typical strongman competition consists of six events. The first three
events are used to qualify eight finalists for the last three events. There
are about fifteen different events established so far. The promoter of a
particular competition chooses from among these. Many of these events are
adopted from traditional, centuries old contests like Scottish Highland
Games and the Basque contests in Spain. Variations of regular powerlifts are
used to test pure strength.
The composition of competitions must vary to prevent favoring certain (types
of) competitors. For example, if you have two pressing events, you make it
easier for Olympic lifters and powerlifters. Qualifying heats must be
arranged if there are many competitors. Usually 10-15 men are invited to
compete in a regular competition, as a larger number would make the
competition unbearably long. In major contests like World's Strongest Man,
qualifying heats and final heats are held on separate days. Some of the
most common events are:
*Farmer's Walk -- Competitors carry heavy "suitcases" weighing about 110 kg
(245 lbs) in each hand for a set distance, and compete for the fastest time.
Otherwise, they compete for total distance.
*Car Walk -- Distance event. A car with roof and floor removed is carried
with harnesses as far as possible. Usually the load is around 350-400 kg
(775-880 lbs). A Finnish invention.
*Loading -- Timed event. Five heavy objects weighting 100-150 kg (220-335
lbs) are loaded onto a truck bed or onto some kind of platform. The course
is about 15 m (50 ft) long and the objects range from treasure chests, to
sacks of sand, to ship anchors.
*McGlashen Stones -- Timed event. Five heavy round stones weighing 110-150
kg (220-335 lbs) are put on top of high barrels. The course is about 5-10 m
(16-33 ft) long. Scottish tradition.
*Truck Pulling -- Timed event. A heavy vehicle is pulled across a
"finish-line" hand-over-hand style with a 30 m (100 ft) rope as fast as
possible. Sometimes the vehicle is pulled with a harness.
*Log-Press / Stone-Press -- Strength event. Heaviest possible load is
pressed overhead or lighter weight is done for repetitions.
*Hercules Hold -- Timed event. A competitor stands in a cable-cross-type
machine with 130 kg (290 lb) weighted cable handles in each hand. Grip
strength is tested for time.
*Stone Lift -- Strength event. Heaviest possible stone is lifted to
shoulder height. From the Basque tradition.
*Log Throw / Caber toss -- Strength event. A five meter long log is thrown
for distance or for height over a bar. The distance throw is from the
Scottish tradition.
*Weight throw -- Strength event. A 15-20 kg (33-45 lb) weight, usually a
large ingot, is thrown for height over a bar.
*Tug of War -- One on one tug of war in a single-elimination tournament.
Competitors pair-off based on their current point standings.
*Pole Pushing -- One on one pole pushing in a Sumo-style ring in a
single-elimination tournament. The pole has handles at either end.
*Crucifix -- Weights are held straight out at the sides for time.
*Car Rolling -- Rolling cars over different courses.
*Variations on individual powerlifts. For example, squatting a platform
full of children on rails.
*Every year the best promoters invent new events that are exciting and
hopefully pose less risk of injury to the athletes in this demanding sport.
One of these was last years "bleacher wheelbarrow" filled with people.
Please Scroll Down to See Forums Below 
sounds like a cookout down on the farm my ex-g/f would drag me too.
