When it comes to drug-tested powerlifting, one federation comes to mind — the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF). It hosts a number of major competitions throughout the season, but the biggest one is certainly the 2026 IPF World Classic Open Powerlifting Championships. The competition was originally scheduled to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. However, as per the recent IPF Instagram announcement, the World Championships have been relocated to Druskininkai, Lithuania.
The date for the 2026 IPF World Classic Open Powerlifting Championships remains the same, meaning that the competition will still take place on June 13-21. However, the location has changed back to a familiar location. So, instead of the planned venue in Dubai, the athletes will be gathering in Europe, more specifically Druskininkai, for the biggest competition of 2026.
Although there is no doubt that many were excited to see the 2026 IPF World Classic Open Powerlifting Championships take place in Dubai, the recent developments in the region prompted the organizers to rethink their decision. So, they conducted a risk analysis and came to a conclusion that it is better to relocate the championships, with the main point of interest being the health and safety of everyone involved with the federation. Although the competition is still three months away, this decision allows the athletes and fans to plan their trips in a timely manner.
“The IPF Executive Committee has carefully reviewed the current situation in the United Arab Emirates and the recent developments affecting Dubai and the surrounding region. Following a structured risk assessment and consultation with relevant stakeholders, the Executive Committee has made the decision to relocate the 2026 IPF World Classic Open Championships.
The 2026 IPF World Classic Open Championships will now be hosted in Druskininkai, Lithuania. The Championship dates in June 2026 will remain unchanged, ensuring continuity within the international competition calendar and minimizing disruption for athletes, officials, and member nation delegations.
This decision has been taken with the safety and well-being of athletes, officials, and all participating delegations as the highest priority. We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of our Member Nations during this process.
Further details regarding the venue, accommodation, and Local Organizing Committee information will be circulated shortly.”
Check out the post here:
The IPF announcement was welcomed by many fans and athletes, including the reigning U74KG IPF World Champion and the 2026 SBD Sheffield Powerlifting Championships winner, Austin Perkins. He left a comment under the post stating:
“Thank you for caring about your lifters/judges/spotters/coaches/spectators wellbeing!!”
On the other hand, Lithuania is a very promising location, as it has hosted premier powerlifting events in recent years. Specifically, the 2024 IPF World Classic Championships also took place in Druskininkai, same as the 2023 World Equipped Championships. As such, it already proved to be a perfect surrounding for the athletes, boasting an electrifying atmosphere and world-class facilities.
The International Powerlifting Federation boasts a long history of organizing some of the biggest competitions in the world. The first IPF Equipped World Championships took place in 1973, while the Classic (Raw) competition was introduced in 2012. Ever since then, the federation has only continued gaining popularity and is currently holding the top spot in the opinion of many.
The stage is now set for the 2026 IPF World Classic Open Powerlifting Championships, as the date and new location have officially been confirmed. So, hundreds of competitors across all divisions have all the necessary information, making it much easier for them to plan their preparation, travel, and peaking process going into the competition.
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