In the distinctive ambiance of Reykjavík, Iceland, the 2023 Magnus Ver Magnusson Strongman Classic unfolded across November 10-12, marking its third annual installment. Furthermore, with a field comprising 12 elite Strongman athletes from diverse global origins, the competition showcased a rigorous series of nine events over the course of three intense days. Moreover, amidst this formidable lineup, Tristan Hoath emerged triumphant, displaying consistent excellence across the challenges.
However, despite clinching victory in only one of the nine events, Hoath’s unwavering high placements secured him a remarkable total of 85 points. Also, this performance propelled him to outshine Rongo Keene by a notable five-point margin, solidifying his claim to the overall victory. Moreover, Shane Flowers secured the third podium position with a commendable total of 79 points, contributing to the narrative of compelling feats and fierce competition in this year’s Magnus Ver Magnusson Strongman Classic.
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2023 Magnus Ver Magnusson Strongman Classic Official Results
| Athlete | Points |
|---|---|
| Tristan Hoath | 85 |
| Rongo Keene | 80 |
| Shane Flowers | 79 |
| Vilius Jokužys | 68 |
| Pavlo Kordiyaka | 67 |
| Pa O’Dwyer | 60 |
| Sigfús Fossdal | 53 |
| Mika Törrö | 53 |
| Sean Gillen | 51 |
| Kristján Níelsson | 40 |
| Theodór Már Gudmundsson | 35 |
| Matthew Riddall | 20 |
Day 1 – 2023 Magnus Ver Magnusson Strongman Classic
Event 1 — Bag Toss Medley
Inaugurating the riveting proceedings of the 2023 Magnus Ver Magnusson Strongman Classic was the Bag Toss Medley, an event that set the stage ablaze with a captivating display of strength and skill. Contestants grappled with the challenge of propelling six sandbags, ranging from 18 to 28 kilograms (39.7 to 61.7 pounds), over a lofty 4.43-meter bar. The entire spectacle unfolded within a tight 60-second timeframe, adding an extra layer of urgency and drama to the competition.
Shane Flowers emerged as the maestro of the opening act, claiming victory in the Bag Toss Medley by executing all six throws with remarkable finesse. His incredible feat, completed in a mere 15.44 seconds, translated to an average of 2.5 seconds per bag—an astounding testament to his agility and precision.
Notably, Pavlo Kordiyaka also showcased an impressive performance, navigating the bag toss with commendable speed. Despite a swift time of 17.05 seconds, Kordiyaka secured the second position. Theodór Már Gudmundsson, finishing a mere 0.66 seconds behind Pavlo, clinched third place, adding an extra layer of competition and suspense to the initial event of the Strongman Classic.
| Athlete | Attempts | Time (s) |
|---|---|---|
| Shane Flowers | 6 | 15.44 |
| Pavlo Kordiyaka | 6 | 17.05 |
| Theodór Már Gudmundsson | 6 | 17.71 |
| Mika Törrö | 6 | 21.97 |
| Tristan Hoath | 6 | 28.28 |
| Pa O’Dwyer | 5 | 16.35 |
| Vilius Jokužys | 5 | 32.90 |
| Rongo Keene | 4 | 11.35 |
| Sean Gillen | 4 | 13.36 |
| Matthew Riddall | 4 | 17.40 |
| Kristján Níelsson | 3 | 14.59 |
| Sigfús Fossdal | 3 | 32.50 |
Event 2 — Natural Stones Press Medley
The second event of the competition showcased the prowess of the strongmen in the Natural Stones Press Medley. Featuring four colossal natural stones, weighing between 100-kg to 122-kg (220.5-lb to 269-lb), athletes faced the challenging task of picking up and overhead pressing each stone within a 75-second time limit.
Remarkably, only two competitors successfully completed the overhead press for all four stones, adding an intense element to the event. The decisive factor came down to speed, with Sean Gillen emerging victorious by completing the medley in 67.50 seconds, securing the maximum 12 points for his performance.
