What unofficial Oktoberfest sport involves holding a filled one-liter mug at arm's length?

Masskrugstemmen is the unofficial Oktoberfest sport of holding a filled one-litre mug at arm’s length.

The German name combines Maß, the traditional one-litre beer measure, with Krug, meaning mug or jug, and stemmen, meaning to lift or hold up. In the contest, competitors extend one arm and try to keep a filled, dimpled glass mug level for as long as possible. The challenge tests endurance rather than drinking speed.

The event is also known in English as steinholding, although “stein” can suggest a ceramic vessel and the Oktoberfest version uses a glass Maßkrug. A full mug is heavy, so small movements, a lowered arm, or spilled beer can end a competitor’s attempt. The sport is unofficial: it is not part of the mayor’s opening ceremony or the festival’s formal programme.

Masskrugstemmen should not be confused with Fingerhakeln, a traditional Bavarian finger-wrestling contest, or Schuhplattler, a folk dance. Those are also associated with Bavarian culture, but neither involves holding a one-litre beer mug at arm’s length.