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Powerlifting is a strength sport. It resembles the sport of Olympic weightlifting, as both disciplines involve lifting weights in three attempts. Powerlifting evolved from a sport known as 'odd lifts' which followed the same three attempt format but used a wide variety of events akin to Strongman events. Eventually odd lifts became standardized to the three events squat, bench press, and deadlift. They can compete raw or equipped (that is, with or without certain supportive equipment).

Competitions take place across the world but mostly in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Russia and Ukraine. It has been a Paralympic sport since 1984 and under the IPF, is also a World Games sport.

History[link]

The sport originated in the USA and the UK in the 1950s. Previously, the weightlifting governing bodies in both countries had recognized various ‘odd lifts’ for competition and record purposes. During the 1950s, Olympic weightlifting declined in the United States, while strength sports gained many new followers. In 1958, the AAU's National Weightlifting Committee decided to begin recognizing records for ‘odd lifts’. A national championship was tentatively scheduled for 1959, but it never happened. The first genuine national ‘meet’ was held in September 1964 under the auspices of the York Barbell Company, Ironically, Bob Hoffman, the owner of York Barbell, had been a long-time adversary of the sport. But his company was now making powerlifting equipment to make up for the sales it had lost on Olympic-style equipment.

During the late 1950s, Hoffman’s York Barbell Company, his influence in Olympic lifting and his predominately Olympic-lifting based magazine Health and Strength were beginning to come under ever-increasing pressure from Joe Weider’s organization. As America’s (and Bob Hoffman’s) influence in the world of weightlifting was declining and in order to combat the growing influence of Weider, Hoffman started another magazine (Muscular Development) which would be focused more on bodybuilding and the fast-growing interest in ‘odd-lift’ competitions. The magazine’s first Editor was the world-renowned John Grimek.

During the late 1950s and early 1960s various ‘odd lift’ events gradually developed into the specific lifts – the bench press, the squat, and the deadlift (and lifted in that order). Bob Hoffman became more and more influential in the development of this new lifting sport and organized ‘The Weightlifting Tournament of America’ in 1964 - effectively the first US National championships. In 1965 the first named USA National Championships were held. During the same period, lifting in Britain also had factions. In the late 1950s, and because the ruling body (BAWLtyA) were only interested in the development of Olympic lifting, a breakaway organization called the Society of Amateur Weightlifters had been formed to cater for the interests of lifters who were not particularly interested in doing Olympic lifting.

Although at that time there were 42 recognized lifts, the “Strength Set” (Curl, Bench Press, and Squat) soon became the standard competition lifts, and both organizations held Championships on these lifts (as well as on the Olympic lifts) until 1965. In 1966, the Society of Amateur Weightlifters re-joined BAWLA and, in order to fall into line with the American lifts, the Curl was dropped and replaced with the Deadlift. The first British Championship was held in 1966. During the late 60’s and at the beginning of the 70’s, various friendly international contests were held. At the same time, in early November of each year and to commemorate Bob Hoffman’s birthday, a prestige lifting contest was always held as part of “Bob Hoffman’s Birthday Party.” In 1971, it was decided to make this event the “World Weightlifting Championships.” There was no such thing as ‘teams’ and thus was predominantly a whole bunch of American lifters, plus four from Great Britain and one from the West Indies. All the Referees were American. This event got off the mark in York, Pennsylvania, at 10.05 am on Saturday, 1971.

Weights were in pounds. Lifting order was ‘rising bar’ (this was long before the Rounds system). The first lift was the Bench Press. There was no such thing as bench shirts or squat suits, and various interpretations were held regarding the use of and length of knee wraps and weightlifting belts. The IPF rules system did not exist yet, nor had world records been established.

Because of the lack of formalized rules some disputes occurred. For example Great Britain’s 67½lg lifter, Mike Shaw, purportedly wore knee wraps which were eighteen feet long, and were objected to by American lifters whose rules allowed for 6 feet. There was no 52 kg class, no 100 kg class, and no 125 kg class. One of the American Super heavyweights, Jim Williams (nicknamed ‘Chimes’) benched 660 lbs on a second attempt (no shirt), and almost locked-out 680 lbs on a third. Some other notable lifts – Larry Pacifico benched the equivalent of 235 kg in the 90 kg class; John Kuc deadlifted 397½ kg; and Vince Anello attempted 362½ kg (800 lbs) at 90.

In 1972 the ‘second’ World Championships were held, this time over two days – 10 and 11 November. This time there were 8 lifters from Great Britain (two of whom, Ron Collins and John Pegler, did stints as Referees), six Canadians, two Puerto Ricans, three Zambians, and one from the West Indies. With 67 lifters in all, the other 47 were Americans. Lifts were still measured in pounds, the bench press was the first lift, and there were still no suits, power belts, or fancy wraps. Britain’s Precious McKenzie won his ‘second’ world title with 550 kg at 56. Mike Shaw ‘lost’ his world title, won the previous year, to American Jack Keammerer. Ron Collins made up for his ’bomb’ on the bench in ’71 and stormed to the 75 kg title. Pacifico just won against another American, Mel Hennessey, at 110 kg, both with enormous benches of 260 kg and 255 kg. At Super (over 110 kg) John Kuc beat Jim Williams. Kuc attempting a 397½ (875 lbs) deadlift again, and Williams benching a massive 307½ (675 lbs) before just missing with 317½ (700 lbs). John Cole, the winner of the US Senior Championships with 1,075 kg, didn’t show up to take on Cole.

