ANNUAL EVENT · SATURDAY & SUNDAY
Stein Holding Contest
One liter. One arm. No table. The Masskrugstemmen — the traditional Bavarian stein holding contest — is the ultimate test of strength, endurance, and sheer willpower.
1L
Stein Size
Full one-liter Masskrug
90°
Arm Angle
Parallel to the ground
Free
To Enter
With festival admission
2
Divisions
Men & Women
ABOUT THE CONTEST
The Masskrugstemmen — A True Bavarian Test
The Masskrugstemmen (Bavarian for "stein holding") is one of the most iconic Oktoberfest traditions — dating back to the original Munich festival. Contestants hold a full one-liter beer stein straight out in front of them, arm parallel to the ground, for as long as possible.
It sounds simple. It is not. A full liter of beer weighs over 5 pounds. After 60 seconds your arm starts to burn. After 3 minutes the crowd is roaring. The last person holding wins.
Nashville Oktoberfest runs separate divisions for men and women, with heats throughout Saturday and Sunday. The crowd participation — chanting, counting, and cheering — makes this one of the most electric moments of the entire festival.
THE RULES (SIMPLIFIED)
- Hold a full 1-liter stein straight out in front of you
- Arm must be parallel to the ground — no bending at the elbow
- Stein must remain upright — no tilting or spilling
- Other arm must remain at your side
- No leaning against anything or resting on your body
- Last contestant holding wins the division
PRO TIP
The world record for Masskrugstemmen is over 30 minutes. Nashville's record is considerably shorter — but no less legendary. Train accordingly.
CONTEST SCHEDULE
Day-of Timeline
Saturday & Sunday · 2026 exact times TBA
SATURDAY
11:00 AM
Registration Opens
Sign up at the main stage — limited spots per division.
1:00 PM
Women's Division Heats
Multiple qualifying heats. Top finishers advance to the final.
2:30 PM
Men's Division Heats
Multiple qualifying heats. Top finishers advance to the final.
4:00 PM
Saturday Finals
Division finalists compete for the Saturday championship.
SUNDAY
11:00 AM
Registration Opens
New registrations accepted — fresh chance to compete.
1:00 PM
Open Division Heats
Saturday and Sunday champions eligible for the Grand Final.
3:00 PM
Grand Championship Final
The ultimate showdown — Saturday vs. Sunday champions.
3:30 PM
Champions Crowned
Overall winners recognized on the main stage with prizes.
WINNERS RECEIVE
Prizes
Awarded per division — Men's, Women's, and Grand Champion
Grand Champion
The Masskrugstemmen Trophy
Official Nashville Oktoberfest Stein Holding Champion trophy + VIP upgrade for next year's festival + permanent recognition on the festival's Wall of Champions.
Division Winners
Division Trophy + Prizes
Division-specific trophy + Nashville Oktoberfest merchandise bundle + complimentary GA tickets for next year's festival.
Runner-Up
Runner-Up Recognition
Nashville Oktoberfest merchandise + recognition on the main stage in front of the full crowd.
READY TO HOLD?
Think Your Arm Is Strong Enough?
Registration opens day-of at the main stage. Get your festival ticket and show up ready to hold.