SAT · 12:00pm

United States Steinholding Association National Championship

Name: United States Steinholding Association National Championship
Start: 2026-11-21T12:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-11-21T21:00:00-05:00
Location: Cincinnati Lager House

Saturday, November 21 at Cincinnati Lager House, Cincinnati

Cincinnati Lager House · DowntownFree

About this event

Watch the nation’s top steinholders compete for the title at the 2026 U.S. Steinholding National Championship at the Cincinnati Lager House. Competitors from across the country will test their strength and endurance for a chance to win the national title and a $4,000 cash prize in the men’s and women’s divisions. Held during the kickoff weekend of Cincinnati Lager House’s Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt, the championship combines friendly competition with festive holiday fun. Cheer on the competitors while browsing craft vendors, enjoying live music and entertainment, and sampling food and beer. Celebrate the season with a unique blend of steinholding, German-inspired traditions and holiday festivities in Cincinnati.

Who's playing

The field is made up of steinholders who earned a spot by winning a state championship or a wild-card qualifier run by the U.S. Steinholding Association. The association formed in 2015 and held its first national championship in Cincinnati in 2025. Texas competitor Cody Bane set the men's national record that year with a 29-minute hold. The association also recognizes it as a world record.

What to expect

Steinholding, also called Masskrugstemmen, means holding a full one-liter stein straight out in front of you for as long as you can. Before the finals, the day has Bavarian games, a celebrity challenge with local personalities and an open exhibition match. The finals run the women's division and then the men's. Around them are craft vendors, food, beer and live music or a DJ.

Why go

This is a niche sport that is easy to follow and fun to watch, and the national title is decided in Cincinnati. The Lager House sits on Smale Riverfront Park, a short walk from the ballpark and the stadiums. It brews its own beer and leans on the city's German-American brewing roots, which suits the event. The market and the beer make it a good start to the holiday season.