On Nov. 13, 2022, during the 2022 Official Strongman Games (OSG) in Daytona Beach, FL, Savickas successfully repeated to win the Masters (40-plus) World’s Strongest Man (WSM) title. The championship is the third Masters WSM victory (2017, 2021-2022) for the Lithuanian in his illustrious career. Joining Savickas on the podium were reigning World Deadlift Champion (WDC) Rauno Heinla (second place) — who Savickas eclipsed on a tiebreaker — and Jitse Kramer (third place).

Here’s an overview of the complete final standings from the 2022 Masters World’s Strongest Man:

2022 Master’s World Strongest Man Final Standings

1. Žydrūnas Savickas — 54.5 points (Winner by a tiebreaker)
2. Rauno Heinla — 54.5 points (Lost by a tiebreaker)
3. Jitse Kramer — 50.5 points
4. Matt Webb — 41 points
5. Dimitar Savitinov — 41 points
6. Dainius Repšys — 38.5 points
7. Romek Velt — 34 points
8. Washington Flores — 24 points
9. Tim Filus — 24 points
10. Peter Fundberg — 22 points

Here’s a quick synopsis of Savickas’ individual performance at the 2022 OSG, including how he overcame Heinla to take home the Masters title by the contest’s end.

Žydrūnas Savickas | 2022 Masters World’s Strongest Man Event By Event Overview

1. Viking Press — Third place (nine reps)
2. Farmer’s Walk — Third place (18.22 seconds)
3. Axle Deadlift — Third place (nine reps)
4. Sandbag to Shoulder — Third place (three bags in 24.47 seconds)
5. Car Walk — Fifth place (14.56 seconds)
6. Circus Dumbbell Medley — Fourth place (three dumbbells in 20.78 seconds)
7. Atlas Stones — First place (six stones in 33.28 seconds)

Day One — Nov. 12, 2022

Savickas opened the first day of the competition with a spate of solid third-place results.

He started with the Viking press, tying Heinla in third with nine reps of a 147.5-kilogram (325.2-pound) implement. The Lithuanian athlete would follow that output with another third-place finish on the farmer’s walk — when he used his terrific grip strength to successfully carry 150 kilograms (330.7 pounds) in each hand for the prescribed (undisclosed) distance in 18.22 seconds.

After that, Savickas would notch nine reps of a 300-kilogram (660.3-pound) axle deadlift for another top-three event finish. To close the day, Savickas managed to lift three of the four sandbags in 24.47 seconds during the sandbag-to-shoulder event for one more third-place outcome.

Day Two — Nov. 13, 2022

In two of the final three events of the contest, Savickas started to slow down before a final flourish.

The strongman could only manage a fifth-place result on the car walk when he carried the vehicle frame weighing 408 kilograms (899.5 pounds) in 14.56 seconds. Next, after Savickas finished in fourth during the circus dumbbell medley, an event win for Heinla gave him the lead over the Lithuanian heading into the climactic final segment.

Savickas left no stone unturned (or unlifted) during the Atlas stones, pacing ahead of the entire field in a stellar first-place performance (all six stones in 33.28 seconds). Fate would smile upon this result when an unfortunate fourth-place stones result for Heinla (five stones in 30.51 seconds) meant the two athletes finished tied on points at 54.5. Because Savickas won the Atlas stones outright, he was awarded the tiebreaker and the 2022 Masters WSM championship.

Even at his age, Savickas has participated in six strongman contests during the 2022 calendar year thus far, winning three of them. He might not necessarily be at the peak of his powers, but it’s evident this living legend still has a rabid taste for competition and victory the way the great ones almost always do.

Featured image: savickas_bigz on Instagram

The post Žydrūnas Savickas Wins the 2022 Masters World’s Strongest Man Title appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

The one-day contest will see 14 different top-notch strongmen tackle respective events such as the Super Yoke and the traditional closing Atlas stones. Here’s the confirmed roster of competitors for the 2022 ASC:

2022 Arnold Strongman Classic UK Roster

• Rauno Heinla (Estonia)
• Gavin Bilton (United Kingdom)
• Mitchell Hooper (Canada)
• Zake Muluzi (United Kingdom)
• Žydrūnas Savickas (Lithuania)
• Oleksii Novikov (Ukraine)
• Ryan Bennett (United Kingdom)
• Konstantine Janashia (Georgia)
• Pa O’Dwyer (Ireland)
• Kim Ujarak Lorentzen (Greenland)
• Ben Williams (United Kingdom)
• Ervin Toots (Estonia)
• Paul Smith (United Kingdom)
• Louis Jack (United Kingdom)

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by WSM Žydrūnas Savickas Big Z (@savickas_bigz)

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

Notably, the defending champion of the Arnold Strongman Classic UK, Evan Singleton, will not return to defend his title this year. Singleton toppled Oleksii Novikov (second place) and Trey Mitchell (third place) to win the inaugural edition in 2021. 

