On May 8, 2023, Novikov shared a 42-minute video on his YouTube channel recapping his WSM week. The former champion reviewed his performance through the contest’s 11 events. However, one key piece of information he shared may shed some light on his surprising third-place finish in the Circus Dumbbell event on the final day of competition. Novikov has traditionally dominated that challenging overhead press in previous competitions and set an unofficial world record lifting 153.2 kilograms (337.8 pounds) while training in 2021.

Novikov revealed that he competed in the 2023 WSM with an elbow injury suffered in training, though he didn’t discuss a specific diagnosis. Novikov spoke in Ukrainian and the captions showed the English translation. He spoke about the injury at the 30:36 mark in the video below.

Novikov suffered the injury in training while performing the Circus Dumbbell with weights heavier than what he would eventually lift in the contest — at the 2023 WSM, Novikov was only able to successfully press 132.5 kilograms (291 pounds) overhead. He shared that he initially thought it was simple elbow pain and less serious than it actually was. 

“In the last training session [before the WSM contest], I lifted 144 kilograms (317 pounds). At 148 kilograms (326 pounds), I didn’t get the lockout. And during all these processes, I got an injury which I didn’t pay much attention to. Just some elbow pain. I kept training and only then noticed this issue with my elbow.

The elbow lost its function at full extension and activating where it has to activate. And due to that, there were problems with the lockout. And that’s why locking out heavy weights became a problem for me … Don’t know whether I need a surgery or not, but I’ll certainly take care of my elbow,” he said.

He felt the issues with lockouts were why he struggled during the dumbbell event on the last day of competition. He’s uncertain whether or not he will need surgery, but Novikov made it sound as if that is at least being considered.

Novikov realized that this issue and the result of that event could’ve very well cost him the title in South Carolina.

“My signature event became an Achilles heel for me. For me, that’s an upset for sure and it brought me down, mentally, a little.”

Novikov also assessed that his issues for the competition went beyond physical problems. Many athletes feel sports are as much mental as they are physical, and Novikov is no different. Hearing and reading comments that suggested he ‘win or not come back’ as a way of encouragement may have backfired.

“You all want me to win, and I also want that. I guess not less than you, but it puts some kind of pressure on me that I start thinking that it’s super important, and I plan my performance the way like ‘either win or nothing.’ And when some kind of problem occurs, like with the [Reign Total Body Fuel Shield Carry event], it hurts me mentally, and, overall, it becomes hard to focus on the next events.”

Novikov also shared that he will take time off to let his body recover from the competitions he’s already entered this year, as well as to allow his elbow to heal whether he has surgery or not.

Novikov had also suffered a lat injury earlier in the year leading up to the 2023 Europe’s Strongest Man contest. Clearly, an athlete of Novikov’s caliber has world-class levels of strength both in the muscle and mind, but time to rebuild and refocus could be what he needs to put himself in the best position to succeed going forward. He didn’t reveal what his next contest will be or if he will do another show in 2023.

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

The post Oleksii Novikov Reveals Elbow Injury Affected His 2023 World’s Strongest Man Performance appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

After the wild gauntlet that was the 2023 World’s Strongest Man (WSM), Mitchell Hooper used the final day of the contest to capture his first WSM title. Former two-time reigning champion Tom Stoltman (2021-2022) and 2020 victor Oleksii Novikov rounded out the podium. Here’s an overview of the event-by-event results from Day 4 of the 2023 WSM and the official standings leaderboard from the 2023 WSM Finals.

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

Here’s a recap of the results from the fourth and final day of the 2023 WSM, including how each of the top 10 competitors fared on the Max Dumbbell, Bus Pull, and Atlas Stones.

Max Dumbbell Recap

The Max Dumbbell tasked the respective athletes with a single-arm, overhead press of an oversized, thick-handled dumbbell. The athletes lifted in rounds of gradually increasing weight until they couldn’t lift the next sequential dumbbell.

The weights of the dumbbells featured were as follows: 115 kilograms (254 pounds), 125 kilograms (275 pounds), 132.5 kilograms (291 pounds), 140 kilograms (309 pounds), 145 kilograms (319 pounds), 151 kilograms (333 pounds — a World Record weight), and 155 kilograms (342 pounds).