The IPF was formed immediately after the contest, and so none of the lifts could be yet registered as World Records. The 1973 Worlds was also held in York, Pennsylvania. This time there were only 47 entrants; 1 from Sweden, 1 from Puerto Rico Peter Fiore – still lifting for Zambia, 2 Canadians, 1 West Indian, 8 from Great Britain, and the rest Americans. The officiating became a bit more ‘international’; Tony Fitton and Terry Jordan from Britain, a Canadian, and a Zambian, assisting with the Refereeing duties. American Bob Crist was the IPF President, and another American, Clarence Johnson, was Vice-President. 1973 was the first time that the lifts were done in the order we now recognize – Squat, Bench Press, Deadlift (although still lifting in pounds). Precious Mackenzie won his ‘third’ World title, easily beating the American teenager, Lamar Gant.

1974 was the first time that teams had to be selected in advance. With 74 entrants this was the largest Worlds so far. The 52 kg class was introduced – and there were 9 lifters entered. In 1975 the World Championships was held outside America for the first time, in Birmingham, England at the Town Hall, hosted by the legendary Vic Mercer. 82 lifters this time. Unusually for a competition the Supers lifted first. This was because the Television company filming the event were only interested in filming the 'big guys'. Bob Hoffman sent over tons of equipment for this contest too – and didn’t take it back, legend says it’s all still being used in the West Midlands.

The establishment of the IPF in 1973 spurred the establishment of the EPF (European Powerlifting Federation) in 1974. Since it was closely associated with bodybuilding and women had been competing as bodybuilders for years, the new sport was opened to them very quickly. The first U. S. national championships for women were held in 1978 and the IPF added women's competition in 1979. In the USA, the Amateur Sports Act of 1978 required that each Olympic or potential Olympic sport must have its own national governing body by November 1980. As a result, the AAU lost control of virtually every amateur sport. The U.S.P.F. was founded in 1980 as the new national governing body, and USAPL subsequently became the IPF affiliate.

Classes and categories[link]

From 2011 IPF introduced the following new weight classes (age categories remain unchanged) as follows;

Weight classes:

Men: up to 53 kg (Sub-Junior/Junior), 59 kg, 66 kg, 74 kg, 83 kg, 93 kg, 105 kg, 120 kg, 120 kg+

Women: up to 43 kg (Sub-Junior/Junior), 47 kg, 52 kg, 57 kg, 63 kg, 72 kg, 84 kg, 84 kg +

Up until the end of 2010 there were 11 male and 10 female weight classes and age categories which are as follows;

Pre 2011 Weight classes:

Men: 52 kg, 56 kg, 60 kg, 67.5 kg, 75 kg, 82.5 kg, 90 kg, 100 kg, 110 kg, 125 kg, 125 kg +

Women: 44 kg, 48 kg, 52 kg, 56 kg, 60 kg, 67.5 kg, 75 kg, 82.5 kg, 90 kg, 90 kg +

Age categories

This depends on the federation generally but averages are as follows:

15-18, 19-23, open (any age) masters 40+

The IPF uses the following age categories: sub-junior (18 and under), junior (19-23), open (24-39), masters 1 (40-49), master 2 (50-59), masters 3 (60-69), and masters 4 (70+). Age category is dependent on the year of the participant's birth. For example, if the participant turns 18 years old in January, he or she is still considered a sub-junior until the end of that calendar year.

Competition[link]

A competition takes place as follows:

Each competitor is allowed three to four attempts on each lift depending on their standing and the organization they are lifting in (usually smallest w-class to heaviest). The lifter’s best valid attempt on each lift counts toward his competition total. If two or more lifters achieve the same total, the lighter lifter ranks above the heavier lifter.^[1]

Competitors are judged against other lifters of the same gender, weight class, and age. This helps to ensure that the accomplishments of lifters like Lamar Gant, who has deadlifted 5 times his bodyweight, are recognized alongside those of Benedikt Magnusson, the current All-time deadlift world record holder.

Comparisons of lifters and scores across different weight classes can also be made using handicapping systems such as the Wilks formula.^[2]

Events[link]

The three Powerlifting events being performed by 2009 IPF World Champion Dean Bowring

In a Competition, there are three events: squat, bench press and deadlift. Some variations of this are found at some meets such "push-pull only" meets where lifters only compete in the bench press and deadlift, with the bench press coming first and the deadlift after. Single lift meets are often held, sometimes alongside a normal 3-lift event. This is most common in the bench press.

At a meet the events will follow in order: squat, then bench press, and the deadlift will be the final lift of the meet. If the federation also has an event for strict curls this will normally occur before the squat event.

Rules of each event[link]

Squat[link]

The lift starts with the lifter standing erect and the bar loaded with weights resting on the lifter's shoulders. At the referee's command the lift begins. The lifter bends their knees and drops into a squatting position with the hips slightly below parallel position. The lifter then returns to an erect position. At the referee's command the bar is returned to the rack and the lift is completed.