Here’s an overview of the competitive events in Marston Green.

Super Yoke

Each competitor will have to move a 500-kilogram (1,102.3-pound) yoke during this event as fast as they can. Athletes like Novikov and Hooper might be the favorites for this portion due to their unique combination of agility and strength. In particular, Hooper seemed to thrive with speed events during a 2022 World’s Strongest Man (WSM) early-round blitz. 

Deadlift

The 2022 ASC’s Deadlift event is for reps. Athletes will attempt to successfully lock out a 370-kilogram (815.7-pound) deadlift as many times as they can. While it’s different from a traditional deadlift with a barbell, Novikov could again be one of the favorites after pulling 15 reps of a Car Deadlift during the 2022 WSM. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by SBD World’s Strongest Man (@theworldsstrongestman)

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

Bag Over Bar

The Bag Over Bar event will be predicated on speed and power. The athletes that can move their respective implements the fastest will be in a far more favorable position. 

Dumbbell Press

During the Dumbbell Press, the competitors will attempt to complete a 100-kilogram (220.5-pound) dumbbell press. With a dumbbell press of 153.2 kilograms (337.8 pounds) from an October 2021 training session, Novikov is once more in a quality spot. That mark would have surpassed Mateusz Kieliszkowski’s official record by 3.2 kilograms (7.1 pounds) if it occurred during a sanctioned competition. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Mitchell Hooper (@mitchellhooper)

[Related: How to Do the Triceps Kickback for Arm Size]

Arnold Stone Carry

As one of the closing events of the 2022 ASC, the Arnold Stone Carry might be about the heavier athletes utilizing their power and who will still have energy after a grueling contest. Some of those larger competitors like Žydrūnas Savickas, for example, could elect to concede a degree of points on agility-related events so they can perform better during the carry.  

Atlas Stones

A strongman tradition continues to push ahead. The Atlas Stones, once more, close a strongman competition. Every athlete’s Atlas Stone run will be determined by their cumulative score from the previous five events. Those scores will have more weight and might determine who wins the final segment. With their agile builds, Hooper and Novikov could be the favorites here, but that will only be clear once most of the dust settles on the 2022 ASC.

Featured image: @mitchellhooper on Instagram

The post 2022 Arnold Strongman Classic UK Roster Confirmed appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

In an August 12, 2022, Instagram post, the Shaw Classic’s organizing body announced that this year’s contest will be live-streamed by ADL Productions. Members of the Shaw Strength Club can use this link — https://club.shawstrength.com — before 5:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time on August 13, 2022, to view the competition’s stream.

For non-members, a one-time $14.99 fee grants access to the main portion of the Shaw Classic. A one-time $4,99 fee allows spectators to watch the Men’s and Women’s Open portions. Access to the stream can be purchased at the ADL website: http://adlpro.live.

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Shaw Classic (@theshawclassic)

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

Here’s the confirmed roster of athletes that fans can expect at the 2022 Shaw Classic:

2022 Shaw Classic Roster 

• Trey Mitchell — Defending Champion
• Brian Shaw — 2021 Runner-up
• Mitchell Hooper
• Žydrūnas Savickas
• Luke Stoltman
• Oleksii Novikov
• Evan Singleton
• Gabriel Rheaume
• Aivars Smaukstelis
• Bobby Thompson
• Maxime Boudreault
• Konstantine Janashia
• Gabriel Peña
• Kevin Faires
• Jerry Pritchett

*Note: The roster now consists of 15 athletes after two-time reigning World’s Strongest Man (WSM) Tom Stoltman withdrew from the competition on August 11, 2022. 

Here’s the schedule of events for fans to keep an eye on at this year’s contest. 

2022 Shaw Classic Events

Day One — Saturday, August 13, 2022

• Max Hummer Tire Deadlift
• Super Yoke Event
• Circus Dumbbell
• Throwing Event (Bag or Keg)

Day Two — Sunday, August 14, 2022

• Log Press 
• Frame Carry Arm-Over-Arm Medley
• Car Leg Press for Reps
• Atlas Stones

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Shaw Classic (@theshawclassic)

[Related: How to Do the Bulgarian Split Squat for Leg Size, Strength, and Mobility]

Anyone’s Game

While Trey Mitchell is the defending champion, there could be some shuffling around on the podium.Before his runner-up result in 2021, Brian Shaw won the 2020 Shaw Classic. However, as the contest grows, Shaw has more and more responsibility leading up to his performance. How the presumed increase in work will affect his performance is unknown.

Plus, with a previous two-time podium finisher JF Caron not a participant in 2022, that leaves a new opening for the other athletes. A newcomer that could take advantage is Mitchell Hooper, from Canada, who has recently captured a second-place result in two straight Giants Live strongman contests. The ambitious Hooper is still seeking his first major international victory, and the 2022 Shaw Classic would be a great start.

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Mitchell Hooper (@mitchellhooper)

[Related: The Best Sled Workouts for Muscle, Strength, Fat Loss, and Recovery]

The strongman world will learn whether Mitchell successfully defends his title or an upstart like Hooper or a veteran like Shaw stands on the top of the podium on August 13-14, 2022, in Loveland, CO. 

Featured image: @theshawclassic on Instagram

The post How to Watch the 2022 Shaw Classic appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

One of the more noteworthy athletes featured this year is another four-time WSM Champion (2009-2010, 2012, 2014) Žydrūnas Savickas. Not to be outdone, there’s also defending Shaw Classic Champion Trey Mitchell, two-time reigning WSM Champion (2021-2022) Tom Stoltman, former WSM Champion (2020) Oleksii Novikov, and organizer, Shaw.

Here is the complete roster at the time of this writing:

2022 Shaw Classic Roster

• Trey Mitchell — Defending Champion
• Brian Shaw — 2021 Runner-up
• Mitchell Hooper
• Žydrūnas Savickas
• Luke Stoltman
• Oleksii Novikov
• Evan Singleton
• Gabriel Rheaume
• Aivars Smaukstelis
• Bobby Thompson
• Maxime Boudreault
• Konstantine Janashia
• Gabriel Peña
• Kevin Faires
• Jerry Pritchett

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Shaw Classic (@theshawclassic)

[Related: How To Build Muscle: The Training And Diet Guide For Beginners And Advanced Lifters]

2022 Shaw Classic Events and Schedule

Here is the full schedule of events slated for this year’s contest:

Day One — Saturday, August 13, 2022

• Max Hummer Tire Deadlift
• Super Yoke Event
• Circus Dumbbell
• Throwing Event (Bag or Keg)

Day Two — Sunday, August 14, 2022

• Log Press 
• Frame Carry Arm-Over-Arm Medley
• Car Leg Press for Reps
• Atlas Stones

There will also be a Men’s and Women’s Open at this year’s Shaw Classic, featuring 16 competitors in both divisions. The Shaw Classic has not revealed who these athletes are at the time of this writing.

Here is the slate of events for the Men’s Open:

• Log Press for Reps 
• Deadlift for Reps
• Yoke Carry
• Frame Carry
• Atlas Stones

The Women’s Open event schedule is the same as the Men’s, except for the final challenge:

• Log Press for Reps
• Deadlift for Reps
• Yoke Carry
• Frame Carry
• Bag Toss Over Bar

Each of the first four events will have a head-to-head structure in both divisions. The Women’s Bag Toss Over Bar will take place in front of the crowd at the Budweiser Events Center.

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Shaw Classic (@theshawclassic)

[Related: The Best Shoulder Workouts For More Muscle, For Strength, For Beginners, And More]

What to Expect

As the defending champion, Trey Mitchell faces a tall order of elite competitors to repeat his winning ways at the 2022 Shaw Classic. With two event wins from last year’s contest, it might be a mistake to overlook the 28-year-old strongman.

According to Strongman Archives, Mitchell first made his hay on last year’s Max Log Press, where he tied with American Record Log Press Record holder Bobby Thompson by logging a 206.3-kilogram (455-pound) press. By the competition’s end with the Atlas Stones, Mitchell lifted all five stones in 28.04 seconds, giving him the event victory and a narrow three-point overall competition win over Brian Shaw.

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Trey Mitchell (@berserkerlifter)

[Related: The Best Leg Workouts With Bodyweight, With Dumbbells, For Size, And More]

Mitchell took home $21,000 in prize money for his first-place efforts at the 2021 Shaw Classic. Meanwhile, Shaw won $15,000 (which he put back into the prize pool to be re-distributed to the other athletes), and J.F. Caron, in third place, won $12,000. At the time of this publishing, the precise financial rewards for the 2022 edition are unclear.

The 2022 Shaw Classic will take place on August 13-14, 2022, in Loveland, CO.

Featured image: @theshawclassic on Instagram

The post The 2022 Shaw Classic Roster Has Been Confirmed appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

On March 27, 2022, the Lithuanian strongman, known as “Big Z,” appeared on Nick Best‘s podcast, Legends of Iron. Alongside his fellow strongman and bodybuilding co-hosts — Jon Andersen and Akim Williams — Best and Co. appeared to leave no stone unturned (pun unintended) when it came to Savickas, the strongman, and Savickas, the person.

