The 2023 Rogue Invitational Strongman competition, held at the illustrious Dell Diamond Stadium in Round Rock, Texas, unfolded over two days of intense challenges. This gathering of ten of the world’s mightiest strongmen promised an electrifying showdown of power, strategy, and sheer determination. The event was meticulously designed, offering a diverse range of five challenges to test the mettle of these extraordinary athletes. As the competition reached its climax, a gripping battle ensued, and Mitchell Hooper emerged victorious, proving his consistency and determination in the face of fierce competition.
Day One Dominance – Mitchell Hooper’s Stellar Performance
Day one of the 2023 Rogue Invitational Strongman was marked by a stellar performance from Mitchell Hooper. The ten competitors faced a series of grueling tests, but Hooper’s strength and skill allowed him to secure a five-point lead over his closest rivals. This early dominance set the stage for an exhilarating showdown on the following day, as Hooper emerged as the athlete to beat.
A Fierce Rivalry – Tom Stoltman’s Day Two Surge
The competition took an intense turn on day two as Tom Stoltman made a relentless pursuit of Mitchell Hooper’s lead. Closing the gap with every event, Stoltman brought the competition to a razor’s edge, making the final event the decider for the championship. As the pressure mounted, both strongmen displayed unwavering composure and determination, creating a gripping spectacle that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Hooper’s Triumph – The 2023 Rogue Invitational Strongman Champion
In the end, Mitchell Hooper’s consistency and ability to maintain his performance under pressure secured his title as the 2023 Rogue Invitational Strongman champion. Hooper’s triumph added a new chapter to his strongman journey, demonstrating his mettle and resilience. Despite the fierce competition, he held his ground, emerging as the rightful winner and taking home the coveted title.
Record-Breaking Prize Purse – A Historic Year
The 2023 Rogue Invitational Strongman marked a historic milestone in the sport, boasting the highest prize purse in its history, totaling over $315,000. The allure of victory and the substantial financial incentive drew competitors from around the globe. The defending champion, Oleksii Novikov, vied to retain his title but was unable to achieve his goal in the face of fierce opposition.
2023 Rogue Invitational Strongman Results
| Rank | Competitor | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mitchell Hooper | 42 |
| 2 | Tom Stoltman | 40 |
| 3 | Mateusz Kieliszkowski | 31.5 |
| 4 | Evan Singleton | 28.5 |
| 5 | Bobby Thompson | 25.5 |
| 6 | Maxime Boudreault | 23.5 |
| 7 | Tom Evans | 23 |
| 8 | Luke Stoltman | 22 |
| 9 | Oleksii Novikov | 21.5 |
| 10 | Trey Mitchell | 11.5* |
* Trey Mitchell withdrew from the competition.
This table encapsulates the fierce competition and monumental efforts displayed by the athletes at the 2023 Rogue Invitational Strongman competition. The points reflect not just their physical strength but also their mental determination and tactical gameplay throughout the events.
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Day Two Highlight – Saturday, October 28
Event 3: Rogue-a-Coaster
Event Details: Rogue-a-Coaster
Saturday, October 28, unveiled the fourth event, aptly named the Rogue-a-Coaster, reminiscent of last year’s same-named challenge. Celebrated by both athletes and spectators, this feat was a test of pure arm strength combined with strategic execution. Athletes, while seated, had to pull a cartwheel loaded with two sandbags up a daunting 54-feet incline ramp using a rope.
Kieliszkowski’s Dominance
Polish powerhouse, Mateusz Kieliszkowski, manifested his stature in the strongman realm by clinching his second consecutive event win. The quickness and agility Kieliszkowski displayed were second to none. Remarkably, he was the sole competitor to finish below the 30-second mark, a testament to his unrivaled prowess, earning him the top spot.
Neck-and-Neck Race
Close on Kieliszkowski’s heels was the formidable Tom Stoltman, clocking in at 34.79 seconds. The tension in the arena was palpable as Evan Singleton, often referred to as the “T-Rex” of the sport, chased down Stoltman’s time, finishing mere moments behind him. This electrifying chase saw Stoltman, a 2x World’s Strongest Man, narrowly keeping Singleton at bay, adding another feather to his illustrious cap.
| Rank | Competitor | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mateusz Kieliszkowski | 29.79 seconds |
| 2 | Tom Stoltman | 34.79 seconds |
| 3 | Evan Singleton | 35.75 seconds |
| 4 | Mitchell Hooper | 38.41 seconds |
| 5 | Oleksii Novikov | 42.05 seconds |
| 6 | Tom Evans | 44.43 seconds |
| 7 | Maxime Boudreault | 44.49 seconds |
| 8 | Bobby Thompson | 49.29 seconds |
| 9 | Luke Stoltman | 50-feet |
| 10 | Trey Mitchell | Withdrew |
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Event Four — Max Rep Log Lift
A Change in Events: The Advent of the Log Lift
The unpredictable Texan weather brought with it a series of adjustments to the 2023 Rogue Invitational Strongman’s lineup. The original Apollon’s Wheels event had to be replaced, paving the way for the Max Rep Log Lift. The challenge, in essence, was deceptively simple yet demanding: Athletes were tasked with executing as many repetitions as possible of the Clean and Overhead Press with a colossal 360-pound (163.5-kilogram) Log.
Stoltman’s Stellar Performance
The strongman arena witnessed Tom Stoltman’s commanding dominance as he crushed the competition with an astonishing ten repetitions on the Log Lift. None of his fellow competitors could rival, let alone match, his prowess. This outstanding feat not only marked Stoltman’s first victory in the 2023 Rogue Invitational Strongman but also added a crucial 10 points to his scorecard, bolstering his overall rank.
Hooper’s Gallant Fight
All eyes turned to Mitchell Hooper, the last contender of the event. The challenge was set: Hooper needed more than eight repetitions to secure a lead. Launching into the task, Hooper swiftly completed five reps, but fatigue began its relentless creep. With determination evident in every lift, Hooper managed to press on, squeezing in four more reps before the ticking 90-second timer halted his efforts.
A Three-way Tie
The event further unraveled with a gripping three-way tie for the third spot. Evans, Luke Stoltman, and Thompson all displayed commendable strength, completing eight repetitions each. This collective feat meant shared points among the trio, with each adding seven more to their individual tallies.
| Rank | Competitor | Reps |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tom Stoltman | 10 |
| 2 | Mitchell Hooper | 9 |
| 3 | Luke Stoltman | 8 |
| 4 | Tom Evans | 8 |
| 5 | Bobby Thompson | 8 |
| 6 | Maxime Boudreault | 7 |
| 7 | Mateusz Kieliszkowski | 7 |
| 8 | Oleksii Novikov | 5 |
| 9 | Evan Singleton | 5 |
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Event Five — The Duel
The Duel Defined
Closing the 2023 Rogue Invitational Strongman was “The Duel”, a gripping event that saw competitors grappling with three dispersed sandbags in their designated lanes. The objective was deceptively straightforward: lift and load these sandbags into a metal cage. The true challenge lay in speed and precision, as the rankings were based on timings, with the swiftest taking the crown.
Stoltman’s Swift Sprint to Silver
Tom Stoltman demonstrated impeccable skill and agility, finishing the task in a rapid 17.57 seconds, securing him the top spot for the Duel event. Yet, this brilliant performance was a bittersweet victory, as it cemented his position as the runner-up of the overall competition. Mere moments, specifically 0.3 seconds, separated him from Mitchell Hooper, who clinched the coveted title of the 2023 Rogue Invitational Strongman champion.
Boudreault’s Battle for Bronze
The contest wasn’t solely about the gold. A fierce contention for the third position unraveled, with Maxime Boudreault emerging victorious. This commendable finish allowed Boudreault to ascend the leaderboards, concluding the event at an impressive sixth place overall.
| Rank | Competitor | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tom Stoltman | 0:17.57 |
| 2 | Mitchell Hooper | 0:17.84 |
| 3 | Maxime Boudreault | 0:18.83 |
| 4 | Mateusz Kieliszkowski | 0:19.63 |
| 5 | Evan Singleton | 0:20.55 |
| 6 | Bobby Thompson | 0:20.81 |
| 7 | Tom Evans | 0:20.94 |
| 8 | Luke Stoltman | 0:22.35 |
| 9 | Oleksii Novikov | 0:23.38 |
Day 1 (Friday, October 27)
Event 1: Tower of Power Deadlift for Reps
A Nod to Tradition: The Tower of Power Returns
The 2023 Rogue Invitational Strongman competition commenced with a familiar test of raw power, the “Tower of Power Deadlift for Reps.” A staple from the previous year, competitors were once again thrust into the challenge of deadlifting a daunting 900 pounds (408.2 kilograms) as many times as possible within a 60-second timeframe. Though the challenge’s essence remained the same, the contest’s rules stipulated the exclusion of deadlift suits. Athletes could, however, rely on their trusty lifting belts and straps.
The Dueling Titans: Mitchell and Thompson
For most, the sheer weight presented an insurmountable hurdle. However, the day witnessed two colossal forces, Trey Mitchell and Bobby Thompson, rising to the occasion. Both powerhouses executed a commendable eight repetitions, drawing a tie for the top spot. Mitchell’s size and strength were palpable, and his every lift radiated pure power. Thompson, in contrast, approached the bar with a serene yet resolute demeanor, displaying an inspiring blend of calmness and confidence.
