Glasgow, a city renowned for its rich history and vibrant culture, is on the cusp of adding another spectacle to its calendar. As the fall season brings about its chilly embrace, there’s an undercurrent of excitement heating up the streets. The reason? The 2023 Giants Live World Tour Finals. Scheduled for October 21st, this Strongman competition promises to be not just a test of sheer strength, but also a celebration of human endurance and spirit.
The Evolution of Giants Live
The Giants Live World Tour Finals, over the years, has grown from a modest gathering of strength enthusiasts to an event that draws global attention. Its journey mirrors the evolution of strongman competitions, from niche events in remote Scandinavian towns to global telecasts attracting millions of viewers. Every year, it seems, the competition outdoes itself, and 2023 is set to continue this legacy.
2023 Giants Live World Tour Finals Events
- Log Lift
- Sandbag Steeplechase
- Axle Deadlift
- Conan’s Wheel
- Castle Stones
View this post on Instagram
Events that Test the Limits
This year, the Giants Live committee has chosen an eclectic mix of traditional and innovative challenges for the participants:
Log Lift
Often considered the litmus test for any aspiring strongman, the Log Lift will see competitors pushing their limits, attempting to overhead press logs of monumental weights. With Cheick “Iron Biby” Sanou, the reigning Log Lift World Record holder in the lineup, sparks are guaranteed to fly.
Sandbag Steeplechase
Agility meets brute strength in this event. Athletes will have to demonstrate quick reflexes and immense power as they hoist hefty sandbags over beams and race around to place them on platforms, all against the ticking clock.
The Enigma of the Axle Deadlift
Deadlifts are foundational in strength training. But this isn’t your ordinary deadlift. Using an Axle barbell adds a complex twist, challenging grip strength and lifting technique. While the precise format remains a mystery, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser.
Conan’s Wheel
Inspired by the cinematic classic, “Conan the Barbarian”, this event is as brutal as it sounds. Athletes must channel their inner warriors, bearing the weight of a mammoth metal beam while taking it for a dizzying spin around a pivot.
Castle Stones
In a fitting end to the competition, participants will grapple with a sequence of spherical boulders, each heavier than the last. Precision, strategy, and raw strength converge as competitors race to place each stone on its altar.
View this post on Instagram
Roster of Giants: The Titans of 2023
- Tom Stoltman: The Scottish Hercules, home-turf favorite.
- Luke Stoltman: The older Stoltman, known for his unparalleled grip strength.
- Mitchell Hooper: The Australian dynamo, a rising star.
- Luke Richardson: Britain’s young prodigy with several records to his name.
- Eddie Williams: Known as the “Singing Strongman” from Down Under.
- Mathew Ragg: New Zealand’s powerhouse with a reputation for surprises.
- Pavlo Kordiyaka: Ukraine’s pride, a formidable force.
- Gavin Bilton: The Welsh giant, consistently impressive.
- Pa O’Dwyer: Ireland’s strongest, a perfect blend of power and technique.
- Evans Nana: Ghana’s beacon in the strongman arena.
- Tyler Cotton: Canada’s newest sensation.
- Iron Biby: Burkina Faso’s legend, always the one to watch.
- Conor Curran: Northern Ireland’s prodigious talent, a technical genius.
Overview
The 2023 Giants Live World Tour Finals is not just another competition on the strongman circuit. It’s a culmination of months of rigorous training, years of dedication, and a lifetime of passion for all involved. As the city of Glasgow prepares to host this colossal event, the world watches with bated breath. With champions and challengers converging on one stage, the air is thick with anticipation. The question on everyone’s mind: Who will emerge as the ultimate titan of strength? Only time, and perhaps the weight of a few boulders, will tell.
Featured Image @Giantslivestrongman (Instagram)
