August 2025 is about to make history — powerlifting’s crashing the World Games in Chengdu, China, for its big debut! Picture this: raw lifters from across the globe squatting, benching, and deadlifting their way to gold, no supportive gear, just pure grit. Chengdu, a spicy Sichuan hotspot with 20 million people, swaps its famous pandas for barbell beasts, hosting this milestone in sleek modern arenas. The International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) fought tooth and nail for this — years of lobbying to get classic powerlifting alongside sports like tug-of-war and sumo. Now, it’s real: 2025 marks the sport’s first shot at World Games glory, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

What’s the Deal?

It’s all raw — three attempts per lift, highest total wins, no suits or wraps to juice the numbers. Classes span featherweights (52kg women) to super-heavies (120kg+ men), with medals for every bracket. Expect big names like Taylor Atwood (74kg king) or Ray Williams (insane 1,043-lb squat) to flex, but don’t sleep on rookies — raw comps level the playing field. Chengdu’s August heat — think 85°F and humid — might sap stamina, making every rep a grind. The IPF’s rules are brutal: three white lights for a good lift, reds for depth or lockout fails. A missed squat could tank a podium shot. Last year’s IPF Worlds saw 700+ lifters; Chengdu might top that with the global hype.

How’d We Get Here?

Powerlifting’s been a gym staple since the ‘50s, but the classic boom — no gear, just strength — took off in the 2010s. Social media PRs fueled it, and the IPF’s push paid off. Chengdu’s not just a stage; it’s a statement — powerlifting’s arrived. Training’s key now: 6–12 month cycles, peaking with 85–90% maxes, dodging blown knees or backs. Pros like Amanda Lawrence (84kg star) might hit a 600-lb deadlift; a newbie could shock with a 400-lb bench. Fans get a thrill — every clank’s a story, every total a nail-biter. History’s full of raw moments: Ed Coan’s ‘90s totals still echo. Will Chengdu birth new legends?

Ready to Rumble

For lifters, it’s prep time — heavy triples, slow eccentrics, smart recovery. Spectators get a front-row seat to powerlifting’s rise; streams could hit millions. Want to join the grind? Raw essentials like a belt or chalk can up your game [Buy on Amazon]. StrengthSports.Club’s on it — we’ll track qualifiers, profile stars, and recap every lift. Chengdu’s ready to rumble — will powerlifting steal the World Games show?