THE 5W MIDWEST SHOWDOWN II

CHICAGO'S PREMIER POWERLIFTING COMPETITION

Experience two unforgettable days of elite powerlifting, high-energy competition, and an atmosphere you have to see for yourself

NOVEMBER 7-8, 2026
ZHOU B ART CENTER - CHICAGO, IL
  • 250+ ATHLETES
  • 2 DAYS
  • $7,500 PRIZE POOL

THE MIDWEST SHOWDOWN EXPERIENCE

MORE THAN A POWERLIFTING MEET

Two days of elite competition, high-energy moments, and an atmosphere you have to experience in person. Whether you're a dedicated powerlifting fan or coming to experience it for the first time, Midwest Showdown has something for everyone.

ELITE COMPETITION

Watch 250+ athletes push their limits and battle for massive lifts, big totals, and a share of the $7,500 prize pool.

PRIMETIME ENERGY

Feel the energy shift when the lights come on and the biggest moments of the weekend take center stage. This is powerlifting at its most intense.

VENDOR VILLAGE

Explore your favorite strength, fitness, and lifestyle brands, discover something new, and shop exclusive gear throughout the weekend.

LIVE COMMENTARY

Stay locked into every lift with live commentary, real-time excitement, and the stories unfolding on the platform.

FOOD & EXPERIENCES

Come hungry and stay awhile. Enjoy food, drinks, photo opportunities, activations, and more happening throughout the event.

A WEEKEND YOU WON'T FORGET

From huge lifts to unforgettable moments, Midwest Showdown is more than something to watch. It's something you have to experience in person.

RELIVE THE EXPERIENCE

THIS IS MIDWEST SHOWDOWN

The biggest lifts. The loudest moments. The energy you have to experience for yourself.

TICKETS

EXPERIENCE MIDWEST SHOWDOWN LIVE

Don't just hear about it afterward. Be there for the biggest moments, and bring your friends along for the experience.

YOUR SPECTATOR TICKET INCLUDES

  • ACCESS TO BOTH COMPETITION PLATFORMS
  • THE PRIMETIME SESSION
  • VENDOR VILLAGE
  • FOOD & DRINK VENDORS
  • SPONSOR & EVENT ACTIVATIONS
  • AN EXPERIENCE TO SHARE

PLAN YOUR WEEKEND

THE EVENT SCHEDULE

Two days of fierce competition, incredible strength, and unforgettable moments. Check the schedule and make sure you don’t miss the action.

 DON'T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT. 

150+
Athletes
10+
States
300+
Spectators
5+
Vendors
50+
Staff

"Best meet I've ever been to! The energy was better than any meet I have been to"

— Jan 2026 Midwest Showdown Athlete

"Best powerlifting meet I've attended. Great atmosphere!"

— Jan 2026 Midwest Showdown Spectator

"The energy was incredible! Loved every second of it."

— Jan 2026 Midwest Showdown Athlete

"Well-run event with great vendors and a fantastic community vibe."

— Jan 2026 Midwest Showdown Spectator

"An unforgettable experience!"

— Jan 2026 Midwest Showdown Athlete

"First time competing and it was awesome! Will definitely be back!"

— Jan 2026 Midwest Showdown Athlete

"BEST MEET EVER"

— Jan 2026 Midwest Showdown Athlete

"Best meet in the Midwest hands down. The organization was flawless."

— Jan 2026 Midwest Showdown Athlete

ATHLETE INFORMATION

ATHLETE SCHEDULE

Find your session, plan your day, and get ready to hit the platform. Check the schedule below for your assigned session times and competition details.

SATURDAY - NOV 7COLLEGIATE SHOWDOWN
Morning schedule
6:30 AMDOORS OPEN
7:00 AM - 9:00 AMWEIGH-INS
9:00 AM - 2:30 PMCOMPETITION
Primetime schedule
1:00 PM - 3:00 PMWEIGH-INS
3:00 PM - 8:00 PMCOMPETITION
8:30 PMAWARD CEREMONY

Please note: Session times are tentative and subject to change.

SUNDAY - NOV 8OPEN SHOWDOWN
Morning schedule
6:30 AMDOORS OPEN
7:00 AM - 9:00 AMWEIGH-INS
9:00 AM - 2:30 PMCOMPETITION
Primetime schedule
1:00 PM - 3:00 PMWEIGH-INS
3:00 PM - 8:00 PMCOMPETITION
8:30 PMAWARD CEREMONY

Please note: Session times are tentative and subject to change.

Stay Close to the Action

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Chicago Chinatown

Enjoy exclusive event rates at our official hotel partner, conveniently located near the venue, Chinatown, and downtown Chicago!

2357 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 766-9668

  • Just 7 minutes from venue
  • Near Chinatown & Downtown
  •  Exclusive Event Rate
  •  Free Breakfast & Wi-Fi

Frequently Asked Questions

Tentative flight and session assignments are currently available on LiftingCast.

Assignments may be adjusted as we get closer to meet weekend and finalize the competition roster.

Athletes should continue checking LiftingCast for the most up-to-date assignments.

View Current Flight & Session Assignments:


Collegiate 

https://liftingcast.com/meets/mdpblpahun9g/roster

Open 

https://liftingcast.com/meets/mf4jpa9h8fc5/roster

Zhou B Art Center

Chicago, Illinois

We recommend booking through our Official Hotel Partner to receive exclusive discounted rates and stay just minutes from the venue.

5W Strength Club is the official training facility for Midwest Showdown and offers discounted day passes for competitors.

Yes! Family and friends can watch the competition live from our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@5wevents.

Yes. Spectator seating will be available throughout the competition. Seating is first-come, first-served, so we recommend arriving early!

Yes! Enjoy a vendor village, food options, athlete recovery stations, and more throughout the weekend.

Email: Weilin@5wbrand.com and we will be happy to help!

 DON'T JUST WATCH POWERLIFTING. EXPERIENCE IT. 

Join hundreds of athletes, coaches, and spectators for one unforgettable weekend of competition.