Shaw didn’t share anything else about this particular workout, but that set alone showed that he’s feeling good about his prep for the contest. Strongmen don’t normally incorporate bench press movements into their programming because most of the pressing events are overhead lifts. The Shaw Classic will feature a bench press variation, which is why Shaw is adding the movement to his training.

This isn’t the first time that a legendary strength athlete has tested their might against the imposing 200s. The feat was made famous by bodybuilding great Ronnie Coleman when he pressed them, both on a flat and incline bench, for reps during one of his Mr. Olympia training videos back in 2000.

Since then, the feat has also been performed by the likes of strength athlete and fitness influencer Larry “Wheels” Williams as well as 2021 Arnold Classic bodybuilding champ Nick Walker. However, there was a notable difference with Shaw’s set which he pointed out in the caption of the post.

“How many lifters in history who could bench the 200lb dumbbells could actually carry them from the rack and get them into position without help?”

As the video showed, Shaw does essentially performing a short farmer’s walk, unracking the weights and walking them several steps to the bench before beginning his set. The previous athletes who’ve completed the exercise with these massive weights have typically laid into position on the bench while multiple spotters hand the lifter each weight, assisting in the setup.

Shaw also ended the set after the fifth repetition when he clearly had more in the tank and didn’t appear to struggle to completion. In the post caption, he shared that this was a strategic move.

“Just because everyone will comment that I didn’t do more reps… this was a working set and not a set of max reps. It’s ok to just train without having to max out for every video.”

Besides preparing for his final competition as an athlete, which requires a reported diet of around 10,000 calories per day, Shaw continues his work as the show’s promoter, aiming to make the 2023 Shaw Classic the best version of the contest yet. It will be the fourth straight year he puts this show on and he upped the ante by announcing that the winner will earn a new official title — The Strongest Man on Earth.

Shaw made the announcement in a separate Instagram post, revealing he bought the rights from former Fortissimus contest promoter Paul Ohl in order to bestow the title on the Shaw Classic champion for 2023 and beyond. This new title is a part of Shaw’s strategy to make the Shaw Classic an even more prestigious event in the years to come.

Featured Posts: @shawstrength on Instagram

The post Brian Shaw Benches 91-Kilogram (200-Pound) Dumbbells for 5 Fast Reps Before His Final Strongman Contest appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

In an interview video posted to YouTube on July 17, 2023, Brian Shaw, four-time World’s Strongest Man (WSM) champion (2011, 2013, 2015-2016) and organizer of the annual SC, announced that he’d acquired the “The Strongest Man on Earth” trademark from Paul Ohl. The title had previously been awarded to winners of Fortissimus, a strongman contest that Ohl organized from 2008-2009. Shaw and Ohl discussed what the title transfer would mean for the SC’s future in their conversation.

After attempting to gain traction in 2008, an eventual lack of sponsorships led to the indefinite shuttering of the Fortissimus competition in 2009. The contest didn’t come back, but Ohl and organizers still owned the “The Strongest Man on Earth” trademark. As the winner of the 2009 edition, four-time WSM champion (2009-2010, 2012, 2014) Žydrūnas Savickas is technically the defending and final champion of the contest.

Shaw maintained that he approached Ohl for this name transition because he believes it adds legitimacy to the growth of the SC as a tentpole strongman competition, which only has three iterations at the time of this writing (2020-2022).

It is surely something the current roster of elite competitors may come to appreciate as another part of their potential prize. Here’s an overview of the field at the 2023 SC:

2023 Shaw Classic Roster

• Trey Mitchell (United States) — Reigning two-time Champion
• Brian Shaw (United States) — 2022 runner-up
• Mitchell Hooper (Canada) — 2022 third place
• Tom Stoltman (United Kingdom)
• Luke Stoltman (United Kingdom)
• Oleksii Novikov (Ukraine)
• Bobby Thompson (United States)
• Adam Bishop (United Kingdom)
• Graham Hicks (United Kingdom)
• Pavlo Nakonechnyy (Ukraine)
• Thomas Evans (United States)
• Maxime Boudreault (Canada)
• Kevin Faires (United States)
• Aivars Šmaukstelis (Latvia)
• Evan Singleton (United States)
• *Gavin Bilton (United Kingdom) | *Replaces Mateusz Kieliszkowski

Here’s a rundown of the expected events at the 2023 SC:

2023 Shaw Classic Events

• Log Medley
• Max Hummer Tire Deadlift
• Wheelbarrow and Arm-Over-Arm Medley
• Bag Toss
• Car Leg Press
• Atlas Stones
• Standing Bench Press
• Fingal’s Fingers and Power Stairs Medley

Note: The Atlas Stones appear not to be the closing event of the 2023 SC, as it often is in other strongman contests.

Trey Mitchell is the two-time defending SC champion but faces a gauntlet of peers waiting to take his throne. The most notable contenders, aside from Shaw himself, are a trio of modern WSM champions — Mitchell Hooper (2023, reigning), Tom Stoltman (2021-2022), and Oleksii Novikov (2020). With “The Strongest Man on Earth” title now awaiting the latest victor, it should add more incentive to a spirited strongman battle in Loveland, CO, on August 19-20, 2023.

Featured image: @shawstrength on Instagram

The post The 2023 Shaw Classic Will Determine “The Strongest Man on Earth” appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

On June 12, 2023, Shaw shared a video to his YouTube where he diagrams “full day of eating” with more than 10,000 calories. The diet is part of Shaw’s last planning steps as an elite strongman before he vies for the SC title one last time. Shaw won the inaugural SC in 2020 and finished as the runner-up to two-time defending champion Trey Mitchell in 2021-2022.

According to Shaw, he eats six meals a day to keep up his current strength and stature at 6-foot-8 height and 181.4 kilograms (400 pounds). Each meal appears to serve its own purpose within Shaw’s overarching strategy. Here’s a general overview of each of Shaw’s meals from his 10,000-calorie day.

Note: Shaw disclosed nutritional numbers but did not provide precise measurements for every element.

Meal 1

Shaw started his day by making some pancakes and mixing eight ounces of bison meat with six whole eggs. Naturally, the pancakes had butter and syrup, while the meat and egg mix had ketchup. Shaw washed this breakfast down with orange juice.

• Calories — 2,260
• Protein — 104 grams
• Carbs — 240 grams
• Fat — 95.5 grams

Meal 2

Next, prior to leaving the house, Shaw whipped up a protein shake with three scoops of whey protein powder, one banana, “a scoop” of peanut butter, and water. He also packed four cookies and an apple to take with him on the go.

• Calories — 1,190
• Protein — 85 grams
• Carbs — 132 grams
• Fat — 36 grams

Meal 3

Shaw dubbed the ensuing meal his “First Lunch.” It essentially involved a significant amount of pasta and bison meat, with the latter coming in at a whopping one-pound portion.

• Calories — 1,495
• Protein — 131 grams
• Carbs — 153 grams
• Fat — 43 grams

Meal 4

Shaw unveiled another pound of bison meat for his next meal. On this occasion, he ate it with a half-can of green beans and “a generous two cups” of rice instead of pasta. There’s also a large helping of barbecue sauce overlaid.

• Calories — 1,532
• Protein — 129 grams
• Carbs — 161.5 grams
• Fat — 40 grams

It is here where Shaw clarified that the size of his portion would only grow as the 2023 SC nears. He explained that the proof is in the pudding as the increased eating has translated to better training.

“Some of the contests previously to this, I’ve talked about, ‘Hey, I want my scale weight to be down. I’m worried about my speed or I’m worried about that.’ The Shaw Classic is not about any of that. It’s just about being big and strong. So I’m going to eat like I want to be big and strong.” Shaw said. “My portion sizes from this point will only get bigger, they will not get smaller … How I am feeling in the gym is also showing me that eating this way is translating to the gym and my performance.”

Meal 5

As Shaw neared the end of his day, bison meat made yet another appearance. In this instance, the American athlete cooked 12 ravioli, eight chicken meatballs, a large bowl of salad with vinaigrette dressing, and eight-ounces of bison meat.

Shaw also drank two cans of Coca-Cola, explaining that the soda was “only a pre-training thing.” Shaw clarified that this meal was designed in anticipation of a heavy deadlift session the next day, with the goal of “carbing up and fueling up” for the strenuous workout.

• Calories — 2,555
• Protein — 145 grams
• Carbs — 209 grams
• Fat — 135 grams

Meal 6

To close this monster day of eating, Shaw helped himself to dessert. The strongman ate a bowl of homemade ice cream created with milk and a mass-gaining protein shake. As a “sprinkle” of sorts, Shaw had a slice of cheesecake along with his cold treat.

• Calories — 1,420
• Protein — 97.5 grams
• Carbs — 153 grams
• Fat — 47 grams

One of the most important weekends in Shaw’s strength life awaits him at the 2023 SC. To finally unseat someone like the reigning champion Mitchell, Shaw seemingly understands that his preparation has to go into overdrive for a curtain-call win. His 10,000-calorie day of eating certainly fits that bill.