In an illuminating conversation, Savickas detailed how he made his career so exceptional and, in the process, what he’d tell rising strongmen to do if they wanted to emulate his uncommon ledger of work. 

Advice to Future Rising Stars

In a professional career that dates back almost three decades, there are few things Savickas hasn’t seen or lifted. Due to that longevity and his possession of at least one championship in the prestigious WSM, the Arnold Classic (ASC), and the Europe Strongest Man’s (ESM), many argue “Big Z” is the greatest strongman of all time. It could be hard to find a rebuttal to someone with over 300 trophies (his words) and counting. 

At the age of 46, Savickas still competes fairly regularly. Since April 2018, he’s had a hand in 10 sanctioned events, including a notable win in the 2020 Lithuania’s Strongest Man.

Here’s Big Z’s advice for young strongman athletes who want to be tremendous and model themselves after a professional career that began on the very precipice of adulthood.

Always Have Big Goals

In discussing his beginnings in his home country of Lithuania, Savickas muses that he wanted to reach lofty heights from the start.

“I first went to the gym when I was 13, and of course, I started to build muscle, get stronger,” says Savickas. “Later, I saw a strongman competition, and I wanted to compete there…and when I was 16 [in a competition], all the athletes were 25, 30, 35, and I was just a kid.”

The contrast didn’t stop there. It appeared Savickas wasn’t afraid of these ostensibly more seasoned competitors in this undisclosed event. He wanted to win anyway. He says an athlete in a similar position today should have the same approach.

Aim high, keep the ambition as motivation for a diligent effort, and let the rest take care of itself. 

“My goal from the first competition was to win first place,” says Savickas. “The big goals help to motivate every day for hard work.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by WSM Žydrūnas Savickas Big Z (@savickas_bigz)

[Related: Strongwoman Inez Carrasquillo’s Overhead Pressing Is On A Different Level]

Don’t Rush

It took some time before Savickas made a name for himself on the international scene. For example, he didn’t qualify for the WSM Finals until he was 26-years-old in 2002. Years later, he won first place and captured the esteemed Barry Frank Trophy during the 2009 World’s Strongest Man — over a decade into his strongman endeavors.

During this period, Savickas says he never fretted over his career pace. He bided his time, gradually built his strength, and won events he competed in when he could. He didn’t stress, and he didn’t rush because, according to him, an excellent strongman career takes time. 

“A lot of young guys try to get ready, and [they] get strong very fast, and [they] get injured,” Savickas says. “Don’t make that mistake.”

How to Set World Records

In what might have been the first-ever reveal, Savickas said he never intentionally tried to break any records during competitions. His 20 world records — like a 228-kilogram max log press (502.6 pounds) set during the 2015 Arnold Strongman Classic Brazil — came as a result of the Lithuanian trying his best and coming out on top anyway. 

He controlled what he could control and flourished.

“The funny and the sad thing is that I never prepared for any world record in my life,” Savickas says. “[During] my best years, there was no money for records, there were no special events to make the world record, and it just happened.”

From this perspective, Savickas says a young strongman shouldn’t necessarily overthink their place. They should focus on competing and let the dominoes fall accordingly. 

“I just went to [a] competition, competed, I feel great that day, and I will try to get a great lift — oh, [a] new world record.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by WSM Žydrūnas Savickas Big Z (@savickas_bigz)

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

The Legacy

Whenever Savickas does decide to hang his lifting belt up, he can rest assured his place in strongman history is secure. Here are some of the more notable achievements of Savickas’ career:

• WSM Champion —2009, 2010, 2012, 2014
• ASC Champion — 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2014, 2016 | All-Time Wins Record
• ESM Champion — 2010, 2012, 2013

As far as what he thinks his ultimate legacy will be, Savickas didn’t mince his words.

He beat some incredible, powerful athletes repeatedly, and, while not impossible, he believes that kind of consistency will be hard to replicate in the future. 

“The main thing that I did was I won the most competitions ever in strongman sport,” Savickas says. “And it’s difficult to repeat because the level of the athletes is more close. And it’s difficult to dominate because everybody’s strong now. You make one mistake, and you [don’t win] the competition.”

Perhaps if a current young unknown strongman follows Savickas’ tried and true tenets, they might be able to challenge him someday. 

Featured image: @savickas_bigz on Instagram

The post Žydrūnas Savickas Gives Advice to Up-and-Coming Strongmen, Breaks Down Legendary Career appeared first on Breaking Muscle.