What does open mean in power lifting?

In powerlifting, "open" refers to a weight class that is not restricted by age or experience level, allowing any lifter to compete regardless of their background. This category typically includes both elite and novice lifters, creating a diverse field of competitors. Open competitions often feature the highest level of competition, as they attract the strongest athletes. Additionally, lifters can compete in the open category regardless of their body weight, though they may still need to adhere to specific weight class regulations.