOTS score of 504.82, Allison Whorton is the athlete to watch. Her impressive 1,102.3-pound total at a body weight of 155 pounds sets a high bar for her competition. As she enters her first meet of 2026, all eyes will be on whether she can eclipse her 2025 performance.
Elizabeth Ribaudo and Jennifer Tran: A Strategic Rivalry
The 148-pound Sub-Masters category features a high-stakes clash between Elizabeth Ribaudo and defending champion Jennifer Tran. Ribaudo trails Whorton by less than a single DOTS point, setting the stage for a razor-thin margin of victory. Tran, who secured the Sub-Masters championship at the 2025 Nationals in New Jersey, will be in Flight A, with Ribaudo following immediately in the next flight—a tactical arrangement that will keep both athletes, and the audience, on high alert.
Tammy Mims and Amanda LeMarble
Tammy Mims continues to showcase the longevity of the sport in the Masters 50+ division. With career-best lifts exceeding 400 pounds on both the squat and deadlift, she remains a formidable presence in the 165-pound class. Similarly, Amanda LeMarble, the 2025 181-pound Open champion, enters the meet with the goal of shattering her 474-pound personal best deadlift, a milestone she hit at the 2025 Raw Power Battle.
The Future of the Sport: Beyond the Platform
The 2026 PLU National Championships represent a landmark event for the federation. By focusing on production quality, athlete experience, and community engagement, the PLU is actively shaping the professional trajectory of powerlifting. For those unable to attend in person, the federation is offering a free, comprehensive livestream via the PLU YouTube channel, ensuring that the global powerlifting community can witness every lift as it happens.
Following the conclusion of the event, Muscle & Fitness will provide full, in-depth coverage, including post-meet analysis, record-breaking highlights, and interviews with the new national champions.
As the athletes prepare their final training cycles, the atmosphere in San Antonio is electric. This weekend is not merely about the weights on the bar—it is about the culmination of thousands of hours of preparation, the resilience of the human spirit, and the celebration of a community united by the pursuit of strength. Whether it is a first-time competitor looking to make their mark or a seasoned veteran chasing a lifetime record, the 2026 PLU Nationals promises to be a historic chapter in the annals of iron sport.
For more information on the federation’s upcoming calendar and future events, visit powerliftingunited.com or follow @powerlifting.united on Instagram.
