Meet Jim Banko: Steinholding Champion and Founder of the U.S. Steinholding Association

Steinholding, or Masskrugstemmen as the Bavarians call it, is basically what happens when you mix beer, brute strength, and a dash of competitive spirit. It’s all about holding a full liter of beer (a "Mass") out in front of you for as long as humanly possible. Sound simple? Think again. This challenge is as much about mental toughness as it is about physical strength—oh, and the whole thing has roots deep in Bavarian beer halls where proving your strength (and your love for beer) was practically a rite of passage.

 

The Spark that Ignited Jim’s Passion

For Jim Banko, a guy who thrives on competition and physical challenges, Steinholding was like finding his dream sport. “I’m a competitive person, I like physical challenges, and I love beer,” Jim says, and honestly, isn’t that all of us? The first time he tried his hand (literally) at Steinholding, he didn’t even know what he was doing but still managed to snag second place. “From then on, I was hooked. I knew I could get good at this if I put in the effort,” Jim recalls. And get good he did—Jim went on to dedicate himself to the sport, with his eyes set on one thing: becoming a champion.

 

The Road to Victory: Training Like a Beast

Let’s be real—Steinholding might look easy, but it’s a serious workout. Jim competed from 2011 to 2015, and it wasn’t until 2015 that he clinched the title of Hofbräu National Masskrugstemmen Champion. So what was his secret? “The hardest part is sticking with the training. It’s not like regular sports—Steinholding is a whole different beast,” Jim explains.

Jim developed a technique he calls the “Training Hold,” which is basically holding that stein for as long as you can, resting just long enough to catch your breath, and then doing it all over again. It’s a brutal way to build endurance, but it’s also what got Jim to the top. “It’s mentally and physically exhausting, but that’s what makes it so rewarding when you finally push through,” Jim adds. Talk about determination!

Founding the U.S. Steinholding Association

After his big win in 2015, Jim decided it was time to hang up his stein as a competitor, but he wasn’t ready to walk away from the sport he loved. That’s when the U.S. Steinholding Association was born. “I was done competing, but I wanted to keep the spirit of Steinholding alive and help others get into it,” Jim says. Back then, Steinholding in the U.S. was pretty much an underground scene, with no standardized rules or resources for aspiring competitors. “I figured I’d been around long enough and learned enough to share my knowledge and help grow the sport,” he explains.

The U.S. Steinholding Association became Jim’s way of giving back, offering everything from training tips to finding local competitions. It’s all about building a community, spreading the love for this unique sport, and making sure that anyone who wants to join in on the fun has everything they need to succeed. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or just curious about what it's all about, the U.S. Steinholding Association is there to help you raise your stein—and your game!

 

Judging the Championship: What Jim Looks for in Competitors

Since 2016, Jim has been on the other side of the competition as a judge for the Hofbräu Masskrugstemmen Championship. So what does it take to impress the judges? “Straight, locked out elbows are a must—no bending allowed,” Jim says with the authority of someone who’s seen it all. “At the higher levels, we start looking out for excessive leaning or arms dropping too low. And, of course, if you spill even a drop of beer, you’re out!” Jim adds with a grin. After all, this is a sport inspired by beer-drinking traditions—you’ve got to respect the beer!

Getting Started in Steinholding

Thinking about giving Steinholding a shot? Jim’s advice is simple: just do it! “Grab a stein (or a 5-pound weight if you’re serious) and see what you’ve got,” he suggests. Whether you’re flying solo or have a buddy to compete against, it’s all about pushing yourself to see how long you can last. The U.S. Steinholding Association has a handy competition map with nearly 1000 locations across the country, so finding a local event, especially during Oktoberfest season, is easier than you think.

Ready to dive in? Check out the U.S. Steinholding Association’s website for more details on how to get involved and start your Steinholding journey today!

 

Looking Ahead: The Future of U.S. Steinholding

With the 2024 Oktoberfest season just around the corner, the U.S. Steinholding Association is gearing up for big things. “2024 is going to be a building year for us,” Jim says with confidence. The organization is expanding into more states, with 14 State Championships on the books this season. The ultimate goal? A State Championship in all 50 states, leading up to a National Championship event by 2025 or 2026. “We’re seeing more and more people getting into Steinholding, and we want to keep that momentum going,” Jim shares. It’s all about bringing this unique sport into the national spotlight and inviting more folks to join in the fun.

Reflecting on the Journey: The Community Behind the Sport

Looking back, Jim says the most rewarding part of his Steinholding journey has been the people he’s met along the way. “The sense of community is what makes all the work worth it,” he reflects. From competitors to volunteers, Jim has made friends across the country, all thanks to their shared love of Steinholding. “Going to festivals and drinking beer is great, but the friendships I’ve made are what I’ll cherish most,” Jim says with a smile.

Conclusion: Join the Steinholding Tradition

Steinholding may have started as a niche tradition in Bavarian beer halls, but thanks to passionate competitors like Jim Banko and the work of the U.S. Steinholding Association, it’s quickly becoming a fan favorite in the U.S.

Whether you’re looking to test your strength, enjoy some friendly competition, or just connect with others who share your love for Bavarian culture, Steinholding offers a unique and exciting way to be part of the broader Oktoberfest festivities. Ready to take on the challenge? Head over to the U.S. Steinholding Association’s website to find a competition near you and start your journey today! Let’s raise those steins and make some memories—Prost!