• After removing the bar from the racks while facing the front of the platform, the lifter may move forward or backward to establish the lifting position. The top of the bar not more than 3 cm below the top of the anterior deltoids. The bar shall be held horizontally across the shoulders with the hands and/or fingers gripping the bar, and the feet flat upon the platform with the knees locked.
• The lifter shall wait in this position for the head referee’s signal. The signal will be given as soon as the lifter is set and demonstrates control with the bar properly positioned. The head referee’s signal shall consist of a downward movement of the arm and audible command “Squat”.
• Upon receiving the head referee’s signal, the lifter must bend the knees and lower the body until the top surface of the legs at the hip joint is lower than the top of knees.
• The lifter must recover at will, without double bouncing, to an upright position with the knees locked. The bar may stop, but there must be no downward motion during recovery. As soon as the lifter demonstrates a controlled final position, the head referee will give the signal indicating completion of the lift and to replace the bar.
• The signal to replace the bar will consist of a backward motion of the arm and the audible command "Rack”. The lifter must then make a reasonable attempt to return the bar to the racks.
• The lifter shall face the front of the platform, towards the head referee.
• The lifter shall not hold the collars or discs at any time during the performance of the lift. However, the edge of the hands gripping the bar may be in contact with the inner surface of the collar.
• Not more than five and not less than two loaders/spotters shall be on the platform at any time.
• The lifter may enlist the help of spotters in removing the bar from the racks; however, once the bar has cleared the racks, the spotters shall not physically assist the lifter with regards to actually getting into the proper set position. The spotters may assist the lifter to maintain control should the lifter stumble or demonstrate any evident instability.
• The lifter will be allowed only one commencement signal per attempt.
• The lifter may be given an additional attempt at the same weight at the head referee’s discretion if failure in an attempt was due to any error by one or more of the spotters.

Causes for disqualification of a squat[link]

• Failure to observe the head referee’s signals at the commencement or completion of a lift.
• Double bouncing or more than one recovery attempt at the bottom of the lift.
• Failure to assume an upright position with knees locked at the commencement and completion of the lift.
• Movement of the feet laterally, backward or forward that would constitute a step or stumble.
• Failure to bend the knees and lower the body until the surface of the legs at the hip joint is lower than the tops of the knees.
• Any resetting of the feet after the squat signal.
• Contact with the bar by the spotters between the referee’s signals.
• Contact of elbows or upper arms with the legs.
• Failure to make a reasonable attempt to return the bar to the racks.
• Any intentional dropping or dumping of the bar.

Bench press[link]

With her or his back resting on the bench, the lifter takes the loaded bar at arm's length. The lifter lowers the bar to the chest. When the bar becomes motionless on the chest, the referee gives a press command. Then the referee will call 'Rack' and the lift is completed as the weight is returned to the rack.

• The front of the bench must be placed on the platform facing the head referee.
• The lifter must lie backward with shoulders and buttocks in contact with the flat bench surface. The lifter’s shoes or toes must be in solid contact with the platform or surface. The position of the head is optional.
• To achieve firm footing, a lifter of any height may use discs or blocks to build up the surface of the platform. Whichever method is chosen, the shoes must be in a solid contact with the surface. If blocks are used, they shall not exceed 45 cm x 45 cm.
• Not more than five and not less than two loaders/spotters shall be in attendance. The lifter may enlist the help of one or more of the designated spotters or enlist a personal spotter in removing the bar from the racks. Only designated spotters may remain on the platform during the lift. The lift off must be to arms length and not down to the chest. A designated spotter, having provided a centre lift off, must immediately clear the area in front of the head referee and move to either side of the bar. If the personal spotter does not immediately leave the platform area and/or in any way distracts or impedes the head referees’ responsibilities, the referees may determine that the lift is unacceptable, and be declared “no lift” by the referees and given three red lights.
• The spacing of the hands shall not exceed 81 cm, measured between the forefingers. The bar shall have circumferential machine markings or tape indicating this maximum grip allowance. If the lifter should use an offset or unequal grip on the bar, whereby one hand is placed outside the marking or tape, it is the lifters responsibility to explain this to the head referee, and allow inspection of the intended grip prior to making an attempt. If this is not done until the lifter is on the platform for an official attempt, any necessary explanation and/or measurements will be done on the lifter’s time for that attempt. The reverse or underhand grip is permitted.
• After receiving the bar at arms length, the lifter shall lower the bar to the chest and await the head referees’ signal.
• The signal shall be an audible command “Press” and given as soon as the bar is motionless on the chest. As long as the bar is not so low that it touches the lifter’s belt, it is acceptable.
• The lifter will be allowed only one commencement signal per attempt.
• After the signal to commence the lift has been given, the bar is pressed upward. The bar shall not be allowed to sink into the chest or move downwards prior to the lifter’s attempt to press upward. The lifter will press the bar to straight arm’s length and hold motionless until the audible command “Rack” is given. Bar may move horizontally and may stop during the ascent, but may not move downward towards the chest.

Causes for disqualification of a bench press[link]

• Failure to observe the referee’s signals at the commencement or completion of the lift.
• Any change in the elected position that results in the buttocks breaking contact with the bench or lateral movement of the hands (between the referee’s signals). Any excessive movement or change of contact of the feet during the lift proper.
• Bouncing the bar off the chest.
• Allowing the bar to sink into the chest after receiving the referee’s signal.
• Pronounced uneven extension of the arms during or at the completion of the lift.
• Any downward motion of the bar during the course of being pressed out.
• Contact with the bar by the spotters between the referee’s signals.
• Any contact of the lifter’s shoes with the bench or its supports.
• Deliberate contact between the bar and the bar rest uprights during the lift to assist the completion of the press.
• It is the responsibility of the lifter to inform any personally enlisted spotters to leave the platform as soon as the bar is secured at arms length. Such spotters shall not return to the platform upon completion or failure of the attempt. It is especially important for a spotter providing a centre lift off to leave the platform quickly so as not to impair the head referee’s view. Failure of any personal spotters to leave the platform may cause disqualification of the lift.