Featured image: @shawstrength on Instagram

The post Brian Shaw Diagrams His 10,000-Calorie Diet Before Last Strongman Contest appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

The 30-man roster was whittled down to 10 Finalists over the course of the weekend: Mitchell Hooper, Defending WSM champion Tom Stoltman, Oleksii Novikov, Trey Mitchell, Evan Singleton, Brian Shaw, Pavlo Kordiyaka, Luke Stoltman, Mathew Ragg, and Jaco Schoonwinkel. By contest’s end, Mitchell Hooper pulled away from the pack to win the title of 2023 World’s Strongest Man.

Breaking Muscle updated this results page throughout the contest to keep you on top of all the action throughout this year’s contest. Contest organizers had stated there would be no livestream of the event but, as the contest progressed, WSM offered behind-the-scenes commentary 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 they were confirmed on the World’s Strongest Man homepage.

2023 WSM Finals Leaderboard

The 2023 World’s Strongest Man

• Day One — Loading Race
• Day One — Deadlift Machine
• Day One — Log Ladder
• Day Two — Conan’s Wheel
• Day Two — Kettlebell Toss
• Day Two — Stone Off
• Day Three — Finals — Reign Total Body Fuel Shield Carry
• Day Three — Finals — KNAACK Deadlift
• Day Three — Finals — Fingal’s Fingers
• Day Four — Finals — Max Dumbbell
• Day Four — Finals — Bus Pull
• Day Four — Finals — Atlas Stones

2023 WSM Day Four

The 2023 World’s Strongest Man competitors entered their last day with three remaining events set to determine who would take home the title. With few opportunities to score significant points, the odds shifted as some athletes appeared to be in a more advantageous position than others.

Max Dumbbell

The first event of the contest’s conclusion was the max dumbbell — a single-arm overhead dumbbell press with an oversized, thick-handled dumbbell. Competitors lifted in a series of rounds, with athletes advancing to lift progressively heavier and larger dumbbells until reaching their maximum performance.

Weights progressed accordingly: 115 kilograms (254 pounds), 125 kilograms (275 pounds), 132.5 kilograms (291 pounds), 140 kilograms (308 pounds), 145 kilograms (319 pounds), 151 kilograms (333 pounds — a World Record weight), and 155 kilograms (342 pounds).

Eliminated 2023 WSM competitor Mateusz Kieliszkowski holds the current max dumbbell World Record, pressing 150 kilograms (330.7 pounds) in 2018. Interestingly, Oleksii Novikov put up 153.2 kilograms (337.8 pounds) in 2021. Because it was performed in training rather than in competition, Novikov’s lift was an unofficial record.

Shortly after beginning the event, Jaco Schoonwinkel appeared to suffer an injury during his first lift. Details were unconfirmed, but the athlete was taken away to be examined by on-site medical staff. Being unable to continue, Schoonwinkel withdrew from the competition. This was an unfortunate end to the South African athlete’s first WSM appearance. He made an impressive debut, earning a spot in the Finals by outscoring his group in the Qualifying Round — a field which included four-time WSM champion Brian Shaw.

1. Mitchell Hooper — 4 lifts
2. Evan Singleton — 4 lifts
3. Oleksii Novikov — 3 lifts
4. Tom Stoltman — 3 lifts
5. Pavlo Kordiyaka — 3 lifts
6. Luke Stoltman — 3 lifts
7. Trey Mitchell — 2 lifts
8. Brian Shaw — 2 lifts
9. Mathew Ragg — 2 lifts
10. Jaco Schoonwinkel — Withdrawn

Bus Pull

The penultimate event of the contest was arguably one of the most visually impressive events in the entire sport — the bus pull. Athletes were attached via harness to the front of a 25.5-ton (23,133-kilogram/51,000-pound) bus. They had 60 seconds to march as far as possible along a 25-meter (82-foot) path with the vehicle in tow, as quickly as possible.

Mitchell Hooper secured a win in the event with a blistering 30.24 seconds, shaving nearly 20 seconds from his time on the same event at his 2022 World’s Strongest Man debut.

1. Mitchell Hooper — 30.24 seconds
2. Tom Stoltman — 32.27 seconds
3. Evan Singleton — 32.27 seconds
4. Pavlo Kordiyaka — 32.46 seconds
5. Trey Mitchell — 32.49 seconds
6. Brian Shaw — 32.65 seconds
7. Luke Stoltman — 32.83 seconds
8. Mathew Ragg — 36.29 seconds
9. Oleksii Novikov — 33.35 seconds
10. Jaco Schoonwinkel — Withdrawn

Atlas Stones

The 2023 World’s Strongest Man contest came to a close with a quintessential strongman event, the Atlas stones. The Atlas stones have been the concluding event of WSM Finals for 22 of the last 24 WSM contests, cementing it as a clear staple of the sport.

Competitors ran through the series of five stones, loading as many as possible onto a 50-inch high platform as quickly as possible within the 60-second time limit. The stones ascended in weight: 150 kilograms (330 pounds), 160 kilograms (350 pounds), 180 kilograms (395 pounds), 200 kilograms (440 pounds), and 210 kilograms (460 pounds).

While the defending WSM champion Tom Stoltman won the event, second place finisher Mitchell Hooper has become the 2023 World’s Strongest Man based on the point standings at the end of the five-day competition.

1. Tom Stoltman — 5 stones, 33.26 seconds
2. Mitchell Hooper — 5 stones, 36.96 seconds
3. Trey Mitchell — 5 reps, 45.72 seconds
4. Oleksii Novikov — 4 reps, 27.43 seconds
5. Evan Singleton — 4 reps, 28.16 seconds
6. Brian Shaw — 4 stones, 35.88 seconds
7. Pavlo Kordiyaka — 4 stones, 45.86 seconds
8. Luke Stoltman — 4 stones, 48.49 seconds
9. Mathew Ragg — 4 stones, 49.5 seconds
10. Jaco Schoonwinkel — Withdrawn

2023 WSM Day Three

The first day of Finals competition began in dramatic fashion. Contest organizers were faced with a challenge no feat of strength could overcome — thunder, lightning, wind, and rain. The day’s order of events was shuffled at the last minute, after deciding the first event — Fingal’s Fingers — was unsafe to perform in the stormy weather. The Shield Carry, initially set as the last event of the day, was moved to kickoff the Finals as soon as weather permitted.

Competitors’ scores were refreshed and athletes entered the Finals on a level playing field, regardless of their performance in the Qualifying Stage. The most successful competitor in the Finals will earn the 2023 World’s Strongest Man title.

Reign Total Body Fuel Shield Carry

After a two-hour weather delay, the first event of the Finals began. The Reign Total Body Fuel Shield Carry tested core strength, agility, and total-body endurance as the athletes were required to carry a 196-kilogram (432-pound) shield for maximum distance. Competitors ventured down and back along a 20-meter (65.6-foot) course.

In a judge’s decision that stunned spectators, Pavlo Kordiyaka was marked with a significant 19.8-meter penalty after failing to cross the preset boundary during one lap of his carry. The deduction cost a crucial allotment of points which would’ve sent Kordiyaka to the top of the leaderboard. WSM newcomer Jaco Schoonwinkel stumbled shortly after beginning his carry, sending him to last place and securing a single point for the event.

Heat 1

1. Brian Shaw — 39.1 meters
2. Mathew Ragg — 37.65 meters

Heat 2

1. Evan Singleton — 48.3 meters
2. Luke Stoltman — 44.62 meters

Heat 3

1. Mitchell Hooper — 64.8 meters
2. Tom Stoltman — 63.15 meters

Heat 4

1. Trey Mitchell — 50.83 meters
2. Pavlo Kordiyaka — 46.59 meters (includes 19.8-meter penalty)

Heat 5

1. Oleksii Novikov — 55.87 meters
2. Jaco Schoonwinkel — 15.92 meters

KNAACK Deadlift

In an event familiar to most lifters, the KNAACK Deadlift involved a standard deadlift performed for maximum repetitions in 60 seconds. In a potentially unfamiliar aspect for many gym-goers, competitors deadlifted 355 kilograms (782.6 pounds). Competitors persevered despite continued rainfall during the outdoor event.

Mitchell Hooper came away with his sixth event win of the entire contest, giving the Canadian athlete a strong position atop the leaderboard.

1. Mitchell Hooper — 8 reps
2. Oleksii Novikov — 7 reps
3. Trey Mitchell — 7 reps
4. Brian Shaw — 7 reps
5. Mathew Ragg — 7 reps
6. Tom Stoltman — 6 reps
7. Evan Singleton — 5 reps
8. Jaco Schoonwinkel — 5 reps
9. Pavlo Kordiyaka — 4 reps
10. Luke Stoltman — 3 reps

Fingal’s Fingers

The first day of Finals competition wrapped up with the eye-catching Fingal’s Fingers, an event not seen in a World’s Strongest Man Finals since the 2009 WSM.

