Terry Hollands reveals Qualifying Round groups for 2023 WSM
Terry Hollands, a 15-time World’s Strongest Man (WSM) competitor, has revealed the five Qualifying Round groups for the upcoming 2023 WSM competition in Myrtle Beach, SC. According to Hollands, each Qualifying Round group will consist of six athletes who will compete for a total of 10 berths, with two from each group advancing to the Finals. The Qualifying Round will take place from Apr. 19-20, and the Finals will occur on Apr. 22-23, 2023.
WSM schedule of events and 30-man roster to be announced soon
With the 2023 WSM competition just around the corner, the schedule of events and the 30-man roster are set to be announced in the coming days. While there is no way to watch the flagship strongman contest live, it is expected to be a barnburner of strength. The exact organization of the Qualifying Round groups could determine the eventual victor.
2023 WSM to take place from Apr. 19-23
The 2023 WSM competition is scheduled to take place from Apr. 19-23, 2023. While there will be no live audience, the competition is still expected to be a thrilling showcase of strength. Competitors from around the world will vie for the title of World’s Strongest Man, with the Qualifying Rounds taking place from Apr. 19-20 and the Finals on Apr. 22-23.
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2023 WSM Qualifying Round Groups Revealed
2023 WSM Qualifiers: Here Are the Five Groups
Group 1
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- Konstantine Janashia (Georgia)
- Pavlo Kordiyaka (Ukraine)
- Pa O’Dwyer (Ireland)
- Tom Stoltman (United Kingdom) | Reigning two-time champion (2021-2022)
- Bobby Thompson (United States)
- Eddie Williams (Australia)
Group 2
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- Cheick “Iron Biby” Sanou (Burkina Faso)
- Gavin Bilton (United Kingdom)
- Fadi El Masri (Lebanon)
- Thomas Evans (United States)
- Oleksii Novikov (Ukraine)
- Luke Stoltman (United Kingdom)
Group 3
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- Graham Hicks (United Kingdom)
- Mitchell Hooper (Canada)
- Mateusz Kieliszkowski (Poland)
- Mathew Ragg (New Zealand)
- Spenser Remick (United States)
- Aivars Šmaukstelis (Latvia)
Group 4
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- Adam Bishop (United Kingdom)
- Kevin Faires (United States)
- Rauno Heinla (Estonia)
- Gabriel Rhéaume (Canada)
- Jaco Schoonwinkel (South Africa)
- Brian Shaw (United States)
Group 5
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- Jean-Stephen Corabeouf (France)
- Mark Felix (United Kingdom)
- Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted (Iceland)
- Trey Mitchell (United States)
- Evan Singleton (United States)
- Paul Smith (United Kingdom)
As per the usual precedent of World’s Strongest Man (WSM), the contestant who secures the first position in each Qualifying Ground group based on points will automatically qualify for the WSM Finals. To determine the second finalist, the second and third-place finishers from each group will compete against each other in a Stone-Off challenge that involves the iconic Atlas Stones.
Meet the Strongmen Competing at the 2023 World’s Strongest Man
The 2023 World’s Strongest Man (WSM) competition will feature 30 of the strongest and most skilled athletes from around the world. Here is a rundown of the competitors who will be battling it out in Myrtle Beach, SC, for the coveted title of world’s strongest man:
2023 World’s Strongest Man Roster
- Tom Stoltman (United Kingdom) — Defending two-time WSM champion
- Pavlo Kordiyaka (Ukraine)
- Evan Singleton (United States)
- Mitchell Hooper (Canada)
- Trey Mitchell (United States)
- Adam Bishop (United Kingdom)
- Aivars Šmaukstelis (Latvia)
- Kevin Faires (United States)
- Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted (Iceland)
- Paul Smith (United Kingdom)
- Rauno Heinla (Estonia)
- Bobby Thompson (United States)
- Mateusz Kieliszkowski (Poland)
- Gavin Bilton (United Kingdom)
- Spenser Remick (United States)
- