HAYWARD, WI — The world’s top lumberjacks and lumberjills will return to Hayward July 16–18 for the annual Lumberjack World Championships (LWC), bringing four days of elite competition, family entertainment, and Northwoods tradition to the historic Lumberjack Bowl in Hayward.
For 66 years, the LWC have celebrated the region’s logging heritage while showcasing the athleticism of modern timber sports. This year’s event will feature more than 100 competitors from across the United States and around the world competing for world titles in chopping, sawing, speed climbing, boom running, and log rolling.
The 2026 field is among the strongest ever assembled, featuring defending champions, world record holders, and international standouts.
Among the headline competitors is seven-time Women’s Log Rolling World Champion Livi Pappadopoulos, who returns in pursuit of her eighth world title. The Women’s All-Around competition features defending champion Stephanie Naud of Canada, seven-time champion Erin LaVoie, former champion Martha King, and Hayward native Kate Witkowski, the reigning Women’s Standing Block World Champion and world record holder.
On the men’s side, defending Men’s Log Rolling World Champion Marcus Heineck will defend his title against a talented field that includes former champions and rising stars. Reigning Men’s All-Around Champion Matt Cogar returns after a dominant season and will face challenges from two-time All-Around Champion Jason Lentz, Australian standout Brayden Meyer, and Canadian contender Marcel Dupuis.
Beyond the competition, the Lumberjack World Championships remain one of northern Wisconsin’s premier family attractions. A highlight of the week is Family Night on Thursday, July 16, featuring a special admission package of two adults and up to five children for $65. Families can enjoy championship competition, kid-friendly activities, giveaways, family meal deals, and interactive experiences.
The Lumberjack World Championships is also proud to welcome back Charlie Berens, kicking off of Lumberjack Weekend on Wednesday, July 15.
Throughout the event, visitors can enjoy food vendors, athlete meet-and-greets, and the unique atmosphere that has made the Championships a summer tradition for generations.
Tickets and event information are available at lumberjackworldchampionships.com. Photos for use can be found at facebook.com/lumberjackworldchampionships/photos_albums – credit: LWC