Deadlift[link]

In the deadlift the athlete grasps the loaded bar which is resting on the platform floor. The lifter pulls the weights off the floor and assumes an erect position. The knees must be locked and the shoulders back, with the weight held in the lifters's grip. At the referees command the bar will be returned to the floor under the control of the lifter.

• The bar must be laid horizontally in front of the lifter’s feet, gripped with an optional grip in both hands, and lifted until the lifter is standing erect. The bar may stop but there must be no downward motion of the bar.
• The lifter shall face the front of the platform.
• On completion of the lift, the knees shall be locked in a straight position and the lifter shall be standing erect.
• The head referee’s signal shall consist of a downward movement of the arm and the audible command “Down”. The signal will not be given until the bar is held motionless and the lifter is in an apparent finished position.
• Any raising of the bar or any deliberate attempt to do so will count as an attempt.

Causes for disqualification of a deadlift[link]

• Any downward motion of the bar before it reaches the final position.
• Failure to stand erect.
• Failure to lock the knees straight at the completion of the lift.
• Supporting the bar on the thighs during the performance of the lift. 'Supporting’ is defined as a body position adopted by the lifter that could not be maintained without the counterbalance of the weight being lifted.
• Movement of the feet laterally, backward or forward that would constitute a step or stumble.
• Lowering the bar before receiving the head referee’s signal.
• Allowing the bar to return to the platform without maintaining control with both hands.

Training[link]

Powerlifting requires specialized training techniques that are focused on strength and explosive power. Traditional training methods dictated low repetitions with maximal weight.^[3] These practices are still true today, however, training methods have advanced to include emphasis on explosive power. This may be achieved through dynamic exercises which utilize lighter weight and alternating repetition patterns.

The squat, bench press and deadlift are the three main lifts in competition. In order to maximize their effectiveness at these lifts athletes typically train with a cyclical routine. A common split is to give each of the three lifts a day where exercises designed to increase that lift are performed or to treat the deadlift and squat as one lift and perform upper and lower body sessions, however there are many different methods. Training consists of mostly compound lifts (a compound lift being any movement across multiple joints) in the 1-5 repetition range.

Using a lower repetition range allows for the use of a higher weight and higher maximum force development. This occurs because usage of a higher weight (80-100% of maximum) will ensure that the limitation of weight lifted is limited by neural efficiency (how many muscle fibres the nervous system can trigger), rather than by exhaustion of the muscle fibers in the area. Higher reps in the 6-12 range are used for hypertrophy (size building/bodybuilding) and the 12-20+ range is typically used more for endurance athletes. It is not necessary to train for size or endurance because neither matter in a competition.

A well known training method is known as the Westside Barbell method developed by Louie Simmons, or the high volume routines developed by Boris Sheiko. Other approaches to powerlifting training include Metal Militia style training for bench press, Mike Tuscherers RPE-based training, and the classical progressive overload approach. Western linear periodization was a powerlifting staple in the USA before the Westside Barbell method gained popularity. Among many elite-level powerlifters in the US, hybrids between Westside and russian accumulation/intensification methods are popular. The programs also tend to be very personalized.

Other alternatives exist, notably the Smolov Squat Routine from Russia.

A recent addition to power lifting routine has been the 5x5 routine. Where a 1 major lift is done a day with 5 sets and 5 reps before increasing weight.

Federations[link]

The federations the most prominent of which are the following:^[4]

• Global Powerlifting Alliance (GPA)
• Global Powerlifting Committee (GPC)
• Global Powerlifting Federation (GPF)- Official Magazine HARD GAMES
• International Powerlifting Federation (IPF)
• Natural Powerlifting Association (NPLA)
• World Drug-Free Powerlifting Federation (WDFPF)
• World Powerlifting Association (WPA)
• World Powerlifting Congress (WPC)
• World Powerlifting Federation (WPF)

Of these federations, the oldest and most prominent is the IPF. It comprises federations from over 100 countries located on six continents. Underlying its status is the fact that the IPF is the federation responsible for coordinating participation in the World Games, an international event affiliated with the International Olympic Committee. In terms of longevity and age the next federation in seniority is the WPC.

Although the lifts are always the squat, bench press and deadlift as events, different federations have different rules and different interpretations of the rules, leading to a myriad of variations. Differences arise on the equipment eligible, clothing, drug testing and aspects of allowable technique. The Anti Drug Athletes United (ADAU) and 100% Raw Federation allow no supportive gear to be worn by the lifter while the IPF, AAU, NASA, U.S.A.P.L, Iron Boy and the ADFPF only allow a single-ply tight polyester squat suit, deadlift suit and bench shirt, wraps for knees and wrists, and a belt. Other federations, such as the APF, APA, IPA, SPF, WPC and WPO, allow opened or closed back bench shirts, multi-ply gear, and a wide array of gear materials such as canvas, denim, polyester etc.