Athletes had 60 seconds to flip a series of five “fingers” — completing as many as possible as quickly as possible. Each beam, roughly the size of a telephone pole, was progressively heavier than the last. The weights were presented, in order: 145 kilograms (320 pounds), 154 kilograms (340 pounds), 159 kilograms (350 pounds), 163 kilograms (360 pounds), and 172 kilograms (380 pounds).

With the conclusion of the first day of Finals, Brian Shaw’s “Drive for Five” almost certainly came to an end. The four-time WSM champion (2011, 2013, 2015-2016) is most likely out of contention for a podium-finish based on his current standing in points, depending on his performance and the performances of his peers in the contest’s three remaining events.

1. Tom Stoltman — 5 reps, 39.36 seconds
2. Oleksii Novikov — 5 reps, 42.26 seconds
3. Trey Mitchell — 5 reps, 48.46 seconds
4. Pavlo Kordiyaka — 5 reps, 48.69 seconds
5. Evan Singleton — 5 reps, 49.85 seconds
6. Mitchell Hooper — 5 reps, 49.89 seconds
7. Brian Shaw — 4 reps, 26.61 seconds
8. Luke Stoltman — 4 reps, 32.54 seconds
9. Mathew Ragg — 4 reps, 35.03 seconds
10. Jaco Schoonwinkel — 1 rep, 40.76 seconds

2023 WSM Day Two

After completing the first full day of competition, athletes head into the second day and their last opportunities to secure a spot in the Finals. Here are the results from each competitive Group including each athlete’s results, corresponding performance, and placing within the event.

Conan’s Wheel

In a test of core strength, endurance, and perhaps pain tolerance reminiscent of the epic film character, the Conan’s Wheel required competitors to support a 199.5-kilogram (440-pound) bar in the Zercher position while walking around a fixed circle for maximum distance.

Scoring was determined by “degrees” of the circle completed — 360 degrees being one complete lap around the circle’s circumference. Oleksii Novikov earned his third event win of the Qualifying Round, pushing ahead of Conan’s Wheel World Record holder Pavlo Kordiyaka by nearly 150 degrees.

Group 1

1. Pavlo Kordiyaka — 749 degrees
2. Pa O’Dwyer — 722 degrees
3. Bobby Thompson — 649 degrees
4. Konstantine Janashia — 633 degrees
5. Eddie Williams — 614 degrees
6. Tom Stoltman — 598 degrees

Group 2

1. Oleksii Novikov — 897 degrees
2. Gavin Bilton — 557 degrees
3. Luke Stoltman — 545 degrees
4. Kristjan Jon Haraldsson — 524 degrees
5. Fadi El Masri — 70 degrees
6. Thomas Evans — 69 degrees

Group 3

1. Mitchell Hooper — 636 degrees
2. Mathew Ragg — 628 degrees
3. Aivars Šmaukstelis —575 degrees
4. Mateusz Kieliszkowski — 538 degrees
5. Spenser Remick — 470 degrees
6. Graham Hicks — 425 degrees

Group 4

1. Jaco Schoonwinkel — 713 degrees
2. Kevin Faires — 636 degrees
3. Gabriel Rhéaume — 476 degrees
4. Rauno Heinla — 572 degrees
5. Brian Shaw — 411 degrees
6. Adam Bishop — 292 degrees

Group 5

1. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 629 degrees
2. Evan Singleton — 589 degrees
3. Trey Mitchell — 523 degrees
4. Paul Smith — 518 degrees
5. Mark Felix — 470 degrees
6. Jean-Stephen Corabeouf — 143 degrees

Kettlebell Toss

To determine explosive power, athletes were presented with a series of seven progressively heavier kettlebells. Using a movement similar to a kettlebell swing, they had 60 seconds to launch as many weights as possible past a 4.5-meter (15-foot) bar set overhead.

The weight progression was: 20.5 kilograms (45 pounds), 21.8 kilograms (48 pounds), 22.7 kilograms (50 pounds), 22.7 kilograms (50 pounds), 24 kilograms (53 pounds), 26.3 kilograms (58 pounds), and finally 30.8 kilograms (68 pounds).

Konstantine Janashia, the sole Polish competitor in this year’s WSM, topped the event blasting through all seven weights in 32.44 seconds. Janashia’s surprise performance, after being mathematically eliminated from the Finals based on points entering the event, interrupted Mitchell Hooper’s four-event win streak.

Group 1

1. Pavlo Kordiyaka — 6 reps, 18.09 seconds
2. Konstantine Janashia — 6 reps, 19.93 seconds
3. Tom Stoltman — 6 reps, 21.99 seconds
4. Pa O’Dwyer — 6 reps, 31.71 seconds
5. Bobby Thompson — 6 reps, 35.67 seconds
6. Eddie Williams — 6 reps, 36.4 seconds

Group 2

1. Gavin Bilton — 6 reps, 19.9 seconds
2. Luke Stoltman — 6 reps, 49.35 seconds
3. Kristjan Jon Haraldsson — 5 reps, 15.57 seconds
4. Thomas Evans — 5 reps, 28.68 seconds
5. Fadi El Masri — 4 reps, 20.61 seconds
6. Oleksii Novikov — 1 rep, 9.56 seconds

Group 3

1. Mateusz Kieliszkowski — 7 reps, 32.44 seconds
2. Mitchell Hooper — 6 reps, 17.18 seconds
3. Mathew Ragg — 6 reps, 21.96 seconds
4. Aivars Šmaukstelis — 6 reps, 25.41 seconds
5. Spenser Remick — 5 reps, 24.31 seconds
6. Graham Hicks — 4 reps, 20.51 seconds

Group 4

1. Brian Shaw — 7 reps, 48.45 seconds
2. Adam Bishop — 6 reps, 32.29 seconds
3. Kevin Faires — 5 reps, 34.09 seconds
4. Jaco Schoonwinkel — 6 reps, 47.32 seconds
5. Rauno Heinla — 5 reps, 44.31 seconds
6. Gabriel Rhéaume — 3 reps, 14 seconds

Group 5

1. Trey Mitchell — 7 reps, 34.42 seconds
2. Evan Singleton — 6 reps, 28.81 seconds
3. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 6 reps, 27.66 seconds
4. Mark Felix — 4 reps, 42.66 seconds
5. Jean-Stephen Corabeouf — 2 reps, 23.65 seconds
6. Paul Smith — 1 rep, 28.62 seconds

Stone Off

As the last event of the Qualifying Stage, the second and third place competitors from each group (based on overall points in the leaderboard) battled head-to-head in an attempt to advance into the Finals. The first place competitors from each group have already secured a berth in the Finals.

Athletes took turns lifting progressively heavier Atlas stones over a bar that separates the competitors, with weights ranging from 140 kilograms (308 pounds) up to 200 kilograms (440 pounds). The final and heaviest weight was performed for reps until one strongman could no longer continue.

The one-on-one showdown determined which five competitors would join Pavlo Kordiyaka, Oleksii Novikov, Mitchell Hooper, Jaco Schoonwinkel, and Trey Mitchell in the Finals. Those athletes were Tom Stoltman, Luke Stoltman, Mathew Ragg, Brian Shaw, and Evan Singleton.

Group 1

1. Tom Stoltman — 3 stones — Winner
2. Bobby Thompson — 3 stones

Group 2

1. Luke Stoltman — 7 stones — Winner
2. Gavin Bilton — 7 stones

Group 3

1. Mathew Ragg — 8 stones — Winner
2. Aivars Smaukstelis — 8 stones

Group 4

1. Brian Shaw — 11 stones — Winner
2. Rauno Heinla — 11 stones

Group 5

1. Evan Singleton — 8 stones — Winner
2. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 8 stones

2023 WSM Day One

Competitors began this year’s World’s Strongest Man with a full plate of three events — the loading race, the deadlift machine for reps, and the log ladder.

Loading Race

The loading race challenged the athletes’ blend of strength, endurance, and agility. The competitors were tasked with running as quickly as possible across a four- to six-meter (13- to 19.6-foot) field of sand while loading a series of progressively heavier implements onto an elevated platform.

The event was capped with a 90-second time limit. The implements included two stacks of bundled logs (106 kilograms/234 pounds and 114.7 kilogram/253 pounds), a 124.7-kilogram (275-pound) anvil, a 120.2-kilogram (265-pound) sandbag, and a 120.2-kilogram (265-pound) “Husafell” sandbag.

Shortly before the first event began, Cheick “Iron Biby” Sanou withdrew from the contest for reasons undisclosed at the time of this article’s publication. He was replaced by Icelandic athlete Kristjan Jon Haraldsson.

