The highly anticipated 2023 Giants Live Strongman Classic took place on July 8th, 2023, at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in London, England. The event showcased the incredible strength and power of some of the world’s top strongman athletes, including two World’s Strongest Man champions and nine other elite competitors. Spanning just a single day, this epic showdown consisted of five grueling events that pushed the athletes to their limits. In the end, it was Evan Singleton who emerged as the ultimate champion.
Consistent Excellence Leads to Victory
Throughout the competition, Evan Singleton showcased exceptional skill and determination, delivering standout performances in each event. His consistent presence in the top three across all five events set him apart from his rivals. While some of his competitors faltered in at least one event, Singleton remained steadfast, ultimately securing the title with a remarkable display of strength and resilience.
A Last-Minute Triumph on the Atlas Stones
The final event of the Giants Live Strongman Classic, the Atlas Stones, proved to be the decisive moment for Evan Singleton. It was here that he made his final push to claim the championship. With a combination of precision, power, and unwavering focus, Singleton conquered the Atlas Stones and solidified his position at the top of the leaderboard.
Tom Stoltman Claims Second Place
Tom Stoltman, another formidable contender, put up a valiant fight throughout the competition. With his remarkable strength and unwavering determination, Stoltman came agonizingly close to securing the victory. However, despite his outstanding performance, he ultimately fell just 0.5 points short of the top spot, settling for a well-deserved second place finish.
Momentum Shifts for Mitchell Hooper
Mitchell Hooper, who held the lead for the majority of the competition, faced an unexpected turn of events on the final two events. After displaying great promise in the earlier stages, Hooper experienced a setback during the Atlas Stones, causing him to drop down to third place overall. Despite his initial success, the dynamic nature of strongman competitions reminded Hooper of the need to maintain consistency throughout the entire event.
Gavin Bilton’s Absence Leaves a Void
Gavin Bilton was initially slated to compete as a replacement for Pavlo Nakonechnyy. However, an unforeseen family emergency prevented Bilton from participating in the competition, leaving a void in the roster. While his absence was unfortunate, the remaining athletes showcased their incredible talent and determination, making for an unforgettable event.
2023 Giants Live Strongman Classic Lineup Recap
- Evan Singleton (USA) — 47 points
- Tom Stoltman (Scotland) — 46.5 points
- Mitchell Hooper (Canada) — 43 points
- Trey Mitchell (USA) — 33.5 points
- Eddie Williams (Australia) — 32 points
- Luke Stoltman (Scotland) — 28 points
- Spenser Remick (USA) — 27 points
- Pavlo Kordiyaka (Ukraine) — 22.5 points
- Kevin Faires (USA) — 22 points
- Cheick “Iron Biby” Sanou (Burkina Faso) — 19 points
- Rongo Keene (Australia) — 5.5 points
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Event One — Nicol Stone Carry
The Grueling Challenge of the Nicol Stone Carry Event
The Nicol Stone Carry event holds a legendary status in the world of Strongman competitions. In this awe-inspiring challenge, athletes must bear the weight of two stones simultaneously, one in each hand, and strive to cover the maximum distance possible. These stones are no ordinary weights, with one weighing a hefty 138 kilograms (304 pounds) and the other slightly lighter at 114 kilograms (251 pounds). Adding to the intensity of the event, the handles of the stones consist of simple metal rings, inflicting considerable pain and discomfort on the competitors.
Eddie Williams Shatters World Record in the Nicol Stone Carry
The first event of the 2023 Giants Live Strongman Classic witnessed an extraordinary display of strength as Eddie Williams of Australia shattered the previous world record in the Nicol Stone Carry. The event had already seen four men surpass the previous record of 24 meters, established by Kevin Faires at the 2023 Giants Live World Tour Finals. However, it was Eddie Williams who emerged as the standout performer, surpassing all others by carrying the stones an astounding distance of 31.66 meters.
Enduring Pain and Pushing Limits
The Nicol Stone Carry event not only demands immense physical strength but also challenges the competitors to endure significant discomfort and pain. The simple metal ring handles, although unassuming in appearance, create a painful grip that amplifies the difficulty of the task. Athletes must summon their mental fortitude and harness every ounce of strength to persevere through the agony and carry the formidable stones for as long as possible.
Eddie Williams’ Record-Breaking Triumph
Eddie Williams’ remarkable achievement in setting a new Nicol Stone Carry World Record stands as a testament to his unparalleled strength and unwavering determination. Among the four athletes who surpassed the previous record, it was Williams who outperformed them all, demonstrating incredible resolve as he propelled himself to a distance of 31.66 meters. This feat solidifies his position as a force to be reckoned with in the world of Strongman.
