How to Watch Weightlifting Worldwide

How to Watch Weightlifting Worldwide: A Fan’s Guide to Lifting Action

Whether you’re a dedicated fan of Olympic sports or just stumbled across a highlight reel of a lifter hoisting three times their body weight, weightlifting is an awe-inspiring spectacle. The adrenaline, the technique, the raw power—it all makes for compelling viewing. But if you’re outside the bubble of live Olympic coverage or national competitions, watching weightlifting can feel like an insider’s game.

In this guide, we’re going to walk you through everything you need to know about how to watch weightlifting worldwide. From top international broadcasts to streaming services, social media platforms, and even grassroots options, you’ll learn where to find the best lifts, how to follow your favorite athletes, and how to immerse yourself in this sport no matter where you are in the world.

Why Weightlifting Is Worth Watching

Before we get into where and how to watch, let’s talk about why this sport deserves your time. Weightlifting isn’t just about brute strength—it’s an elegant blend of explosive speed, precise technique, mental focus, and strategic planning. Each competition is a chess match of kilos, timing, and nerves.

• Short, high-intensity events: Each athlete gets only three attempts per lift (snatch and clean & jerk), making every moment count.
• Global participation: Athletes from countries all over the world compete, showcasing diverse styles and incredible talent.
• Incredible comebacks: One successful lift can change an entire competition—it’s a thrill ride from start to finish.

Now that you’re pumped up, let’s dive into how to tune in.

1. Stream Major Weightlifting Events Online

The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) YouTube Channel

Your best all-around starting point is the IWF’s official YouTube channel. It live streams most of its major events for free, including the World Championships, Junior Worlds, and Continental Championships. High-definition streams, expert commentary, and replays make this a goldmine for fans.

• Pros: Free, accessible worldwide, HD streams, archived footage
• Cons: Schedule updates can be late, time zone differences

Olympics.com and the Olympic Channel

When the Olympics roll around, Olympics.com and the Olympic Channel provide live and on-demand coverage. Olympic replays, athlete profiles, and behind-the-scenes content give you a richer view of the sport at its peak.

Tip: Download the Olympic Channel app on your mobile device to stream content on the go. It’s available for iOS and Android users.

Eurosport and NBC Sports

For European and North American viewers, Eurosport (UK/EU) and NBC Sports (US) often carry coverage of weightlifting at the Olympic Games and World Championships. Subscriptions are required, but the quality of broadcast is top-tier.

• Eurosport: Offers detailed schedules and multilingual commentary
• NBC Sports: Includes full Olympic events plus highlights and analysis

2. Follow Weightlifting Federations and Athletes on Social Media

Social media has become a dynamic way to watch lifts, engage with athletes, and follow competitions in real time—even when you can’t find a live stream.

Instagram and TikTok

Many lifters post their training, competition attempts, and personal records (PRs) on Instagram and TikTok. Some even offer technique breakdowns or live Q&As with fans.

• Popular athletes to follow: Lasha Talakhadze, Kate Vibert, CJ Cummings, Lu Xiaojun
• Federation accounts: @iwfnet, @usa_weightlifting, @british_weightlifting

Tip: Use hashtags like #weightlifting, #snatch, or #cleanandjerk to discover emerging talent and trending lifts.

YouTube Vlogs and Livestreams

Several athletes and coaches host YouTube channels where they vlog their training camps, competition prep, and travel. This gives fans a behind-the-scenes look into the athlete lifestyle and insight into national team dynamics.

Recommended channels: Hookgrip, Weightlifting House, and Garage Strength

3. Dive Into National Competitions

USA Weightlifting (USAW)

If you’re in the United States, USA Weightlifting frequently streams its national events (e.g., Nationals, American Open Series) on platforms like Spreaker or SportsEngine. You can also catch recorded sessions on YouTube.

Want to attend in person? Check their event calendar for ticket sales and locations. These events are open to the public and offer a great grassroots experience.

British Weight Lifting (BWL)

In the UK, BWL hosts livestreams of domestic events, often accessible via Facebook Live or YouTube. They also offer on-demand video services through their website for members.

Other National Federations

• Canada: Canadian Weightlifting Federation (CWFHC) livestreams on their website or social pages
• Australia: Check with the Australian Weightlifting Federation (AWF) for regional coverage and livestream links
• Germany, France, and Italy: Use federation websites or YouTube channels for local competitions and international team announcements

Pro tip: Turn on YouTube subtitles or auto-translate when watching international streams in other languages.

4. Subscribe to Specialized Platforms

Weightlifting House TV

Weightlifting House has rapidly become a go-to source for premium weightlifting content. Their subscription service includes access to international meets, training hall footage, and exclusive interviews.

• Monthly cost: Affordable (typically under $10/month)
• Features: Commentary by athletes and coaches, extensive lift databases

FloElite (US-based)

FloElite, part of the FloSports network, once hosted US weightlifting competitions. While coverage has decreased in recent years, it’s worth checking during major events or trials.

Other Platforms to Watch

• LIVEnow: Sometimes used for pay-per-view international events
• Twitch: Some smaller meets or athlete-run events occasionally stream here

5. Watch Local and Collegiate Events

Don’t underestimate the power of local meets and university-level competitions. These events might not have the scale of an Olympic stage, but they’re often streamed or uploaded by volunteers, coaches, or local sports organizations.

• Facebook Groups: Many regional weightlifting communities share livestream links and updates
• YouTube Channels: Smaller gyms and clubs often post full meet footage
• School Sports Networks: Especially in the US, college strength programs and clubs sometimes stream friendly matches or competitions

It’s also a great way to support up-and-coming athletes and get involved with the grassroots side of the sport.

Conclusion: Lift More Than Just the Bar

Watching weightlifting isn’t just about catching a few big lifts—it’s about entering a passionate, tight-knit global community. From live international streams to local competitions and athlete-run social content, there are more ways than ever to tune in and get inspired.

So whether you’re a lifelong fan or just dipping your toes into the iron world, grab a coffee, queue up a livestream, and enjoy the beauty of the snatch and the clean and jerk. The barbell doesn’t lie, and neither does the excitement you’ll feel when watching it all unfold.

Now it’s your turn: Who’s your favorite weightlifter to watch? Do you have a go-to platform for catching competitions? Share your thoughts in the comments below!