Group 1

1. Pavlo Kordiyaka — 5 implements, 41.38 seconds
2. Tom Stoltman — 5 implements, 43.84 seconds
3. Bobby Thompson — 5 implements, 56.56 seconds
4. Konstantine Janashia — 5 implements, 61.1 seconds
5. Pa O’Dwyer — 5 implements, 65.89 seconds
6. Eddie Williams — 5 implements, 66.44 seconds

Group 2

1. Oleksii Novikov — 5 implements, 52.14 seconds
2. Kristjan Jon Haraldsson — 5 implements, 54.58 seconds
3. Thomas Evans — 5 implements, 57.4 seconds
4. Luke Stoltman — 5 implements, 62.78 seconds
5. Gavin Bilton — 5 implements, 63.01 seconds
6. Fadi El Masri — 4 implements, 49.57 seconds

Group 3

1. Mitchell Hooper — 5 implements, 42.05 seconds
2. Aivars Šmaukstelis — 5 implements, 52.71 seconds
3. Mathew Ragg — 5 implements — 58.72 seconds
4. Spenser Remick — 5 implements, 67.15 seconds
5. Mateusz Kieliszkowski — 5 implements, 67.53 seconds
6. Graham Hicks — 4 implements, 53.4 seconds

Group 4

1. Jaco Schoonwinkel — 5 implements, 47.1 seconds
2. Rauno Heinla — 5 implements, 51.41 seconds
3. Brian Shaw — 5 implements, 53.7 seconds
4. Adam Bishop — 4 implements, 43.12 seconds
5. Gabriel Rhéaume — 4 implements, 51.03 seconds
6. Kevin Faires — 3 implements, 65.3 seconds

Group 5

1. Evan Singleton — 5 implements, 46.9 seconds
2. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 5 implements, 56.41 seconds
3. Trey Mitchell — 5 implements, 66.64 seconds
4. Paul Smith — 4 implements, 44.79 seconds
5. Mark Felix — 4 implements, 54.32 seconds
6. Jean-Stephen Corabeouf — 3 implements, 40.63 seconds

Deadlift Machine

Competitors had 75 seconds to perform as many repetitions as possible using a specially designed deadlift machine. The weight was increased after each successful repetition: 281 kilograms (619.5 pounds), 298 kilograms (657 pounds), 312 kilograms (687 pounds), 329 kilograms (725 pounds), 345 kilograms (760 pounds), 362 kilograms (798 pounds), and 379 kilograms (835.5 pounds).

If the athlete was capable, they were allowed to continue performing repetitions with the seventh (maximum) weight until time ran out.

Group 1

1. Bobby Thompson — 7 reps
2. Tom Stoltman — 6 reps
3. Konstantine Janashia — 6 reps
4. Pavlo Kordiyaka — 5 reps
5. Pa O’Dwyer — 5 reps
6. Eddie Williams — 5 reps

Group 2

1. Oleksii Novikov — 6 reps
2. Thomas Evans — 5 reps
3. Luke Stoltman — 5 reps
4. Gavin Bilton — 5 reps
5. Kristjan Jon Haraldsson — 4 reps
6. Fadi El Masri — 4 reps

Group 3

1. Mitchell Hooper — 8 reps
2. Mathew Ragg — 7 reps
3. Graham Hicks — 7 reps
4. Aivars Šmaukstelis — 5 reps
5. Spenser Remick — 5 reps
6. Mateusz Kieliszkowski — 4 reps

Group 4

1. Brian Shaw — 8 reps
2. Rauno Heinla — 8 reps
3. Adam Bishop — 7 reps
4. Jaco Schoonwinkel — 6 reps
5. Kevin Faires — 5 reps
6. Gabriel Rhéaume — 5 reps

Group 5

1. Trey Mitchell — 8 reps
2. Mark Felix — 6 reps
3. Evan Singleton — 6 reps
4. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 5 reps
5. Jean-Stephen Corabeouf — 5 reps
6. Paul Smith — 4 reps

Log Ladder

The first day of competition concluded with a staple event in many strongman contests — the log ladder. Testing their upper body strength, athletes worked their way through five progressively heavier logs, one repetition at a time, within a 75-second time limit.

Competitors were presented with a series of five fixed-weight logs. They were allowed as many attempts as needed to successfully put the log overhead. After one complete repetition, they progressed to the next weight: 124 kilograms (275 pounds), 140 kilograms (310 pounds), 158 kilograms (350 pounds), 170 kilograms (375 pounds), and 181 kilograms (400 pounds).

Group 1

1. Tom Stoltman — 5 reps, 42.5 seconds
2. Pavlo Kordiyaka — 5 reps, 46 seconds
3. Bobby Thompson — 4 reps, 25.83 seconds
4. Konstantine Janashia — 4 reps, 68.35 seconds
5. Eddie Williams — 4 reps, 55.89 seconds
6. Pa O’Dwyer — 3 reps, 25.8 seconds

Group 2

1. Thomas Evans — 5 reps, 38.96 seconds
2. Luke Stoltman — 5 reps, 52.76 seconds
3. Oleksii Novikov — 4 reps, 32.5 seconds
4. Gavin Bilton — 4 reps, 56.84 seconds
5. Fadi El Masri — 2 reps, 17.43 seconds
6. Kristjan Jon Haraldsson — 2 reps, 16.28 seconds

Group 3

1. Mitchell Hooper — 5 reps, 39.51 seconds
2. Mathew Ragg — 5 reps, 56.84 seconds
3. Graham Hicks — 4 reps, 28.31 seconds
4. Aivars Šmaukstelis — 4 reps, 30.44 seconds
5. Mateusz Kieliszkowski — 4 reps, 33.24 seconds
6. Spenser Remick — 4 reps, 38.79 seconds

Group 4

1. Brian Shaw — 4 reps, 33.99 seconds
2. Jaco Schoonwinkel — 4 reps, 34.77 seconds
3. Rauno Heinla — 3 reps, 21.6 seconds
4. Kevin Faires — 3 reps, 28.93 seconds
5. Gabriel Rhéaume — 3 reps, 32.96 seconds
6. Adam Bishop — 3 reps, 33.25 seconds

Group 5

1. Trey Mitchell — 5 reps, 39.44 seconds
2. Evan Singleton — 4 reps, 35.48 seconds
3. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 4 reps, 39.93 seconds
4. Paul Smith — 4 reps, 45.84 seconds
5. Jean-Stephen Corabeouf — 3 reps, 22.34 seconds
6. Mark Felix — 1 rep, 7.58 seconds

2023 WSM Schedule of Events

Here’s the complete schedule for the competition, including the two-day Qualifying Round and the two-day Finals. All times listed are Eastern Standard Time.

Qualifying Stage Day One

• Event One: Loading Race — April 19 | 8 a.m., Sand Stage
• Event Two: Deadlift Machine — April 19 | 12:19 (initially set for 11:29 a.m.), Land Stage
• Event Three: Log Ladder — April 19 | 6:03 (initially set for 4:49 p.m.), Sand Stage

Qualifying Stage Day Two

• Event Four: Conan’s Wheel — April 20 | 8 a.m., Land Stage
• Event Five: Kettlebell Toss — April 20 | 1:20 p.m., Sand Stage
• Event Six: Stone Off — April 20 | 6:13 p.m., Land Stage

Rest Day

• No Events — April 21

Finals Day One

• Event One: Reign Shield Carry — April 22 | 10:30 a.m. (initially set for 2:18 p.m.), Street Stage
• Event Two: KNAACK Deadlift — April 22 | 12:45 p.m. (initially set for 10:41 a.m.), Sand Stage
• Event Three: Fingal’s Fingers — April 22 | 3:45 p.m. (initially set for 8 a.m.), Street Stage

Finals Day Two

• Event Four: Max Dumbbell — April 23 | 8 a.m., Land Stage
• Event Five: Vehicle Pull — April 23 | 10:10 a.m., Street Stage
• Event Six: Atlas Stones — April 23 | 1:54 p.m., Sand Stage

2023 WSM Competitor Withdrawals

While 30 men qualified to enter this year’s WSM, unexpected scenarios can occur. Any competitor withdrawals during the course of the competition will be noted here.

• Cheick “Iron Biby” Sanou — Withdrew before the first event of Qualifying Stage Day One. No official reason declared. Replaced by Kristjan Jon Haraldsson.
• Jaco Schoonwinkel — Withdrew after attempting Max Dumbbell on the second day of Finals. Unconfirmed injury.

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

In the event of any tied scores, points are split evenly. If two athletes tie for second, for example, the second and third place points are added together and divides 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.

How to Watch the 2023 World’s Strongest Man

Admission is free for fans attending in person at Burroughs & Chapin Pavilion Place in Myrtle Beach, SC, and gates open to the public at 7 a.m. Eastern time. There will be a fan festival area and a general admission viewing area for spectators.

Unfortunately, for those who wish to watch the 2023 WSM at home, viewing it live is impossible. In the U.S., CBS Sports Network will air the 2023 WSM beginning on May 28, 2023. In the UK, the 2023 WSM will air on Channel 5 in December. In the meantime, the 2023 WSM’s various social media platforms, including YouTube and Instagram, will feature behind-the-scenes coverage while 15-time WSM athlete Terry Hollands conducts interviews with the competitors.

Featured Image: Todd Burandt / Courtesy of World’s Strongest Man

The post 2023 World’s Strongest Man Results and Leaderboard appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

As the second climactic half of the Finals looms on Sunday, here’s where the 2023 WSM Finals leaderboard stands at the end of Day Three, along with a recap of how each athlete fared in the first half of the Finals.

Editor’s Note: Results are provided by our official reporter in attendance. These results are not considered official until after they are confirmed on the World’s Strongest Man homepage.

2023 WSM Finals Leaderboard

2023 World’s Strongest Man Day 3 Results

Here are the Day 3 results from the first part of the 2023 WSM Finals, including each athlete’s individual finishes, any relevant corresponding times and distances, and tasked weights on the Reign Total Body Fuel Shield Carry, the KNAACK Deadlift, and the Fingal’s Fingers. Due to a two-hour inclement weather delay, all the event start times were pushed back accordingly. In a scheduling shift, the Fingal’s Fingers became the last event of the day, while the Reign Total Body Fuel Shield Carry began the Finals.

Reign Total Body Fuel Shield Carry Recap

The Reign Total Body Fuel Shield Carry tasked the competitors with carrying a 196-kilogram (432-pound) shield for maximum distance. Competitors moved back and forth along a 20-meter (65.6-foot) course for as much as they could.

In unfortunate circumstances, controversy may have defined the Reign Total Body Fuel Shield Carry. Ukraine’s Pavlo Kordiyaka, who had a legitimate shot at the 2023 WSM podium (and perhaps even more) entering the first day of the Finals, may have lost his opportunity on a debatable penalty for failing to fully cross a boundary line before continuing one lap of his carry. Kordiyaka would lose a whopping five points and be penalized 19.8 meters of distance from his carry, resulting in a score of 46.59 meters. If not for the penalty, Kordiyaka would’ve had the overwhelming best distance of all participating finalists. The competitor would leave the stage in apparent disgust after the penalty ruling.

Instead, the likely growing WSM favorite, Mitchell Hooper, finished with the best carry of 64.8 meters in Heat 3.

Heat 1

1. Brian Shaw — 39.1 meters
2. Mathew Ragg — 37.65 meters

Heat 2

1. Evan Singleton — 48.3 meters
2. Luke Stoltman — 44.62 meters

Heat 3

1. Mitchell Hooper — 64.8 meters
2. Tom Stoltman — 63.15 meters

Heat 4

1. Trey Mitchell — 50.83 meters
2. Pavlo Kordiyaka — 46.59 meters (includes 19.8-meter penalty)

Heat 5

1. Oleksii Novikov — 55.87 meters
2. Jaco Schoonwinkel — 15.92 meters

KNAACK Deadlift Recap

The KNAACK Deadlift did not reinvent the wheel for the athletes. It was a traditional deadlift for maximum repetitions with 355 kilograms (782.6 pounds) as rain fell on Myrtle Beach. Hooper claimed another event victory by being the only strongman to finish eight repetitions. Four athletes tied for second on the KNAACK deadlift with seven successful repetitions, including Oleksii Novikov, Trey Mitchell, Brian Shaw, and Mathew Ragg.

1. Mitchell Hooper — 8 reps
2. Oleksii Novikov — 7 reps
3. Trey Mitchell — 7 reps
4. Brian Shaw — 7 reps
5. Mathew Ragg — 7 reps
6. Tom Stoltman — 6 reps
7. Evan Singleton — 5 reps
8. Jaco Schoonwinkel — 5 reps
9. Pavlo Kordiyaka — 4 reps
10. Luke Stoltman — 3 reps

Fingal’s Fingers Recap

The end of the first half of the 2023 WSM Finals was a fitting spectacle, as it featured the Fingal’s Fingers. The event had not been a part of a WSM Finals round since 2009, marking a decade-plus absence as a decision-making race. The strongmen had the objective of flipping five successive “fingers” in one minute. The beams had the approximate size of telephone poles and ranged in these weights as they progressed through the course: 145 kilograms (320 pounds), 154 kilograms (340 pounds), 159 kilograms (350 pounds), 163 kilograms (360 pounds), and 172 kilograms (380 pounds).

Two-time defending WSM champion Tom Stoltman paced ahead of the rest of the competitors — completing all five fingers nearly three full seconds before his closest competitor — putting himself in great position for the second half of the Finals on Sunday afternoon.

1. Tom Stoltman — 5 reps, 39.36 seconds
2. Oleksii Novikov — 5 reps, 42.26 seconds
3. Trey Mitchell — 5 reps, 48.46 seconds
4. Pavlo Kordiyaka — 5 reps, 48.69 seconds
5. Evan Singleton — 5 reps, 49.85 seconds
6. Mitchell Hooper — 5 reps, 49.89 seconds
7. Brian Shaw — 4 reps, 26.61 seconds
8. Luke Stoltman — 4 reps, 32.54 seconds
9. Mathew Ragg — 4 reps, 35.03 seconds
10. Jaco Schoonwinkel — 1 rep, 40.76 seconds

A Sunday of Strength

Any number of storylines and questions could define the final day of the 2023 WSM.

Just one year after surprising the elite strongman field in his WSM debut, Mitchell Hooper might lead the fray. The Canadian strongman is arguably in the strongest position to win the title and could culminate one of the more meteoric rises over an approximate year that the sport has ever seen.

Then there’s Brian Shaw. On the last day of his WSM career, Shaw could, theoretically, win all three of the last events to capture a legendary fifth title and cap one of the greatest ever runs in strongman. Technically, two-time defending champion Tom Stoltman is still in a position to finish a rare and legendary “three-peat,” too.

Finally, as the dust settles, it remains to be seen how Kordiyaka’s controversial penalty will define the rest of the contest. It might take a Herculean effort to overshadow a ruling that may have cost an athlete a legitimate opportunity at strongman’s greatest title.

To some, the suspense might be terrible on the last day of the 2023 WSM. To these elite strongmen, they likely hope it lasts.

Featured image: Todd Burandt / Courtesy of World’s Strongest Man

The post 2023 World’s Strongest Man Day 3 Results — As a Legend’s Run Ends, Another Might Be Starting appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Here’s where the leaderboard stands at the end of Day Two, along with a short recap of how each athlete fared at the end of the Qualifying Round.

2023 WSM Qualifying Round Leaderboard

2022 World’s Strongest Man Day 3 Results

Here are the Day Two results from each Qualifying Round Group, including each athlete’s individual finishes, any relevant corresponding time, and placing within the Conan’s Wheel and Kettlebell Toss. Plus, there’s an overall recap of the Stone-Off event featuring just the second and third-place finishers in each group.

Conan’s Wheel Recap

As one of the last events of the 2023 WSM Qualifying Round, the Conan’s Wheel tested the athletes’ core strength and endurance. They had the objective of holding up a 199.5-kilogram (440-pound) bar in the Zercher position while walking around in a fixed circle as far as possible.

The event’s winners would score the most “degrees” or loops around the circle. A full loop the length of the circle would be considered 360 degrees.

Former 2020 WSM champion Oleksii Novikov recorded the maximum distance with 847 degrees to become the winner in Group 2. Pavlo Kordiyaka, reigning Europe’s Strongest Man (ESM) champion, notched the second-most with 749 degrees as Group 1’s winner. Kordiyaka possesses the Conan’s Wheel World Record with a rotation length of 1,009 degrees from his 2023 ESM victory.

Group 1

1. Pavlo Kordiyaka — 749 degrees
2. Pa O’Dwyer — 722 degrees
3. Bobby Thompson — 649 degrees
4. Konstantine Janashia — 633 degrees
5. Eddie Williams — 614 degrees
6. Tom Stoltman — 598 degrees

Group 2

1. Oleksii Novikov — 897 degrees
2. Gavin Bilton — 557 degrees
3. Luke Stoltman — 545 degrees
4. Kristjan Jon Haraldsson — 524 degrees
5. Fadi El Masri — 70 degrees
6. Thomas Evans — 69 degrees

Group 3

1. Mitchell Hooper — 636 degrees
2. Mathew Ragg — 628 degrees
3. Aivars Šmaukstelis —575 degrees
4. Mateusz Kieliszkowski — 538 degrees
5. Spenser Remick — 470 degrees
6. Graham Hicks — 425 degrees

Group 4

1. Jaco Schoonwinkel — 713 degrees
2. Kevin Faires — 636 degrees
3. Gabriel Rhéaume — 476 degrees
4. Rauno Heinla — 572 degrees
5. Brian Shaw — 411 degrees
6. Adam Bishop — 292 degrees

Group 5

1. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 629 degrees
2. Evan Singleton — 589 degrees
3. Trey Mitchell — 523 degrees
4. Paul Smith — 518 degrees
5. Mark Felix — 470 degrees
6. Jean-Stephen Corabeouf — 143 degrees

Kettlebell Toss Recap

Some athletes needed a better performance in the vital Kettlebell Toss than others. After all, it would partly determine who qualified for their Group’s Stone Off.

This event pushed the competitors’ explosive power, presenting them with seven kettlebells that gradually increased in weight. They had one minute to launch as many weights as they could over a 4.5-meter (15-foot) overhead bar.

Here was how the weights progressed in size: 20.5 kilograms (45 pounds), 21.8 kilograms (48 pounds), 22.7 kilograms (50 pounds), 22.7 kilograms (50 pounds), 24 kilograms (53 pounds), 26.3 kilograms (58 pounds), and finally 30.8 kilograms (68 pounds).

Even while mathematically eliminated from the Finals by the time he stepped up to compete, Mateusz Kieliszkowski fared the best in the Kettlebell Toss. The Polish athlete finished all seven throws in a blazing 32.44 seconds in Group 3. In the process, he snapped groupmate Mitchell Hooper’s dominant four-event winning streak.

Group 1

1. Pavlo Kordiyaka — Six reps, 18.09 seconds
2. Konstantine Janashia — Six reps, 19.93 seconds
3. Tom Stoltman — Six reps, 21.99 seconds
4. Pa O’Dwyer — Six reps, 31.71 seconds
5. Bobby Thompson — Six reps, 35.67 seconds
6. Eddie Williams — Six reps, 36.4 seconds

Group 2

1. Gavin Bilton — Six reps, 19.9 seconds
2. Luke Stoltman — Six reps, 49.35 seconds
3. Kristjan Jon Haraldsson — Five reps, 15.57 seconds
4. Thomas Evans — Five reps, 28.68 seconds
5. Fadi El Masri — Four reps, 20.61 seconds
6. Oleksii Novikov — One rep, 9.56 seconds

Group 3

1. Mateusz Kieliszkowski — Seven reps, 32.44 seconds
2. Mitchell Hooper — Six reps, 17.18 seconds
3. Mathew Ragg — Six reps, 21.96 seconds
4. Aivars Šmaukstelis — Six reps, 25.41 seconds
5. Spenser Remick — Five reps, 24.31 seconds
6. Graham Hicks — Four reps, 20.51 seconds

Group 4

1. Brian Shaw — Seven reps, 48.45 seconds
2. Adam Bishop — Six reps, 32.29 seconds
3. Kevin Faires — Five reps, 34.09 seconds
4. Jaco Schoonwinkel — Six reps, 47.32 seconds
5. Rauno Heinla — Five reps, 44.31 seconds
6. Gabriel Rhéaume — Three reps, 14 seconds

Group 5

1. Trey Mitchell — Seven reps, 34.42 seconds
2. Evan Singleton — Six reps, 28.81 seconds
3. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — Six reps, 27.66 seconds
4. Mark Felix — Four reps, 42.66 seconds
5. Jean-Stephen Corabeouf — Two reps, 23.65 seconds
6. Paul Smith — One rep, 28.62 seconds

Stone Off Recap

Finally, it was time to determine the other half of the 2023 WSM Finals field. With Novikov, Hooper, Trey Mitchell, first-time WSM Finalist Kordiyaka, and first-time WSM competitor Jaco Schoonwinkel winning their respective groups, the second and third-place finishes squared off head-to-head in an Atlas Stone battle to earn berths for the weekend’s Finals.

The participating athletes had to lift gradually heavier Atlas Stones over a bar separating them from their opponents. The weights ranged from 140 kilograms (308 pounds) to 200 kilograms (440 pounds). The last Stone’s weight would be lifted for reps until one of the strongmen could not continue.

Tom Stoltman, Luke Stoltman, Brian Shaw, Mathew Ragg, and Evan Singleton all earned places in the 2023 WSM Finals by winning their Stone Off. The 2023 WSM is Ragg’s first appearance in the contest. 2023 marks Singleton’s first time reaching the Finals in four consecutive WSM appearances — his 2020 and 2021 showings were interrupted by withdrawals due to injury, while he failed to pass the Qualifying Stage in 2022.

Group 1

1. Tom Stoltman  — 3 stones — Winner
2. Bobby Thompson — 3 stones

Group 2

1. Luke Stoltman — 7 stones — Winner
2. Gavin Bilton — 7 stones

Group 3

1. Mathew Ragg — 8 stones — Winner
2. Aivars Smaukstelis — 8 stones

Group 4

1. Brian Shaw — 11 stones — Winner
2. Rauno Heinla — 11 stones

Group 5

1. Evan Singleton — 8 stones — Winner
2. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 8 stones

2023 World’s Strongest Man Final Athletes

Here are the 10 confirmed athletes in the 2023 WSM Finals:

1. Pavlo Kordiyaka (Ukraine)
2. Oleksii Novikov (Ukraine)
3. Mitchell Hooper (Canada)
4. Jaco Schoonwinkel (South Africa)
5. Trey Mitchell (United States)
6. Tom Stoltman (United Kingdom)
7. Luke Stoltman (United Kingdom)
8. Mathew Ragg (New Zealand)
9. Brian Shaw (United States)
10. Evan Singleton (United States)

Some of the more notable achievements in qualifying for the 2023 WSM Final include two-time defending champion Tom Stoltman surviving his Stone Off. The Scottish athlete will officially have the opportunity for a three-peat victory over the weekend. Meanwhile, after blitzing the 2022 WSM for a surprise Finals berth, Mitchell Hooper may seem like a bona fide favorite heading into the weekend and the person that might unseat Stoltman from his throne.

From a longer-term perspective, the legendary Brian Shaw extended his streak of WSM Final appearances to 15. In his last WSM before a strongman retirement later this summer, the four-time champion (2011, 2013, 2015-2016) will have officially made it 15 of 16 appearances in the Finals over his illustrious career. The only instance of Shaw ever missing the Finals was his WSM debut in 2008.

A Final Showdown

The 10 finalists in the 2023 WSM now get to enjoy a rest day on Friday before returning to compete in the Finals on Saturday, Apr. 22, and Sunday, Apr. 23, 2023. While many eyes might be on Stoltman in his repeat quest, on Hooper in trying to finish his meteoric climb up strongman’s summit, and on Shaw in his last WSM, it could be anyone’s contest to win.

Truly, until that last Atlas Stone is lifted onto its platform on Sunday, all bets are off for the 2023 WSM.

Featured image: Todd Burandt / Courtesy of World’s Strongest Man

The post 2023 World’s Strongest Man Day 2 Results — Mitchell Hooper Gets Another Title Shot appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

On Apr. 17, 2023, Eddie Hall, the 2017 WSM champion, discussed the prospects for the 2023 iteration of the contest on his YouTube channel. In the process, he outlined his top three contenders for the title, including Stoltman, four-time winner Brian Shaw (2011, 2013, 2015-2016) in his final WSM appearance, and two-time defending Shaw Classic (SC) champion (2021-2022) Trey Mitchell.

Before he broke down his personal perspective on the 2023 WSM, Hall made one thing clear: there is nothing more monumental for a strongman than winning the prestigious contest. Full stop. It is a genuine dream fulfilled to be officially named the most physically powerful person on the planet.

“To be the World’s Strongest Man is probably one of the most childhood dream titles that people dream of,” Hall explained. “If you ask a man if they want to be the World’s Strongest Man and they say no, they are lying.”

As is the usual precedent, the 2023 WSM will start with 30 competitors before cutting down to 10 athletes for the weekend’s Final on Apr. 22-23, 2023. Hall expressed who he wants to see duke it out for the WSM title when all is said and done.

Hall seemed to like so many of the competitors’ chances that he even threw in an extra name for the heck of it.

“This is my dream Final going in, my top ten,” Hall started. “Tom Stoltman, Luke Stoltman, Pavlo Kordiyaka, Oleksii Novikov, Mitchell Hooper, Trey Mitchell, Aivars Šmaukstelis, Kevin Faires, Adam Bishop, Evan Singleton, Brian Shaw. That is eleven, but whatever.”

As for the format and event schedule for the 2023 WSM, Hall believes this year’s competition favors strongmen who lean on size more than agility and athleticism. Even though he wouldn’t make a concrete final prediction, Hall thinks strongmen of that mold — like Tom Stoltman, Shaw, and Mitchell — are strongly positioned (no pun intended) to win it all.

“I think it is really leaning towards the heavier men this year,” Hall said. “I think it is going to be a heavy, heavy Final. I think that is going to suit the bigger, taller, heavier guys … I’m not going to say who is going to win, because I am friends with all these people. I don’t want to put anyone down. My top three are definitely Brian Shaw, Tom Stoltman, and Trey Mitchell. Just because of the sheer size and body weight of these guys.”

In a strongman field that features just three current or previous champions (Stoltman, Shaw, and Oleksii Novikov), anyone seems capable of winning the 2023 WSM. However, Hall’s thoughts about size and mass being the deciding factors might hold true by the end of the weekend. Fans of the strength sport will find out as results come in until a new (or reigning) victor is crowned.

Featured image: @theworldsstrongestman on Instagram

The post Eddie Hall Names His Top 3 Contenders for the 2023 World’s Strongest Man appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

From Stoltman’s hallowed pursuit of all-time strongman history to the last ride for one of the sport’s all-time legends, here are five prime 2023 WSM contenders to watch in Myrtle Beach the weekend of April 19-23.

Tom Stoltman

• Most notable accomplishment: Two-time WSM champion (2020-2021)

Stoltman is chasing history few have ever touched.

