Athletes from around the world are converging on Myrtle Beach, South Carolina this week for the 46th annual World’s Strongest Man competition. The event, which will run from April 19 to April 23, features grueling challenges designed to test the limits of human strength, including deadlifts, overhead presses, and truck pulls.
While there won’t be a livestream of the competition, fans can follow along with Colosseum Strength’s live updates and exclusive behind-the-scenes content hosted by former competitor Terry Hollands. The Burroughs & Chapin Pavilion Place, a state-of-the-art venue on the city’s famous boardwalk, will provide a stunning backdrop for the contest. Keep an eye on the World’s Strongest Man homepage for official results as they become available.
This event aims to determine the world’s greatest Strongman athlete and has attracted 30 contestants from across the globe. The qualifying stage was held over two days, after which the field was narrowed down to only ten athletes. These finalists are currently competing in six additional events over two days to determine the ultimate winner.
Setbacks Due to Bad Weather
The 2023 World’s Strongest Man Finals experienced some initial setbacks due to bad weather conditions. However, the organizers made some adjustments to the schedule and were able to proceed with the competition as planned.
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Stay Tuned for Live Updates
For live updates on the 2023 World’s Strongest Man competition, be sure to stay tuned to Fitness Volt. We will provide every detail as it unfolds, including the final results and point standings. Don’t miss out on this exciting event!
2023 World’s Strongest Man Leaderboard [LIVE]
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The 2023 World’s Strongest Man
- Day One — Loading Race
- Day One — Deadlift Machine
- Day One — Log Ladder
- Day Two — Conan’s Wheel
- Day Two — Kettlebell Toss
- Day Two — Stone Off
- Day Three — Finals — Reign Total Body Fuel Shield Carry
- Day Three — Finals — Knaack Deadlift
2023 World’s Strongest Man Finals: Day 1 Overview
Reign Shield Carry
For the first event of the 2023 World’s Strongest Man competition, athletes were tasked with carrying a massive metal shield weighing 196 kilograms (432.1 pounds). The goal was to carry it for the maximum distance possible, without a time limit.
Kordiyaka dominates but loses out due to rule violation
Ukrainian athlete Pavlo Kordiyaka was the strongest performer in the Shield Carry event, but unfortunately, he broke one of the rules, resulting in a deduction of 20 meters from his score. Despite this setback, Kordiyaka showcased his incredible strength and endurance, proving himself to be a force to be reckoned with in the competition.
Hooper emerges as winner with impressive perseverance
After Kordiyaka’s penalty, Mitchell Hooper emerged as the winner of the Shield Carry event, with an impressive distance of 64.15 meters. Hooper pushed through the struggle and showed great perseverance throughout the majority of the event, ultimately beating everyone else and deserving the victory.
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Stoltman and Novikov take second and third place
Scottish athlete Tom Stoltman came in second place in the Shield Carry event, falling just one meter short of Hooper with a distance of 63.15 meters. Meanwhile, Oleksii Novikov from Ukraine finished in third place with a distance of 55.87 meters, showing his strength and determination in the competition.
Schoonwinkel stumbles and falls short
South African athlete Jaco Schoonwinkel, who was expected to perform well in the Shield Carry event, stumbled and fell after starting strong, ending up with the shortest distance out of all the competitors. Despite the setback, Schoonwinkel has several more events to showcase his abilities in the competition.
- Mitchell Hooper — 64.8 m
- Tom Stoltman — 63.15 m
- Oleksii Novikov — 55.87 m
- Trey Mitchell — 50.83 m
- Evan Singleton — 48.3 m
- Pavlo Kordiyaka — 46.59 m
- Luke Stoltman — 44.62 m
- Brian Shaw — 39.1 m
- Mathew Ragg — 37.65 m
- Jaco Schoonwinkel — 15.92 m
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Knaack Deadlift
The deadlift is always a highly anticipated event at the World’s Strongest Man competition, and this year was no exception. With two massive Knaack boxes flanking the barbell, the athletes were challenged to complete as many reps as possible within 60 seconds. The total weight of the deadlift was an impressive 353 kilograms (778.2 pounds), making this a true test of strength.
