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 Ohio 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 Finals venue listed below, so we can make sure you get in touch with someone who can help quickly.
October 17th, 2026 at 3:00pm
Cincinnati Lager House, 115 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
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 at 1:00pm.
Let the front desk staff know that you are there for the Steinholding Championship and they will direct you to the competition area for check-in.
Limited free street parking is available nearby, and there are paid garages right under and next door to Lager House.
We expect this to be a very popular event, so if you would like to have a table available before or after the competition, we recommend to make a reservation at Cincinnati Lager House via Open Table on their website: https://cincylagerhouse.com/
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 Ohio at the USSA National Steinholding Championship on November 21st, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The competitors who represent Ohio 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.
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'll receive any necessary updates when you arrive at Lager House.
Our State Championship tournament page has more qualifying locations if your friends or family want to qualify to compete against you in the State Finals! Check it out here: http://usstein.com/ohio
Ohio Steinholding State Championship Finals
If you want to stay over, there are lots of good hotel options nearby in the downtown Cincinnati area, but they book up quickly so make a reservation early!
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!