In an IPF bench press, the barbell can go as low as the xiphoid process and no further in the lift, whereas in other federations, the barbell can touch the abdomen. (This shortens the distance in which the barbell is moved and is an advantage to the lifter.)

The IPF has suspended entire member nations' federations, including the Russian Federation and the Ukrainian Federation, for repeated violations of the IPF's anti-doping policies.^[5] However Russia and Ukraine never served the full 2 year suspension.

Gyms[link]

Well-known power lifting gyms across the US include Westside Barbell, Big Iron Gym, Nazareth Barbell, and SuperTraining Gym, Suncity Iron ( El Paso, TX)

Global Database[link]

The global meet results are available in search able web database. [57]

World champions[link]

The various federations have their own championships. The IPF's recognition by the International Olympic Committee as the official governing body, as well its longevity has resulted in their championships being deemed the official world championships, and the results of these are shown below. However, other respected federations have had their own world champions also (much as boxing world champions are divided among a myriad of organizations). For world champions associated with other federations see the articles for those federations for more information.

Source for IPF results: hickoksports.com

IPF world champions

Year	52 kilograms	56 kilograms	60 kilograms	67.5 kilograms	75 kilograms	82.5 kilograms	90 kilograms	100 kilograms	110 kilograms	125 kilograms	Open
1971	None	Joe Alon	McKinney	Shaw	Crawford	Barnes	Larry Pacifico	None	Snitkin	None	Hugh Cassidy
1972	None	Precious McKenzie	Franklin Riley	Keammerer	Ron Collins	Vince Anello	Jones	None	Larry Pacifico	None	John Kuc
1973[6]	None	Precious McKenzie	Allen Lord	Donald Blue	Ron Collins	Robert McKee	Anthony Fratto	William Seno	Larry Pacifico	None	Don Reinhoudt
1974[7]	Hideaki Inaba	John Bojazi	Allen Lord	Donald Blue	Ron Collins	Ernie Frantz	Paul Woods	Larry Pacifico	John Kuc	None	Don Reinhoudt
1975[8]	Hideaki Inaba	Lamar Gant	Enrique Hernandez	Jack Welch	Walter Thomas	Ron Collins	Edward Ravenscroft	Larry Pacifico	Doug Young	None	Don Reinhoudt
1976[9]	Hideaki Inaba	Lamar Gant	Eddie Pengelly	Mauro Di Pasquale	Bill West	Ron Collins	Larry Pacifico	Paul Jordan	Doug Young	None	Don Reinhoudt
1977[10]	Hideaki Inaba	Lamar Gant	Eddie Pengelly	Rick Gaugler	Joseph Rhodes	Ron Collins	Vince Anello	Larry Pacifico	Doug Young	None	Taito Haara
1978[11]	Hideaki Inaba	Precious McKenzie	Lamar Gant	Mike Bridges	Peter Fiore	Walter Thomas	Vince Anello	Larry Pacifico	Terry McCormick	None	Doyle Kennedy
1979[12]	Hideaki Inaba	Lamar Gant	Eddie Pengelly	James Moir	Mike Bridges	Ron Collins	Tom Campbell	Larry Pacifico	John Kuc	None	Bill Kazmaier
1980[13]	Hideaki Inaba	Precious McKenzie	Lamar Gant	Rickey Crain	Rick Gaugler	Mike Bridges and Anthony Carpino Later DQ so passed to Bill West	Ernie Frantz Later DQ so passed to Vince Anello	Chip McCain Later DQ so passed to Mark Dimiduk	John Kuc	None	Dave Waddington Later DQ so passed to Doyle Kennedy
1981[14]	Hideaki Inaba	Hiroyuki Isagawa	Lamar Gant	Joe Bradley	Steve Alexander	Mike Bridges	Walter Thomas	Jim Cash	Reijo Kiviranta	Ernie Hackett	Paul Wrenn
1982[15]	Hideaki Inaba	Lamar Gant	Kullervo Lampela	Stefan Nentis	Rickey Crain	Mike Bridges	Walter Thomas	Kenneth Mattsson	Hannu Saarelainen	John Gamble	Tom Magee
1983[16]	Hideaki Inaba	Lamar Gant	Göran Henrysson	Bob Wahl	Rickey Crain	Mike Bridges	Kenneth Mattsson	Fredrick Hatfield	Steve Wilson	Lars Norén	Bill Kazmaier
1984[17]	Chuck Dunbar	Lamar Gant	Göran Henrysson	Dan Austin	Gene Bell	Ed Coan	Dennis Wright	Tony Stevens	Dave Jacoby	Ab Wolders	Lee Moran
1985[18]	Hideaki Inaba	Hiroyuki Isagawa	Göran Henrysson	Eddie Pengelly	Eric Coppin	Jarmo Virtanen	David Caldwell	Tony Stevens	Dave Jacoby	Tom Henderson	Cees de Vreugd
1986[19]	Hideaki Inaba	Hiroyuki Isagawa	Lamar Gant	Dan Austin	Rick Crilly	Jarmo Virtanen	Jari Tahtinen	Tony Stevens	Fredrick Hatfield	Lars Norén	Mike Hall
1987[20]	Hideaki Inaba	Gerard McNamara	Lamar Gant	Dan Austin	Jarmo Virtanen	Gene Bell	Eric Coppin	Connie Nilsson	Dave Jacoby	John Neighbour	Lars Norén
1988[21]	Hideaki Inaba	Hiroyuki Isagawa	Lamar Gant	Dan Austin	Jarmo Virtanen	Hannu Malinen	Gene Bell	Ed Coan	Dave Jacoby	Kyösti Vilmi	Oders Wilson
