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Steinholding Competition
Test Your Strength in the Oktoberfest Steinholding Competition, presented by Pella Windows & Doors of Dayton!
Masskrugstemmen, or beer Steinholding, is a relatively new sport in America, but its popularity has been growing quickly. We are excited to bring this longstanding sport to the Dayton Art Institute’s Oktoberfest as an official U.S. Steinholding Association qualifying event!
Our Steinholding competition will be held on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026.
HOW TO COMPETE
- If you have not already, you must purchase your Oktoberfest general admission ticket (either a Weekend Pass or a Sunday single-day ticket).
- Register in advance for the competition here.
- Meet us at the food court stage at 1:45 PM on Sunday, September 27, to check in for the competition.
FAQs
What is Steinholding/Masskrugstemmen/Stein Hoisting?
Steinholding is a traditional Bavarian strength contest in which competitors hold a full one-liter beer stein (or Masskrug in German) out in front of their bodies with a straight arm parallel to the ground. You hold as long as you can, and the last person holding with good form is the winner. For more details, see the Official Steinholding Rules page.
How much does the stein weigh?
A full one-liter dimpled glass stein weighs approximately 5 pounds. The stein itself alone weighs around 3 pounds, and when filled to the 1L line, the beer weighs about 34 ounces.
What is the world record for Steinholding?
There isn’t currently a world-level competition, so the U.S. national record is considered to be the world record. The U.S. Men’s National Record is currently 21 minutes, 17 seconds. The U.S. Women’s National Record is currently 6 minutes, 10 seconds.
When and where is the DAI Oktoberfest steinholding competition?
Our annual steinholding competition will be held on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, at 2 PM at the food court stage. The women’s category will compete first, followed by the men’s category.
What does it cost to participate?
$10 and valid Oktoberfest admission
Purchase Tickets Here
Steinholding Competition
presented by:
Pella Windows & Doors of Dayton
Sunday, September 27
Time: 2 PM
Location: Food Court Stage
Admission: $10 per registrant and valid admission to Oktoberfest to compete
Phone: 937-223-4ART (4278)