- Eddie Williams — 31.66 m
- Mitchell Hooper — 26.66 m
- Evan Singleton — 25.25 m
- Kevin Faires — 24.82 m
- Tom Stoltman — 20.87 m
- Luke Stoltman — 19.53 m
- Cheick “Iron Biby” Sanou — 17.34 m
- Pavlo Kordiyaka — 16.14 m
- Rongo Keene — 12.5 m
- Spenser Remick — 6.95 m
- Trey Mitchell — 5.73 m
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Event Two — Super Yoke
Conquering the Massive Super Yoke Challenge
The Super Yoke event took center stage as the second challenge of the 2023 Giants Live Strongman Classic. This formidable implement weighed a staggering 1,000 pounds (453.6 kilograms) and required the athletes to carry it for a distance of 20 meters. The competitors faced a race against the clock, aiming to complete the task in the fastest time possible.
Mitchell Hooper Dominates the Super Yoke Event
Mitchell Hooper, the reigning 2023 World’s Strongest Man (WSM), showcased his dominance in the Super Yoke event, leaving his competitors far behind. Hooper’s exceptional speed and strength enabled him to break the impressive 10-second barrier, setting a time that proved untouchable by the other athletes. Evan Singleton, the closest contender, finished 2.35 seconds behind Hooper, while Tom Stoltman secured a respectable third place with a time of 12.21 seconds.
Power and Precision on Display
The Super Yoke event exemplified the sheer power and precision required in Strongman competitions. Athletes had to harness every ounce of their strength to lift and carry the colossal 1,000-pound (453.6-kilogram) Super Yoke for a demanding distance of 20 meters. The intense physical exertion combined with the need for balance and stability posed a true test of the competitors’ capabilities.
Mitchell Hooper Secures a Resounding Victory
Mitchell Hooper’s outstanding performance in the Super Yoke event solidified his position as a force to be reckoned with. The reigning WSM demonstrated his unparalleled strength and agility as he conquered the challenging course in a remarkable time. Hooper’s resounding victory showcased his unwavering commitment to excellence and further solidified his status as a top contender in the world of Strongman.
- Mitchell Hooper — 9.84 s
- Evan Singleton — 12.19 s
- Tom Stoltman — 12.21 s
- Pavlo Kordiyaka — 13.42 s
- Spenser Remick — 14.45 s
- Luke Stoltman — 14.87 s
- Eddie Williams — 15.36 s
- Trey Mitchell — 17.47 s
- Cheick “Iron Biby” Sanou — 20.11 s
- Kevin Faires — 20.16 s
- Rongo Keene — 31.20 s
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Event Three — Deadlift
Battling the Barbell: Deadlift Reps Event
The third event of the 2023 Giants Live Strongman Classic put the athletes’ strength and endurance to the ultimate test with a Deadlift for reps challenge. The organizers chose to use an axle barbell loaded with an impressive 360 kilograms (793.7 pounds), challenging the competitors to perform as many reps as possible.
Hooper Dominates the Deadlift Event
Continuing his dominant performance, Mitchell “The Moose” Hooper secured his second event win of the day in the Deadlift challenge. Hooper’s exceptional strength and technique allowed him to complete an impressive seven repetitions, earning him the maximum 11 points available for the event.
Stoltman and Mitchell Share Second Place
Tom Stoltman, the reigning World’s Strongest Man (WSM) from 2021 and 2022, showcased his deadlifting prowess by finishing in second place with six repetitions. Tied for third place were two formidable competitors from the United States, Trey Mitchell and Evan Singleton, both demonstrating their strength by locking out five reps.
Keene’s Withdrawal Due to Illness
Unfortunately, Rongo Keene had to withdraw from the competition after the deadlift event due to illness. Recognizing the importance of his health, Keene’s doctors advised him to step back from the competition to prioritize his well-being. Despite this setback, Keene’s participation in the earlier events showcased his determination and commitment to the sport.
- Mitchell Hooper — 7 reps
- Tom Stoltman — 6 reps
- Evan Singleton — 5 reps
- Trey Mitchell — 5 reps
- Eddie Williams — 3 reps
- Luke Stoltman — 3 reps
- Kevin Faires — 3 reps
- Spenser Remick — 2 reps
- Cheick “Iron Biby” Sanou — 2 reps
- Pavlo Kordiyaka — 1 rep
- Rongo Keene — 1 rep
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Event Four — Viking Press
Pushing the Limits: The Viking Press Event
The penultimate event of the 2023 Giants Live Strongman Classic brought forth the iconic Viking Press, a challenging test of standing shoulder press strength. The athletes were faced with lifting a formidable weight of 150 kilograms (330.7 pounds), aiming to achieve as many repetitions as possible within the given time frame.