1989[22]	Hideaki Inaba	Hiroyuki Isagawa	Lamar Gant	Dan Austin	Ausby Alexander	Jarmo Virtanen	George Herring	Ed Coan and Norbert Siodlacek Later DQ so passed to Gerry O'Grady	John Neighbour	Kyösti Vilmi	Mike Hall
1990[23]	Hideaki Inaba	Gary Simes	Lamar Gant	Dan Austin	Ausby Alexander	Jarmo Virtanen	George Herring	Juha Hyttinen	Aarre Kappyla	Kyösti Vilmi	Jean-Pierre Brulois
1991[24]	Hideaki Inaba	Hiroyuki Isagawa	Gerard Tromp	Dan Austin	David Ricks	Alexander Lekomstev Later DQ so passed to Piet Van Haaren	Sylvester Anderson	George Herring	Guðni Sigurjonsson	Kirk Karwoski	Hjalti Arnason Later DQ so passed to Hans Zerhoch[25]
1992[26]	Sergey Zhuravliev	Denis Thios	Gerard McNamara	Dan Austin	David Ricks	Jarmo Virtanen	Sly Anderson	Brian Reynolds	Dave Jacoby	Kirk Karwoski	Hans Zerhoch
1993[27]	Andrzej Stanaszek	Denis Thios	Talambanua Nanda	Alexey Sivokon	David Ricks	Jarmo Virtanen	Gene Bell	Ed Coan	Philipp Farmer Later DQ so passed to Andrey Mustrikov	Kirk Karwoski	Hans Zerhoch
1994[28]	Andrzej Stanaszek	Hiroyuki Isagawa	Wim Elyn	Alexey Sivokon	David Ricks	Walter Thomas	Frank Schramm	Ed Coan	Kirk Karwoski	Viktor Naleikin	Karl Saliger
1995[29]	Andrzej Stanaszek	Konstantin Pavlov	Wim Elyn	Jan Wilczynski	Sirajoutin Bazaev	Jarmo Virtanen	Janne Toivanen	Ed Coan	Derek Pomana	Kirk Karwoski	Yuriy Spinov
1996[30]	Andrzej Stanaszek	Konstantin Pavlov	Darimin Bin Sutrisno	Wade Hooper	Dan Austin	Roman Szymkowiak	Gene Bell	Janne Toivanen	Derek Pomana	Kirk Karwoski	Yuriy Spinov
1997[31]	Andrzej Stanaszek	Chun-Hsiung Hu	Yung-Chang Lee	Alexey Sivokon	Sirajoutin Bazaev	Sergey Mor	Gene Bell	Oleksiy Soloviov	Derek Pomana	Maxim Gurianov Later DQ so passed to Sturla Davidsen	Viktor Naleikin
1998[32]	Andrzej Stanaszek	Konstantin Pavlov	Wim Elyn	Alexey Sivokon	Sirajoutin Bazaev	Sergey Mor	Serhiy Romanenko	Oleksiy Soloviov	Alexey Gankov	Maxim Podtynniy	Tibor Meszaros
1999[33]	Andrej Stanaszek	Konstantin Pavlov	Gerard McNamara	Alexey Sivokon	Sirajoutin Bazaev	David Ricks	Andrey Tarasenko	Nikolai Suslov	Volodymyr Ivanenko	Maxim Podtynniy	Maxim Gurianov
2000[34]	Andrej Stanaszek	Konstantin Pavlov	Mikhail Andyrukhin	Alexey Sivokon	Viktor Furashkine	Sergey Mor	Andrey Tarasenko	Nikolai Suslov	Volodymyr Ivanenko	Daisuke Midote	Brad Gillingham
2001[35]	Chun-Hsiung Hu	Konstantin Pavlov	Darimin Bin Sutrisno	Alexey Sivokon	Viktor Furashkine	Sergey Mor	Andrey Tarasenko	Oleks Wyschnitsky	Valentin Dedulia	Vitaliy Papazov	Brad Gillingham
2002[36]	Ravil Kasakov	Konstantin Pavlov	Mikhail Andryukhin	Jaroslaw Olech	Viktor Furashkine	Dmytro Soloviov	Ivan Freydun	Oleksiy Rockochyy	Valentin Dedulia	Andrey Malanichev	Vladimir Bondarenko Later DQ so passed to Vitaliy Papazov
2003[37]	Sergey Fedosienko	Konstantin Pavlov	Mikail Andryukhin	Jaroslaw Olech	Viktor Furashkine	Jan Wegiera	Ivan Freydun	Oleksiy Vyshnytskyy	Yuri Fedorenko	Istvan Arvai	Brian Siders
2004[38]	Sergey Fedosienko	Konstantin Pavlov	Ravil Kazakov	Jaroslaw Olech	Wade Hooper	Oleksandr Kutcher	Ivan Shliakhta	Ivan Freydun	Nikolay Suslov	Istvan Arvai	Brian Siders
2005[39]	Alexey Romanov	Konstantin Pavlov	Darimin Bin Sutrisno	Jaroslaw Olech	Viktor Furashkine	Sergey Bogdanov	Andrey Tarasenko	Ivan Freydun	Nikolay Suslov	Yevhen Yarymbash	Vladimir Bondarenko
2006[40]	Dariusz Wszola	Hiroyuki Isagawa	Tsung-Ting Hsieh	Jaroslaw Olech	Wade Hooper	Jan Wegiera	Patrik Turesson	Michal Wilk Later DQ so passed to Andreas Hjelmtveit	Ivailo Hristov	Audunn Jonsson Later DQ so passed to Clive Henry	Ove Lehto
2007[41]	None	Sergey Fedosienko	Tsung-Ting Hsieh	Ravil Kazakov	Jaroslaw Olech	Davranbek Turakhanov Later DQ so passed to Sergey Bogdanov	Andrey Belyayev	Andrey Tarasenko	Maxim Barkhatov	Tony Cardella	Vladimir Bondarenko
2008[42]	None	Dariusz Wszola	Tsung-Ting Hsieh	Hassan el-Belghitti	Jaroslaw Olech	Jan Wegiera	Daniel Williams	Sergiy Pevnev	Oleksiy Rokochiy	Oleksandr Shepil	Jari Martikainen
2009[43]	None	Sergey Fedosienko	Tsung-Ting Hsieh	Sergei Gladkikh	Jaroslaw Olech	Alexey Sorokin	Mykhailo Bulanyi	Konstantin Lebedko	Maxim Barkhatov	Igor Gagin	Dean Bowring
2010[44]	None	Sergey Fedosienko	Tsung-Ting Hsieh	Jaroslaw Olech	Jose Castillo	Alexey Sorokin	Mykhailo Bulanyi	Ivan Freydun	Maxim Barkhatov	Igor Gagin	Daniel Grabowski

