2027 APA Classic Open National Championships

For the first time in many years, Australia's Open National Powerlifting Championships are returning to Sydney. From Thursday 18 February to Saturday 20 February 2027, Camperdown Quarters will host the 2027 APA Classic Open National Championships, bringing together the nation's strongest lifters to compete for the title of APA National Champion. 

Australia's strongest will go head-to-head across three days of competition, battling for the title of APA National Champion and the opportunity to represent Australia on the international stage.

Whether you're chasing your first national medal, defending a title, or looking to test yourself against the country's best, the Open National Championships are your opportunity to step onto the national platform.

The Championships will be conducted over three competition days. The final competition schedule, including lifting sessions and weigh-in times, will be published following the close of entries.

This document outlines the eligibility requirements, qualification process and entry procedure for athletes wishing to compete. Before submitting an entry, athletes must ensure they meet all requirements set out in this document and the APA Athlete Progression & Selection Policy.

Please note: Entry invitations and offers will be issued in accordance with the ranking and selection process outlined in this document. All entries remain subject to validation by the Australian Powerlifting Alliance.

Entry Criteria

To be eligible to enter the 2027 APA Classic Open National Championships, applicants must:

• Be a current financial member of the Australian Powerlifting Alliance (APA).

• Not be serving an Anti-Doping Rule Violation sanction.

• Not be serving a sanction or be under investigation for an alleged breach of the IPF Constitution, APA Constitution, or any applicable IPF or APA policies or by-laws.

• Have achieved a qualifying total during the published qualification period and be eligible under the ranking and selection process detailed in this document.

• Have completed at least one APA-approved volunteer session during the 12 months prior to application.

• Have no outstanding monies owing to the APA, including (but not limited to) membership fees, competition entry fees or international competition expenses.

• Not be actively participating in another powerlifting federation in accordance with the IPF Constitution.

Open Championships are open to athletes from 1 January in the calendar year they turn 19 years of age and older. Masters 3 and Masters 4 athletes are not eligible to compete in the Open Championships.

Anti-Doping Education Requirement

All National Championship athletes are required to complete the current Sport Integrity Australia Anti-Doping Fundamentals course (if completing it for the first time) together with the 2027 Annual Update.

The 2027 Annual Update will become available in mid-December and must be completed by Saturday 9 January 2027.

Failure to complete the required anti-doping education by the published deadline will result in the athlete's entry being withdrawn and their position offered to the next eligible athlete on the waitlist. No extensions will be granted.

Qualification & Entry Process

Ranking Season

To be included in the 2027 Open Rankings, athletes must achieve a qualifying total:

• after the conclusion of the 2026 APA Open National Championships (Sunday 15 February 2026);

• on or before Sunday 29 November 2026; and

• at an eligible APA or IPF sanctioned competition.

Results achieved at the 2026 APA Open National Championships and MegaNatsare not eligible for inclusion in the 2027 Open Rankings.

Refer to this document for published Qualifying Totals and the complete First Round and Second Round invitation process.

Competition Details

All APA competitions are bound by IPF rules; be sure to familiarise yourself with the rules of competition and approved equipment list ahead of competition day.

If you are under 18 years of age, a parent/legal guardian/temporary guardian must be present on the day. If not, you will be unable to compete. More information can be found on the APA website.

Maximum number of entrants: 192

Meet directors: John Tran and Kelvin Tran 

Competition Enquiries

For all enquiries regarding entries, eligibility or competition administration, please contact:

championships@powerliftingalliance.org.au

Please do not contact the Meet Director directly.