Masskrugstemmen, or beer Steinholding, is a relatively new sport in America, but its popularity has been growing quickly. The DAI's Oktoberfest Steinholding contest is an official U.S. Steinholding Association qualifying event! 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.

Our Steinholding competition will be held on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, at 2 p.m. The women’s category will compete first, followed by the men’s category. Those interested in competing can sign up for the men's category or women's category here!


Sunday, September 28
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: At food court stage
Admission: $10 per registrant and valid admission to Oktoberfest to compete

HOW TO COMPETE

1. If you have not already, you must purchase your Oktoberfest general admission ticket (either a Weekend Pass or a Sunday single-day ticket). [CLICK HERE]
2. Register in advance for the competition here.
3. Meet us at the food court stage at 1:45 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 28, to check in for the competition.

Winners get all the steinholding bragging rights – plus get to keep their steins, along with a DAI prize pack. And they’ll qualify for the U.S. Steinholding Association Ohio State Championships, happening on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, at Moerlein Lager House in Cincinnati.

For more info, see: https://www.daytonartinstitute.org/upcoming-events/special-events/oktoberfest/