Year	59 kilograms	66 kilograms	74 kilograms	83 kilograms	93 kilograms	105 kilograms	120 kilograms	120+ kilograms
2011	Sergey Fedosienko	Sergey Gladkikh	Jaroslaw Olech	Volodymyr Rysyev	Vladimir Sholskiy	Anibal Coimbra	Maxim Barkhatov	Volodymyr Svistunov

Women[link]

IPF world champions

Year	44 kilograms	48 kilograms	52 kilograms	56 kilograms	60 kilograms	67.5 kilograms	75 kilograms	82.5 kilograms	Over 82.5 kilograms	90 kilograms	Over 90 kilograms
1980[45]	Joan Fruth	Sue Roberts	Terry Dillard	Sue Elwyn	Karen Gajda	Jennifer Reid	Beverley Francis	Vicky Gagne	Ann Turbyne	None	None
1981[46]	Donna Wicker	Terry Dillard	Sue Roberts	Gayla Crain	Eileen Todaro	Jennifer Weyland	Judy Oakes	Beverley Francis	Wanda Sanders	None	None
1982[47]	Ginger Lord	Terry Dillard	Sue Jordan	Julie Thomas	Ruth Shafer	Angie Ross	Beverley Francis	Judy Oakes	None	Rebecca Waibler	Annie McElroy
1983[48]	Cheryl Jones	Diana Rowell	Kali Bogias	Julie Thomas	Ruth Shafer	Linda Miller	Pamela Matthews	Beverley Francis	None	Gail Mulhall	Wanda Sanders
1984[49]	Cheryl Jones	Majik Jones	Kali Bogias	Vicky Steenrod	Diane Frantz	Ruth Shafer	Deborah McElroy-Patton	Beverley Francis	None	Annette Bohach	Annie McElroy
1985[50]	Cheryl Jones	Bernadette Plouviez	Sisi Dolman	Tina van Duyn-Woodley	Vicky Steenrod	Ruth Shafer	Heidi Wittesch	Beverley Francis	None	Tove Eriksen	Annie McElroy
1986[51]	Judy Gedney	Marie-France Vassart	Sisi Dolman	Felicia Johnson	Rita Bass	Heidi Wittesch	Deborah Patton	Juanita Truijllo	None	Lorraine Costanzo	Annie McElroy
1987[52]	Anna-Liisa Prinkkala	Vuokko Viitasaari	Mary Jeffrey	Joy Burt	Vicky Steenrod	Deborah McElroy	Terry Byland	Maggie Sandoval	None	Jacqueline Pepper	Lorraine Costanzo
1988[53]	Hisako Yoshida	Irma Ruler	Sisi Dolman	Mary Jeffrey	Silvana Bollmann	Jackie Pierce	Heidi Wittesch	Judy Oakes	None	Lorraine Costanzo	Myrtle Augee
1989[54]	Anna-Liisa Prinkkala	Claudine Cognacq	Sisi Dolman	Mary Jeffrey	Judith Auerbach	Silvana Bollmann Later DQ so passed to Vicky Steenrod	Liz Odendaal	Heidi Wittesch	None	Heike Buch Later DQ so passed to Barbara Crocker	Ulrike Herchenhein
1990[55]	Anna-Liisa Prinkkala	Claudine Cognacq	Sisi Dolman	Mary Jeffrey	Rachel Mathias	Jackie Pierce	Liz Odendaal	Cathy Millen	None	Ulrike Herchenhein	Sylvia Iskin
1991[56]	Helen Wolsey	Malou Thill	Sisi Dolman	Carrie Graffam	Ingjerd Pytte	Yekaterina Tanakova	Cathy Millen	Shleby Corson	None	Susanne Tjernell-Formgren	Sylvia Iskin
1992[57]	Helen Wolsey	Claudine Cognacq	Mary Jeffrey	Joy Burt	Marion Hammang	Yekaterina Tanakova	Sara Robertson	Monika Norberg	None	Cathy Millen	Juanita Trujillo
1993[58]	Natalie Janot	Claudine Cognacq	Gema Cristobal	Carrie Graffam-Boudreau	Beate Amdahl	Yekaterina Tanakova	Tammy Diande	Natalya Rumiantseva	None	Cathy Millen	Ulrike Herchenhein
1994[59]	Anna-Liisa Prinkkala	Vuokko Viitasaari	Ingeborg Marx	Nadezhda Mir	Beate Amdahl	Yekaterina Tanakova	Olena Sukhoruk	Natalya Rumiantseva	None	Cathy Millen	Ulrike Herchenhein
1995[60]	Raija Koskinen	Yelena Yamskikh	Nadezhda Mir	Carrie Boudreau	Eriko Himeno	Lisa Sjöstrand	Olena Sukhoruk	Natalya Rumyantseva	None	Alla Korschunova	Chen-Yeh Chao
1996[61]	Svetlana Tesleva	Yelena Yamskikh	Oksana Belova	Carrie Boudreau	Bettina Altizer	Lisa Sjöstrand	Vicky Steenrod	Natalya Rumyantseva	None	Alla Korshunova	Chen-Yeh Chao
1997	Svetlana Tesleva	Yelena Yamskikh	Oksana Belova	Carrie Boudreau	Marina Kudinova	Lisa Sjöstrand	Marina Zhgulewa	Natalya Rumyantseva	None	Alla Korschunova	Katrina Robertson
1998	Svetlana Tesleva	Yelena Yamskikh	Claudine Cognacq	Oksana Belova	Jelena Fomina	Marina Kudinova	Olena Shchukova	Natalya Rumyantseva	None	Alla Korschunova	Chen-Yeh Chao
1999	Svetlana Tesleva	Yelena Yamskikh	Claudine Cognacq	Oksana Belova	Irina Abramova	Marina Kudinova	Olena Shchukova	Natalja Rumjanzewa	None	Natalja Pajusova	Lee Chia-Sui
2000	Swetlana Teslewa	Yelena Yamskikh	Ludmilla Starova	Valentina Nelubova	Irina Abramova	Marina Kudinova	Tatjana Pusanova	Jelena Ignatenkova	None	Irina Lugovaja	Anastasia Pawlova
2001	Raija Koskinen	Natalja Schapovalova	Tatjana Eltsova	Valentina Nelubova	Irina Abramova	Marina Kudinova	Svetlana Miklasevich	Olesia Rychkova	None	Irina Lugovaya	Chen-Yeh Chao
2002	Raija Koskinen	Kuan-Ting Chen	Svetlana Nikolenko	Inna Filimonova	Valentina Nelubova	Marina Kudinova	Svetlana Dedulia	Tatyana Puzanova	None	Irina Lugovaya	Galina Karpova
2003	Raija Koskinen	Olesia Lafina	Suzanne Hartwig	Inna Filimonova	Valentina Nelubova	Marina Kudinova	Svetlana Dedulia	Tatyana Pusanova	None	Irina Lugovaya	Chen-Yeh Chao
2004	Raija Koskinen	Svetlana Tesleva	Olesya Lafina	Tatyana Eltsova	Maria Revva	Priscilla Ribic	Yulia Zaugolova	Tatyana Kudryavtseva	None	Iryna Yavorska	Galina Karpova
2005	Raija Koskinen	Svetlana Tesleva	Olesya Lafina	Tatyana Eltsova	Paivi Haapoja	Tetiana Skrypka	Marina Kudinova	Kateryna Borodai	None	Inna Orobets	Galina Karpova
2006	Raija Koskinen	Yukako Fukushima	Yi Ju Chou	Anna Olsson	Fiona-Gundula von Bachhaus	Priscilla Ribic	Inger Blikra	Liane Blyn	None	Ielja Strik	Hildeborg Hugdal
2007	None	Wei-Ling Chen	Kateryna Klymenko	Inna Filimonova	Irina Poletayeva	Galina Potselueva	Yulia Zaugolova	Svetlana Dedyula	None	Ielja Strik	Irina Lugovaya
2008	None	Yukako Fukushima	Wei-Ling Chen	Tetiana Prymenchuk	Fiona-Gundula von Bachhaus	Priscilla Ribic	Inger Blikra	Iryna Karpova-Yavorksa	None	Ielja Strik	Jessica O'Donnell
2009[62]	None	Yi Ju Chou	Natalia Salnikova	Inna Filimonova	Irina Poletaeva	Galina Potselueva	Olena Kozlova	Svetlana Dedyulya	None	Valeria Shcheglova	Galina Karpova
2010[63]	None	Yukako Fukushima	Sri Hartati	Tetiana Prymenchuk	Irina Poletaeva	Yulia Medvedeva	Yelyzaveta Byruk	Olena Kozlova	None	Valeria Shcheglova	Galina Karpova