15.03.2025 | Santiago, Chile. The Santiago Street Lifting Open brought a vibrant energy to Club Conecta (Puravida Boxing Club) in Lo Barnechea, a picturesque venue nestled in the mountains of Santiago. Organized by Whoosh Producciones SPA under Sergio Martínez’s leadership and sponsored by Biosilver, Loncoleche, Winkler, Nutition, and Fitchich, the event attracted elite athletes and an enthusiastic, international crowd over two memorable days.
Event Overview
Despite being South America’s Open Pro, athletes from across the continent dedicated long journeys—sometimes enduring nine-hour flights—to compete. The event featured 57 fiercely competitive athletes and was witnessed by 70 spectators over two days. Starting bright and early at 7 AM for weigh-ins on Saturday, the competition carried on until a 9:30 PM finish, and resumed on Sunday at 9 AM before wrapping up at 8 PM (including a 30-minute award ceremony). The attendance and commitment underscore the growing passion for weighted calisthenics in the region.
Highlights and Athletic Performances
This edition of the Open delivered unforgettable moments and some of the continent’s finest strength performances.
-66kg Category: Carlos Czeszak (Brazil) claimed first place with an incredibly well-rounded performance:
- Muscle-Up: 30kg
- Pull-Up: 81.25kg
- Dip: 116.25kg
- Squat: 190kg
-73kg Category: Benjamin Antonio (Chile) stunned the crowd with elite lifts that secured him the top podium spot:
- Muscle-Up: 42.5kg
- Pull-Up: 100kg
- Dip: 150kg
- Squat: 210kg
-80kg Category: Elder Paredes (Mexico) proved himself as one of the strongest in his class with dominant numbers across the board:
- Muscle-Up: 33.75kg
- Pull-Up: 91.25kg
- Dip: 155kg
- Squat: 242.5kg
These performances set a high bar and electrified the venue, with each athlete showcasing not only strength but also precision and control under pressure. In addition to these stars, the event featured unforgettable lifts from Benjamin Ibáñez and other top contenders.
Organizational Insights
The event showcased solid planning and resilience, albeit with some learning curves:
- International Participation: The commitment was evident with athletes traveling from various parts of Latin America, emphasizing the event’s continental appeal.
- Setup and Execution: A dedicated crew of 34 helped with planning, setup, and teardown, ensuring that even with the mountainous conditions—where temperatures swung from a chilly 7°C in the morning to a warm 28°C in the afternoon—the environment remained challenging yet inspiring.
- Logistical Challenges: Some delays emerged due to misinformation about the FinalRep format. This led to schedule setbacks, particularly affecting the warm- up routines for female athletes. Additionally, incidents such as the accidents and disciplinary cases with some athletes highlighted the need for stricter adherence to sportsmanship and safety protocols. There were also cases of non-attendance that, as per regulations, will result in a registration fee refund with the appropriate follow-up.
Community Response & Future Outlook
The international streetlifting community responded with enthusiasm despite constructive criticism—particularly from local Chileans, who are known for their candid feedback. Their insights, alongside the overall positive responses on Instagram and other social platforms, have been invaluable.
Looking forward, the event promises more inclusive opportunities with the upcoming Santiago Street Lifting Open Novice, aimed at emerging athletes. This competition will emphasize an educational approach, where athletes can safely learn, grow, and receive guidance in real time.
There’s also a growing need within the community for:
- A clearly defined competition calendar, ideally compacted into a two-month window
- A finalized rulebook released months in advance (October for the 2026 season)
- More robust protocols and staff training for spotters and safety enforcement
Conclusion
Reflecting on the Santiago Street Lifting Open, it’s clear that this event was more than just a competition—it was a celebration of the spirit of weighted calisthenics, a test of resolve under challenging conditions, and a gathering that inspired athletes from across Latin America to raise the bar. As we digest the lessons learned and celebrate the record-setting performances, one thing remains constant: the unwavering commitment to pushing limits and nurturing a global community founded on strength and sportsmanship.
“We feel at home, the vibe in Chile is inexplicable” – Carlos Czeszak
Let’s keep pushing the limits together!
— Your FinalRep Team 🧡
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