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 New York 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 18th, 2025 at 4:00pm
Hofbräuhaus Buffalo, 190 Scott St, Buffalo, NY 14204
IMPORTANT: All competitors are required to sign our 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.
Finalists are expected to arrive by 3:15pm for check-in.
Ask for Scott Shuler and Steinholding registration at the front desk and you will be pointed in the right direction. Scott can also be reached at 716-221-4238.
Please wear closed-toed shoes as all competitors will be assembled in the brewery area prior to the state championship match.
There is free street parking nearby and a paid parking lot next door for overflow.
There will be live music throughout the afternoon and evening!
Tickets are not required for the event, but we recommend that you make a reservation through OpenTable, since it is expected to be a busy day with the championship.
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 New York at the USSA National Steinholding Championship on November 22nd, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The competitors who represent New York 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.
The competition will be held inside, so the Finals will happen rain or shine!
New York 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!