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The Challenge
The deadlift is one of the most iconic events in strongman competitions, and this year’s challenge did not disappoint. Athletes were tasked with lifting the enormous weight of 353 kilograms (778.2 pounds) for as many reps as possible within a 60-second time limit. To add to the challenge, two massive Knaack boxes were hanging on either side of the barbell.
A Display of Strength
The deadlift is always a crowd favorite, and this year’s event did not disappoint. The athletes were tasked with lifting an impressive 353 kilograms (778.2 pounds) for as many reps as possible in just 60 seconds. With the added challenge of the two Knaack boxes hanging on either side of the barbell, this was a true test of strength and endurance.
Results are coming soon!
Fingal’s Fingers
The Fingal’s Fingers event has always been known for its complexity and difficulty, and this year was no exception. The event required the athletes to flip five pole-like Fingal’s Finger implements, with weights ranging from 145 kilograms (319.7 pounds) to 172 kilograms (379.2 pounds), in a time limit of 60 seconds.
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Due to bad weather, this event had to be rescheduled and was moved to the last event of the day. Originally planned to be the first event on the first day of finals, the rain caused the poles to become too slippery to perform safely. Despite the delay, the athletes were eager to tackle this challenging event and show off their strength and skills.
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2023 World’s Strongest Man Group Stage Leaderboard
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
Group 4
Group 5
Qualifying Recap — Day Two
Conan’s Wheel
The Conan’s Wheel is a notorious challenge in Strongman competitions, known for its ability to deplete energy reserves and cause immense pain to competitors. At the 2023 World’s Strongest Man competition, the athletes were tasked with holding a 200-kilogram beam in their forearms while attempting to cover as much distance as possible.
The challenge began with each athlete picking up the beam, which was fixed to the pivot in the center. From that point on, they were not allowed to drop it. If they did, their result would be calculated in degrees. The goal was to carry the beam as far as possible, with the winner being the athlete who covered the most distance.
Many of the competitors struggled with the challenge, with some barely making it past the starting line. However, others showed great strength and determination, pushing through the pain and fatigue to cover impressive distances.
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A Test of Endurance and Strength
The Conan’s Wheel challenge proved to be a grueling test of both endurance and strength for the athletes at the 2023 World’s Strongest Man competition. Holding a 200-kilogram beam in their forearms, they were required to cover as much distance as possible without dropping the beam.
As the challenge progressed, it became clear that only the strongest and most determined athletes would make it through. Some competitors struggled with the weight of the beam, while others battled through the pain to push themselves to their limits.
Despite the difficulty of the challenge, a few athletes managed to cover impressive distances. The winner of the challenge was determined by the athlete who covered the most distance, with the others falling behind in a test of strength and endurance.
Group 1
- Pavlo Kordiyaka — 742 °
- Pa O’Dwyer — 722 °
- Bobby Thompson — 649 °
- Konstantine Janashia — 633 °
- Eddie Williams — 614 °
- Tom Stoltman — 598 °
Group 2
- Oleksii Novikov — 897 °
- Gavin Bilton — 557 °
- Luke Stoltman — 545 °
- Kristján Jón Haraldsson — 524 °
- Fadi El Masri — 70 °
- Thomas Evans — 69 °
Group 3
- Mitchell Hooper — 636 °
- Mathew Ragg — 628 °
- Aivars Smaukstelis — 575 °
- Mateusz Kieliszkowski — 538 °
- Spenser Remick — 470 °
- Graham Hicks — 425 °
Group 4
- Jaco Schoonwinkel — 713 °
- Kevin Faires — 636 °
- Rauno Heinla — 572 °
- Gabriel Rheaume — 476 °
- Brian Shaw — 411 °
- Adam Bishop — 292 °
Group 5
- Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 629 °
- Evan Singleton — 589 °
- Trey Mitchell — 523 °
- Paul Smith — 518 °
- Mark Felix — 470 °
- Jean-Stephen Coraboeuf — 143 °
Kettlebell Toss
Athletes participating in the 2023 World’s Strongest Man were put to the test with the Kettlebell Toss event during the qualifying round. This event emphasized speed and agility as athletes had to throw seven kettlebells, weighing between 20 and 31 kilograms, over a 4.57-meter-tall beam in the shortest possible time.
