Rumor Mill – Kenmore Oktoberfest 2024 Stein-Holding Champ Returning
UPDATED (9/11/25) Competition INFO AND IMAGES BELOW:
Does anyone know this man?
Last week we were enjoying a great night out with some friends at Pasion Tequila in downtown Bothell (best tacos pastor around btw). Anyway, we overheard a conversation about the potential return of the un-official 2024 Kenmore Oktoberfest Men’s Beer Stein Holding Champ they identified as “Tim”.
What we overheard was that “Tim” was going to be out of town doing something during the Kenmore Oktoberfest (happening September 13th through September 21st). Our assumption he is competing in other beer holding or drinking competitions.
They also mentioned that his manager was trying to make preparations to ensure he was back in his home town of Kenmore so he can defend his un-official, non-existent crown.
The Kenmore Oktoberfest Stein Holding competitions are a fan favorite. You will find beer stein holding groupies, lovingly referred to as “stoopies” come from as far away as Woodinville and Mill Creek to see their favorite competitors. Typically held outside Kenmore’s 192 Brewing Taproom and Copperworks Distilling, fans flock to see battle hardened warriors compete to the end, defending the honor of their stein holding ancestors.
As we were wrapping up our dinner we also heard another interesting tidbit. These same folks knew of and were in contact with the 2024 Unofficial Women’s Beer Stein Holding Champ who was identified only as “Toni.” How do these folks know each of the reigning un-official champions? They have one thing in common.
Well, later on in the conversation we discovered that Tim does not just sit around and wait for the beer stein competition to happen. He trains. His training facility of choice? Ames2BFit. We did a little research and Ames2BFit is a Kenmore home training facility owned and operated by Kenmore resident, Laurie Ames. We reached out to Laurie for comment, but we have not yet heard back from her.
We will keep everyone up-to-date on this developing situation.
STORY UPDATE!!!! (9/11/25)
THE RUMORS WERE TRUE and we now have the identity of last years Kenmore Oktoberfest Beer Stein holding Champions! Earlier this morning we received word from Laurie Ames, owner/operator of Ames2bfit Personal Training in Kenmore confirming they will be attending this years Kenmore Oktoberfest Beer Stein Holding Contest.
We were able to get Laurie on the phone to get some additional information. First, it appears BOTH of the beer stein holding champs have been enjoying the off-season, but as of last month, they have been training extensively. “These are competitors.”, she said. “At Ames2BFit, we take fitness seriously. You never know when you will need to hold a beer stein for minutes on end.”
Laurie confirmed the names of the two warrior athletes. Tim “Stout-Smasher” Vandehey and Toni “Stein-Steady” Askew, both are pictured below.
Team Ames2BFit will be at this year’s Kenmore Oktoberfest throughout the week attending many of the Oktoberfest activities like the Oktoberfest Feast & Brew dinner at The Lodge at Saint Edward, Oktoberfest Fly Away 10k/5k Run/Walk, Family Fun Day at Kenmore Air, Wiener Dog Races at Saint Edward Park, Sing Along Games at Postdoc Brewing and many more.
“We are asking the public to be respectful of the athletes time while at Oktoberfest.”, Ames mentioned. “When asking for autographs, please limit them to one per person and please, fans only, no autograph eBay resellers.”
Team Ames2BFit
Masskrugstemmen (stein hoisting) Competition Events
- 9.18.25 5:30pm (ish) at Postdoc Brewing Kenmore following the tapping of the firkin.
- 9.20.25 3:30 pm at Postdoc Brewing Kenmore
- 9.21.25 3:30pm at Postdoc Brewing Kenmore
- 9.21.25 1pm-3pm at Stoup Brewing Kenmore
- Off and on at the Kenmore Oktoberfest Beer Garden but not on a firm schedule – the emcees will be holding stein hoisting events in between bands.
Be sure to check the official Kenmore Oktoberfest website for any changes to the schedule.