It’s been almost three decades since the last three-peat in the WSM. Icons like Poland’s Mariusz Pudzianowski and Lithuania’s Žydrūnas Savickas came close to the accomplishment in the early parts of the 21st century but ultimately fell short. The United States’ Bill Kazmaier (1980-1982) and Iceland’s Magnús Ver Magnússon (1994-1996) remain the only men to score this hallowed strongman feat.

With a win in the 2023 WSM, Stoltman would join them. In this specific respect, he will have surpassed Pudzianowski, Savickas, and another living legend in Brian Shaw. He will have eclipsed every strongman to have repeated as WSM champion, but who couldn’t take it another step further.

A lot is on the line for the Scottish superstar. He might rise up to meet the moment.

Mitchell Hooper

• Most notable accomplishment: 2023 Arnold Strongman Classic (ASC) champion

If there’s a strongman who seems destined for WSM greatness, the conversation probably starts and ends with Mitchell Hooper. The Canadian athlete first burst onto the scene when he blitzed the 2022 WSM Qualifying Round. While Hooper eventually lost gas in the Final, it was apparent he was part of the future of the sport. Ever since, he’s lived up to the hype and blazed a trail straight through the heart of strongman.

Per Strongman Archives, Hooper has qualified for the podium in each of his last eight strongman appearances since the 2022 WSM. Moreover, he’s won four of his last five contests, including the 2022 Arnold Strongman Classic UK (ASCUK), the 2022 Giants Live World Tour Finals, the 2023 Australia’s Strongest International, and the 2023 ASC.

Should someone like Stoltman drop even a little bit off in performance near the top, it would be fair to assume that someone red-hot like Hooper steps up to fill in the gap. Winning his first career WSM title would be a perfect way to cap Hooper’s recent run of sheer dominance.

Brian Shaw

• Most notable accomplishment: Four-time WSM champion (2011, 2013, 2015-2016)

All around, 2023 is shaping up to be an emotional and seminal moment in Shaw’s strongman career. The 2023 WSM will not only be his last appearance in the flagship strongman contest — the ensuing 2023 Shaw Classic will be the legend’s last-ever professional strongman competition. That’s right: In the next few months, Shaw will lift his last Atlas Stone.

In a competitive setting, anyway.

Shaw appears to be reveling in his farewell tour, and justifiably so. He trained with the five other American strongmen participating in the 2023 WSM and is hoping a recent leg infection is a harbinger of coming good luck based on his past competitive precedent. If Shaw wins a fifth WSM title, he will match Pudzianowski for the most all-time.

That’d be one heck of a way to pen a final chapter in his resume.

Mateusz Kieliszkowski

• Most notable accomplishment: WSM runner-up (2018-2019)

The last anyone saw Kieliszkowski in a WSM setting was almost four years ago, during the 2019 edition. The “Polish Terminator” had just capped a second-consecutive runner-up finish, making it appear his ascent to strongman’s tallest summit would be inevitable in the 2020s. However, injuries and their complications would muddle matters for Kieliszkowski. A late withdrawal from the 2022 WSM made it unclear when he’d again thrive amongst some of the globe’s strongest athletes.

After a recent 32-ton (64,000 pounds) truck pull in training, Kieliszkowski has professed he doesn’t have high expectations for his official return to the WSM. A sterling runner-up finish in the 2023 ASC — his first strongman appearance in over two years — says otherwise. When the dust settles, Kieliszkowski might not win the 2023 WSM. The five-time Poland’s Strongest Man (PSM) champion’s (2015-2019) evaluation of his own ability is probably more accurate than any outside perspective.

That said, counting his chances out on paper could be a massive mistake.

Oleksii Novikov

• Most notable accomplishment: WSM champion (2020)

If one looked up the definition of consistency in a dictionary, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a picture of a roaring Novikov. According to Strongman Archives, the Ukrainian competitor has qualified for the podium in 18 out of 20 strongman competitions dating back to September 2020. He has recorded seven victories in that same time span, including a 2022 Europe’s Strongest Man (ESM) title and a triumph in the 2022 Rogue Invitational. Factor in Novikov’s WSM title to begin the decade, and it’s abundantly clear he has the pedigree to add another WSM notch to his already loaded belt of strength accomplishments.

Unfortunately, a lat muscle tear might limit Novikov’s capacity to thrive under strongman’s brightest “lights.” It didn’t seem to affect Novikov’s 2023 ESM runner-up performance in early April, but the severity of the potentially lingering injury is unconfirmed. While purely speculation, a healthier Novikov might have made it back-to-back ESM victories.

If Novikov is close to 100 percent, he will likely be a significant player working toward the 2023 WSM title until the curtains come up. His overall health status could determine whether Novikov wins outright or “only” records another podium finish.

2023 World’s Strongest Man Roster

Here’s a complete look at the full lineup of competitors in this year’s contest.

• Tom Stoltman (United Kingdom) — Defending two-time WSM champion
• Mitchell Hooper (Canada)
• Brian Shaw (United States)
• Mateusz Kieliszkowski (Poland)
• Oleksii Novikov (Ukraine)
• Pavlo Kordiyaka (Ukraine)
• Evan Singleton (United States)
• Trey Mitchell (United States)
• Adam Bishop (United Kingdom)
• Aivars Šmaukstelis (Latvia)
• Kevin Faires (United States)
• Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted (Iceland)
• Paul Smith (United Kingdom)
• Rauno Heinla (Estonia)
• Bobby Thompson (United States)
• Gavin Bilton (United Kingdom)
• Spenser Remick (United States)
• Eddie Williams (Australia)
• Konstantine Janashia (Georgia)
• Graham Hicks (United Kingdom)
• Luke Stoltman (United Kingdom)
• Mathew Ragg (New Zealand)
• Gabriel Rhéaume (Canada)
• Fadi El Masri (Lebanon)
• Jaco Schoonwinkel (South Africa)
• Jean-Stephen Coraboeuf (France)
• Mark Felix (United Kingdom)
• Pa O’Dwyer (Ireland)
• Cheick “Iron Biby” Sanou (Burkina Faso)
• Thomas Evans (United States)
• *Pavlo Nakonechnyy (Ukraine) — *Withdrawn
• *Maxime Boudreault (Canada) — *Withdrawn

A WSM Battle for the Ages

None of these predictions and insights are to say that other competitors on the 30-person roster for the 2023 WSM roster don’t have a chance. It’s more that the defending champion (Stoltman), the only other previous WSM winners in the competition (Shaw, Novikov), a young superstar (Hooper), and an established dark horse in his return (Kieliszkowski) could present the best possible chances for a win.

When the 2023 WSM weekend draws to a close in Myrtle Beach, it wouldn’t be a far cry to see this group of five men create fireworks.

Featured image: @shawstrength on Instagram

The post 5 Top Contenders to Watch at the 2023 World’s Strongest Man appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

On Apr. 13, 2023, Shaw posted a “Road to WSM” video to his YouTube channel where the athlete revealed he was healing from a right leg infection in late January 2023. While Shaw didn’t initially describe the precise nature or severity of the infection, he says he almost lost the leg.

In the video, where Shaw lies in a hospital bed in recovery, he doesn’t mince his words about the greatest fear of his infection. He described the worst possible scenario — amputation — which apparently could’ve been one treatment considered.

Fortunately, Shaw avoided this outcome.

“The biggest thing is that it didn’t go into my bloodstream,” Shaw explained. “So, if I would have waited potentially any longer, the big fear would be it going into my bloodstream. Once it does that, the outcome might not be as good, meaning a possible amputation.”

Despite this monumental obstacle in his path, Shaw kept his eyes on the prize. With the ball out of his court, all the strongman could really do was positively frame his situation and hope for the best. Even from the hospital, the legend didn’t let his almost dire circumstances get him down. He kept up with his nutrition with the idea he would eventually leave the medical facility healthy.

Why? Shaw had his crosshairs fixed on another WSM title and a fruitful end to his career as motivation.

“When you battle some adversity like this, you just have to find a way,” Shaw said. “… I’m trying to get five meals in a day right now. The goal is to walk out of here having not lost a lot of bodyweight.”

Ultimately, Shaw had quite the optimistic outlook, comparing his infection to some of the adversity he battled en route to winning the 2013 WSM title. Roughly three months before that contest, Shaw underwent nerve surgery and still went on to win the show. Following his recent infection troubles, Shaw hopes for similar results this time, as his strongman career comes to a close.

“This has reminded me the most of 2013,” Shaw explained. “In 2013 I had to have a nerve release surgery done approximately three months out from the WSM. So, I’ve been telling myself, as I’ve been sitting here, that this leg infection is not as bad as that.”

Editor’s Note: In a follow-up video posted to his YouTube channel on April 14, 2023, Shaw clarified that he was officially diagnosed with an aggressive form of cellulitis — a bacterial skin infection — and spent a total of eight days in the hospital.