Mitchell Shatters the Record
In a remarkable display of strength and determination, Trey Mitchell made his mark on the Viking Press event by smashing the previous record. Mitchell delivered an awe-inspiring performance, completing an astonishing 18 repetitions, setting a new World Record and solidifying his position as a force to be reckoned with.
Singleton and Stoltman Share Second Place
Evan Singleton and Tom Stoltman showcased their remarkable shoulder power by both achieving an impressive 17 repetitions on the Viking Press. This outstanding feat propelled them into a tied second-place position. The remarkable performance from Singleton and Stoltman narrowed the gap in points between them and the current leader, Mitchell Hooper, who fell behind by 3.5 points.
Iron Biby’s Unexpected Withdrawal
Regrettably, Iron Biby decided to withdraw from the competition after the Viking Press event due to undisclosed reasons. Observers noticed Biby limping away from the event, suggesting a potential injury or discomfort. Although Biby’s presence was missed, his earlier performances undoubtedly left a lasting impression on the audience.
- Trey Mitchell — 18 reps
- Tom Stoltman — 17 reps
- Evan Singleton — 17 reps
- Spenser Remick — 15 reps
- Cheick “Iron Biby” Sanou — 15 reps
- Mitchell Hooper — 14 reps
- Pavlo Kordiyaka — 13 reps
- Luke Stoltman — 11 reps
- Kevin Faires — 9 reps
- Eddie Williams — 7 reps
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Event Five — Castle Stones
The Ultimate Test: Castle Stones Challenge
In a thrilling conclusion to the 2023 Giants Live Strongman Classic, the athletes faced the formidable Castle Stones event. The challenge demanded lifting and placing five progressively heavier stones onto their platforms, ranging from 120 kilograms (264.5 pounds) to 200 kilograms (440 pounds). This ultimate test of strength and endurance would determine the final rankings of the competition.
Tom Stoltman Dominates the Castle Stones
Despite the challenging conditions of heat and humidity, Tom Stoltman delivered a truly astonishing performance in the Castle Stones event. With remarkable determination, he achieved a mind-blowing time of 20.29 seconds, flawlessly placing all five stones on their platforms. Stoltman’s outstanding performance earned him the maximum points in the event, catapulting him from third to second place overall.
Evan Singleton Shines on the Castle Stones
Evan Singleton emerged as a standout performer on the Castle Stones, showcasing his exceptional strength and skill. He joined Tom Stoltman as the only other athlete to successfully complete all five stones. Singleton’s impressive accomplishment propelled him to the top of the leaderboard, finishing with a slender 0.5-point advantage over Stoltman.
Mitchell Hooper’s Struggles with Grip
In a surprising turn of events, Mitchell Hooper encountered difficulties during the Castle Stones event, managing to grip and place only three stones. It appeared that the heat in the arena had a detrimental effect on his tacky, a glue applied to the forearms to enhance grip. Despite this setback, Hooper’s earlier performances secured him a notable position in the overall rankings.
- Tom Stoltman — 5 in 20.29 s
- Evan Singleton — 5 in 25.18 s
- Trey Mitchell — 4 in 22.21 s
- Eddie Williams — 4 in 25.75 s
- Spenser Remick — 4 in 27.47 s
- Luke Stoltman — 3 in 12.80 s
- Mitchell Hooper — 3 in 16.19 s
- Pavlo Kordiyaka — 3 in 23.07 s
- Kevin Faires — 1 in 25.40 s
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A Rising Star in the Strongman World
Evan Singleton’s journey in the world of Strongman has been nothing short of impressive. From his breakthrough performance in the WSM Finals to his latest international victory, Singleton has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with. With his peak physical condition and unwavering determination, he is poised to make significant strides in the sport and compete for the most coveted titles. As the Strongman community watches his continued progress, the future looks bright for Evan Singleton and his pursuit of greatness.
Overview
The 2023 Giants Live Strongman Classic held at the Royal Albert Hall in London was a thrilling competition showcasing the strength and power of elite strongman athletes. Evan Singleton emerged as the ultimate champion after a fierce battle with his rivals. With consistent excellence across all events, Singleton secured the title in a last-minute triumph on the Atlas Stones. His victory solidifies his position as a rising star in the world of strongman and sets the stage for future success in the sport.
Featured Image @giantslivestrongman (Instagram)
