The Next Level of Competition
USA Powerlifting pros represent the top tier of the sport. To get there, athletes must meet qualification criteria and place top two in competition. It’s a system designed to elevate the best—and keep the bar high.
More Than a Title
Earning pro status comes with access, opportunity, and recognition that goes beyond the platform.
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Early Access to Events
Get ahead of the field with early registration windows for select competitions.
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Invite-Only Competitions
Step onto exclusive platforms designed specifically for pro athletes and top-tier matchups.
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Pro-Only Merch
Rep your status with limited gear available only to USA Powerlifting pros.
Your Path to Pro
Everything you need to know about earning and competing as a USA Powerlifting pro athlete. No guesswork—just the details that matter. Have more questions? Shoot us a line. We’re here to help.
Where can you earn a Pro Card?
*Minimum Dots: 475 Female / 500 Male Required + one of the following (for both male and female):
- Arnold Raw Challenge: Top 3 Best Lifters (by Dots)
- Regionals: Best Lifter (by Dots)
- Best Lifter at each Regional
Raw Nationals: Top 3 in each Weight Class
*Minimum Dots: 85 Female / 105 Male Required + one of the following (for both male and female):
- Bench Nationals: Top 2 in each Weight Class
- Arnold Bench Bash
* Minimum Age/Dots: 400 Female / 425 Male Required + one of the following (for both male and female):
- Arnold Masters Raw Challenge: Best Lifter (by age/dots)
- Regionals: Best Lifter (by age/dots)
- Best Lifter at each Regional
- Masters Nationals Top 15 Best Lifters (by age/dots)
*Minimum Dots: 75 Female / 95 Male Required + one of the following (for both male and female):
- Arnold Masters Bench Bash: Best Lifter (by age/dots)
- Bench Nationals: Top 10 Best Lifters (by age/dots)
* Minimum Dots: 475 Female / 500 Male Required + one of the following (for both male and female):
- Regionals: Best Lifter (by Dots)
- Best Lifter at each Regional
- Equipped Nationals: Top 2 in each Weight Class
*Minimum Dots: 85 Female / 105 Male Required + one of the following (for both male and female):
- Bench Nationals: Top 2 in each Weight Class
- Arnold Bench Bash
* Minimum Age/Dots: 400 Female / 425 Male Required + one of the following (for both male and female):
- Regionals: Best Lifter (by age/dots)
- Best Lifter at each Regional
- Equipped Nationals: Top 10 Best Lifters (by age/dots)
*Minimum Dots: 75 Female / 95 Male Required + one of the following (for both male and female):
- Arnold Masters Bench Bash: Best Lifter (by age/dots)
- Bench Nationals: Top 10 Best Lifters (by age/dots)
Coefficients used for Pro Athletes
DOTS coefficient male
- =500/(-0.0000010930*Bw^4+0.0007391293*Bw^3-0.1918759221*Bw^2+24.0900756*Bw-307.75076)
- The male’s formula is only accurate from 40kg to 210kg. Lifters heavier than 210kg are assigned the coefficient for 210kg.
DOTS coefficient female
- =500/(-0.0000010706*Bw^4+0.0005158568*Bw^3-0.1126655495*Bw^2+13.6175032*Bw-57.96288)
- The female’s formula is only accurate from 40kg to 150kg. Lifters heavier than 150kg are assigned the coefficient for 150kg. After the DOTS coefficient is calculated, it is multiplied by the lifter’s 3-lift total to compute DOTS points. The lifter with the highest DOTS points is the “best lifter”.
A Master lifter's age-adjusted DOTS is calculated by multiplying their "DOTS score" by their "USA Powerlifting Age Coefficient" using the table below.
| Age | Coefficient |
|---|---|
| 40 | 1 |
| 41 | 1.003 |
| 42 | 1.008 |
| 43 | 1.014 |
| 44 | 1.02 |
| 45 | 1.026 |
| 46 | 1.033 |
| 47 | 1.04 |
| 48 | 1.048 |
| 49 | 1.057 |
| 50 | 1.066 |
| 51 | 1.075 |
| 52 | 1.086 |
| 53 | 1.096 |
| 54 | 1.108 |
| 55 | 1.12 |
| 56 | 1.134 |
| 57 | 1.147 |
| 58 | 1.162 |
| 59 | 1.178 |
| 60 | 1.194 |
| 61 | 1.211 |
| 62 | 1.23 |
| 63 | 1.249 |
| 64 | 1.269 |
| 65 | 1.29 |
| 66 | 1.312 |
| 67 | 1.335 |
| 68 | 1.36 |
| 69 | 1.385 |
| 70 | 1.411 |
| 71 | 1.439 |
| 72 | 1.468 |
| 73 | 1.498 |
| 74 | 1.529 |
| 75 | 1.562 |
| 76 | 1.596 |
| 77 | 1.631 |
| 78 | 1.668 |
| 79 | 1.706 |
| 80 | 1.745 |
| 81 | 1.786 |
| 82 | 1.829 |
| 83 | 1.873 |
| 84 | 1.918 |
| 85 | 1.965 |
| 86 | 2.013 |
| 87 | 2.064 |
| 88 | 2.115 |
| 89 | 2.169 |
| 90 | 2.224 |
| 91 | 2.281 |
| 92 | 2.34 |
| 93 | 2.4 |
| 94 | 2.462 |
| 95 | 2.526 |
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CalendarFind a Meet
No matter where you are, there’s a place for you to lift. With USA Powerlifting gyms across the country, you can find a welcoming community, experienced coaches, and platforms built for strength.
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GYM FINDER
Don’t Train Alone
No matter where you are, there’s a place for you to lift. With USA Powerlifting gyms across the country, you can find a welcoming community, experienced coaches, and platforms built for strength.