Featured image: SHAWSTRENGTH on YouTube

The post Brian Shaw Overcame Leg Infection That Threatened His Final World’s Strongest Man appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

• Brian Shaw — Four-time WSM champion (2011, 2013, 2015-2016)
• Bobby Thompson — American log lift record holder (217.5 kilograms/478.5 pounds)
• Trey Mitchell — Reigning two-time Shaw Classic (SC) champion (2021-2022)
• Evan Singleton — First-ever Arnold Strongman Classic UK (ASCUK) champion (2021)
• Kevin Faires — Dinnie Stones Walk World Record holder (31 feet, seven inches)
• Spenser Remick — 2022 Official Strongman Games (OSG) champion
• Tom Evans — Winner of the 2022 Shaw Classic Open and 2022 Arnold Amateur Strongman World Championships

Six of these American athletes recently came together for a powerful WSM training session about a week before the biggest contest in strongman. Evans was noticeably absent, likely due to his last-minute addition to the WSM roster as a replacement for the injured Pavlo Nakonechnyy. On Apr. 11, 2023, Shaw posted a video on his YouTube channel chronicling the group’s time together.

The six American athletes performed five movements that somewhat mirror events expected at the 2023 WSM.

They began the day by loading sandbags and a weighted keg onto a platform. The weights and distance weren’t revealed. While it was impossible to recreate its exact format in advance, this was in reference to the Loading Race from the Qualifying Stage of the competition.

“Definitely a good start with these guys. All of us are primed and ready for World’s Strongest Man. But this is the tune-up and, at the end of the day, iron really does sharpen iron,” Shaw said after completing the first training medley. “So it’s why I wanted to have these guys out and in the gym with me heading in. My goal is for them to push me, me to push them, and all of our levels to go up. Collectively, that’s what’s going to happen.”

They then shifted to a log ladder with five implements that featured gradually increasing weight. Only Singleton and Faires failed to lift all five logs. The Log Ladder will be the final event of the first day of the 2023 WSM.

Next, the group threw in some heavy overhead dumbbell work and a single Fingal’s Finger. Unlike the start of the session, no one amongst the American group of competitors is guaranteed to perform these events at the WSM, as they comprise different portions of the two-day Final.

To close their day together, the six took to the Conan’s Wheel, where the athlete’s task is to carry around a heavy implement in a circular, fixed motion as far as possible. The Conan’s Wheel will likely be a climactic moment for some WSM competitors as it starts the second day of Qualifying.

Here is an overview of the complete 2023 WSM event schedule:

Qualifying Stage Day One | Wednesday, Apr. 19, 2023

• Event One — Loading Race
• Event Two — Deadlift Machine 
• Event Three — Log Ladder

Qualifying Stage Day Two | Thursday, Apr. 20, 2023

• Event Four — Conan’s Wheel 
• Event Five — Kettlebell Toss
• Event Six — Stone Off

Final Day One | Saturady, Apr. 22, 2023

Ten athletes will advance from the Qualifying stage to the Final.

• Event One — Fingal’s Fingers
• Event Two — KNAACK Deadlift 
• Event Three — Reign Shield Carry 

Final Day Two | Sunday, Apr. 23, 2023

• Event Four — Max Dumbbell
• Event Five — Vehicle Pull 
• Event Six — Atlas Stones

Of the seven American competitors, it would stand to reason that Shaw and his championship pedigree may likely fare the best of the bunch at the 2023 WSM. Someone like Mitchell, with his two consecutive SC victories, could also be a dark horse. Mitchell’s best-ever WSM placing was in 10th at the 2021 iteration.

This isn’t to say that Singleton, Faires, Thompson, and Remick won’t thrive. Just because there are presumed favorites, doesn’t mean another American stud can’t come out of the blue to level a talented field.

Featured image: @shawstrength on Instagram

The post Brian Shaw Led 5 American Strongmen in World’s Strongest Man Training Session appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

On Feb. 27, 2023, strongman legend Brian Shaw posted a YouTube video announcing the roster of competitors for this year’s SC. In the process, Shaw also announced that the 2023 SC would be the final professional strongman contest of his illustrious career.

Shaw disclosed that there would be a 16th athlete at the contest. That athlete is unnamed at the time of this writing. Here’s an overview of the roster for the 2023 SC this summer:

2023 Shaw Classic Roster

• Trey Mitchell (United States) — Reigning two-time Champion
• Brian Shaw (United States) — 2022 runner-up
• Mitchell Hooper (Canada) — 2022 third place
• Tom Stoltman (United Kingdom)
• Luke Stoltman (United Kingdom)
• Oleksii Novikov (Ukraine)
• Bobby Thompson (United States)
• Adam Bishop (United Kingdom)
• Graham Hicks (United Kingdom)
• Pavlo Nakonechnyy (Ukraine)
• Thomas Evans (United States)
• Maxime Boudreault (Canada)
• Kevin Faires (United States)
• Aivars Šmaukstelis (Latvia)
• Evan Singleton (United States)

Given his career of accomplishments — including four World’s Strongest Man (WSM) titles (2011, 2013, 2015-2016) and three Arnold Strongman Classic (ASC) victories (2011, 2015, 2017) — Shaw was understandably emotional. It seemed to be a bit of a challenge revealing he’d soon put a bow on his professional strongman endeavors. Earlier in the year, Shaw also said that the 2023 WSM, occurring in April, will be his last.

“It’s tough to say those words, ‘this will be my final time,’ but it’s going to be,” Shaw said. It’s time to close this chapter of my career.”

According to Strongman Archives, Shaw made his first major strongman appearance at the 2007 America’s Strongest Man (ASM) contest. He would finish in sixth. Before becoming one of the greatest strongmen in history, Shaw would notch his first victory at the 2009 Venice Beach Grand Prix. After roughly 16 years of high-level competition, he’ll soon lift his final Atlas Stone onto a podium.

As for the 2023 SC, while the roster is confirmed, the events for the contest have yet to be announced. Shaw did not disclose when that reveal will happen, but Shaw says the layout will take the event to “the next level.”

Among the confirmed athletes, Maxime Boudreault recently broke a shin bone. The injury forced the Canadian strongman to withdraw from the 2023 WSM and the 2023 ASC. According to Shaw, Boudreault has maintained that he will be healthy and ready to go by the 2023 SC. The top three from the 2022 edition of the Shaw Classic — Trey Mitchell (defending champion), Shaw, and Mitchell Hooper — will return to the contest. Mitchell will be vying for a “three-peat” in a newer competition that will have had just four iterations come August.

The latest SC would have likely already been a tentpole contest in the 2023 strongman calendar. The announcement that an icon like Shaw will be stepping away from the sport at its conclusion adds a powerful and sentimental note.

More Strongman Content:

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• Mark Felix Reveals 2023 World’s Strongest Man Will Be His Final Appearance at the Contest
• Strongman Tyler Scott Obringer Axle Presses a Massive 192.8 Kilograms (425 Pounds)

Featured image: @theshawclassic on Instagram

The post Brian Shaw Reveals 2023 Shaw Classic Roster While Announcing Strongman Retirement appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Here are the events scheduled for the 2023 WSM in mid-April. Notably, even with a change to a tightened schedule, there will potentially be a built-in rest day between the Qualifying Stages and the Final, as has been the norm in recent editions of the WSM. That said, with a relatively shortened schedule, fatigue could play a role in the latter stages of the competition, potentially even deciding the champion.

2023 World’s Strongest Man Event Schedule

Qualifying Round

• Event One: Loading Race — Day One
• Event Two: Deadlift Machine — Day One
• Event Three: Log Ladder — Day One
• Event Four: Conan’s Wheel — Day Two
• Event Five: Kettlebell Toss — Day Two
• Event Six: Stone Off — Day Two

Final

• Event One | Fingal’s Fingers — Day Three
• Event Two | Deadlift —  Day Three
• Event Three | Shield Carry — Day Three
• Event Four | Max Dumbbell — Day Four
• Event Five | Vehicle Pull — Day Four
• Event Six | Atlas Stones — Day Four

At the time of this writing, the precise structure of each of the 2023 WSM’s events is unclear.

A safe assumption would be to expect the Stone Off, the concluding event of the Qualifying Round, to be head-to-head. In the past, each group’s second and third-place finishers would square off to determine who would move on to the Final. Such a consistent setup would once again favor the respective group winners.

At the time of this article’s publication, the complete final roster for the 2023 WSM has not been revealed, nor has the makeup of each respective group. Presumably, reigning two-time WSM champion Tom Stoltman will return to defend his title. In January 2023, former WSM champ (2020) Oleksii Novikov revealed he would again be vying for the biggest prize in strongman. Four-time WSM champion (2011, 2013, 2015-2016) Brian Shaw previously announced the 2023 WSM would be his final appearance at the contest.

By the time the 2023 WSM is underway in Myrtle Beach, some of the strongest people in the world will have already been well-prepared for the gauntlet ahead. Regardless of who is on the roster and how the events are precisely structured, a fascinating battle likely lies ahead in the spring.

Featured image: @theworldsstrongestman on Instagram

The post 2023 World’s Strongest Man Events Revealed appeared first on Breaking Muscle.