The event started with an unfortunate shake-up for South Africa’s Jaco Schoonwinkel. In his first-ever WSM Finals, Schoonwinkel appeared to suffer an injury during his first lift of the event. The athlete would be forced to withdraw in a result that led to his eventual 10th-place finish.

Mitchell Hooper and Evan Singleton would tie for first place in the Max Dumbbell as the only competitors to lift the 140-kilogram (309-pound) dumbbell.

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

Bus Pull Recap

Next on the docket for the 2023 WSM elite was the Bus Pull. This event gave the respective competitors the objective of pulling a staggering 23,133-kilogram (51,000-pound) bus as far as possible down a 25-meter (82-foot) path with a time limit of one minute.

Hooper once again won the event, finishing the Bus Pull in 30.24 seconds. This event marked Hooper’s eighth event victory throughout the contest.

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 Recap

As is WSM tradition, the Atlas Stones put a cherry on top of the 2023 WSM. The athletes had to lift five progressively heavier stones onto their respective platforms within a one-minute time limit. The five stones had weights of 150 kilograms (330 pounds), 160 kilograms (350 pounds), 180 kilograms (395 pounds), 200 kilograms (440 pounds), and 210 kilograms (460 pounds).

Entering this final event, all Hooper needed to secure his first WSM title was a minimum sixth-place result. After a few competitors faltered on the fifth Atlas Stone, Hooper’s second-place finish was more than enough to pen him down in strongman history. Though, runner-up Tom Stoltman would win the Atlas Stones event by lifting all five Stones in 33.26 seconds to entrench himself on the 2023 WSM podium.

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

A Historic World’s Strongest Man

There was no shortage of worthy storylines at the 2023 WSM.

With his title, Hooper capped one of the more remarkable approximate one-year runs in strongman history. Now, while sitting at the top, he may well be beginning an extended reign of dominance as the sport’s preeminent royalty.

On a bittersweet but likely still happy note, four-time WSM champion (2011, 2013, 2015-2016) Brian Shaw finished in seventh place in his last WSM Finals. The strongman legend walks off into the sunset having qualified for the WSM Finals on 15 of 16 occasions in his career.

Meanwhile, the former two-time defending champion in Tom Stoltman fell short of a historic three-peat, but that doesn’t mean he’s lost his place as an elite competitor. In the weeks and months ahead, and in any ensuing WSM, it wouldn’t be a far cry to see Stoltman contend for many strongman titles.

As far as debuts go, Mathew Ragg’s WSM debut was the first time in 40 years that a New Zealand competitor reached the WSM Finals, with Allan Hallberg being the last representative in the 1983 WSM. South Africa’s Jaco Schoonwinkel also had an extremely solid showing, dominating his Qualifying Group before falling to injury in the Finals.

Indeed, the 2023 WSM was a cornucopia of incredible strength and athletic resolve. In the end, Hooper stood tall above the rest of his talented peers.

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

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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

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The first leg of the competition saw the competitors work through the early-morning Loading Race, the early-afternoon Deadlift Machine, and closed with the near-evening Log Ladder. Here’s where the leaderboard stands after Day One, along with a short recap of how each athlete fared in the competition’s kickoff events.

2022 World’s Strongest Man Leaderboard — Day One

2022 World’s Strongest Man Day 1 Results

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

Loading Race Recap

The contest’s first event tested the competitors’ strength and athleticism. Shortly before the Loading Race began, Cheick “Iron Biby” Sanou withdrew from the competition.

They had an objective of running through a four-to-six-meter (13-to-19.6-foot) field of sand as fast as they could while loading gradually heavier implements onto an elevated platform. The time limit for the Loading Race’s completion was 90 seconds. The implements featured 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.

Reigning Europe’s Strongest Man (ESM) champion and Group 1 competitor, Pavlo Kordiyaka, had the best time (41.38 seconds) while successfully loading all five implements. Meanwhile, presumed top WSM contenders Oleksii Novikov (51.14 seconds) and Mitchell Hooper (42.05 seconds) both breezed through the race to lead Group 2 and Group 3, respectively.

Group 1

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

Group 2

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

Group 3

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

Group 4

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

Group 5

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

Deadlift Machine Recap

The second event of the 2023 WSM, the Deadlift Machine, was a requisite showcase of power and endurance. The athletes had a 75-second time limit to perform as many repetitions as possible on a specially designed deadlift machine.

