Three days of intense competition in Hamm, Luxembourg, brought together athletes from numerous universities to battle it out at the European Open University Powerlifting Cup in powerlifting, held from February 20-23, 2025.

A total of 251 participants took part in the event, showcasing the growing enthusiasm for weightlifting at the university level. Among them were 153 lifters, including 89 men and 64 women, competing at a high level of performance.

In addition, 98 coaches, referees, and officials contributed to the smooth execution of the competition. The event saw representation from 21 countries and an impressive 97 universities, highlighting the global reach and significance of university powerlifting.

Every lift, every attempt, was a testament to the dedication and passion of the student-athletes, creating an atmosphere charged with strength, emotion, and personal achievement.

EUSA President Adam Roczek expressed his admiration for the athletes at the European Classic Powerlifting Cup in Luxembourg, where he officiated the opening ceremony alongside EPF President Bjorn Astad and IPF President Gaston Parage.

Reflecting on the event, Mr. Roczek emphasized the promising future of powerlifting within European student sports, expressing hope for its inclusion in the European Universities Games. "I believe we will continue our cooperation and that powerlifting events will be organized regularly," he stated.

EPF President Bjorn Astad echoed this optimism, highlighting the shared vision between EPF and EUSA for the sport’s growth. "Our collaboration will lead to more events and opportunities for athletes across Europe," he affirmed.

With both organizations committed to expanding powerlifting’s presence, the 2027 EUSA Powerlifting Championships are set to be a landmark event, further strengthening the sport’s place in university competitions.

The three-day competition featured six weight categories for both women (from -47kg to +84kg) and men (from -59kg to +120kg).

The event was a showcase of raw power and unwavering determination, culminating in the setting of one European record and an impressive 30 EUSA records.

The 84+ kg weight class athlete Tereza Brezkova from the Czech Republic, representing Masaryk University showcased one of the most memorable performances. Her first attempt in squat was already an EUSA record, and in her third attempt, she lifted 246 kg, setting a new EUSA record again, which also became a new European Junior record in the 84+ category. In bench press, Tereza also set an EUSA record with a result of 122.5 kg. Deadlift of 167.5 kg brought her total of 536 kg and a gold medal of the Cup!

“For me, powerlifting is love and happiness,” says Tereza. She was introduced to the sport of powerlifting at university, where her teacher noticed her potential in this sport.

The University Cup Champion in 83 kg weight class became Tomas Chaplicki from France, representing Blaise Pascal University. His incredible squat of 281 kg marked a new EUSA record! In bench press, Tomas lifted 177.5 kg, and in deadlift, he pulled 322.5 kg. Setting a new EUSA record of 781 kg in total, Tomas was almost 90 kg ahead of his closest competitor. With the highest IPF GL Formula Tomas became the Best Male Lifter of the University Powerlifting Cup 2025.

The athletes received medals both in individual lifts (squat, bench press, and deadlift) and in total. At the end of the competitions defined by the IPF GL Formula 3 strongest women and 3 strongest men of the Cup were awarded the Best Lifters trophies.

The top three teams in the men's category saw Université de Lyon (FRA) take first place, followed by Anadolu University (TUR) in second and the Academy of Sport Education in Warsaw (POL) in third.

In the women's category, the University of Lorraine (FRA) secured the top spot, with Ghent University (BEL) finishing as runners-up and Leiden University of Applied Sciences (NED) claiming third place.

During the first day of the European University Powerlifting Cup the medals were presented to the athletes also by the EUSA President Adam Roczek, which was a great honour for every student attending.

Across the six women's weight classes, the gold medallists were:

-47kg: Fleming Justine from Fontys University of Applied Sciences Eindhoven [NED]

-52kg: Varol Fatma from Afyon Kocatepe University (TUR)

-57: Cuesta-Roe Chloe from UFR Staps Montpellier (FRA)

-63kg: Brysse Anne-Sophie from University in Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve (BEL)

-69kg: Goossens Kaya from University of Gent (BEL)

-76kg: Ribeyol Lalande Illona from University of Lorraine (FRA)

-84kg: Behava Melina from Blaise Pascal University (FRA)

84+ kg: Brezkova Tereza from Masaryk University (CZE)

The six male gold medalists, one for each weight category, were:

-59kg: Seffar Youssef from University of Troyes  (FRA)

-66kg: Akisanmi Joseph from Dundalk Institute of Technology (IRL)

-74: Convers Mathis from Universisty of Lyon (FRA)

-83kg: Czaplicki Thomas from Blaise Pascal University (FRA)

-93kg: Duval Arthur from University of Lyon (FRA)

-105kg: Yakwo Collin from University of Amsterdam (NED)

-120kg: Neville Nathan from Queens University Belfast (IRL)

+120kg: Marzysz Piotr from Academy of Sport Education in Warsaw (POL)

Uniting students passionate about powerlifting, the three-day European University Cup 2025 highlighted their commitment to intellectual and physical growth. The event's success lay not only in its sporting achievements but also in its broader mission: to develop a generation of intelligent, inclusive, healthy, and resilient individuals.

The event was held under the auspices of the European Powerlifting Federation (EPF) and the Powerlifting & Weightlifting Federation Luxembourg, under the patronage of the European University Sports Association (EUSA), as an open cup. For more details and a complete set of results, please see the official page of the event and check out the photo gallery on the europowerlifting Facebook page.