The Monster Games
Heavy barbells, high-skill gymnastics, loud crowds, and the kind of weekend that asks what you’re made of. Championship history in Overland Park, KS — confirm this season’s venue and qualifier on the official site.
What: Multi-division functional-fitness championship weekend.
Where (published): Championship held in Overland Park, Kansas — verify current venue each year.
Path: Many championship athletes earn a spot through an online qualifier.
More Than Another Competition
Athletes arrive from different experience levels chasing podiums or proving they belong. Nobody accidentally ends up here — you train, you qualify, you earn your lane.
Everybody Has a Monster
The barbell
Loads that feel fine in the gym until the crowd leans in.
The skill
Muscle-ups, handstand walks, or the movement you avoid on regular days.
The mind
Fear of failing publicly — often heavier than the plate math.
You do not enter to stay comfortable. You enter to find out what holds when it counts.
Every Division Gets Tested
Scaled athletes may battle burpees, box jumps, pull-ups, and moderate loads. Elite athletes may chase huge weights and upside-down skills. Different divisions, different skills — same suffering.
Powered by Community
Coaches, judges, volunteers, families, and vendors build the weekend. Events like this are never one person — they are a community willing to show up and suffer together.
The Final Rep Hits Different
Clock stops. Crowd erupts. Some celebrate a podium; others celebrate a first movement under pressure; a few celebrate surviving with dignity mostly intact. Nobody leaves exactly the same.
Monster weekend checklist
- Confirm qualifier deadlines and championship venue on the official site
- Film qualifier videos to standard — ROM must be obvious
- Pack allowed gear only; read that year’s equipment rules
- Bring backups (extra grips, cable, wraps)
- Plan calories and electrolytes between heats
- Walk warm-up flow and heat check-in timing
- Pick division honestly — standards over ego
Gear for facing the beast
Iron Claw
Silicone front · beginner/intermediate · $54.95
Shop Iron Claw
Iron X
Natural rubber · high-volume bar work · $59.95
Shop Iron X
Honey Badger
Carbon hand grips · value pick · $42.95
Shop Honey Badger
Stinger
Adjustable everyday speed rope · $54.95
Shop Stinger
Stinger-X
Competition-speed double-under rope · $59.95
Shop Stinger-X
Badger Hug — Black
Nylon lifting belt · S–XL · $40.00
Shop Black
Badger Hug — Purple
Same support, more colors · $40.00
Shop PurpleFace the monster. Finish the rep.
Iron Claw $54.95 · Iron X $59.95 · Stinger ropes from $54.95 · Badger Hug belt $40.00.
Shop Grips Shop Ropes Shop BeltFrequently Asked Questions
What are the Monster Games?
A large functional-fitness competition with multiple divisions, testing weightlifting, gymnastics, conditioning, and composure under crowd pressure.
Where have they been held?
The championship has been held in Overland Park, Kansas. Always confirm the current venue on the official Monster Games site.
Do I need to qualify?
Championship athletes may need an online qualifier. Deadlines and score cuts vary by season and division.
What divisions are available?
May include Elite, RX, Intermediate, Scaled, Masters, Individual, and Team. Offerings change — read that year’s standards.
Is it only for elite athletes?
No. Multiple ability levels compete. Choose the division that matches your skills.
What movements show up?
Barbells, dumbbells, pull-ups, gymnastics, running, rowing, biking, jumping, and other functional tests — exact WODs set by organizers.
Can spectators attend?
Generally yes as part of the championship experience; confirm tickets and venue rules with organizers.
Are vendors present?
Large comps commonly include a vendor area; lineups change yearly.
What should athletes bring?
Apparel, grips, jump rope, belt, knee sleeves, wrist protection, recovery tools, food, hydration, and anything allowed under official rules. See packing list.
Where do I get official updates?
Official Monster Games website and official social channels for registration, qualifiers, standards, schedules, and venue.
What is the “monster”?
Different for everyone — a heavy barbell, muscle-ups, handstand walks, bike nausea, or fear of failing in front of a crowd.
Scaled vs elite — same event energy?
Different skills and loads; same competition weekend pressure and community.
How should I train?
Build broad fitness, practice standards under fatigue, and rehearse warm-up / heat logistics.
Grip and tape rules?
Follow Monster Games standards for that season. Open weeks and local comps can differ.
Team competition?
When offered, communication and transitions matter as much as raw fitness.
Travel tips?
Confirm hotel distance to venue, heat times, and what you can carry onto the floor.
How is this different from the Open?
The Open is a global online/qualifier season format; Monster Games is a live multi-day competition experience with its own qualifier path.