The weight for the Deadlift Machine was increased after each rep, in the following order: 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). Any athletes who had the capacity to perform the seventh and final weight could do so as many as they pleased within the allotted time frame.

Hooper (Group 3), Brian Shaw (Group 4), and Trey Mitchell (Group 5) all tied for the most number of repetitions performed with eight. Hooper and Novikov (six reps in Group 2) were the only athletes to score a second consecutive event victory for their Qualifying Round Group.

Group 1

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

Group 2

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

Group 3

1. Mitchell Hooper — Eight reps
2. Mathew Ragg — Seven reps
3. Graham Hicks — Seven reps
4. Aivars Šmaukstelis — Five reps
5. Spenser Remick — Five reps
6. Mateusz Kieliszkowski — Four reps

Group 4

1. Brian Shaw — Eight reps
2. Rauno Heinla — Eight reps
3. Adam Bishop — Seven reps
4. Jaco Schoonwinkel — Six reps
5. Kevin Faires — Five reps
6. Gabriel Rhéaume — Five reps

Group 5

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

Log Ladder

As has been the past precedent for WSM contests, the first day of the 2023 WSM concluded with the Log Ladder. The competitors had to power through a challenging ladder of logs, which gradually increased in weight. Once again, they had 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).

Seven of the 30 competitors were able to complete the entire series of five lifts, including reigning WSM champion Tom Stoltman (Group 1), two-time Shaw Classic winner Trey Mitchell (Group 5), and WSM debut athletes Thomas Evans and Mathew Ragg (Group 2 and Group 3, respectively), with Evans completing the lifts in the fastest time of the entire field.

Group 1

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

Group 2

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

Group 3

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

Group 4

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

Group 5

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

An Epic WSM Day Looms

While Hooper and Novikov may have separated themselves from the pack, a host of 2023 WSM competitors still need to make their mark at the contest. Not everyone can dominate in the early goings and earn themselves plenty of breathing room in the process. Thursday’s Qualifying Round events, which feature the Conan’s Wheel, Kettlebell Toss, and customary Stone Off to decide five of the 10 berths in the Final, should present a tense show for the athletes and spectators on hand.

With the next legendary WSM Final on the horizon, Thursday will likely go down as a seminal moment in the 46th edition of strongman’s definitive competition.

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

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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.

Former defending ESM champion and fellow Ukrainian countryman Oleksii Novikov finished in second place. Novikov was notably nursing a recent minor lat muscle injury, and that may have played a part in falling short of defending his title. According to Strongman Archives, despite the injury and runner-up result, it is Novikov’s eighth podium placing in his last nine contests dating back to early 2022. Rounding out this year’s ESM podium was Latvia’s Aivars Šmaukstelis, winner of the 2022 World Strongman Championships (WSC), in third place. It is Šmaukstelis’ seventh consecutive podium result dating back to August 2022.

The 2023 ESM featured five events in this order:

• Log Press Ladder
• Load and Push Race
• Deadlift for Reps
• Conan’s Wheel
• Castle Stones

To notch his victory, Kordiyaka won the Log Press Ladder (five lifts in 52.55 seconds), the Load and Push Race (a time of 44.14 seconds), and the Conan’s Wheel (with a rotation of 1009-degrees; almost three complete revolutions). That rotation length is a new World Record on the Conan’s Wheel. Kordiyaka recorded three reps of the 350-kilogram (771.6-pound) Deadlift in one minute for sixth place. The athlete ranked second on the Castle Stones (an Atlas Stones variation) when he lifted all five in 21.76 seconds. Only Šmaukstelis fared better (five in 20.47 seconds).

Here are the final standings from the 2023 ESM:

2023 Europe’s Strongest Man Final Standings

• Pavlo Kordiyaka (Ukraine) — 57.5 points
• Oleksii Novikov (Ukraine) — 53.5 points
• Aivars Šmaukstelis (Latvia) — 51.5 points
• Eythór Ingólfsson Melsted (Iceland) — 45.5 points
• Adam Bishop (United Kingdom) — 41.5 points
• Shane Flowers (United Kingdom) — 37 points
• Pa O’Dwyer (Ireland) — 36.5 points
• Konstantine Janashia (Georgia) — 30.5 points
• Dennis Kohlruss (Germany) — 26 points
• Paul Smith (United Kingdom) — 25.5 points
• Gavin Bilton (United Kingdom) — 17.5 points
• Jean-Stephen Coraboeuf (France) — 16.5 points
• Graham Hicks (United Kingdom) — 8 points

Per Strongman Archives, this ESM triumph could arguably be the best of Kordiyaka’s career to date. The 27-year-old can also boast wins in the 2020 Ukraine’s Strongest Man (USM), the 2021 Official Strongman Games (OSG), and the 2022 Marijampole International. His previous best finish in the ESM was a fourth-place debut in 2022.

