Grip Competitions

Grip competitions started with simple (if not in strength but in execution) challenges. Old time strong men would have thick barbells and odd objects for which they would offer prizes to average Joe's to complete. Later on as equipment become more affordable standard dimension barbells and equipment became more well used. In the last 20 or so years the grippers (torsion spring types and others) have become almost a staple of every grip cmpetition worthy of the name. Other events, again with standardized equipment are seen regularly at all bigger gatherings as well as many of the smaller ones.

Some early competitions (it is, elsewhere, still a hand strength feat) included The first grip contest (card tearing) that I have been able to find in my reserach is:

World Championships of Card Tearing (Le Championnat du Monde de Dechirage de Cartes) Of course there are many contests now all around the world. Here is a link to all the resultshttp://www.davidhorne-gripmaster.com/gripcontestsprevious.html
 * 1, 1910 (France), Quartering Champs - 1. Gill's - 2. Garnier - 3. Pellado
 * 1, 1910 (France), Speed Champs - 1. Gill's - 2. Garnier - 3. Cadosh
 * 1, 1910 (France), Most cards Torn Champs - 1. Pellado - 2. Gill's - 3. Cadosh

Modern grip events: Grippers - all forms, 2 hand and 1 hand pinch, medleys, leverage lifts

Local, national, international competitions:
 * British Grip Championships (national)
 * US Grip Nationals (previously called Diesel Global Grip Challenge - national)
 * BSH and WSH (Britain's Strongest Hands - national and Worlds Strongest Hands - international)
 * Durniat Strength Grip - national

Federations and associations
 * Grip Monsters