BARS Weightlifting
Cup 2026
The BARS Weightlifting Cup brings together both recreational weightlifting enthusiasts and competitive athletes under one roof.
Our mission is to celebrate the spirit of weightlifting while providing an opportunity for athletes to showcase their skills and move up the (official) national ranking.
Recreational Lifter
The Recreational Lifter division is all about lifting together with other weightlifting enthusiasts. Sharing the platform and getting a taste of what weightlifting competition feels like.
From friends, family and even spectators you don’t know cheering you on, to the excitement you feel when you lift that bar overhead.
If you have never competed, this is the perfect competition to dip your toes in the water and take that first step on the platform. For the requirements and further details check out our Rulebook and sign up!
We have 60 spots reserved in the Recreational Lifter Division. Depending on registration we will distribute it evenly between male and female (ideally 30-30).
Competition Athlete
The Competition Athlete division is set up to bring out the best of you.
Weightlifting competition is fun, but it’s also competitive. And as the word suggests, it’s about competing against one another and ourselves.
In this division you can qualify for the Dutch National Championships. That’s why there are a little more rules and requirements in place for this specific division. Take a good look at our rulebook and see if you can adhere to said requirements.
If you don’t, you can always sign up for the Recreational Lifter division.
36 spots are reserved in the Competition Division. Depending on registrations we will distribute this as evenly as possible between male and female.
Registration & Event Details
Registration
Registration opens the 21st of September and closes 22nd of November.
Giving you a full 2 months to register.
Category selection
During registration, participants need to select a division to sign up. There are 2 divisions:
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Recreational Lifter: Open to weightlifting enthusiasts of all levels
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Competition Athlete: Stricter rules and requirements, to be able to officially move up the Dutch ranking or even qualify for the Dutch Nationals.
Make sure to read the rulebooks for more details on the rules and requirements.
Waiting List
We will start selection with a 50:50 ratio for male to female in both divisions. But depending on the registrations, we might change this to fill up the spots available. The same goes for people canceling or other unforeseen changes in the athlete line up. So make sure to apply for the waiting list. This way we can notify you ASAP after registration closes, to join our event. If you fill out our google forms, this will automatically be your spot on the waiting list.
Athlete line up + schedule
On November 29th (one week after registration closes), you will be notified with the first draft of the athlete line up and timetable. To give room for possible changes in the line up or timetable we will announce the final list and timetable on December 12th (one week before the event).
Event Details
Date: 19th of December 2026
Location: Crossfit Arnhem. (Emplacementsstraat 4b, 6827 DA Arnhem)
Spots available: 60 recreational & 36 competitor
Event time: 08:00-20:00u
Weigh In
You will be categorised in a specific group, with a specific time to weigh in. After weigh-in you will have an hour to relax, eat and drink, before your group starts. After that you will be briefed before your group starts to make sure you know everything you need to know before stepping on the platform.
Coaching
For the recreational group there will be BARS coaches available to guide and assist you through your competition if you don’t have your own coach.
Scoring
The BARS Weightlifting Cup uses the Sinclair Formula to rank the athletes. This is a score calculated with your exact total lifted and bodyweight during weigh-in. The more you lift and less you weigh, the higher your score.
Check out our Event Rulebook for more information.