Kordiyaka will next compete in the 2023 World’s Strongest Man (WSM) on Apr. 19-23, 2023, in Myrtle Beach, SC. He failed to advance to the Final in his 2022 WSM debut. Momentum from his 2023 ESM win might push Kordiyaka to thrive on this next occasion.

Featured image: @pavlo_kordiyaka on Instagram

The post Pavlo Kordiyaka is the 2023 Europe’s Strongest Man appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

During a Mar. 18, 2023, YouTube video, Novikov revealed he suffered “a small tear” in his lat muscle during a training session in preparation for the upcoming 2023 Europe’s Strongest Man (ESM) and World’s Strongest Man (WSM) contests. Novikov didn’t disclose precisely when the injury occurred or its exact degree, but characterized it as a minor ailment suffered at some point during a sandbag-focused workout.

He will proceed with his plans to compete in the 2023 ESM on Apr. 1 in Leeds, England, and the 2023 WSM on Apr. 19-23, 2023, in Myrtle Beach, SC. Novikov is the defending ESM champion and the winner of the 2020 WSM.

Despite his injury, Novikov made it seem like it wasn’t much of a hindrance. The video of his reveal featured the strongman powering through various upper-body centric movements including a standing log press, an incline press with the same log implement, and even the famed Fingal’s Fingers: a staple event at many strongman contests.

At the same time, a careful Novikov maintained he wasn’t trying to “activate” his lat muscles as much as he normally would. Novikov’s resolve to defend his ESM title and vie for a second career WSM championship might be admirable, but the injury could put a hitch into his plans. If the strongman is anything less than 100% at either competition — again, the exact timeline and nature of his injury and ensuing recovery process are unknown at the time of this writing — it could potentially impact both respective podiums.

Here is the roster for the 2023 ESM at the time of this article’s publication:

2023 Europe’s Strongest Man Roster

• Oleksii Novikov (Ukraine) — Reigning Champion
• Pavlo Kordiyaka (Ukraine)
• Konstantine Janashia (Georgia)
• Rauno Heinla (Estonia)
• Aivars Šmaukstelis (Latvia)
• Eythór Ingólfsson Melsted (Iceland)
• Jean-Stephen Coraboeuf (France)
• Dennis Kohlruss (Germany)
• Pa O’Dwyer (Ireland)
• Paul Smith (United Kingdom)
• Adam Bishop (United Kingdom)
• Gavin Bilton (United Kingdom)
• Graham Hicks (United Kingdom)
• Shane Flowers (United Kingdom)

Here is the 2023 WSM roster:

• Tom Stoltman (United Kingdom) — Reigning two-time WSM Champion
• Pavlo Kordiyaka (Ukraine)
• Evan Singleton (United States)
• Mitchell Hooper (Canada)
• 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)
• Mateusz Kieliszkowski (Poland)
• Gavin Bilton (United Kingdom)
• Spenser Remick (United States)
• Eddie Williams (Australia)
• Pavlo Nakonechnyy (Ukraine)
• Konstantine Janashia (Georgia)
• Graham Hicks (United Kingdom)
• Luke Stoltman (United Kingdom)
• Mathew Ragg (New Zealand)
• Gabriel Rhéaume (Canada)
• Brian Shaw (United States)
• Jaco Schoonwinkel (South Africa)
• Mark Felix (Grenada)
• Fadi El Masri (Lebanon)
• *Maxime Boudreault (Canada) (qualified but withdrew due to shin injury)

According to Strongman Archives, Novikov recorded a podium finish in seven of eight competitive strongman appearances in 2022. In addition to his ESM victory, the athlete was triumphant in the 2022 Giants Live Strongman Classic and the 2022 Strongman Rogue Invitational. Novikov finished in third place behind Martins Licis (second) and two-time reigning champion Tom Stoltman at the 2022 WSM.

