History of the WPC - World Powerlifting Congress &

AWPC – Amateur World Powerlifting Congress

A Federation” for lifters by lifters” has been our creed since 1982.  We host powerlifting events because of the strong bonds that form through people of all ages helping each other.  It especially helps young people find a positive and healthy outlet and teaches them to build self-confidence and self-respect with positive personal accomplishments. Our federation has athletes from 13 to over 80 years of age.  

The WPC was formed in 1986 in order to allow International competition with the APF - American Powerlifting Federation.  Since 1982, when the APF came into existence, more and more lifters have come to the WPC to compete with the strongest in the world.  The WPC is, and remains, designed to be lifter friendly.  We try to make sure that everyone's opinion is heard. 

Today the WPC has over 30 member countries and the number increases every year.  Each country is led by dedicated lifters who want only the best place to compete. 

The first world meet was held on September 16, 1984, in Aurora, Illinois, USA.  A team of 10 lifters from South Africa competed at this meet.  Since 1986 World Championships have been held every year.  They have been hosted by countries all over the world such as England, USA, France, South Africa, Italy, Austria, Canada, Finland, Russia and Ukraine.  Lifters find good competition and fun when they lift in a WPC meet.  The WPC truly has the strongest lifters on the planet. 

The AWPC - Amateur World Powerlifting Congress and the Amateur American Powerlifting Federation were founded in 1997. This was done to allow any lifter to lift in a drug tested environment.

This is a strong organization with the strongest lifters in the world.   

1986: Maui, Hawaii, USA

1987: Dayton, Ohio, USA

1988: Johannesburg, South Africa

1989: Stone-Staffordshire, England

1990: Pescara, Italy

1991: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

1992: Stone-Staffordshire, England

1993: Macon, France

1994: Columbus, Ohio, USA

1995: Columbus, Ohio, USA

1996: Durbin, South Africa

1997: Blackpool, England

1998: Graz, Austria

1999: Calgary, Alberta, Canada

2000: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

2001: Capetown, South Afrrica

2002: Helsinki, Finland

2003: Calgary, Canada

2004: Fresno, USA

2005: Helsinki, Finland

2006: New York, USA

2007 Toglatti, Russia

2008  Florida, USA

2009  Bournemouth, England

2010     Mikkeli, Finland

2011     Riga, Latvia

2012     Las Vegas, NV

2013    Prague, Czech Republic

2014    Palm Beach, FL