Masskrug-what?

Masskrugstemmen (Mahss-kroog-stem-men) aka Stein holding, is a Bavarian contest of strength, determination and pure stamina. And it’s exactly what it sounds like. You hold a full one-liter stein of brew as long as you can; if you outlast your competition, you’re the champion.

Easy, right? Not exactly...

A full stein of beer weighs about 5.5 pounds (2.5kg), which may seem like child’s play — but when that stein is held with one hand, straight out in front of your body (no bent elbows!), and parallel to the ground, it starts to feel more like a brick than beer.

...Unless you train

To be one of the greats, you have to train like a great. And believe it or not, there are methods to mastering the art of the hold.

The rules are simple:

• Come to Hofbrauhaus Las Vegas every Friday and Saturday, Now through July 25, 2026
• Partake in the stein-holding challenge (usually around 8pm)
• Out-hold your competition
• Stay the reigning champ through July 25, 2026
• Revel in victory

Along with ultimate bragging rights, the 2026 regional winner will receive round-trip airfare to New York City, hotel accommodations, spending money, and the chance to march in the iconic Steuben Parade down Fifth Avenue. The national finals take place Saturday, September 19, 2026, at SummerStage in Central Park.