Strongman Champions League USA Returns to Ohio for Labor Day Weekend 2026

14 International Athletes Set for Two Days of Strength in Port Clinton and Sandusky, September 5-6

Strongman Champions League returns to the United States this Labor Day weekend for two unforgettable days of world-class strongman action along the shores of Lake Erie.

On Saturday, September 5 and Sunday, September 6, 14 elite strongmen representing 11 countries will compete across two spectacular Ohio locations, beginning at the Erie-Ottawa International Airport in Port Clinton before moving to the waterfront in downtown Sandusky.

Admission is completely free on both days.

Following the success of the league’s first-ever U.S. competition in 2025, Strongman Champions League USA returns bigger for 2026, bringing international athletes, massive implements and unique events built specifically around the locations.

Day One: Rally on the Runway and the PBY Catalina Plane Pull

The weekend begins Saturday, September 5 at the Erie-Ottawa International Airport in Port Clinton, where Strongman Champions League will headline the inaugural Rally on the Runway.

The family-friendly festival runs from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, with the Strongman Champions League competition scheduled from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

And this year, spectators will witness one of the most iconic events ever staged at an SCL competition.

The PBY Catalina Plane Pull.

Athletes will take on the historic WWII PBY-6A Catalina flying boat from the Liberty Aviation Museum, transforming a legendary piece of aviation history into a one-of-a-kind strongman challenge.

The plane pull will headline a day combining world-class strength competition with aviation history and the Rally on the Runway festival, featuring a Touch-a-Truck experience, scavenger hunt, food, beverages, entertainment and activities for the entire family.

Rally on the Runway is being presented in collaboration with the Port Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce, Ottawa County Improvement Corporation and Liberty Aviation Museum.

Day Two: Strongman Takes Over Downtown Sandusky

On Sunday, September 6, the competition moves to downtown Sandusky near Columbus Avenue and Water Street, with competition beginning at 1:00 PM.

Set directly against the Lake Erie waterfront, athletes will battle through another series of massive strength events as thousands of spectators have the opportunity to experience professional strongman from just feet away.

Sunday will also feature the Sandusky Library Little Legends Challenge, giving younger fans an opportunity to get involved themselves. The Future Champions Arena will feature free, hands-on obstacle stations inspired by strongman competition and will run from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

The 2026 Strongman Champions League USA Athlete Lineup

Fourteen athletes from 11 countries will arrive in Ohio to battle for the SCL USA title:

Jan Lacina | Czech Republic
Vilius Jokužys | Iceland
Kevin Hazeleger | Holland
Patrick Eibel | Germany
Peter Juhasz | Hungary
Adam Roszkowski | Poland
Andrew Langelaar | Canada
Kane Francis | United Kingdom
Marc Sanchez | Philippines
Jesper Hansson | Sweden
DJ Doggett | USA
Austin Hamm | USA
Terrence Gilbert | USA
Brian Kichton | USA

The field brings together established Strongman Champions League competitors, national champions, rising international athletes and four American strongmen ready to represent the host nation on home soil.

Strongman Champions League Returns to the USA

Strongman Champions League is the only global professional strongman league, bringing elite strength competition to destinations around the world throughout its annual international season.

The league made its U.S. debut in Ohio in 2025, with thousands of spectators gathering along the Lake Erie shoreline for a competition that included truck pulls, massive deadlifts, keg throws into Sandusky Bay and a record-setting ferry pull.

In 2026, the competition expands into a full two-city Labor Day weekend experience in Port Clinton and Sandusky.

Saturday, September 5

Erie-Ottawa International Airport, Port Clinton, Ohio
Rally on the Runway: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Strongman Champions League: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Admission: FREE

Sunday, September 6

Downtown Sandusky, Ohio
Columbus Avenue and Water Street
Strongman Champions League begins: 1:00 PM
Little Legends Challenge: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Admission: FREE

Make your Labor Day weekend plans now and experience some of the strongest athletes on the planet battling in one of the most unique Strongman Champions League stages of the 2026 season.

For complete visitor information, maps, accommodations, restaurants and updates throughout Labor Day weekend, visit the official Strongman Champions League USA page from Shores & Islands Ohio.

Additional competition announcements and updates will also be released through Strongman Champions League leading up to September 5-6.