Distinct from weightlifting, a sport made up of two lifts: the Snatch and the Clean-and-Jerk, where the weight is lifted above the head, powerlifting comprises three lifts: the Squat, the Bench Press and the Deadlift.

Athletes are categorized by sex, age and bodyweight.  Men in the Open division compete in ten weight categories ranging from 56 kg (123 lb.) to 125+ kg (275+ lb.). An additional lightweight class of 52 kg (114 lb.) is available for teen and junior age lifters only. Teen age divisions begin at 14 years of age through 19 years and are organized in two-year increments (14-15, 16-17, 18-19).  The Junior age division is comprised of lifters 20 years of age through 23 years of age.

A lot number is assigned to each lifter prior to the official weigh-in, which determines the weigh-in and lifting order. The athletes are called upon individually by a speaker to perform the attempts and they have 60 seconds (or 3 minutes, if following themselves) to start the lift. The barbell is loaded progressively and attempts are taken by the lifters in the order of the progression of the weight and their lot number. Three referees judge each lift and give a decision, white for a "good lift" and red for "no lift" with a majority decision.

First, the Squat is contested and once all attempts are completed, lifters will perform in the Bench Press, and conclude with the Deadlift.  Generally, there is a 10 minute break between each lifting discipline so the platform may be prepared for the next lift.

Each competitor is allowed three attempts at each lift, the best lift in each discipline being added to their total. The lifter with the highest total is the winner.  In cases where two or more lifters achieve the same total, the person with the lightest bodyweight wins.  If by chance the bodyweight and the result are the same, the athlete who performs the result first receives the higher ranking.

If a lifter fails to complete at least one good lift in either the Squat, Bench Press or the Deadlift, the lifter receives zero in the Total and is disqualified from the overall competition. In the event a lifter fails to succeed in either or both of the squat or bench press disciplines, he/she may continue to compete for the remainder of the contest, and the lifter will be eligible for individual lift awards in which he/she records a successful lift or lifts.