Tree thrower competing during the Highland Games of Kirkmichael in 2014.Caber Toss is one of the traditional Highland games, where men compete to throw a tree as far as possible.
🏆 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

HIGHLAND
HEAVY
ATHLETICS

Witness Raw Power: Caber Toss · Hammer Throw · Stone Put · Weight Over Bar

"Just in case being Scottish and wearing a kilt isn't enough, I'll just throw this 20ft tree..!"

135+

Athletes Expected

Competing from across the nation

12+

Competition Classes

Including Adaptive Athletes class

2

NEW Events for 2026

Wrestling & Atlas Stones

The Nine Traditional Events

Each competition consists of nine events testing strength, technique, and raw power

🌲

Caber Toss

A tree 16-22 feet long weighing 100-180 pounds is tossed end-over-end. Scored for accuracy as though facing 12:00 on a clock face.

Length: 16-22 feet

Weight: 100-180 lbs

Scoring: Accuracy (12 o'clock = perfect)

🪨

Open Stone

Similar to shot put, athletes can use any technique including a full spin or glide to throw the stone for maximum distance.

Weight: 16-22 lbs

Technique: Any style allowed

Scoring: Distance

💎

Braemar Stone

A standing throw from a fixed position, feet must remain in place. No spinning or running approach allowed.

Weight: 20-28 lbs

Technique: Standing throw only

Scoring: Distance

🔨

Light Hammer

A metal ball attached to a shaft is whirled about the head and thrown for distance from a fixed position.

Weight: 16 lbs

Technique: Spinning throw

Scoring: Distance

⚒️

Heavy Hammer

Same technique as the light hammer but with significantly more weight, testing both power and control.

Weight: 22 lbs

Technique: Spinning throw

Scoring: Distance

⚖️

Light Weight for Distance

A weight with a handle is thrown for distance, usually with a spinning technique for maximum momentum.

Weight: 28 lbs

Technique: Spinning

Scoring: Distance

🏋️

Heavy Weight for Distance

The heaviest weight throw, requiring tremendous strength and technique to achieve competitive distances.

Weight: 56 lbs

Technique: Spinning

Scoring: Distance

⬆️

Weight Over Bar

Athletes toss a 56 lb. weight over a horizontal bar using one hand. Three attempts at each height.

Weight: 56 lbs

Technique: One-handed toss

Scoring: Height cleared

🌾

Sheaf Toss

Straw wrapped in burlap is thrown over a bar using a pitchfork. Three attempts to clear progressively higher bars.

Weight: 16-20 lbs

Tool: Pitchfork

Scoring: Height cleared

⚡ NEW FOR 2026

Two New Competitions

We're bringing even more strength and tradition to Scotfest 2026

🤼
NEW 2026

Backhold Wrestling

Ancient Scottish wrestling where competitors grip each other around the body, linking hands behind their opponent's back. The first wrestler to break their grip or touch the ground with any part of their body other than their feet loses. Pure technique meets raw strength.

Competition Details:

  • Traditional Scottish wrestling style dating back centuries
  • Multiple weight classes for fair competition
  • Elite competitors from across the United States
  • Fast-paced matches testing balance and power

"Backhold wrestling is one of Scotland's oldest sports. Competitors must maintain their grip throughout the match - break it and you lose. It's deceptively simple but incredibly demanding."

🏋️
NEW 2026

Stones of Strength
(Atlas Stones)

The ultimate test of raw power. Athletes lift massive round stones of increasing weight onto platforms. This strongman competition has become wildly popular, combining ancient Scottish stone lifting traditions with modern strength athletics. Prepare to witness incredible displays of human power.

Competition Details:

  • Stones weighing 200-350+ pounds progressively heavier
  • Timed competition format - fastest athlete wins
  • Multiple platforms at varying heights
  • Incredible displays of strength you won't forget

"Atlas Stones have become the signature event of modern strongman competitions. The combination of grip strength, explosive power, and sheer determination makes this one of the most exciting events to watch."

Want to compete in these NEW events?

REGISTER NOW

Competition Classes

From first-timers to world champions, we have competition classes for every skill level. Over 10 different categories ensure fair and exciting competition all weekend long.

🏆 Professional Classes

A-Class · B-Class · C-Class

🥇 Championships

Women's World · Men's Lightweight National · All-American Qualifier

💪 Age Groups

Masters 40+ · Masters 50+ · Masters 60+ · Masters 70+

🌟 Beginner Friendly

Novice Class · Lightweight Class

REGISTER TO COMPETE

Never Competed Before?

Our Novice Class is PERFECT for first-timers! You don't need to be a professional athlete—just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to try.

Instruction provided · Experienced athletes show you the ropes

No experience required · Everyone starts somewhere!

Safe & supportive · Compete with other beginners

Amazing experience · Stories you'll tell for years

"I had zero experience and signed up for Novice Class. Best decision ever! The competitors were incredibly supportive and I actually placed 3rd. Now I'm hooked!" - Mark T.