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Group 1
- Pavlo Kordiyaka — 6 in 18.09 s
- Konstantine Janashia — 6 in 19.93 s
- Tom Stoltman — 6 in 21.99 s
- Pa O’Dwyer — 6 in 31.71 s
- Bobby Thompson — 6 in 35.67 s
- Eddie Williams — 6 in 36.40 s
Group 2
- Gavin Bilton — 6 in 19.90 s
- Luke Stoltman — 6 in 49.35 s
- Thomas Evans — 5 in 28.68 s
- Kristján Jón Haraldsson — 5 in 15.57 s
- Fadi El Masri — 4 in 20.61 s
- Oleksii Novikov — 1 in 9.56 s
Group 3
- Mateusz Kieliszkowski — 7 in 32.44 s
- Mitchell Hooper — 6 in 17.18 s
- Mathew Ragg — 6 in 21.96 s
- Aivars Smaukstelis — 6 in 25.41 s
- Spenser Remick — 5 in 24.31 s
- Graham Hicks — 4 in 20.51 s
Group 4
- Brian Shaw — 7 in 48.45 s
- Adam Bishop — 6 in 32.29 s
- Jaco Schoonwinkel — 6 in 47.32 s
- Kevin Faires — 5 in 34.09 s
- Rauno Heinla — 5 in 44.51 s
- Gabriel Rheaume — 3 in 14.00 s
Group 5
- Trey Mitchell — 7 in 34.42 s
- Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 6 in 27.66 s
- Evan Singleton — 6 in 28.81 seconds
- Mark Felix — 4 in 42.66 s
- Jean-Stephen Coraboeuf — 2 in 23.65 s
- Paul Smith — 1 in 28.62 s
Stone Off
The Stone Off marked the end of the Qualifying stage in the 2023 World’s Strongest Man competition, and it involved only the 2nd and 3rd place finishers from each group. In this event, athletes competed against each other by lifting and throwing increasingly heavy Atlas Stones to their opponent’s side. The loser was determined as the first athlete who could no longer lift the stone. The 2nd place finisher had a slight edge, as the 3rd place finisher had to lift the stone first, increasing the chances of failing the lift.
Group One
- Tom Stoltman: Won
- Bobby Thompson: Lost
Group Two
- Luke Stoltman: Won
- Gavin Bilton: Lost
Group Three
- Mathew Ragg: Won
- Aivars Smaukstelis: Lost
Group Four
- Brian Shaw: Won
- Rauno Heinla: Lost
Group Five
- Evan Singleton: Won
- Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted: Lost
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Qualifying Recap — Day 1
Loading Race
The Husafell sandbag, heavy sandbag, anvil, and two bundles of logs were the obstacles to conquer in the first event of the 2023 World’s Strongest Man competition: the Loading Race. Within 90 seconds, athletes had to pick up, carry, and load each item to complete the challenge.
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Group 1
- Pavlo Kordiyaka — 5 in 41.38 s
- Tom Stoltman — 5 in 43.84 s
- Bobby Thompson — 5 in 56.56 s
- Konstantine Janashia — 5 in 61.10 s
- Pa O’Dwyer — 5 in 65.89 s
- Eddie Williams — 5 in 66.44 s
Group 2
- Oleksii Novikov — 5 in 52.15 s
- Kristján Jón Haraldsson — 5 in 54.18 s
- Thomas Evans — 5 in 57.40 s
- Luke Stoltman — 5 in 62.78 s
- Gavin Bilton — 5 in 63.01 s
- Fadi El Masri — 4 in 49.57 s
Group 3
- Mitchell Hooper — 5 in 42.05 s
- Aivars Smaukstelis — 5 in 52.71 s
- Mathew Ragg — 5 in 58.72 s
- Spenser Remick — 5 in 67.15 s
- Mateusz Kieliszkowski — 5 in 67.53 s
- Graham Hicks — 4 in 53.40 s
Group 4
- Jaco Schoonwinkel — 5 in 47.10 s
- Rauno Heinla — 5 in 51.41 s
- Brian Shaw — 5 in 53.70 s
- Adam Bishop — 4 in 43.12 s
- Gabriel Rheaume — 4 in 51.03 s
- Kevin Faires — 3 in 65.30 s
Group 5
- Evan Singleton — 5 in 46.90 s
- Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 5 in 56.41 s
- Trey Mitchell — 5 in 66.64 s
- Paul Smith — 4 in 44.79 s
- Mark Felix — 4 in 54.32 s
- Jean-Stephen Coraboeuf — 3 in 40.63 s
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Deadlift Machine
At the 2023 World’s Strongest Man competition, the Deadlift Machine was the second challenge. It featured a specially designed equipment that allowed athletes to transition between heavy weights quickly during each repetition. The weights ranged from 290 kilograms to 385 kilograms.
Group 1
- Bobby Thompson — 7 reps
- Konstantine Janashia — 6 reps
- Tom Stoltman — 6 reps
- Pavlo Kordiyaka — 5 reps
- Pa O’Dwyer — 5 reps
- Eddie Williams — 5 reps
Group 2
- Oleksii Novikov — 6 reps
- Gavin Bilton — 5 reps
- Thomas Evans — 5 reps
- Luke Stoltman — 5 reps
- Kristján Jón Haraldsson — 4 reps
- Fadi El Masri — 4 reps
Group 3
- Mitchell Hooper — 8 reps
- Graham Hicks — 7 reps
- Mathew Ragg — 7 reps
- Spenser Remick — 5 reps
- Aivars Smaukstelis — 5 reps
- Mateusz Kieliszkowski — 4 reps
Group 4
- Rauno Heinla — 8 reps
- Brian Shaw — 8 reps
- Adam Bishop — 7 reps
- Jaco Schoonwinkel — 6 reps
- Kevin Faires — 5 reps
- Gabriel Rheaume — 5 reps
Group 5
- Trey Mitchell — 8 reps
- Evan Singleton — 6 reps
- Mark Felix — 6 reps
- Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 5 reps
- Jean-Stephen Coraboeuf — 5 reps
- Paul Smith — 4 reps
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Log Ladder
As the 2023 World’s Strongest Man competition unfolded, participants were tasked with facing five logs of increasing weight in a timed event. The objective was to complete all the logs in the shortest time possible while adhering to a 75-second time limit. This challenge, known as the Log Lift, tested the athletes’ strength, speed, and endurance, requiring them to lift the logs from the ground to their shoulders and then overhead, repeating the process for each log until all were lifted. The competition was fierce, with the athletes pushing themselves to the limit in pursuit of victory.
Group 1
- Tom Stoltman — 5 in 41.50 s
- Pavlo Kordiyaka — 5 in 46.00 s
- Bobby Thompson — 4 in 25.83 s
- Eddie Williams — 4 in 55.89 s
- Konstantine Janashia — 4 in 68.35 s
- Pa O’Dwyer — 3 in 25.80 s
Group 2
- Tom Stoltman — 5 in 41.50 s
- Pavlo Kordiyaka — 5 in 46.00 s
- Bobby Thompson — 4 in 25.83 s
- Eddie Williams — 4 in 55.89 s
- Konstantine Janashia — 4 in 68.35 s
- Pa O’Dwyer — 3 in 25.80 s
Group 3
- Mitchell Hooper — 5 in 39.51 s
- Mathew Ragg — 5 in 55.84 s
- Graham Hicks — 4 in 28.31 s
- Aivars Smaukstelis — 4 in 30.44 s
- Mateusz Kieliszkowski — 4 in 33.24 s
- Spenser Remick — 4 in 38.79 s
Group 4
- Brian Shaw — 4 in 33.99 s
- Jaco Schoonwinkel — 4 in 34.77 s
- Rauno Heinla — 3 in 21.60 s
- Kevin Faires — 3 in 28.93 s
- Gabriel Rheaume — 3 in 32.96 s
- Adam Bishop — 3 in 33.25 s
Group 5
- Trey Mitchell — 5 in 39.44 s
- Evan Singleton — 4 in 35.48 s
- Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 4 in 39.93 s
- Paul Smith — 4 in 45.84 s
- Jean-Stephen Coraboeuf — 3 in 22.34 s
- Mark Felix — 1 in 7.58 s
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List of Previous World’s Strongest Man Champions Since 1977
The World’s Strongest Man (WSM) competition, established in 1977, has seen 45 events, excluding the year 1987, crowning 23 champions in total. Below is a comprehensive list of the winners of the World’s Strongest Man competition over the years.
- Tom Stoltman (2021, 2022)
- Oleksii Novikov (2020)
- Martins Licis (2019)
- Hafthór Júlíus Björnsson (2018)
- Eddie Hall (2017)
- Brian Shaw (2011, 2013, 2015, 2016)
- Žydrūnas Savickas (2009, 2010, 2012, 2014)
- Phil Pfister (2006)
- Vasyl Virastyuk (2004)
- Mariusz Pudzianowski (2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008)
- Svend Karlsen (2001)
- Janne Virtanen (2000)
- Magnus Samuelson (1998)
- Jouko Ahola (1997, 1999)
- Gary Taylor (1993)
- Ted van der Parre (1992)
- Magnús Ver Magnússon (1991, 1994-1996)
- Jamie Reeves (1989)
- Jón Páll Sigmarsson (1984, 1986, 1988, 1990)
- Geoff Capes (1983, 1985)
- Bill Kazmaier (1980-1982)
- Don Reinhoudt (1979)
- Bruce Wilhelm (1977-1978)
Frequently Asked Questions about the World’s Strongest Man Competition
How is the scoring system determined in the World’s Strongest Man competition?
The scoring system in the World’s Strongest Man competition is based on the number of competitors. With six athletes in each group, the winner of an event receives six points, while every following position is awarded one point less.
Who is the current World’s Strongest Man champion?
Tom Stoltman from Scotland is the reigning two-time World’s Strongest Man champion. He secured consecutive titles in 2021 and 2022.
Which Strongman athletes are inducted into the World’s Strongest Man Hall of Fame?
The World’s Strongest Man Hall of Fame honors the most remarkable Strongman athletes in history. It was established in 2008 and currently has six members, including Bill Kazmaier, Mariusz Pudzianowski, Svend Karlsen, Magnús Ver Magnússon, Jón Páll Sigmarsson, and Magnus Samuelsson.
Will Brian Shaw make his final appearance at the World’s Strongest Man competition this year?
Yes, Brian Shaw has confirmed that he will no longer compete in the World’s Strongest Man competition after this
2023 World’s Strongest Man Results — Finals Day One
2023 World’s Strongest Man Finalist Revealed
2023 World’s Strongest Man Results — Day One Qualifiers
2023 World’s Strongest Man Results — Day Two Qualifiers
Cheick “Iron Biby” Sanou, the Burkina Faso-born strongman, has withdrawn from the 2023 World’s Strongest Man competition, according to sources close to the event. Sanou, who is widely regarded as one of the world’s strongest men, cited personal reasons for his decision to pull out of the competition, which is scheduled to take place later this year.
In his absence, Kristján Jón Haraldsson, the Icelandic strongman and two-time World’s Strongest Man champion, will be stepping in to fill the void. Haraldsson, who retired from professional strongman competitions in 2016, announced his return earlier this year and has been preparing for the 2023 event ever since.
The news of Sanou’s withdrawal has come as a shock to fans of the sport, many of whom had expected him to be one of the top contenders for this year’s title. Despite his absence, the competition promises to be as thrilling and competitive as ever, with some of the strongest men in the world vying for the coveted title of World’s Strongest Man.
Stay tuned for further updates on the 2023 World’s Strongest Man competition, including exclusive interviews, event recaps, in-depth analysis, and results, available on our website at Colosseumstrength.com.
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