Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Feb. 11, 2025 – Jonesboro’s first Strongman competition will be held in late May and registration is filling up fast.
The competition, the Northeast Arkansas Iron Giants and 2026 USS Nationals Qualifier, will be held on May 24 at 9 a.m. at the Arkansas Muscle Gym, 3235 E. Matthews Ave. in Jonesboro.
Meet Director Antonio Aguilera said it’s exciting to bring this competition to the Jonesboro area.
“This is the first Strongman competition in Jonesboro, but we hope to make it an annual tradition,” Aguilera said. “Jonesboro has a big strength community, and we wanted to provide local athletes with an opportunity to compete without having to travel long distances.”
NEA Iron Giants will have four events: Viking press, a yoke/frame carry, deadlifting and weight over bar. In the event of a tie, there will be Strongman tug of war. Athletes are separated into different weight classes, including novice for beginners.
This will be an outdoor event. Sign-up and rules can be found at Iron Podium.
“Strongman competitions like this promote positivity, fitness and a sense of belonging,” Antonio said. “Having strangers cheer you on as you push your body to the limit is an amazing feeling. People in Strongman will often train together for competitions and always look forward to having people join in no matter what level of experience. Strongman is for everyone. The energy at these shows is electric and often gets others to join in on the sport.”
The 1st-3rd place finishers receive will receive a trophy and other prizes. The first place male and female novice athletes will get an invite to Nationals. All athletes will receive a T-shirt for signing up.
With this competition being sanctioned by United States Strongman, it automatically makes it a Qualifier for Nationals in 2026. The location hasn’t been determined because the 2025 competition hasn’t happened yet. The location changes every year.
This year’s USS Nationals 2025 is being held in Concord, NC, on June 28.
Early Bird registration is $65, but spots are filling up fast. Once those are gone, the price will increase to $80, with final registration closing on May 3. The number of athletes is capped at 40. There is a $10 fee for spectators and children under five will get free admission.
“This event isn’t just for competitors, spectators are welcome to experience the excitement of strongman and cheer on some strong people performing some amazing feats of strength,” Aguilera said.