Despite its relative novelty, the Rogue Invitational Strongman competition has swiftly become one of the standout events in the annual fitness calendar. In just its third year, it has outstripped expectations, expanding in scale and capturing the hearts of fans. The 2023 edition of this celebrated event is slated for October 27-29 at the Dell Diamond in the broader Austin, Texas area. As in the previous year, the contest will feature a roster of ten top-tier Strongman athletes, as announced on the Rogue Invitational’s Instagram account.
Champions and Challengers: The Lineup for 2023
The athlete lineup for the 2023 Rogue Invitational Strongman is nothing short of impressive. It includes the victors of the three most recent World’s Strongest Man competitions, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the event. Additionally, three finalists from the 2023 WSM will also be competing, all vying for the coveted title of the third Rogue Invitational champion.
Legacy and Ambition: Past Champions and Aspiring Contenders
The first two championships were won by Martins Licis (2021) and Oleksii Novikov (2022), setting a high bar for the competition. Novikov is eager to return and defend his title in the forthcoming event. However, Licis will not be part of this year’s competition, choosing to take a breather from the majority of contests.
2023 Rogue Invitational Strongman Lineup
- Tom Stoltman
- Luke Stoltman
- Mitchell Hooper
- Maxime Boudreault
- Trey Mitchell
- Evan Singleton
- Bobby Thompson
- Oleksii Novikov
- Pavlo Nakonechnyy
- Mateusz Kieliszkowski
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Frontrunners in Focus
Oleksii Novikov, one of the sport’s major luminaries, is a favored contender for the 2023 Rogue Invitational Strongman championship. He boasts an impressive track record, including being named 2020 World’s Strongest Man (WSM) and 2022 Europe’s Strongest Man. Despite an elbow injury, Novikov has proven himself a formidable participant in every competition he enters, including the 2023 WSM contest.
Mitchell Hooper, meanwhile, is considered by many as the prime contender for the title. Hooper already has two significant victories under his belt this year, having emerged triumphant in the 2023 Arnold Strongman Classic and the 2023 WSM. Now, he aims to add the 2023 Shaw Classic and the 2023 Rogue Invitational Strongman titles to his winning streak.
Also among the top three picks for the 2023 Rogue Invitational Strongman is Tom Stoltman. With two WSM titles (2021 & 2022), “The Albatross” has consistently performed well this year, finishing in second place in both his outings. However, a stroke of luck could easily secure him the win at the Rogue Invitational.
The Dark Horses
Despite the strong lineup, there are two athletes who stand a good chance of delivering a surprise victory. Trey Mitchell, the 2x Shaw Classic champion and 2023 North America’s Strongest Man, could pose a significant challenge.
Similarly, Evan Singleton is another potential upset, having bested both Hooper and Tom Stoltman at the recent 2023 Giants Live Strongman Classic. Currently enjoying his most successful year in the sport, Singleton, who took fifth place at the 2023 WSM, has a momentum that could carry him to the top.
While Pavlo Nakonechnyy and Mateusz Kieliszkowski are acknowledged as top talents in Strongman, recent injury struggles could affect their performance. It remains to be seen whether they’ll be fully recovered in time for the 2023 Rogue Invitational Strongman.
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A Show of Strength and Endurance
The lineup for the 2023 Rogue Invitational Strongman competition is impressive, featuring ten of the most formidable athletes, each with the strength and mental fortitude to take home the championship. In addition to the honor of the title, contestants will be vying for an increased cash prize this year, with the winner set to receive over $130,000. Undoubtedly, each of these ten competitors will give their all on the competition floor.
Overview
The Rogue Invitational Strongman Competition 2023 has unveiled a lineup featuring some of the most prominent figures in the strongman arena. These include Oleksii Novikov, the 2020 World’s Strongest Man and 2022 Europe’s Strongest Man, and Mitchell Hooper, the winner of the 2023 Arnold Strongman Classic and the 2023 World’s Strongest Man. The line-up also sees Tom Stoltman, a two-time World’s Strongest Man, alongside potential dark horses Trey Mitchell and Evan Singleton, who have previously outshined other well-established competitors. With a lineup filled with accomplished strongmen and a grand prize exceeding $130,000, the 2023 Rogue Invitational Strongman promises to be a competition filled with intense rivalry and incredible displays of strength and endurance.
Featured Image @rogueinvitational (Instagram)