Rongo Keene demonstrated impressive agility, finishing a mere three seconds behind Gillen and securing second place in this demanding event. The Natural Stones Press Medley unfolded as a riveting chapter in the Magnus Ver Magnusson Strongman Classic 2023, setting the stage for further gripping competition.
| Athlete | Attempts | Time (s) |
|---|---|---|
| Sean Gillen | 4 | 67.50 |
| Rongo Keene | 4 | 70.41 |
| Pa O’Dwyer | 3 | 42.83 |
| Vilius Jokužys | 2 | 21.91 |
| Sigfús Fossdal | 2 | 25.48 |
| Kristján Níelsson | 2 | 29.73 |
| Tristan Hoath | 2 | 33.06 |
| Shane Flowers | 2 | 35.64 |
| Pavlo Kordiyaka | 1 | 10.02 |
| Mika Törrö | 1 | 10.42 |
| Theodór Már Gudmundsson | 1 | 15.33 |
| Matthew Riddall | 1 | 23.09 |
Event 3 — Stone to Shoulder
In the gripping third event of the Magnus Ver Magnusson Strongman Classic 2023, competitors faced the Stone to Shoulder challenge, bringing the formidable Natural Stones back into action. This time, the task was to lift four stones to the shoulder, each weighing between 95-kg to 145-kg (209.4-lb to 319.7-lb).
Shane Flowers showcased exceptional strength and speed, securing his second event win of the day by lifting each stone in a remarkable 37.94 seconds. Flowers stood out as the sole participant to complete the challenge in less than 40 seconds, adding another impressive feat to his performance.
The Stone to Shoulder event witnessed fierce competition, with Tristan Hoath and Vilius Jokužys claiming second and third place, respectively. Hoath displayed resilience, finishing in 44.36 seconds, while Jokužys followed closely, concluding the challenge just three seconds later. The Magnus Ver Magnusson Strongman Classic continued to unfold with intensity and skill in each event.
| Athlete | Attempts | Time (s) |
|---|---|---|
| Shane Flowers | 4 | 37.94 |
| Tristan Hoath | 4 | 44.36 |
| Vilius Jokužys | 4 | 47.10 |
| Pavlo Kordiyaka | 4 | 48.17 |
| Rongo Keene | 4 | 48.26 |
| Pa O’Dwyer | 3 | 22.22 |
| Sigfús Fossdal | 3 | 34.25 |
| Sean Gillen | 3 | 36.40 |
| Mika Törrö | 3 | 36.50 |
| Theodór Már Gudmundsson | 3 | 37.16 |
| Kristján Níelsson | 3 | 53.19 |
| Matthew Riddall | 2 | 21.19 |
Day 2
Event 4 — Mjolnir Front Hold
The relentless action of the 2023 Magnus Ver Magnusson Strongman Classic continued on the second day with the formidable Mjolnir Front Hold. Athletes were tasked with lifting a 21-kilogram (46.3-pound) hammer and holding it with their arms extended in front of them for as long as possible.
Defending champion Rongo Keene dominated the event with unwavering determination, securing an event win by holding the Mjolnir hammer for an astounding 77.98 seconds. Keene’s exceptional performance set him apart, leaving other competitors in awe.
Tristain Hoath showcased remarkable strength and endurance, coming closest to Keene with an impressive time of 73.51 seconds, earning him a valuable second-place finish in this grueling challenge. The Magnus Ver Magnusson Strongman Classic continued to push athletes to their limits, delivering intense and thrilling moments.
| Athlete | Time (s) |
|---|---|
| Rongo Keene | 77.98 |
| Tristan Hoath | 73.51 |
| Sigfús Fossdal | 63.97 |
| Kristján Níelsson | 62.47 |
| Sean Gillen | 60.17 |
| Mika Törrö | 55.72 |
| Matthew Riddall | 53.82 |
| Shane Flowers | 52.15 |
| Vilius Jokužys | 51.37 |
| Pa O’Dwyer | 44.13 |
| Theodór Már Gudmundsson | 42.45 |
| Pavlo Kordiyaka | 40.74 |
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Event 5 — Husafell Stone
The Magnus Ver Magnusson Strongman Classic’s fifth event showcased the iconic Husafell Stone, a legendary fixture in elite competitions. Weighing a formidable 186 kilograms, athletes faced the daunting task of gripping and carrying the stone for the maximum distance possible.
The Husafell Stone Carry not only tests physical strength but demands mental toughness as athletes must delve deep to achieve a commendable result. Vilius Jokužys demonstrated unparalleled pain endurance, dominating the event with an impressive 83.61-meter carry, leaving the competition in his wake. Second-place finisher Shane Flowers fell short, managing 68.02 meters in comparison. The Magnus Ver Magnusson Strongman Classic continued to unfold with intense challenges, pushing competitors to their limits.
| Athlete | Distance (m) |
|---|---|
| Vilius Jokužys | 83.61 |
| Shane Flowers | 68.02 |
| Sigfús Fossdal | 56.9 |
| Tristan Hoath | 56.86 |
| Rongo Keene | 54.33 |
| Theodór Már Gudmundsson | 52.3 |
| Kristján Níelsson | 51.34 |
| Sean Gillen | 49.26 |
| Pavlo Kordiyaka | 47.62 |
| Mika Törrö | 43.37 |
| Pa O’Dwyer | 41.31 |
| Matthew Riddall | 0 |
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Event 6 — Farmer’s Walk
In the sixth event of the Magnus Ver Magnusson Strongman Classic, athletes faced the Farmer’s Walk, a challenge reminiscent of the previous Husafell Stone Carry. Their task was to carry 140-kilogram implements for the maximum distance without any time constraints.
This event placed a premium on grip strength and endurance, and it was Mika Törrö who excelled in these aspects. Demonstrating an exceptional grip, Mika carried the implements for an impressive 38.75 meters without dropping them, earning him 12 points and the coveted event win.
Tristain Hoath continued to showcase consistent performances, securing a strong second-place finish with a final distance of precisely 35 meters. As the competition progressed, the Magnus Ver Magnusson Strongman Classic intensified, pushing athletes to their limits in a battle of strength and resilience.
| Athlete | Distance (m) |
|---|---|
| Mika Törrö | 38.75 |
| Tristan Hoath | 35 |
| Rongo Keene | 27.09 |
| Vilius Jokužys | 25.8 |
| Pavlo Kordiyaka | 23.8 |
| Shane Flowers | 21.72 |
| Sean Gillen | 18.76 |
| Sigfús Fossdal | 15 |
| Matthew Riddall | 13.73 |
| Pa O’Dwyer | 13.58 |
| Kristján Níelsson | 9.15 |
| Theodór Már Gudmundsson | 6.58 |
Day 3
Event 7 — Vertical Lift
In the seventh leg of the Magnus Ver Magnusson Strongman Classic, the athletes faced the “Vertical Lift,” a challenging rope arm-over-arm pull. The task involved pulling a 100-kilogram (220.5-pound) weight attached to a rope, ascending to a height of 7.5 meters.
With each competitor successfully completing the Vertical Lift, the focus shifted to time, determining the event winner. In a thrilling contest, Tristain Hoath emerged victorious with a razor-thin margin, clocking in at 11.37 seconds. Pavlo Kordiyaka closely trailed, securing the second spot with a commendable time of 11.52 seconds. The event showcased the athletes’ tenacity and precision in navigating the unique challenges presented by the Magnus Ver Magnusson Strongman Classic.
| Athlete | Time (s) |
|---|---|
| Tristan Hoath | 11.37 |
| Pavlo Kordiyaka | 11.52 |
| Pa O’Dwyer | 14.03 |
| Theodór Már Gudmundsson | 15.00 |
| Vilius Jokužys | 15.41 |
| Shane Flowers | 15.64 |
| Mika Törrö | 15.71 |
| Rongo Keene | 18.23 |
| Kristján Níelsson | 22.04 |
| Matthew Riddall | 24.45 |
| Sigfús Fossdal | 25.42 |
| Sean Gillen | 26.16 |
Event 8 — Deadlift
In the penultimate challenge of the 2023 Magnus Ver Magnusson Strongman Classic, strength took center stage in the Deadlift for repetitions event. The formidable task involved lifting a staggering 330 kilograms within a 60-second time frame, demanding sheer power and endurance from the competitors.
