Brian Shaw is one of the most influential figures in strongman today. As a four-time World’s Strongest Man (WSM) Champion (2011, 2013, 2015-2016), the organizer of the annual Shaw Classic, and a general advocate for the sport, Shaw stays busy. A recent clip of a strength feat showed that the legendary strongman appears to be a big fan of leading by example.
On July 25, 2022, Shaw shared a clip on his YouTube channel Shaw Strength where he successfully leg-presses a 2,000-pound car. According to the strongman, his eye-opening demonstration is a first look at the Car Leg Press for Reps — one of the events during the 2022 Shaw Classic. That contest will take place on August 13-14, 2022, at the Budweiser Event Center in Loveland, CO.
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Before he shows off his stunning leg power, Shaw discusses the method to his madness regarding the Car Leg Press for Reps. As Shaw prepares to load up the car onto the leg press machine in the video, he notes that his example emphasizes a balance of safety and a worthwhile challenge.
“The car is heavy, very heavy, and I want this to be doable,” Shaw says. “We are going to modify the leg press to change the leg press a little bit. The weight is still going to be incredibly difficult, but it’s meant to be a challenge.”
After Shaw’s explanation, the clip transitions to the moment of truth. There’s a cable attached to the leg press machine that will pull the car up in the event any of the competitors find themselves pinned under it or can’t move it. Shaw weighed the vehicle using a winch, saying it was at 907.2 kilograms (2,000 pounds).
Shaw then presses the vehicle for some reps over a few sets, seemingly not breaking a sweat while approving his strongman creation.
“Now that is a Strongman event. It is quite literally everything that I pictured this event being,” Shaw exclaims. “… There is no way you can look at that and say that it’s not awesome.”
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An Intriguing Battle
Shaw might be intent on making this year’s Shaw Classic as challenging as possible because he knows the elite roster of athletes can handle it. With a few former WSM champs like Žydrūnas Savickas (2009-2010, 2012, 2014), Tom Stoltman (2021-2022), and Oleksii Novikov (2020) set to compete; there’s no shortage of star power.
At the time of this writing, here’s the confirmed roster for the 2022 Shaw Classic:
2022 Shaw Classic Roster
- Trey Mitchell — Defending Champion
- Brian Shaw — 2021 Runner-up
- Mitchell Hooper
- Žydrūnas Savickas
- Tom Stoltman
- Luke Stoltman
- Oleksii Novikov
- Evan Singleton
- Gabriel Rheaume
- Aivars Smaukstelis
- Bobby Thompson
- Maxime Boudreault
- Konstantine Janashia
- Gabriel Peña
- Kevin Faires
- Jerry Pritchett
At the time of this article’s publication, here is the confirmed schedule of events for the 2022 Shaw Classic:
2022 Shaw Classic Events
Day One — Saturday, August 13, 2022
- Max Hummer Tire Deadlift
- Super Yoke Event
- Circus Dumbbell
- Throwing Event (Bag or Keg)
Day Two — Sunday, August 14, 2022
- Log Press
- Frame Carry Arm-Over-Arm Medley
- Car Leg Press for Reps
- Atlas Stones
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Up for Grabs
For Shaw, he seems to have set up a fascinating back and forth amongst the participating strongmen. Whoever gets through his latest strength gauntlet will undoubtedly earn more respect among their peers. The 2022 Shaw Classic will occur from August 13-14 in Loveland, CO.
Featured image: Shaw Strength on YouTube