It appears Novikov won’t let any obstacles get in his way of fruitful 2023 performances. Whether he can persevere through his injury and still shine at the 2023 ESM and WSM remains to be seen. Regardless, something says this superstar will find the means to make it all come together beautifully.

Featured image: Oleksii Novikov [ENG] / YouTube

The post Oleksii Novikov Will Push Through 2023 Europe’s Strongest Man, World’s Strongest Man Despite Injury appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

2023 Europe’s Strongest Man Events

The 2023 ESM will be a single-day competition comprised of five distinct events. Here’s an overview of the events for the European strongman contest.

• Log Press Ladder
• Load & Push Race
• Deadlift for Reps
• Conan’s Wheel
• Castle Stones

At the time of this writing, specifics have not been offered on the details of each event. Such information concerning exact implements, weights, and potential formats may be shared at a later date.

Novikov is the defending ESM champion, but there is no shortage of potential top contenders for his title. Athletes to watch might include fellow Ukrainian countryman Pavlo Nakonechnyy, who captured a victory in the 2022 Giants Live World Open last summer. The third-place finisher from the 2022 ESM, Georgia’s Konstantine Janashia, should probably also not be discounted. Two-time Britain’s Strongest Man (2020, 2023) and 2020 ESM runner-up Adam Bishop could be another one to watch.

As for a dark horse, Masters deadlift World Record holder Rauno Heinla could also be in the mix, as the Estonian possesses the requisite power for a shorter contest like the 2023 ESM, compared to multi-day contests like the World’s Strongest Man. Heinla had to withdraw after the third event during the 2022 ESM and may be seeking a degree of redemption.

Here’s an overview of the complete roster for the 2023 ESM:

2023 Europe’s Strongest Man Roster

• Oleksii Novikov (Ukraine) — Reigning Champion
• Pavlo Nakonechnyy (Ukraine)
• Pavlo Kordiyaka (Ukraine)
• Konstantine Janashia (Georgia)
• Rauno Heinla (Estonia)
• Aivars Šmaukstelis (Latvia)
• Eythór Ingólfsson Melsted (Iceland)
• Jean-Stephen Coraboeuf (France)
• Dennis Kohlruss (Germany)
• Pa O’Dwyer (Ireland)
• Adam Bishop (United Kingdom)
• Gavin Bilton (United Kingdom)
• Graham Hicks (United Kingdom)
• Paul Smith (United Kingdom) — Reserve

Notably, some events, like the Log Press Ladder and Castle Stones (an Atlas Stone name variation), could be game-changers for competitors. That’s because two-time reigning World’s Strongest Man (WSM) champion Tom Stoltman and his brother Luke Stoltman (the 2022 runner-up), who are proficient in both, are not participating in this year’s ESM iteration. Such a development potentially leaves a lot of points on the table for the prospective winner.

Only time will tell whether Novikov can build on his ESM title. The Ukrainian athlete will likely enter this ESM as a heavy favorite to win. However, with the precise format unknown and a few new faces on the roster, it would be anyone’s competition to take a stranglehold of.

Featured image: @novikov_strong_wsm on Instagram

The post 2023 Europe’s Strongest Man Events Revealed 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.

On Jan. 16, 2023, Novikov posted a Q&A video to the English version of his YouTube channel, breaking down his upcoming plans for the 2023 calendar year. Among the more notable revelations is that Novikov will try to build on his Hummer Tire Deadlift World Record by successfully pulling 600 kilograms (1,322.7 pounds) at the next iteration of the Shaw Classic, on August 19-20, 2023. This mark would be an astonishing 51 kilograms (112.3 pounds) over his current record achievement.

In discussing why he wanted to extend his Hummer Tire Deadlift record by such a staggering amount, Novikov noted that he didn’t really prepare much before the pull in 2022. He believes that a greater commitment to the process this time around could only result in a dramatic leap skyward as he tries to separate himself from his peers.

“I would also like to go to the Shaw Classic and pull 600 kilograms (1,322.7 pounds) in this [Hummer] Tire Deadlift,” Novikov said. “Because last year I did 549 kilograms (1,210 pounds), now I want to pull 600 kilograms to close the topic about this deadlift. Last time, I didn’t train it at all.”

Aside from extending record marks, Novikov unsurprisingly plans to defend his ESM and RI titles. The 2023 ESM is scheduled for Apr. 1, 2023, in Leeds, England, and the 2023 RI will likely take place in Fall 2023 on a yet unconfirmed date. Plus, while he was unsure about scheduling, Novikov maintained he will appear at a measure of Giants Live competitions, too.

Last but certainly not least, the strongman will vie for another WSM title on Apr. 18-23, 2023, in Myrtle Beach, SC. If he successfully dethrones the reigning two-time champion, Tom Stoltman, it would be Novikov’s second WSM victory in four years.

“What I am planning at the moment is the Europe’s Strongest Man, the World’s Strongest Man, and the Rogue [Invitational],” Novikov said. “That’s what I want. I also don’t know exactly all the dates and events of Giants Live. So, if it is all OK, I’ll confirm myself competing there.”

Some athletes put their minds to their tasks and achieve nominally great things on occasion. Novikov is, again, not like other athletes. When he has a goal in his crosshairs, chances are he’ll reach it and exceed all expectations.

Featured image: @novikov_strong_wsm / Instagram

The post Oleksii Novikov Wants to Break His Hummer Tire Deadlift World Record By More Than 51 Kilograms (112 Pounds) appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Trey Mitchell (second place) and Mitchell Hooper (third place) joined Novikov on the podium. Mitchell’s top-two performance is his immediate follow-up to a win at the 2022 Shaw Classic. Meanwhile, Hooper has yet another podium result in his young career after winning each of the recent 2022 Giants Live World Tour Finals and 2022 Arnold Strongman Classic UK competitions. To date, Hooper has failed to qualify for the top three on just one occasion — his debut at the 2022 WSM, where he came in eighth place overall.

Here are the final standings from the 2022 Strongman Rogue Invitational:

2022 Strongman Rogue Invitational Final Standings

1. OIeksii Novikov — 49.5 points (Winner)
2. Trey Mitchell — 48 points
3. Mitchell Hooper — 43.5 points
4. Martins Licis — 37.5 points
5. Pavlo Nakonechnyy — 35 points
6. Bobby Thompson — 27.5 points
7. Maxime Boudreault — 27 points
8. Rob Kearney — 25 points
9. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 22.5 points
10. Kevin Faires — 14.5 points

[Related: How to Do the Hip Thrust — Variations, Benefits, and Common Mistakes]

To win a major strongman contest, an athlete generally has to be a versatile Swiss Army Knife. Or, in this case, a Ukrainian Army Knife. Novikov won just one event at the 2022 Rogue Invitational, but thanks to an impeccable consistency built around strength and overall conditioning, he finished in the top three in all but one event. Such output is why he eventually stood on top of the podium in Austin, TX.

Here’s an overview of Novikov’s complete performance over six events that helped him capture his first Rogue Invitational title.

Oleksii Novikov Rogue Invitational Event Breakdown

1. Tower of Power — Third place
2. Cyr Dumbbell Press — First place
3. Husafell Sandbag Carry — Second place
4. Rogue-a-Coaster — Third place
5. Yoke Carry-Overhead Log Lift Medley — Fourth place
6. Stones Over Hitching Post — Third place

Novikov’s first Rogue title is the latest in a long line of achievements for the strongman superstar. Most might understandably point to his 2020 WSM title as the crowning moment of his career thus far, but the athlete is also a four-time Ukraine’s Strongest Man (2016-2019). He even won Europe’s Strongest Man for the first time in March 2022. Throw in a Hummer Tire Deadlift World Record from the 2022 Shaw Classic, and it’s been quite the competitive run lately for the Ukrainian athlete.

[Related: How to Do the Trap Bar Deadlift — Variations, Benefits, and Common Mistakes]

Novikov’s victory at the 2022 Rogue Invitational made for a lucrative prize. The win gave the athlete $114,125 in prize money, the most awarded of any strongman contest in the 2022 calendar year.

In a post on his Instagram, Novikov dedicated a “great end” to his competitive season to his countrypeople in Ukraine, who have been fighting off an invasion from the Russian army since February 2022.

“Like all the victories this year, this one is also dedicated to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people; I love you; you are unsurpassed,” Novikov wrote. “Thank you to everyone who put a hand in the fact that I can train in Ukraine, and as a Ukrainian, a bow to everyone who defends my country. We once again proved in the sports arena that we are the strongest.”