Pa O’Dwyer asserted his dominance in this event, showcasing remarkable strength and technique to secure the top position with an outstanding tally of seven repetitions. Following closely, Shane Flowers demonstrated his formidable deadlift prowess, clinching the second spot with six powerful reps. Tristain Hoath displayed commendable strength, earning the third position with a solid performance of five reps. The Deadlift event added another layer of intensity to the competition, highlighting the competitors’ raw power as they vied for supremacy in the Magnus Ver Magnusson Strongman Classic.
| Athlete | Reps |
|---|---|
| Pa O’Dwyer | 7 |
| Shane Flowers | 6 |
| Tristan Hoath | 5 |
| Rongo Keene | 4 |
| Pavlo Kordiyaka | 3 |
| Vilius Jokužys | 1 |
| Sigfús Fossdal | 1 |
| Mika Törrö | 1 |
| Sean Gillen | 0 |
| Kristján Níelsson | 0 |
| Theodór Már Gudmundsson | 0 |
| Matthew Riddall | 0 |
Event 9 — Log Ladder
In a climactic conclusion to the 2023 Magnus Ver Magnusson Strongman Classic, the Log Ladder event tested the competitors with four progressively heavier logs, ranging from 120 kg to 165 kg. Not only did the athletes need to exhibit exceptional strength, but the clock added an extra layer of challenge, becoming the tie-breaker.
Rongo Keene delivered a spectacular performance in this final trial, showcasing both strength and speed as he conquered all four logs in less than 42 seconds. Keene’s remarkable feat earned him a well-deserved 12 points in the event, securing a silver medal in the overall standings. His impeccable execution and swift lifts set him apart from the competition, concluding the Strongman Classic on a triumphant note for Rongo Keene.
| Athlete | Number of Barrels | Time (s) |
|---|---|---|
| Rongo Keene | 4 | 41.53 |
| Pavlo Kordiyaka | 4 | 45.34 |
| Sean Gillen | 4 | 48.78 |
| Shane Flowers | 3 | 23.95 |
| Kristján Níelsson | 3 | 27.22 |
| Tristan Hoath | 3 | 27.26 |
| Pa O’Dwyer | 3 | 37.15 |
| Sigfús Fossdal | 3 | 57.42 |
| Vilius Jokužys | 2 | 14.25 |
| Mika Törrö | 2 | 17.77 |
| Matthew Riddall | 2 | 30.94 |
| Theodór Már Gudmundsson | 1 | 56.24 |
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With only two years on the grand stage of strongman competitions, Tristain Hoath has swiftly become a force to be reckoned with. Before the 2023 Magnus Ver Magnusson Strongman Classic, Hoath participated in six International, National, and Regional events, demonstrating his dedication to the sport. Notably, despite not securing any victories in his earlier endeavors, Hoath’s breakthrough at the Magnusson Classic speaks volumes about his newfound strength and determination to make a mark in the strongman scene. The recent triumph marks a pivotal moment in Hoath’s career, signaling that he is now stronger than ever and poised to dominate the competitive landscape.
Overview
Against the captivating backdrop of Reykjavík, Iceland, the 2023 Magnus Ver Magnusson Strongman Classic unfolded from November 10-12, marking its third annual installment. This premier event gathered a field of 12 elite strongman athletes, hailing from diverse global origins, for an intense competition spanning nine challenging events over three days. Tristan Hoath emerged as the undisputed champion, showcasing consistent excellence and accumulating an impressive total of 85 points. With a commanding five-point lead over the competition, Hoath’s triumph added a compelling chapter to the saga of the Magnus Ver Magnusson Strongman Classic. The podium also featured Rongo Keene and Shane Flowers, contributing to a narrative of fierce competition and remarkable feats in this prestigious strongman showcase.
Featured Image @magnus_classic (Instagram)
