To make it as easy as possible for you to compete with no distractions, we compiled all of the details and FAQs for finalists who are participating in the Minnesota Steinholding State Championship Finals!
If you have any other questions prior to the day of the State Finals, please contact the USSA representative who confirmed your attendance for the finals or jbanko@ussteinholding.com for help. On the day of the event, please use the contact at the State Final venue listed below, so we can make sure you get in touch with someone who can help quickly.
October 3rd, 2026 at 5:00pm!
New Ulm Oktoberfest, 4450 N Prospect Rd Ste C-1, Peoria Heights, IL 61616
IMPORTANT: All competitors are required to sign our updated Code of Conduct and Liability Waiver prior to participating in the State Championship Finals. Please review the document as soon as possible, and sign electronically for agreement to it's terms online here. If you have any questions before signing, please contact USSA.
Competitors are asked to check in an hour before each competition begins (4:00pm at the latest).
There will be a check-in table and signage. If you have any issues, you can ask a staff member or call Robyn (your main point of contact) at (402)432-4333.
There is plenty of public parking around the area Heritage Square where Pour Bros is located.
There will be live music throughout the day and vendors from the Peoria German American Society will be on site selling merch items. More details to be announced!
There are no tickets required and no cover charge, so bring your friends and family to come watch the competition!
Since all competitors have qualified at one of our registered tournament locations, the State Finals is a single round, winner-takes-all Steinholding match with separate men's and women's divisions.
Official U.S. Steinholding Association Competitions Rules will be enforced at the State Finals. Make sure you review them before the match so that you're ready to compete correctly: USSA Official Rules
The winners at the State Finals (or runners-up if the State Champions choose not to move on) will be eligible to represent Minnesota at the USSA National Steinholding Championship on November 21st, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The competitors who represent Minnesota at the National Championship will be reimbursed up to $500 for travel expenses to Cincinnati, and USSA will cover their hotel the night before and the night after the National Championship in Cincinnati. The winners at the National Championship will receive the $4,000 cash prize!
As a pre-qualified, confirmed finalist, there is no cost to you to participate in the State Finals competition.
You don't need to bring anything other than your ID and your iron will to become a champion. The competition steins will be provided to you by the venue, and will be yours to keep as a souvenir of the competition, win or lose.
If you want to stay over, New Ulm Oktoberfest has some recommednations, but book ASAP because town gets VERY busy around Oktoberfest: New Ulm Lodging Options
In the event of rain, the competition will still be held on the same day, but it will be moved indoors or under a festival tent. You will receive additional instructions when you check in.
Minnesota Steinholding State Championship Finals
Our partners at BavariaTrachten.com provided an extra special discount code (STEINHOLDING) to get 10% off any purchase of lederhosen, dirndls, and other Festwear accessories. They have free 2-3 day shipping, so if you want to get decked out for the State Finals or other Oktoberfest events this season, check them out!