Featured image: @rogueinvitational on Instagram

The post 2022 Strongman Rogue Invitational Results — Another Title for Oleksii Novikov appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Joining Hooper on the podium in Birmingham, England, were former 2020 World’s Strongest Man (WSM) Oleksii Novikov and Rauno Heinla in second and third place, respectively. It is Novikov’s 16th finish in the top three in 18 contests since September 2020. Meanwhile, Heinla takes home a top-three result for the first time since the 2022 Força Bruta in February. 

Here are the final standings from this year’s Arnold Strongman Classic UK:

2022 Arnold Strongman Classic UK Results

1. Mitchell Hooper— 79.5 points 
2. Oleksii Novikov — 71 points
3. Rauno Heinla — 61.5 points
4. Pa O’Dwyer — 55 points
5. Gavin Bilton — 47 points
6. Paul Smith — 44.5 points
7. Konstantine Janashia — 43 points
8. Kim Ujarak — 37 points
9. Ryan Bennett — 36.5 points
10. Žydrūnas Savickas— 33.5 points
11. Louis Jack — 33.5 points
12. Ervin Toots — 31.5 points
13. Ben Williams — 27 points
14. Zake Muluzi — 23.5 points

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Mitchell Hooper (@mitchellhooper)

[Related: How to Do the Goblet Squat for Lower Body Size and Mobility]

Event Breakdown

Here’s a succinct event-by-event breakdown of the 2022 Arnold Strongman Classic UK.

Deadlift

The deadlift for this contest was for reps. The athletes had to pull 370 kilograms (815 pounds) as many times as possible within 75 seconds. The newly-crowned 2022 World Deadlift Champion, Heinla, won this event by locking out a successful eight reps. Hooper (six reps) and Novikov (five reps) followed behind their Estonian peer. 

1. Rauno Heinla — Eight reps
2. Mitchell Hooper — Six reps
3. Oleksii Novikov — Five reps
4. Kim Ujarak — Four reps
5. Pa O’Dwyer — Four reps
6. Gavin Bilton — Four reps
7. Ben Williams — Three reps
8. Paul Smith — Three reps
9. Konstantine Janashia — Three reps
10. Ryan Bennett — Two reps
11. Louis Jack — One rep
12. Žydrūnas Savickas — One rep
13. Ervin Toots — One rep
14. Zake Muluzi — One rep

Bag Over Bar

During this event, the respective competitors had to toss five bags with weights ranging from 20 to 28 kilograms (44 to 61.7 pounds) over a bar with a height of four meters (13.1 feet). The athlete with the fastest time for their throws would come out on top. 

A resounding performance from Gavin Bilton, where he tossed all five bags in just over 17 seconds, gave him the Bag Over Bar victory. Hooper (five bags in 18.15 seconds) and Novikov (five bags in 18.35 seconds) followed just behind again. 

1. Gavin Bilton — Five in 17.21 seconds
2. Mitchell Hooper — Five in 18.15 seconds
3. Oleksii Novikov — Five in 18.35 seconds
4. Rauno Heinla — Five in 18.38 seconds
5. Pa O’Dwyer — Five in 18.79 seconds
6. Konstantine Janashia — Five in 19.27 seconds
7. Kim Ujarak — Five in 19.76 seconds
8. Ervin Toots — Five in 21.47 seconds
9. Louis Jack — Five in 24.78 seconds
10. Ryan Bennett — Five in 26.53 seconds
11. Zake Muluzi — Five in 47.84 seconds
12. Paul Smith — Five in 33.81 seconds
13. Žydrūnas Savickas — Five in 37.90 seconds
14. Ben Williams — Five in 47.84 seconds

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by The Welsh Bull (@gavin_the_bull_bilton)

[Related: How to Do the Push-Up — Benefits, Variations, and More]

Arnold Stone Carry

The Arnold Stone Carry tasked the athletes with picking up and carrying two unevenly weighted stones of 136 kilograms (300 pounds) and 164 kilograms (361.5 pounds) for 15 meters (49.2 feet). Whoever had the farthest distance and fastest time (in the event of a distance tie) would win. 

Hooper logged his first event win of the 2022 ASC UK by taking his stones down the course in 34.01 seconds. Notably, Hooper was the only competitor to cover the entire distance with his carry. 

