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.
-
Early Access to Events
Get ahead of the field with early registration windows for select competitions.
-
Invite-Only Competitions
Step onto exclusive platforms designed specifically for pro athletes and top-tier matchups.
-
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 Regionals
- Open World Cup: Top 3 Best Lifters (by Dots)
- Raw Nationals: Top 3 in each Weight Class
- International Affiliate Nationals as well
- Arnold Grand Prix and Arnold Pro Finals Count for 2024 Leaderboard (all lifters are Pros)
*Minimum Dots: 85 Female / 105 Male Required + one of the following (for both male and female):
- Bench Nationals: Top 2 in each Weight Class
- International Affiliate Nationals as well
- Bench World Cup (Top 3 overall by dots)
- Arnold Bench Bash and Arnold Pro Series Bench Finals Count for 2024 Leaderboard (all lifters are Pros)
* Minimum Age/Dots: 400 Female / 425 Male Required + one of the following (for both male and female):
- Arnold Masters of Iron: Best Lifter (by age/dots)
- Regionals: Best Lifter (by age/dots)
- Best Lifter at each Regionals
- Masters World Cup: Top 3 Best Lifters (by age/dots)
- Raw Nationals: Top 15 Best Lifters (by age/dots)
- International Affiliate Nationals as well
- Masters Pro Series Finals Count for 2024 Leaderboard (all lifters are Pros)
*Minimum Dots: 75 Female / 95 Male Required + one of the following (for both male and female):
- Arnold Masters of Iron Bench: Best Lifter (by age/dots)
- Bench Nationals: Top 10 Best Lifters (by age/dots)
- International Affiliate Nationals as well
- Bench World Cup (Top 3 overall 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 Regionals
- Open World Cup: Top 3 Best Lifters (by Dots)
- Equipped Nationals: Top 2 in each Weight Class
- International Affiliate Nationals as well
- Arnold Grand Prix and Arnold Pro Finals Count for 2024 Leaderboard (all lifters are Pros)
*Minimum Dots: 85 Female / 105 Male Required + one of the following (for both male and female):
- Bench Nationals: Top 2 in each Weight Class
- International Affiliate Nationals as well
- Bench World Cup (Top 3 overall by dots)
- Arnold Bench Bash and Arnold Pro Series Bench Finals Count for 2024 Leaderboard (all lifters are Pros)
* Minimum Age/Dots: 400 Female / 425 Male Required + one of the following (for both male and female):
- Arnold Masters of Iron: Best Lifter (by age/dots)
- Regionals: Best Lifter (by age/dots)
- Best Lifter at each Regionals
- Masters World Cup: Top 3 Best Lifters (by age/dots)
- Equipped Nationals: Top 10 Best Lifters (by age/dots)
- International Affiliate Nationals as well
- Masters Pro Series Finals Count for 2024 Leaderboard (all lifters are Pros)
*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)
- International Affiliate Nationals as well
- Bench World Cup (Top 3 overall 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”.
-
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.
-
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.