French Open Powerlifting Championship 2025: dates, format, and tips

Powerlifting, also known as powerlifting, is a recognized strength discipline that features three fundamental movements: the squat, the bench press, and the deadlift.

Each movement is executed to test the athlete's maximum strength under rigorous competition conditions.

Among the most important national competitions is the French Open Powerlifting Championship, a final that brings together the best powerlifters in the country with a common ambition: to achieve a competitive total and try to win a national title.

When and where will the French Open Championship take place?

For the 2025 edition, the French Open Powerlifting Championships will take place:

• From December 17 to 21, 2025

• Salle Vallier, Marseille (13)

• Hours: generally from 8 am to 10 pm throughout the competition.

This competition is integrated into the official calendar of the French Strength Federation (FFForce), which organizes and validates the national finals for the season.

Competition format and schedule

In powerlifting, each competitor performs three attempts per movement, which are:

1. Squat: pushing a heavy load after a controlled descent.
2. Bench press: pushing the bar from the chest to full arm extension.
3. Deadlift: lifting the bar from the floor to full lockout.

For each movement, only the best valid attempt by the judges is counted. The total (sum of the best lifts for each movement) determines the final ranking in each weight category.

The competition is open according to categories: age, body weight, and gender, thus allowing for a broad representation of strength athletes.

How to register and qualify

To participate in a National Open championship, qualification involves federal stages:

• Respecting national minimums during qualifying competitions.
• Valid FFForce license for the current season.
• Registration via the federal platform before the deadline.

These steps ensure that the competition brings together prepared and competitive athletes, in compliance with the technical and safety standards governed by the federation.

Stakes and opportunities for athletes

The French Open Championship represents more than just a competition:

• National recognition for the strongest athletes.
• Possibility of being selected for international events.
• Opportunity to break or approach personal or French records.
• A moment of encounter between competitors and strength enthusiasts.

This type of event is also an opportunity to compare one's physical, mental, and nutritional preparation with that of peers on the national circuit.

Preparation: training, nutrition, and recovery

Such an event requires comprehensive preparation:

1. Structured training

• Alternate strength phases and recovery phases.
• Work each movement with progressive intensity.
• Include specific technical sessions for squat, bench press, and deadlift.

2. Adapted nutrition

Regular protein intake is essential to optimize recovery, strength, and muscle adaptation. A balanced diet also supports nervous system performance and body weight management on weigh-in day.

3. Supplements to optimize performance

Targeted products can help support training and recovery:

• Proteins for muscle rebuilding.
• Creatine to improve strength and power.
• Omega-3s and marine collagen to reduce inflammation and support joints.
• BCAA/EAA to reduce muscle fatigue during heavy loads.

These nutritional choices and supplement integration contribute to the most comprehensive preparation possible.

Why follow or participate in this championship?

Attending or participating in a Championship like this means:

• Seeing high-level performances in squat, bench press, and deadlift.
• Drawing inspiration from the training and recovery strategies of the best.
• Measuring one's own level within a competition group organized by the national federation.

For athletes, these competitions are often a source of motivation, self-transcendence, and continuous progress.

In summary

The French Open Powerlifting Championships are a major pillar of the national powerlifting calendar:

• An official powerlifting competition organized by the FFForce, open to qualified athletes.
• A structured event around the three basic movements.
• A clear objective: to achieve competitive totals and represent one's club or region.

Whether you are an athlete or a pure performance enthusiast, this championship symbolizes the commitment, technique, preparation, and mental endurance required to excel in this demanding sport.