1. Mitchell Hooper — 34.02 seconds
2. Žydrūnas Savickas — 14.14 meters
3. Zake Muluzi — 10.77 meters
4. Rauno Heinla — 6.19 meters
5. Oleksii Novikov — 5.32 meters
6. Pa O’Dwyer — 5.10 meters
7. Ervin Toots — 4.98 meters
8. Ryan Bennett — 4.88 meters
9. Gavin Bilton — 4.81 meters
10. Paul Smith — 4.45 meters
11. Konstantine Janashia — 4.27 meters
12. Louis Jack — 3.68 meters
13. Kim Ujarak — 3.2 meters
14. Ben Williams — 1.90 meters

Super Yoke

A strongman staple, the competitors at the 2022 ASC UK carried a 500-kilogram (1,102-pound) yoke 10 meters (32.8 feet) as fast as possible. Hooper won a second straight event, blitzing this segment by taking his yoke the full length in 5.70 seconds. Novikov (8.42 seconds) and Paul Smith (11.09 seconds) tailed behind Hooper. 

1. Mitchell Hooper — 5.70 seconds
2. Oleksii Novikov — 8.42 seconds
3. Paul Smith — 11.09 seconds
4. Konstantine Janashia — 12.50 seconds
5. Žydrūnas Savickas — 14.01 second
6. Rauno Heinla — 14.82 seconds
7. Ryan Bennett — 18.84 seconds
8. Pa O’Dwyer — 21.84 seconds
9. Ben Williams — 22.29 seconds
10. Gavin Bilton — 25.26 seconds
11. Zake Muluzi — 32.07 seconds
12. Louis Jack — 34.58 seconds
13. Ervin Toots — 46.91 seconds
14. Kim Ujarak — 3.85 meters

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Related: How to Do the Bent-Over Barbell Row for a Bigger, Stronger Back]

Dumbbell Press

This competition’s dumbbell press was for reps. The eventual victor would be the athlete who could lock out the most reps with a 100-kilogram (220-pound) dumbbell. The event seemed to play right into Novikov’s hands, who finished an impressive eight reps for the win. Though, Hooper and Smith (seven each) nipped on Novikov’s heels with quality performances. 

1. Oleksii Novikov — Eight reps
2. Mitchell Hooper — Seven reps 
3. Paul Smith — Seven reps 
4. Pa O’Dwyer — Six reps
5. Ben Williams — Five reps
6. Gavin Bilton — Four reps
7. Rauno Heinla — Three reps
8. Ryan Bennett — Three reps
9. Kim Ujarak — Two reps
10. Ervin Toots — Two reps
11. Louis Jack — Two reps
12. Konstantine Janashia — Zero reps
13. Žydrūnas Savickas — Zero reps
14. Zake Muluzi — Zero reps

Atlas Stones

Is it even a pro strongman contest if it doesn’t close with Atlas Stones? The five stones weighed from 120 to 200 kilograms (264.5 to 440 pounds). The winner is whoever can lift each stone to its podium the quickest. 

Louis Jack won the event when he lifted all five stones in 23.91 seconds. However, a second-place result for Hooper (five stones in 25.74 seconds) was enough to cement his overall victory as the 2022 ASC UK. 

1. Louis Jack — 23.91 seconds
2. Mitchell Hooper — 25.74 seconds
3. Konstantine Janashia — 29.71 seconds
4. Kim Ujurak — 31.38 seconds
5. Oleksii Novikov — 31.98 seconds
6. Rauno Heinla — Four in 19.21 seconds
7. Pa O’Dwyer — Four in 19.85 seconds
8. Ervin Toots — Four in 21.02 seconds
9. Žydrūnas Savickas — Four in 21.34 seconds
10. Paul Smith — Four in 22.4 seconds
11. Ryan Bennett — Four in 32.09 seconds
12. Gavin Bilton — Four in 34.09 seconds
13. Ben Williams — Three in 14.15 seconds
14. Zake Muluzi – Three in 16.59 seconds

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Josh Lancaster Strongman (@josh_lancaster_strongman_u80kg)

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In a post on his Instagram, Hooper wrote that winning his first professional title “will take a minute to sink in.” However, as a young and ascending star, Hooper won’t have too much time to reflect on this victory.

Hooper and many of the competitors from this contest will square off in the upcoming 2022 Rogue Invitational on Oct. 28-30 at the Dell Diamond Stadium in Austin, TX.

Featured image: @mitchellhooper on Instagram

The post 2022 Arnold Strongman Classic UK Results — Mitchell Hooper Gets His Flowers appeared first on Breaking Muscle.