The Steadfast Hooper: A Consistent Performance
Mitchell Hooper, a name synonymous with consistent performances, didn’t disappoint. Although falling just one repetition short of Mitchell and Thompson’s dominating eight, his seven successful deadlifts secured him a respectable third place and the crucial eight points that accompanied the position. The competition was only beginning, and Hooper’s efforts laid a strong foundation for challenges to come.
| Rank | Competitor | Reps |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trey Mitchell | 8 |
| 2 | Bobby Thompson | 8 |
| 3 | Mitchell Hooper | 7 |
| 4 | Oleksii Novikov | 6 |
| 5 | Tom Stoltman | 4 |
| 6 | Tom Evans | 3 |
| 7 | Evan Singleton | 2 |
| 8 | Luke Stoltman | 1 |
| 9 | Maxime Boudreault | 0 |
| 10 | Mateusz Kieliszkowski | 0 |
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Event 2: The Iron Bull Sled Pull
Introducing the Iron Behemoth
The day’s second trial took a dramatic shift from traditional weights, introducing competitors to the unique “Iron Bull Sled Pull.” Athletes were faced with the task of dragging a mammoth Iron Bull Sled, tethered to their bodies, across a 15-meter stretch. Drawing parallels with the conventional truck/bus pull events, this challenge introduced the unpredictable element of the sled’s friction against the ground.
Kieliszkowski’s Surprising Comeback
In an astonishing turnaround, Mateusz Kieliszkowski, who previously struggled to muster even a single deadlift rep, emerged as the sole conqueror of this event. While many prematurely cast doubts following his initial setback, Kieliszkowski recalibrated with unwavering determination and clinched a victory in the sled pull challenge.
A Battle for Inches: Hooper and Singleton
Given the immense difficulty of the task, a majority, nine to be precise, failed to complete the course within the stipulated timeframe. As a result, rankings hinged on the mere distance covered. Mitchell Hooper, demonstrating tenacity, dragged the 1,000-pound sled an impressive 36 feet and 7 inches, solidifying his position at second place. Not far behind, Evan “T-Rex” Singleton secured the third spot by pulling the formidable sled to 35 feet and 10 inches.
A Series of Unfortunate Events
The event wasn’t devoid of unexpected incidents. Trey Mitchell faced a concerning episode, necessitating medical intervention. The nature and severity of his potential injury remain under wraps. Adding to the series of misadventures, Tom Stoltman experienced a shoe mishap that inevitably impaired his overall performance.
| Rank | Competitor | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mateusz Kieliszkowski | 41.82 seconds |
| 2 | Mitchell Hooper | 36′ 7″ |
| 3 | Evan Singleton | 35′ 10″ |
| 4 | Luke Stoltman | 33′ 10″ |
| 5 | Maxime Boudreault | 31′ 3″ |
| 6 | Tom Stoltman | 23′ 2″ |
| 7 | Oleksii Novikov | 22′ 1″ |
| 8 | Tom Evans | 21′ |
| 9 | Trey Mitchell | 16′ 7″ |
| 10 | Bobby Thompson | Approx. 10′ |
The Evolution of Champions: 2023 Rogue Invitational Strongman
A Legacy in the Making
The Rogue Invitational Strongman competition, having just wrapped up its third edition in 2023, has quickly become a heralded event in the strongman community. With each year, it not only attracts the crème de la crème of strongman competitors but also builds on its reputation as a premier strength sport championship.
A New Titan Rises: Mitchell Hooper
Mitchell Hooper’s recent coronation adds him to the burgeoning hall of champions of this esteemed competition. His victory has etched his name alongside the likes of past victors, creating a lineage of strongman royalty. Martins Licis, the inaugural winner from 2021, and Oleksii Novikov, the defending champion from 2022, already set an incredibly high bar. Hooper’s win reinforces the elite standard of this competition.
A Testament to Excellence
The Rogue Invitational doesn’t just stand out because of its challenging events or impressive prize purses; it’s the caliber of its champions that truly speaks volumes. The winners’ roster, though brief, reads like a who’s who of modern strongman elites. It’s a testament to the competition’s standing in the strongman world, promising even more intense battles and legendary performances in the years to come.
Overview
The 2023 Rogue Invitational Strongman unfolded at Round Rock, Texas’ Dell Diamond Stadium, spanning two days of intense competition. Ten formidable strongmen took center stage, battling in five diverse events. Ultimately, Mitchell Hooper emerged victorious, cementing his name among the competition’s elite champions. The 2023 edition featured a record-breaking prize purse, attracting global talent and upholding the Rogue Invitational’s status as a premier strongman event.
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