After five days of competition, the leaderboard had the 2021 champion retaining his title with two former WSM champions — Martins Licis and Oleksii Novikov — making the podium for second and third place, respectively. Four-time WSM champion Brian Shaw placed a distant fourth.

1. Tom Stoltman — 53.5 points
2. Martins Licis — 43 points
3. Oleksii Novikov — 43 points
4. Brian Shaw — 37.5 points
5. Maxime Boudreault — 34.5 points
6. Trey Mitchell — 34 points
7. Luke Stoltman — 30.5 points
8. Mitchell Hooper — 30 points
9. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 13 points
10. Gabriel Rheaume — 11 points

Tom Stoltman’s 2022 Path to Victory

Stoltman dominated his group in the Qualifying rounds, consistently winning first place through all six initial events, but 2020 WSM winner Oleksii Novikov’s early performances during Days Four and Five made a hard path for ultimate victory. 

In the first day of Finals, Mitchell Hooper’s surprise win during the KNAACK Giant’s Medley pushed Stoltman to second place and Novikov to third in the event. Novikov’s first-place performances in both the Deadlift and the Flintstone Barbell kept him one-and-a-half points ahead of Stoltman on the leaderboard, meaning the ’21 winner would need to dig deep in the fifth and final day to achieve a repeat win.

In Day Two of Finals, Novikov took an initial lead during the Bus Pull with a first place win as Stoltman came in third. In the penultimate event, Stoltman tackled all nine steps of the Reign Total Body Fuel Power Stairs, while Novikov completed only six reps and placed a shocking eighth.

The overall points gap grew wider and Stoltman began his eventual drive for the title. In the conclusive Atlas Stones, Stoltman had a commanding first place performance, loading all five stones in just over 25 seconds. Novikov placed last in the Stones after loading only four stones.

By the end of the day, Martins Licis sat in second place on the leaderboard, barely edging out Novikov based on their performances during the Atlas Stones, and Stoltman secured his second title without question.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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With his first win in 2021, Tom Stoltman became the first competitor representing Scotland to win the title. With his second win in 2022, he became the tenth competitor in the contest’s 45-year history to win multiple titles.

The post Tom Stoltman Wins 2022 World’s Strongest Man appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Oleksii Novikov came into the day with a narrow two-point lead over last year’s champion Tom Stoltman, putting them in the most likely contention for the top spot. Licis, Mitchell, and Hooper were close behind in a tough battle to make the podium. Shaw, Luke Stoltman, Boudreault, Rheaume, and Melsted continued to battle for points despite not having any clear path to victory.

2022 WSM Finals Leaderboard

2022 WSM Day Five Results

The Bus Pull, Reign Total Body Fuel Power Stairs, and Atlas Stones were the contestants final chances to rise through the ranks and work toward victory. The results would shake up the finalists to determine the eventual winner.

Bus Pull Results

The bus pull is one of the more visually impressive events in any WSM contest. This year, competitors were harnessed to a Sacramento transit bus, weighing 40,000 pounds, and pulled the vehicle down the length of the 30-meter (98-foot) course as quickly as possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Mitchell Hooper put up a respectable time, considering it was his first-ever vehicle pulling event, but Novikov turned in yet another dominant performance to secure a win for the round. Four-time WSM champion Brian Shaw’s fourth place finish in this crucial event all-but-ensured he wouldn’t see his fifth title this year, as the overall points gap became too large.

1. Oleksii Novikov — 0:41.51s
2. Martins Licis — 0:42.18s
3. Tom Stoltman — 0:44.50s
4. Brian Shaw — 0:44.69s
5. Trey Mitchell — 0:45.72s
6. Luke Stoltman — 0:47.00s
7. Maxime Boudreault — 0:47.20s
8. Mitchell Hooper — 0:49.24s
9. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 0:51.32s
10. Gabriel Rheaume — 0:53.22s 

Reign Total Body Fuel Power Stairs

In this grip and lower-body intensive event, competitors needed to lift three 226-kilogram (500-pound) blocks up three large steps in the shortest time. One block on one step counted as a single rep, for a total of nine potential reps.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Maxime Boudreault won the event with maximum reps in the shortest time, but despite the strong effort remained in the lower half of the leaderboard. 2021 WSM champion Tom Stoltman came in second, tackling all nine steps just seconds shy of Boudreault, and topped the leaderboard.

Stoltman’s closest contender, Novikov, placed a surprising seventh in the stairs by only completing six reps, which put his ultimate victory in question. 

1. Maxime Boudreault — 9 reps in 0:39.07s 
2. Tom Stoltman — 9 reps in 0:41.04s 
3. Martins Licis — 9 reps in 0:44.50s 
4. Brian Shaw — 8 reps in 1:09.03s 
5. Mitchell Hooper — 7 reps in 0:32.36s 
6. Luke Stoltman — 7 reps in 0:59.47s 
7. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 6 reps in 0:35.78s 
8. Oleksii Novikov — 6 reps in 0:34.20s 
9. Trey Mitchell — 6 reps in 1:10.22s 
10. Gabriel Rheaume — 5 reps in 0:35.78s

Atlas Stones

In one of the quintessential strongman events, contestants loaded increasingly heavier stones onto a platform. Defending champ Tom Stoltman must’ve felt the pressure to perform as he turned in a dominating performance, loading all five stones in just over 25 seconds.

With an apparent upset, Novikov came in last in this final event, surrendering precious points and deflating any chance at winning the competition.

1. Tom Stoltman — 5 reps in 0:25.76s
2. Maxime Boudreault — 5 reps in 0:28.04s
3. Trey Mitchell — 5 reps in 0:33.06s
4. Brian Shaw — 5 reps in 0:39.29s
5. Martins Licis — 5 reps in 0:45.74s
6. Luke Stoltman — 4 reps in 0:25.78s
7. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 4 reps in 0:28.87s
8. Gabriel Rheaume — 4 reps in 0:33.55s
9. Mitchell Hooper — 4 reps in 0:33.78s
10. Oleksii Novikov — 4 reps in 0:36.70s

The 2022 World’s Strongest Man Is…

After the final three events, Tom Stoltman is the 2022 World’s Strongest Man winner, taking his second consecutive title. Oleksii Novikov began the day strong and seemed to have a victorious clinch by mid-day, but the defending champion Stoltman capitalized on his final effort to secure the title.

Featured image: Joe Martinez/World’s Strongest Man

The post 2022 World’s Strongest Man Day Five Recap and Results appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

The Top 10 competitors are a highly competitive field including 2021 champion Tom Stoltman, three former champions — Oleksii Novikov, Martins Licis, and Brian Shaw — Maxime Boudreault, Luke Stoltman, Trey Mitchell, Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted, with Mitchell Hooper and Gabriel Rheaume both making their WSM debuts.

Here’s where the field stands after three big events.

2022 WSM Finals Leaderboard

2022 WSM Day Four Results

Competitors entered the first day of Finals in their chance to secure a grasp on the title. While each Qualifying round tested two events per day, the Finals will push the competitors harder with three events each day, beginning with the KNAACK Giant’s Medley, Deadlift, and Flintstone Barbell.

KNAACK Giant’s Medley Results

The competitors were challenged with carrying two separate KNAACK-sponsored industrial tool storage lockers, each filled with 125 kilograms (276 pounds), on a trip halfway down a 20-meter (66-foot) course and back to the start. Competitors then had to immediately carry a 455kg (1,000-pound) yoke through the full course. As a medley, the entire event was performed to achieve the quickest time.

After the event, Brian Shaw was heard joking that the 1,000-pound yoke was “too light” — something only a four-time WSM champ could say.

1. Mitchell Hooper — 0:21.96s
2. Tom Stoltman — 0:24.75s
3. Oleksii Novikov — 0:24.84s
4. Luke Stoltman — 0:28.72s
5. Martins Licis — 0:30.60s
6. Brian Shaw — 0:30.78s
7. Trey Mitchell — 0:32.54s
8. Gabriel Rheaume — 0:33.87s
9. Maxime Boudreault — 0:34.11s
10. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 0:37.61s

Deadlift

The finalists performed arguably the most relatable event for spectators — a 360kg (794-pound) deadlift for maximum reps in 75 seconds.

Oleksii Novikov put up a commanding performance, ignoring a simple nosebleed, to win the event with a solid 15 reps.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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1. Oleksii Novikov — 15 reps
2. Tom Stoltman — 13 reps
3. Trey Mitchell — 13 reps 
4. Mitchell Hooper —12 reps
5. Brian Shaw — 12 reps
6. Martins Licis — 12 reps
7. Maxime Boudreault — 10 reps
8. Luke Stoltman — 9 reps
9. Gabriel Rheaume — 8 reps
10. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 8 reps

Flintstone Barbell

For the first time in years, the Flintstone barbell made its return to the WSM contest. Lifters pressed increasingly heavier bars loaded with primitive stones rather than weight plates. The weights progressed 175kg (385 pounds), 190kg (420 pounds), 200kg (440 pounds), 212kg (470 pounds), 221kg (490 pounds), and finally 230kg (510 pounds).

Lifters had the option of pressing behind the neck or from the front rack position. Luke Stoltman set a world record as the first lifter to perform a 212kg (470 pound) Flintstone barbell press, breaking the 210kg (463 pound) record set by Gary Taylor in the 1995 WSM contest. Records continued to fall as the event proceeded.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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In an unexpected turn of events, organizers needed to add extra rounds to continue testing competitors. A 240kg (530-pound) bar was added , followed by a 245kg (540 pound) bar to determine the winner. Oleksii Novikov put up another dominant performance for the day, showing his determination to drive towards the title.

1. Oleksii Novikov — 8 stones
2. Tom Stoltman — 7 stones
3. Martins Licis — 6 stones
4. Luke Stoltman — 4 stones
5. Brian Shaw — 4 stones
6. Trey Mitchell — 4 stones
7. Maxime Boudreault — 4 stones
8. Mitchell Hooper — 3 stones
9. Gabriel Rheaume — 2 stones
10. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 2 stones

The Finals Proceed

With only one day remaining, the competitors’ opportunities to push forward are narrowing. Tomorrow’s events are WSM staples — the Bus Pull, the Reign Total Body Fuel Stairs, and the epic Atlas stones. Once they’re completed, the World’s Strongest Man will take the title.

Featured image: Joe Martinez/World’s Strongest Man

The post 2022 World’s Strongest Man Day Four Recap and Results appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Entering Thursday, May 26, 2022, some of the respective top contenders, like defending champion Tom Stoltman and former WSM Champion Oleksii Novikov (2020), already had a spot in the Finals. The debut of the Wrecking Ball Hold and the intense Stone Off would determine the other half of the remaining field on Day Three. 

Here’s where the overall leaderboard stands after the conclusion of the Qualifying Round, a short recap of Thursday’s events, and an overview of the 10 finalists for the 2022 WSM Finals this weekend. 

2022 WSM Leaderboard — Day Three/End of Qualifying

2022 WSM Day Three Results

As noted, some of the competitors entered the third day of the competition already having locked up a spot in the Finals. That meant Day Three’s events were more about the rest of the field trying to find points to secure their spots. The Wrecking Ball Hold and Stone Off stood in their way. 

Wrecking Ball Hold

This static strength event made its first appearance in a WSM competition. It’s a test of grip strength, as well as total-body endurance. The athletes had to hold a 228-kilogram (500-pound) bare wrecking ball for as long as they could. 

Group 1

1. Kevin Faires — 1:35.18s
2. Andy Black — 1:26.92s
3. Gabriel Rhéaume — 1:24.10s
4. Manuel Angulo — 1:11.66s
5. Aivars Šmaukstelis — 0:57.44s
6. Tom Stoltman — 0:04.63s

Group 2

1. Mark Felix — 2:20.49s
2. Bobby Thompson — 1:21.33s
3. Brian Shaw — 1:06.13s
4. Konstantine Janashia — 1:01.38s
5. Gabriel Peña — 0:48.27s
6. Mitchell Hooper — 0:06.40s

Group 3

1. Trey Mitchell — 2:06.46s
2. Mika Törrö — 1:53.17s
3. Grzegorz Szymanski — 1:46.49s
4. Oleksii Novikov — 1:38.63s
5. Adam Bishop — 1:31.35s
6. Rob Kearney — 1:01.95s

Group 4

1. Maxime Boudreault — 1:33.93s
2. Pavlo Kordiyaka — 1:31.33s
3. Martins Licis — 1:25.63s
4. Nedžmin Ambešković — 1:12.47s
5. Gavin Bilton — 1:07.15s
6. Shane Flowers — Withdrawn

Group 5

1. Kelvin De Ruiter — 1:45.65s
2. Evan Singleton — 1:40.34s
3. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 1:03.42s
4. Jean-Stephen Coraboeuf — 1:00.70s
5. Kim Ujarak — 0:36.24s
6. Luke Stoltman — No time completed

Notably, Mark Felix set a world record when he held the ball for 2:20.49. Trey Mitchell pitched in a more-than-solid 2:06.46.

Stone Off

In their last chance to clinch a spot in the Finals, the competitors went head-to-head with someone from their Qualifying Group in the Stone Off. They lifted six stones — 150 kilograms (330 pounds), two stones at 160 kilograms (353 pounds), two stones at 180 kilograms (397 pounds), and ended with 200 kilograms (440 pounds). To complete the challenge, the last stone was lifted for as many reps as possible until one competitor failed.

One of the more unique situations entering the Stone Off was Brian Shaw, who needed to win in order to qualify for a record-setting 14th WSM Finals and reach for a record-setting fifth title. Shaw ended up defeating Bobby Thompson and moved forward to potential history. Gabriel Rheaume, Maxime Boudreault, Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted, and Mitchell rounded out the other winners who qualified for the Finals thanks to their Stone Off performance. 

Group 1

• Kevin Faires
• Gabriel Rheaume — Winner

Group 2

• Bobby Thompson
• Brian Shaw — Winner

Group 3

• Trey Mitchell — Winner
• Adam Bishop

Group 4

• Maxime Boudreault — Winner
• Pavlo Kordiyaka

Group 5

• Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted – Winner
• Jean-Stephen Coraboeuf

The Finals Lie Ahead

Now that the Qualifying Round is over, the complete list of finalists for the 2022 WSM is: 2021 WSM Champion Tom Stoltman, 2020 WSM Champion Oleksii Novikov, 2019 WSM champion Martins Licis, four-time WSM champion Brian Shaw (2011, 2013, 2015-2016), Maxime Boudreault, Mitchell Hooper, Trey Mitchell, Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted, Gabriel Rheaume, and Luke Stoltman.

Friday will present a good break for the competitors before starting the latter half of the competition. The first round of the Finals will take place on Saturday, May 28, 2022. It features the KNAACK Giant’s Medley, which is similar to the Loading Race, the Deadlift, and the Flintstone barbell, where the athletes will press a barbell loaded with giant stones.

Soon enough, the strongest man on the planet will be crowned.

Featured image: Joe Martinez/World’s Strongest Man

The post 2022 World’s Strongest Man Day Three Recap And Results appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

On Day One, the 30-person roster of elite strongmen attempted the Loading Race and Deadlift Ladder during the Qualifying Round. On Wednesday, May 25, 2022 — during the second day of the Qualifying Round — the remaining competitors had the task of pulling a Volkswagen Bug in the Car Walk and using their overhead strength to try and thrive in the Log Lift. 

The ensuing results were terrific to watch as the competition builds toward the weekend’s Finals. Here’s where the overall leaderboard stands after Day Two of the 2022 WSM, along with a short recap of the athletes’ performances in both events. 

2022 WSM Leaderboard — Day Two

2022 WSM Day Two

Wednesday was the perfect time to unveil the Car Walk and Log Lift — two classic WSM events. Here’s how the competitors fared, and what it might mean for some of them moving forward. 

Car Walk Results

The athletes stepped inside a roofless, hollowed-out car constructed around a Yoke bar. For this event, they had to carry the 430-kilogram (950-pound) vehicle 20 meters (66 feet) as fast as they could. 

With a 9.86-second run, Evan Singleton had the fastest time of all competitors on the Car Walk. Meanwhile, Rob Kearney turned in a blazing 11.63-second finish, and newcomer Mitchell Hooper blitzed the event in 11.64 seconds to continue his fantastic WSM debut. 

Note: Unfortunately, Shane Flowers withdrew due to an apparent foot or ankle injury sustained during the Loading Race on Day One. While he showed the grit of a champion in completing yesterday’s Deadlift Ladder as well, he was unable to continue competing on Day Two and has withdrawn from his first appearance at the WSM.

Group 1

1. Tom Stoltman — 0:14.65s
2. Gabriel Rhéaume — 0:16.44s
3. Kevin Faires — 0:19.32s
4. Aivars Šmaukstelis — 0:19.91s
5. Andy Black — 0:32.71s
6. Manuel Angulo — 1:00.00s

Group 2

1. Mitchell Hooper — 0:11.64s
2. Mark Felix — 0:13.96s
3. Bobby Thompson — 0:16.05s
4. Konstantine Janashia — 0:18.16s
5. Brian Shaw — 0:19.97s
6. Gabriel Peña — 18.90m (Did not finish course)

Group 3

1. Rob Kearney — 0:11.63s
2. Grzegorz Szymanski — 0:14.26s
3. Oleksii Novikov — 0:15.23s
4. Trey Mitchell — 0:19.24s
5. Adam Bishop — 0:23.38s
6. Mika Törrö — 9.50m (Did not finish course)

Group 4

1. Pavlo Kordiyaka — 0:12.92s
2. Martins Licis — 0:18.93s
3. Gavin Bilton — 0:23.67s
4. Maxime Boudreault — 0:49.28s
5. Nedžmin Ambešković — 13.60m (Did not finish course)
6. Shane Flowers — Withdrawn

Group 5

1. Evan Singleton — 0:09.86s
2. Luke Stoltman — 0:16.65s
3. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 0:29.07s
4. Jean-Stephen Coraboeuf — 0:41.34s
5. Kelvin De Ruiter — 1:00.00s
6. Kim Ujarak — 11.40m (Did not finish course)

Log Lift Results

The Log Lift made its first appearance during the 1980 WSM contest. In this year’s event, competitors had to lift the 145-kilogram (320-pound) log from the ground to an overhead position for as many reps as possible within a 75-second time limit.

As the temperature got to 100-plus degrees, the log itself took on heat. It is here where holding the weight for the duration was a challenge for many of the competitors. Event organizers had been keeping the log covered in an attempt to provide shade and make the event the usual test of strength rather than pain tolerance.

Maxime Boudreault and Luke Stoltman tied for the best finish on the Log Lift by pressing 10 reps. Oleksii Novikov, Trey Mitchell, Martin Licis, and Pavlo Kordiyaka weren’t far behind with nine reps each. 

Group 1

1. Tom Stoltman — 8 reps
2. Kevin Faires — 7 reps
3. Gabriel Rhéaume — 6 rep
4. Aivars Šmaukstelis — 4 reps
5. Andy Black — No reps
6. Manuel Angulo — No reps

Group 2

1. Bobby Thompson — 8 reps
2. Mitchell Hooper — 7 reps
3. Brian Shaw — 7 reps
4. Konstantine Janashia — 5 reps
5. Gabriel Peña — 1 rep
6. Mark Felix — No reps

Group 3

1. Oleksii Novikov — 9 reps
2. Trey Mitchell — 9 reps
3. Adam Bishop — 7 reps
4. Rob Kearney — 6 reps
5. Grzegorz Szymanski — 3 reps
6. Mika Törrö — 2 reps

Group 4

1. Maxime Boudreault — 10 reps
2. Martins Licis — 9 reps
3. Pavlo Kordiyaka — 9 reps
4. Gavin Bilton — 7 reps
5. Nedžmin Ambešković — 2 reps
6. Shane Flowers — Withdrawn

Group 5

1. Luke Stoltman — 10 reps
2. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 8 reps
3. Jean-Stephen Coraboeuf — 7 reps
4. Kim Ujarak — 6 reps
5. Kelvin De Ruiter — 1 rep
6. Evan Singleton — 1 rep

Day Three Is Next

As the competition inches closer to the weekend’s Finals, the intensity will likely only increase. With clarity in some groups already carved out, the final day of qualifying on Thursday should make for a tight finish. Those on the borderline still trying to qualify will need every point they can get.

On Day Three, all of the athletes will have to hold a wrecking ball as long as possible in the Wrecking Ball Hold. Then, this year’s WSM will see the first appearance of the Atlas Stones in the Stone-Off as the athletes battle for the last spots in the Finals. 

A clutch performance or two from some of the sport’s top contenders potentially awaits. 

Featured image: Joe Martinez/World’s Strongest Man

The post 2022 World’s Strongest Man Day Two Recap and Results appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

The Top 10 finalists for the 2022 WSM was determined at the end of the Qualifying round on Thursday, May 26 — 2021 WSM champion Tom Stoltman, 2020 WSM champion Oleksii Novikov, 2019 WSM champion Martins Licis, Four-time WSM champion Brian Shaw, Maxime Boudreault, Mitchell Hooper, Trey Mitchell, Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted, Gabriel Rheaume, and Luke Stoltman.

By day’s end, Tom Stoltman rose to victory securing his second consecutive WSM title.

Breaking Muscle kept this results page consistently updated to keep you on top of all the action throughout this year’s contest. There was no livestream of the event, but WSM offered a post-show featuring results and interviews with athletes, hosted by former WSM competitor Terry Hollands.

Editor’s Note: Results were provided by our official reporter in attendance. These results were not considered official until after the World’s Strongest Man Facebook Live show: Backstage Live! Presented by The Beard Struggle, which aired throughout the competition.

2022 WSM Finals Leaderboard

2022 WSM Day Five

After the first round of Finals, competitors had a clear idea of where they stood and how much extra focus and determination were needed to secure a win. The final three events, and last opportunities to score points, were classic WSM events — the bus pull, the Reign Total Body Fuel Power Stairs, and the Atlas Stones.

Bus Pull Results

The bus pull is one of the more visually impressive events in any WSM contest. This year, competitors were harnessed to a Sacramento transit bus, weighing 40,000 pounds, and pulled the vehicle down the length of the 30-meter (98-foot) course as quickly as possible.

1. Oleksii Novikov — 0:41.51s
2. Martins Licis — 0:42.18s
3. Tom Stoltman  — 0:44.50s
4. Brian Shaw — 0:44.69s
5. Trey Mitchell — 0:45.72s
6. Luke Stoltman — 0:47.00s
7. Maxime Boudreault — 0:47.20s
8. Mitchell Hooper — 0:49.24s
9. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 0:51.32s
10. Gabriel Rheaume — 0:53.22s

Reign Total Body Fuel Power Stairs

In this grip and lower-body intensive event, competitors lifted three  226-kilogram (500-pound) blocks up three large steps in the shortest time. One block on one step counts as a single rep, for a total of nine potential reps.

1. Maxime Boudreault — 9 reps in 0:39.07s
2. Tom Stoltman  — 9 reps in 0:41.04s
3. Martins Licis — 9 reps in 0:44.50s
4. Brian Shaw — 8 reps in 1:09.03s
5. Mitchell Hooper — 7 reps in 0:32.36s
6. Luke Stoltman — 7 reps in 0:59.47s
7. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 6 reps in 0:35.78s
8. Oleksii Novikov — 6 reps in 0:34.20s
9. Trey Mitchell — 6 reps in 1:10.22s
10. Gabriel Rheaume — 5 reps in 0:35.78s

Atlas Stones

In one of the quintessential strongman events, contestants loaded increasingly heavier stones onto a platform while racing against the clock.

1. Tom Stoltman  — 5 reps in 0:25.76s
2. Maxime Boudreault — 5 reps in 0:28.04s
3. Trey Mitchell — 5 reps in 0:33.06s
4. Brian Shaw — 5 reps in 0:39.29s
5. Martins Licis — 5 reps in 0:45.74s
6. Luke Stoltman — 4 reps in 0:25.78s
7. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 4 reps in 0:28.87s
8. Gabriel Rheaume — 4 reps in 0:33.55s
9. Mitchell Hooper — 4 reps in 0:33.78s
10. Oleksii Novikov — 4 reps in 0:36.70s

After the final three events, Tom Stoltman is the 2022 World’s Strongest Man winner, taking his second consecutive title.

2022 WSM Day Four

After a full day’s rest yesterday, the Top 10 competitors entered the first day of Finals with three massive events scheduled. The KNAACK Giant’s Medley tested strength, endurance, and agility. The classic deadlift was a straightforward test of pulling strength. The Flintstone barbell, making a long-awaited return to the WSM contest, tested overhead pressing strength.

KNAACK Giant’s Medley Results

The competitors were challenged with carrying two separate KNAACK industrial tool storage lockers, each filled with 125 kilograms (276 pounds), on a trip halfway down a 20-meter (66-foot) course and back to the start. They then had to immediately carry a 455-kilogram (1,000-pound) yoke through the full course. As a medley, the entire event is performed to achieve the quickest time.

1. Mitchell Hooper —0:21.96s
2. Tom Stoltman — 0:24.75s
3. Oleksii Novikov — 0:24.84s
4. Luke Stoltman — 0:28.72s
5. Martins Licis — 0:30.60s
6. Brian Shaw — 0:30.78s
7. Trey Mitchell — 0:32.54s
8. Gabriel Rheaume — 0:33.87s
9. Maxime Boudreault — 0:34.11s
10. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 0:37.61s

Deadlift Results

The finalists are performing arguably the most relatable event for spectators — a 360kg (794-pound) deadlift for maximum reps in 75 seconds.

1. Oleksii Novikov — 15 reps
2. Tom Stoltman — 13 reps
3. Trey Mitchell — 13 reps 
4. Mitchell Hooper —12 reps
5. Brian Shaw — 12 reps
6. Martins Licis — 12 reps
7. Maxime Boudreault — 10 reps
8. Luke Stoltman — 9 reps
9. Gabriel Rheaume — 8 reps
10. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 8 reps

Flintstone Barbell Results

The Flintstone barbell is an overhead press event, with the competitors needing to lift six progressively heavier bars loaded with primitive stones rather than weight plates. The weights progress 175kg (385 pounds), 190kg (420 pounds), 200kg (440 pounds), 212kg (470 pounds), 221kg (490 pounds), and finally 230kg (510 pounds).

In an unexpected turn of events, organizers needed to add additional rounds to continue challenging the top competitors. Extra rounds with 240kg (530 pounds) followed by 245kg (540 pounds) were needed to determine the decisive winner.

1. Oleksii Novikov — 8 stones
2. Tom Stoltman — 7 stones
3. Martins Licis — 6 stones
4. Luke Stoltman — 4 stones
5. Brian Shaw — 4 stones
6. Trey Mitchell —  4 stones
7. Maxime Boudreault — 4 stones
8. Mitchell Hooper — 3 stones
9. Gabriel Rheaume — 2 stones
10. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 2 stones

2022 WSM Qualifying Round Leaderboard

2022 WSM Day Three Results

Competitors entered the last Qualifying day with only the Wrecking Ball Hold and the Stone Off events as their remaining chances to rack up enough points to secure a spot in this weekend’s Finals.

Wrecking Ball Hold Results

This static strength event made its first appearance in a WSM contest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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In a test of grip strength, as well as total-body endurance, competitors stood on an elevated platform and held a bar supporting a 228kg (500-pound) wrecking ball for as long as possible.

Group 1

1. Kevin Faires — 1:35.18s
2. Andy Black — 1:26.92s
3. Gabriel Rhéaume — 1:24.10s
4. Manuel Angulo — 1:11.66s
5. Aivars Šmaukstelis — 0:57.44s
6. Tom Stoltman — 0:04.63s

Group 2

1. Mark Felix — 2:20.49s
2. Bobby Thompson — 1:21.33s
3. Brian Shaw — 1:06.13s
4. Konstantine Janashia — 1:01.38s
5. Gabriel Peña — 0:48.27s
6. Mitchell Hooper — 0:06.40s

Group 3

1. Trey Mitchell — 2:06.46s
2. Mika Törrö — 1:53.17s
3. Grzegorz Szymanski — 1:46.49s
4. Oleksii Novikov — 1:38.63s
5. Adam Bishop — 1:31.35s
6. Rob Kearney — 1:01.95s

Group 4

1. Maxime Boudreault — 1:33.93s
2. Pavlo Kordiyaka — 1:31.33s
3. Martins Licis — 1:25.63s
4. Nedžmin Ambešković — 1:12.47s
5. Gavin Bilton — 1:07.15s
6. Shane Flowers — Withdrawn

Group 5

1. Kelvin De Ruiter — 1:45.65s
2. Evan Singleton — 1:40.34s
3. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 1:03.42s
4. Jean-Stephen Coraboeuf — 1:00.70s
5. Kim Ujarak — 0:36.24s
6. Luke Stoltman — No time completed

The top competitor from each group will be advancing to this weekend’s Finals — Tom Stoltman, Mitchell Hooper, Oleksii Novikov, Martins Licis, and Luke Stoltman. While Mark Felix didn’t place well enough to reach the Finals, the grip-strength expert did set a world record with his time of two minutes and 20 seconds.

The second and third place competitors in each group proceeded to challenge each other in the Stone Off event, where the winner from each pairing moved on to Finals.

Stone Off Results

In their last attempt to fight for the title, competitors were challenged by six stones — 150kg (330 pounds), two stones at 160kg (353 pounds), two stones at 180kg (397 pounds), and ending with 200kg (440 pounds). To further test their abilities, the last stone was lifted for as many reps as possible until one competitor failed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Due to the unique placements coming into this event, the competitor who was second place in their group had the advantage of lifting the stone second. So, if their head-to-head competitor failed their lift, the advantage was an automatic win.

Group 1

• Kevin Faires
• Gabriel Rheaume — Winner

Group 2

• Bobby Thompson
• Brian Shaw — Winner

Group 3

• Trey Mitchell — Winner
• Adam Bishop

Group 4

• Maxime Boudreault – Winner
• Pavlo Kordiyaka

Group 5

• Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted – Winner
• Jean-Stephen Coraboeuf

2022 WSM Day Two Results

Sacramento’s weather started off in the high-70s, compared to yesterday’s 100-degree heat, but competitors may not have noticed. They were too focused on the car walk and log lift — two classic WSM events.

Car Walk Results

Competitors stepped into the center of a roofless, hollowed-out car set around a yoke-style bar. They then carried the 430kg (950-pound) vehicle 20 meters (66 feet) as quickly as possible.

Unfortunately, Shane Flowers withdrew due to an apparent foot or ankle injury sustained during the Loading Race on Day One. While he showed the grit of a champion in completing yesterday’s Deadlift Ladder as well, he was unable to continue competing on Day Two and had to withdraw from his first appearance at the WSM.

Group 1

1. Tom Stoltman — 0:14.65s
2. Gabriel Rhéaume — 0:16.44s
3. Kevin Faires — 0:19.32s
4. Aivars Šmaukstelis — 0:19.91s
5. Andy Black — 0:32.71s
6. Manuel Angulo — 1:00.00s

Group 2

1. Mitchell Hooper — 0:11.64s
2. Mark Felix — 0:13.96s
3. Bobby Thompson — 0:16.05s
4. Konstantine Janashia — 0:18.16s
5. Brian Shaw — 0:19.97s
6. Gabriel Peña — 18.90m (Did not finish course)

Group 3

1. Rob Kearney — 0:11.63s
2. Grzegorz Szymanski — 0:14.26s
3. Oleksii Novikov — 0:15.23s
4. Trey Mitchell — 0:19.24s
5. Adam Bishop — 0:23.38s
6. Mika Törrö — 9.50m (Did not finish course)

Group 4

1. Pavlo Kordiyaka — 0:12.92s
2. Martins Licis — 0:18.93s
3. Gavin Bilton — 0:23.67s
4. Maxime Boudreault — 0:49.28s
5. Nedžmin Ambešković — 13.60m (Did not finish course)
6. Shane Flowers — Withdrawn

Group 5

1. Evan Singleton — 0:09.86s
2. Luke Stoltman — 0:16.65s
3. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 0:29.07s
4. Jean-Stephen Coraboeuf — 0:41.34s
5. Kelvin De Ruiter — 1:00.00s
6. Kim Ujarak — 11.40m (Did not finish course)

Log Lift Results

This time-honored event first appeared in the 1980 WSM contest. In this year’s challenge, competitors lifted the 145kg (320-pound) log from the ground to overhead for as many reps as possible within the 75-second time limit.

With the temperature spiking well-above 100 degrees, the log itself became heated and simply holding the weight for the duration was a challenge for many competitors. Event organizers were keeping the log covered in an attempt to provide shade and make the event a test of strength rather than pain tolerance.

Group 1

1. Tom Stoltman — 8 reps
2. Kevin Faires — 7 reps
3. Gabriel Rhéaume — 6 rep
4. Aivars Šmaukstelis — 4 reps
5. Andy Black — No reps
6. Manuel Angulo — No reps

Group 2

1. Bobby Thompson — 8 reps
2. Mitchell Hooper — 7 reps
3. Brian Shaw — 7 reps
4. Konstantine Janashia — 5 reps
5. Gabriel Peña — 1 rep
6. Mark Felix — No reps

Group 3

1. Oleksii Novikov — 9 reps
2. Trey Mitchell — 9 reps
3. Adam Bishop — 7 reps
4. Rob Kearney — 6 reps
5. Grzegorz Szymanski — 3 reps
6. Mika Törrö — 2 reps

Group 4

1. Maxime Boudreault — 10 reps
2. Martins Licis — 9 reps
3. Pavlo Kordiyaka — 9 reps
4. Gavin Bilton — 7 reps
5. Nedžmin Ambešković — 2 reps
6. Shane Flowers — Withdrawn

Group 5

1. Luke Stoltman — 10 reps
2. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 8 reps
3. Jean-Stephen Coraboeuf — 7 reps
4. Kim Ujarak — 6 reps
5. Kelvin De Ruiter — 1 rep
6. Evan Singleton — 1 rep

2022 WSM Day One Results

With Sacramento temperatures over 100 degrees, heavy weights and fierce competitors weren’t the only obstacles to winning today’s two events — a loading race and a deadlift ladder. Here are the results from each competitive Group, including each athlete’s results, corresponding time, and placing within the event.

Loading Race Results

Competitors completed a loading race traveling eight meters while carrying five separate implements — a 220-pound “cannonball” atlas stone, a 265-pound keg, a 275-pound anvil, and two Rogue sandbags weighing just under 300 pounds each.

Evan Singleton appeared to suffer an injury during the event and initially withdrew from competition, marking the third consecutive year his WSM contest was interrupted (after tearing his biceps in 2020 and catching a stomach virus in ’21). However, he was later cleared to continue competing.

Group 1

1. Tom Stoltman — Five implements, 38.39 seconds
2. Kevin Faires — Five implements, 43.36 seconds
3. Aivars Šmaukstelis — Five implements, 44.37 seconds
4. Andy Black —Five implements, 50.81 seconds
5. Gabriel Rhéaume — Five implements, 53.39 seconds
6. Manuel Angulo — Four implements, 70 seconds

Group 2

1. Mitchell Hooper — Five implements, 38.31 seconds
2. Brian Shaw — Five implements, 45 seconds
3. Gabriel Peña — Five implements, 45.88 seconds
4. Konstantine Janashia — Five implements, 49.47
5. Bobby Thompson — Five implements, 49.70 seconds
6. Mark Felix — Five implements, 54.96 seconds

Group 3

1. Oleksii Novikov — Five implements, 37.25 seconds
2. Adam Bishop — Five implements, 45.85 seconds
3. Mika Törrö — Five implements, 47.84 seconds
4. Trey Mitchell — Five implements, 48.76 seconds
5. Rob Kearney — Five implements, 54.62 seconds
6. Grzegorz Szymanski — Four implements, 29.89 seconds

Group 4

1. Martins Licis — Five implements, 37.73 seconds
2. Maxime Boudreault — Five implements, 40.68 seconds
3. Pavlo Kordiyaka — Five implements, 43.70 seconds
4. Gavin Bilton — Five implements, 45.76 seconds
5. Shane Flowers — Five implements, 48.70 seconds
6. Nedžmin Ambešković — One implement, 10.2 seconds

Group 5

1. Luke Stoltman — Five implements, 37.95 seconds
2. Kelvin De Ruiter — Five implements, 39.18 seconds
3. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — Five implements, 49.69 seconds
4. Jean-Stephen Coraboeuf — Five implements, 52.70 seconds
5. Evan Singleton — Five implements, 1:08 (withdrawn)
6. Kim Ujarak — Four implements, 34.49 seconds

Deadlift Ladder Results

The deadlift ladder is a serious test of strength, endurance, and fortitude. The competitors were challenged to perform one deadlift using five progressively heavier barbells — 300 kilograms (660 pounds), 320kg (705 pounds), 340kg (750 pounds), 360kg (795 pounds), and finally 380kg (840 pounds).

Shane Flowers had a bandage applied to his foot and ankle after his final deadlift attempt, possibly related to an injury initiated after the Loading Race event earlier in the day.

Group 1

1. Tom Stoltman — 5 reps in 0:51.46s
2. Kevin Faires — 4 reps in 0:45.89s
3. Gabriel Rhéaume — 4 reps in 0:39.40s
4. Aivars Šmaukstelis — 4 reps in 0:55.91s
5. Andy Black —4 reps in 1:02.30s
6. Manuel Angulo — 3 reps in 0:38.62s

Group 2

1. Mitchell Hooper — 5 reps in 0:31.21s
2. Bobby Thompson — 5 reps in 0:42.56s
3. Gabriel Peña — 5 reps in 0:52.53s
4. Mark Felix — 4 reps in 0:28.64s
5. Brian Shaw — 4 reps in 0:32.20s
6. Konstantine Janashia — 3 reps in 0:19.05s

Group 3

1. Oleksii Novikov — 5 reps in 0:35.64s
2. Adam Bishop — 5 reps in 0:37.44s
3. Trey Mitchell — 5 reps in 0:59.00s
4. Rob Kearney — 4 reps in 0:41.28s
5. Mika Törrö — 2 reps in 0:26.65s
6. Grzegorz Szymanski — 2 reps in 0:26.91s

Group 4

1. Martins Licis — 5 reps in 0:43.59s
2. Gavin Bilton — 5 reps in 0:52.28s
3. Shane Flowers — 4 reps in 0:36.69s
4. Maxime Boudreault — 3 reps in 0:21.12s
5. Pavlo Kordiyaka — 3 reps in 0:38.50s
6. Nedžmin Ambešković — 3 reps in 0:45.45s

Group 5

1. Luke Stoltman — 4 reps in 0:42.87s
2. Jean-Stephen Coraboeuf — 4 reps in 0:53.87s
3. Kim Ujarak — 4 reps in 0:56.48s
4. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 3 reps in 0:40.88s
5. Kelvin De Ruiter — 3 reps in 0:56.44s
6. Evan Singleton —  (withdrawn)

2022 WSM Events

Here’s the complete schedule for the competition, including the three-day Qualifiers and the two-day Final.

Qualifying Round — Day One

• Loading Race 
• Deadlift Ladder

Qualifying Round — Day Two

• Car Walk
• Log Lift

Qualifying Round — Day Three

• Wrecking Ball Hold
• Stone Off

[Rest Day/No Events]

Final — Day One

• KNAACK Giant’s Medley
• Deadlift
• Flintstone Barbell 

Final — Day Two

• Bus Pull 
• Reign Total Body Fuel Power Stairs
• Atlas Stones

2022 WSM Competitor Withdrawals

While 30 men qualified to enter this year’s WSM, unexpected scenarios can occur. Here’s a list of the competitors who have withdrawn from the contest.

• Peiman Maheripourehir: Due to visa issues.
• Rauno Heinla: No reason specified, potential injury in training.
• Mateusz Kieliszkowski: Leg injury during training.
• Pa O’Dwyer: No reason specified.
• Shane Flowers: Injury sustained on Day One, withdrew after attempting to continue on Day Two.

How Strongman is Scored

Scoring points in competitive strongman events relates to the overall field of competitors. First place can earn as many points as there are competitors, and points descend accordingly.

In the Qualifying stage, you can earn a maximum of six points because there are six athletes in each group. First place gets six points; second gets five, and so on. In the Finals, there will be 10 competitors in total, so first place earns 10 points; second gets nine; third gets eight; and so on.

In the event of any tied scores, points are split evenly. If two athletes tie for second, you would add up the second and third place points and divide by two. For example, in the WSM Finals, if two athletes tie for second place, they would each earn 8.5 points (nine plus eight divided by two).

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In this leg of the competition, the 30-person roster of athletes had to tackle the Loading Race and the Deadlift Ladder while divided up into their five respective qualifying groups. Here’s where the leaderboard stands after Day One, along with a short recap of how each athlete fared in the first events of the contest. 

2022 WSM Leaderboard — Day One

2022 WSM Day One Results

Here are the results from each Group, including each athlete’s individual finishes, corresponding time, and placing within the Loading Race and Deadlift Ladder events. 

Loading Race Recap

The day’s first event saw competitors completing a loading race where they had to travel eight meters while carrying five separate implements — a 220-pound “cannonball” Atlas Stone, a 265-pound keg, a 275-pound anvil, and two Rogue sandbags weighing just under 300 pounds each. Reigning WSM champion Tom Stoltman won his group, while Mitchell Hooper, Oleksii Novikov, Martin Licis, and Luke Stoltman all also had strong first-place showings in their respective groups. 

Unfortunately, Evan Singleton suffered an injury during the event and had to withdraw from the competition, marking the third consecutive year he was unable to finish the WSM.

Group 1

1. Tom Stoltman — Five implements, 38.39 seconds
2. Kevin Faires — Five implements, 43.36 seconds
3. Aivars Šmaukstelis — Five implements, 44.37 seconds
4. Andy Black —Five implements, 50.81 seconds
5. Gabriel Rhéaume — Five implements, 53.39 seconds
6. Manuel Angulo — Four implements, 70 seconds

Group 2

1. Mitchell Hooper — Five implements, 38.31 seconds
2. Brian Shaw — Five implements, 45 seconds
3. Gabriel Peña — Five implements, 45.88 seconds
4. Konstantine Janashia — Five implements, 49.47
5. Bobby Thompson — Five implements, 49.70 seconds
6. Mark Felix — Five implements, 54.96 seconds

Group 3

1. Oleksii Novikov — Five implements, 37.25 seconds
2. Adam Bishop — Five implements, 45.85 seconds
3. Mika Törrö — Five implements, 47.84 seconds
4. Trey Mitchell — Five implements, 48.76 seconds
5. Rob Kearney — Five implements, 54.62 seconds
6. Grzegorz Szymanski — Four implements, 29.89 seconds

Group 4

1. Martins Licis — Five implements, 37.73 seconds
2. Maxime Boudreault — Five implements, 40.68 seconds
3. Pavlo Kordiyaka — Five implements, 43.70 seconds
4. Gavin Bilton — Five implements, 45.76 seconds
5. Shane Flowers — Five implements, 48.70 seconds
6. Nedžmin Ambešković — One implement, 10.2 seconds

Group 5

1. Luke Stoltman — Five implements, 37.95 seconds
2. Kelvin De Ruiter — Five implements, 39.18 seconds
3. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — Five implements, 49.69 seconds
4. Jean-Stephen Coraboeuf — Five implements, 52.70 seconds
5. Evan Singleton — Five implements, 1:08 (withdrawn)
6. Kim Ujarak — Four implements, 34.49 seconds

Deadlift Ladder Results

The deadlift ladder tests strength, endurance, and will. The respective competitors had to perform one deadlift using five progressively heavier barbells — 300 kilograms (660 pounds),  320kg (705 pounds), 340kg (750 pounds), 360kg (795 pounds), and 380kg (840 pounds). Tom Stoltman again came out on top in his group, while Hooper, Novikov, Licis, and Luke Stoltman all kept a relative pace by doing the same. 

Shane Flowers had a cast applied to his foot and ankle after his final deadlift attempt, possibly related to an injury initiated after the Loading Race event earlier in the day.

Group 1

1. Tom Stoltman — 5 reps in 0:51.46s
2. Kevin Faires — 4 reps in 0:45.89s
3. Gabriel Rhéaume — 4 reps in 0:39.40s
4. Aivars Šmaukstelis — 4 reps in 0:55.91s
5. Andy Black —4 reps in 1:02.30s
6. Manuel Angulo — 3 reps in 0:38.62s

Group 2

1. Mitchell Hooper — 5 reps in 0:31.21s
2. Bobby Thompson — 5 reps in 0:42.56s
3. Gabriel Peña — 5 reps in 0:52.53s
4. Mark Felix — 4 reps in 0:28.64s
5. Brian Shaw — 4 reps in 0:32.20s
6. Konstantine Janashia — 3 reps in 0:19.05s

Group 3

1. Oleksii Novikov — 5 reps in 0:35.64s
2. Adam Bishop — 5 reps in 0:37.44s
3. Trey Mitchell — 5 reps in 0:59.00s
4. Rob Kearney — 4 reps in 0:41.28s
5. Mika Törrö — 2 reps in 0:26.65s
6. Grzegorz Szymanski — 2 reps in 0:26.91s

Group 4

1. Martins Licis — 5 reps in 0:43.59s
2. Gavin Bilton — 5 reps in 0:52.28s
3. Shane Flowers — 4 reps in 0:36.69s
4. Maxime Boudreault — 3 reps in 0:21.12s
5. Pavlo Kordiyaka — 3 reps in 0:38.50s
6. Nedžmin Ambešković — 3 reps in 0:45.45s

Group 5

1. Luke Stoltman — 4 reps in 0:42.87s
2. Jean-Stephen Coraboeuf — 4 reps in 0:53.87s
3. Kim Ujarak — 4 reps in 0:56.48s
4. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 3 reps in 0:40.88s
5. Kelvin De Ruiter — 3 reps in 0:56.44s
6. Evan Singleton —  (withdrawn)

Day Two Is Next

This year’s WSM is only getting ramped up, and there’s still plenty to sort through before the weekend’s Finals on Saturday, May 28 to Sunday, May 29, 2022. Wednesday’s Qualifying Round events will see the respective athletes strap a Volkswagen Bug to their shoulders during the Car Walk and challenge their overhead strength with the Log Lift. It should undoubtedly be another tight race to keep a close eye on. 

Featured image: Joe Martinez/World’s Strongest Man

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[Related: 2022 Giants Live Strongman Classic Reveals Lineup]

The 2022 WSM roster hosts four previous winners, with several more than worthy up-and-comers trying to notch their first-ever title. There will be three days of Qualifying Round events, determining who competes in the two-day Finals. 

Fans who want to view the 2022 WSM in full have two options. They can travel to Sacramento to watch it live or wait until CBS Sports Network broadcasts a television replay of the entire event later this summer in the United States. At the time of this writing, the WSM organization has not announced specific air times and dates.

How to Watch the 2022 WSM

If fans can’t travel to Sacramento and don’t want to wait until CBS airs the full replay, the WSM organization will offer a live show — Backstage Live! Presented by The Beard Struggle — that will air on WSM’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. 

Terry Hollands — who competed in 15 separate WSM competitions — will host the show. Hollands will recap each day’s events while offering inside access to backstage interviews with the athletes and event organizers. 

If, by chance, fans can attend in person, the WSM organization will have a first-ever Fan Festival that is free of charge to the public. The festival will feature an assortment of food trucks, giveaways, and other special events. 

What to Expect From the 2022 WSM

Tom Stoltman is the defending champion, and he’s looking to become the first repeat winner since Brian Shaw (2015-2016). Meanwhile, Shaw seeks rare status as he’s trying to become the second-ever, five-time WSM champion. Poland’s Mariusz Pudzianowski is the only five-time champion in the competition’s history.

Look for 2020 WSM Champion Oleksii Novikov and 2019 WSM Champion Martin Licis, respectively, to push for status as the 10th strongman to win multiple championships. 

At the time of this publishing, here is the roster of 30 athletes for this year’s competition:

2022 WSM Roster

1. Tom Stoltman (United Kingdom) — Reigning WSM Champion
2. Brian Shaw (United States) — 2021 WSM 2nd place
3. Maxime Boudreault (Canada) — 2021 WSM 3rd place
4. Mitchell Hooper (Canada)
5. Pavlo Kordiyaka (Ukraine)
6. Rob Kearney (United States)
7. Gabriel Peña (Mexico)
8. Kelvin de Ruiter (Netherlands)
9. Kim Ujarak (Greenland)
10. Mark Felix (United Kingdom)
11. Pa O’Dwyer (Ireland)
12. Shane Flowers (United Kingdom)
13. Jean-Stephen Coraboeuf (Australia)
14. Bobby Thompson (United States)
15. Aivars Smaukstelis (Latvia)
16. Adam Bishop (United Kingdom)
17. Evan Singleton (United States)
18. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted (Iceland)
19. Konstantine Janashia (Georgia)
20. Charles “Trey” Mitchell (United States)
21. Mika Törrö (Finland)
22. Manuel Angulo (Chile)
23. Luke Stoltman (United Kingdom)
24. Bobby Thompson (United States)
25. Kevin Faires (United States)
26. Nedžmin Ambešković (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
27. Gabriel Rheaume (Canada)
28. Martins Licis (United States)
29. Gavin Bilton (United Kingdom)
30. Oleksii Novikov (Ukraine)

From the Qualifying Round to the Finals, here is the order of official 2022 WSM events:

Qualifying Round, Day 1 — Tuesday, May 24th, 2022

• Loading Race 
• Deadlift Ladder

Qualifying Round, Day 2 — Wednesday, May 25th, 2022

• Car Walk
• Log Lift

Qualifying Round, Day 3 — Thursday, May 26th, 2022

• Wrecking Ball Hold
• Stone Off

Final, Day 1 — Saturday, May 28th, 2022

• KNAACK Giant’s Medley
• Deadlift
• Flintstone Barbell 

Final, Day 2 — Sunday, May 29th, 2022

• Bus Pull 
• Reign Total Body Fuel Power Stairs
• Atlas Stones

Featured image: @theworldsstrongestman on Instagram

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On May 10, 2022, Ujarak powered through an intense deadlift ladder of…

• 330 kilograms (727.5 pounds)
• 350 kilograms (771.6 pounds)
• 370 kilograms (815.7 pounds)
• 390 kilograms (860 pounds).

He completed each pull from a conventional stance (a necessity by strongman rules) while wearing a lifting belt and wrist wraps. Ujarak had minimal rest between each pull, only stepping back and taking a short breath while two people added additional weight to his loaded barbell.

 

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[Related: Strongman Peiman Maheripourehir Withdraws From 2022 World’s Strongest Man, Manuel Angulo Steps In]

Notably, the second step of Ujarak’s deadlift ladder — 350 kilograms (771.6 pounds) — eclipses the final weight of the 2022 WSM’s Deadlift Ladder event by almost 10 kilograms (22 pounds). Ujarak did not confirm whether he planned his training session with that closing figure in mind.

“Tough weights after the last four weeks of very tough training. That’s the last heavy deadlift until Worlds!”

Nonetheless, it is undoubtedly a potential great omen of his chances during the Qualifying Round event.

Ujarak at a Glance

At 29-years-old, Ujarak is a relatively new competitor in the international strongman sphere. According to Strongman Archives, here’s the Greenland native’s record of international strongman competitions to date:

Kim Ujarak | International Strongman Results

• 2018 Burn Showdown Battle of the North (Open) — Seventh place
• 2021 Magnús Ver Magnússon Strongman Classic (Open) — 10th place

Despite his international inexperience, Ujarak can point to some worthy accolades.

In October 2021, during the inaugural 2021 Arnold Strongman Classic UK, Ujarak won the Log & Deadlift Rep Championships on the Men’s side. He notched that victory by log-pressing 140 kilograms (309 pounds) six times in a minute.

The highlight of Ujarak’s career thus far might be his status as the five-time reigning Greenland’s Strongest Man (GSM) Champion (2017-2021). Since Greenland only began its strongman competitions in 2017, that technically means Ujarak is the country’s only-ever champion.

The WSM Lies Ahead

It was announced that Ujarak was part of the 2022 WSM roster in late March 2022. It will mark his first appearance in the prestigious competition. He’ll try to make a name for himself amongst some of the sport’s active greats like reigning champion Tom Stoltman, 2020 champion Oleksii Novikov, four-time winner Brian Shaw (2011, 2013, 2015-2016), and the victor in 2019, Martin Licis. Names like Chance “Trey” Mitchell and Adam Bishop could also be in play.

If Ujarak is to surprise his competitors with a quality performance, he’ll need to do well during the Qualifying Round. His deadlift ladder training session is an excellent step toward that goal.

The 2022 World’s Strongest Man will take place on May 24-29, 2022, in Sacramento, CA.

Featured image: @ujarak_strongman

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2022 World’s Strongest Man Event Schedule

Here is the full lineup and schedule of events, including the Qualifying Stage and a two-day Finals:

Qualifying Round, Day 1 — Tuesday, May 24th, 2022

• Loading Race 
• Deadlift Ladder

Qualifying Round, Day 2 — Wednesday, May 25th, 2022

• Car Walk
• Log Lift

Qualifying Round, Day 3 — Thursday, May 26th, 2022

• Wrecking Ball Hold
• Stone Off

Final, Day 1 — Saturday, May 28th, 2022

• KNAACK Giant’s Medley
• Deadlift
• Flintstone Barbell 

Final, Day 2 — Sunday, May 29th, 2022

• Bus Pull 
• Reign Total Body Fuel Power Stairs
• Atlas Stones

At the time of this writing, WSM has not announced which athletes will be in their specific Qualifying Groups. Notably, the 2021 WSM saw different, random draws for the various events. This year, every Qualifying Group will take on the same events.

The 2022 WSM format will consist of five groups with six athletes each. The respective winner of each group advances to the Final, while the second and third-place finishers will clash in a Stone Off to notch a spot in the Final. The fourth, fifth, and sixth-place athletes will leave the competition.

In the Stone Off, the onus is on the third-place finisher — who has the first crack at lifting the stones and risks elimination if they fail to complete a lift. That result will hold even if they raise the same number of stones as their competitor. The five respective winners of the Stone Off will take the remaining spots in the Final.

 

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[Related: 2022 Giants Live Strongman Classic Reveals Lineup]

2022 WSM Event Breakdown

Here are more specifics on the events that the competitors can expect in Sacramento.

Loading Race

One of strongman’s customary events, the Loading Race will make another appearance at the 2022 WSM. It was an event that every Qualifying Group took part in during the 2021 WSM.

The 2021 respective Loading Race winners are reigning WSM Champion Tom Stoltman, Maxime Boudreault, Konstantine Janashia, Kevin Faires, and Robert Oberst. Each of these competitors has a place in the 2022 lineup save for Oberst.

Deadlift Ladder

Meanwhile, the Deadlift Ladder event makes its debut during the 2022 WSM. Competitors will start their deadlifts with 650-pound barbells and eventually work their way up to 750 pounds. The athletes have an extra incentive to finish their pulls quickly, which will reward them with more points.

Car Walk

Another event making a return after an absence, the Car Walk will see the athletes strap a Volkswagen Bug to their shoulders as they attempt to walk it down a 25-meter path. 2019 WSM Champion Martin Licis is a competitor to watch here.

Licis typically excels with the Yoke Walk — which is similar to the Car Walk, albeit with the car being more unwieldy. The strongman crushed a Yoke Walk during the 2021 Rogue Invitational when he carried a 455-kilogram yoke (1,000-pound) 50 feet in just over 44 seconds. That mark was enough to have Licis lap the next best competitor by almost six seconds and garner a second-place finish to Mateusz Kieliszkowski (41.74 seconds) — who recently withdrew from the 2022 WSM competition.

Log Lift

The Log Lift should be a spectacle to watch. Many of the featured athletes fare pretty well with their overhead strength.

Bobby Thompson in particular will be under the microscope as he holds the American log lift record with a 217.5-kilogram press (479.5 pounds) from the 2021 Clash on the Coast. The 2021 Europe’s Strongest Man (ESM) Luke Stoltman should also be someone to keep an eye on. Stoltman holds the British log lift record with a 221-kilogram press (487-pound) from the World Ultimate Strongman’s “Feat of Strength” series.

 

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[Related: Watch Strongman Trey Mitchell Crush A 405-Pound Behind-The-Neck Press For 3 Reps]

Wrecking Ball Hold

The Wrecking Ball Hold is making its first-ever appearance at the WSM competition. Athletes will have the task of lifting a massive wrecking ball and holding it for as long as possible.

Stone Off

The Stone Off will be no surprise to the competitors who are intimately familiar with the famed Atlas Stones. Tom “King of the Stones” Stoltman might be the favorite. He won the final Atlas Stones event (five lifts in 20.21 seconds) during the 2021 WSM — a major factor in his eventual victory.

Two of the athletes, Trey Mitchell and 2022 ESM Champion Oleksii Novikov, should also make easy work of the stones. The two strongmen had a Stone Off for the ages during the 2019 WSM when Mitchell’s 14 successful staggering reps beat Novikov’s 13.

Including his recent ESM victory, Novikov has qualified for the podium in 13 of his last 14 sanctioned competitions. He is assuredly seeking redemption after not advancing from the 2021 Qualifying Round.

Giants Medley

The KNAACK® Giants Medley is comparable to the Loading Race, save for a structure that features a box carry and super Yoke.

Deadlift

At the time of writing, the WSM organization hasn’t confirmed whether the deadlift event is for a one-rep max or for reps. After tying for first (10 reps each) during the 2021 WSM, Mitchell and Adam Bishop are the reigning winners. Mitchell just barely missed out on an 11th rep before time expired.

Flintstone Barbell

Yet another event making a comeback, the strongmen will lift a pair of giants stone on each arm sleeve in what is functionally a behind-the-neck press. They will take turns attempting to lift the same weights, with that number successively increasing in each round.

Bus Pull

The Bus Pull will see the athletes pull a Sacramento Regional Transit bus that weighs roughly 40,000 pounds in a race against the clock. The ground’s surface and the tires’ traction should undoubtedly play a role for the eventual victor.

Power Stairs

The Power Stairs asks the athletes to carry an anvil-esque implement up a flight of stairs as fast as they can.

This event was the wheelhouse for five-time WSM Champion Mariusz Pudzianowski — who partly won his fifth WSM title in 2008 on the strength of a stellar Power Stairs performance.

Atlas Stones

As is the tradition, the competition will close with the Atlas Stones. While Tom Stoltman will be favored, a number of the other athletes like Licis, Mitchell, Novikov, and Brian Shaw share a similar proficiency with the Atlas Stones. As a result, the event may once more likely decide this year’s champion.

2022 World’s Strongest Man Lineup

Here’s the current list of athletes set to compete during this year’s event:

1. Tom Stoltman (United Kingdom) — Reigning WSM Champion
2. Brian Shaw (United States) — 2021 WSM 2nd place
3. Maxime Boudreault (Canada) — 2021 WSM 3rd place
4. Mitchell Hooper (Canada)
5. Pavlo Kordiyaka (Ukraine)
6. Rob Kearney (United States)
7. Gabriel Peña (Mexico)
8. Kelvin de Ruiter (Netherlands)
9. Kim Ujarak (Greenland)
10. Mark Felix (United Kingdom)
11. Pa O’Dwyer (Ireland)
12. Shane Flowers (United Kingdom)
13. Jean-Stephen Coraboeuf (Australia)
14. Bobby Thompson (United States)
15. Aivars Smaukstelis (Latvia)
16. Adam Bishop (United Kingdom)
17. Evan Singleton (United States)
18. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted (Iceland)
19. Konstantine Janashia (Georgia)
20. Charles “Trey” Mitchell (United States)
21. Mika Törrö (Finland)
22. Peiman Maheripourehir (Iran)
23. Luke Stoltman (United Kingdom)
24. Bobby Thompson (United States)
25. Kevin Faires (United States)
26. Nedžmin Ambešković (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
27. Gabriel Rheaume (Canada)
28. Martins Licis (United States)
29. Gavin Bilton (United Kingdom)
30. Oleksii Novikov (Ukraine)

Several potential storylines lie in wait for this year’s competition. While Tom Stoltman is seeking a repeat, it could be the year of an upstart who surprises and takes home the hallowed WSM title.

Featured image: @theworldsstrongestman on Instagram

The post 2022 World’s Strongest Man Events Released — Car Walk, Flintstone Barbell Return appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

On April 6, 2022, the World’s Strongest Man (WSM) competition announced that Kieliszkowski withdrew from the 2022 WSM, which will take place on May 24-29, in Sacramento, CA. The WSM organization has not yet announced a replacement but noted one would come soon on Twitter.

Shortly after the announcement of his withdrawal, the Polish-born athlete discussed his rationale in a post on his Instagram profile:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Related: 2022 World’s Strongest Man Reveals 30-Person Lineup]

“I still feel some pain and am not comfortable in my leg after the injury I got before Arnold [Classic],” Kieliszkowski wrote in the post’s caption. “Heavy training isn’t a good method to fix for recovery for my body. I have some power but not enough to compete at the highest level in the world. The best and the smartest solution for me is to withdraw from the competition. I don’t want risk because I don’t need a bigger injury than I got.”

After Kieliszkowski finished second overall in the 2019 WSM, this will be the third consecutive year he misses the competition. He previously withdrew from the 2020 event due to a triceps injury and wasn’t on the 2021 roster for undisclosed reasons. The injury Kieliszkowski alludes to in his Instagram post is also the reason he withdrew from the Arnold Strongman Classic (ASC) in March of 2022. 

Success will come one day

What’s apparent is that Kieliszkowski wants to take his time working his way back into the sport. Before competing against many of the world’s elite strength-sports athletes at his usual “Polish Terminator” level again, he wants to be in a comfortable place first. He wants to be at his best. 

“Also, I don’t want to be beaten by everyone because that’s not my style — my goal is only first place,” Kieliszkowski says. “I made many mistakes. I have to be smarter this time because I want my career to be longer. Now I just need time to heal my body and be 100 percent healthy and hungry for victory.”

According to one of the sport’s greats, patience in recovery can be vital in bringing your best to competitive strongman. That certainly seems to be the main theme of Kieliszkowski’s coming approach. 

“No pressure or stress. I just need time and to be patient.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Related: Strongman Oleksii Novikov Is The 2022 Europe’s Strongest Man]

Kieliszkowski at a Glance

At only 28-years-old, Kieliszkowski has built up quite the strongman resume. Here’s a rundown of notable results from his career in recent years:

• Poland’s Strongest Man Champion — 2015-2019
• 2018 Giants Live Finals — 1st overall
• 2018 Europe’s Strongest Man (ESM) — 3rd overall
• 2018 WSM — 2nd overall
• 2019 Giants Live Wembley — 1st overall
• 2019 Giants Live World Tour Finals — 1st overall
• 2019 World’s Ultimate Strongman (WUS) — 1st overall
• 2019 ESM — 2nd overall
• 2019 WSM — 2nd overall
• 2019 ASC — 3rd overall
• 2020 ASC — 2nd overall
• 2021 WUS Dubai — 2nd overall

Notably, in addition to his many podium finishes, Kieliszkowski is also the current world record holder for the Cyr Dumbbell Press. He achieved this mark by lifting a 320-pound dumbbell over his head at the 2020 ASC. 

Whenever Kieliszkowski does decide to compete again, the top strongman sphere will likely welcome him with open arms. 

Featured image: @kieliszkowskimateusz on Instagram

The post Mateusz Kieliszkowski Opens Up About 2022 World’s Strongest Man Withdrawal: ‘My Goal Is Only First Place’ appeared first on Breaking Muscle.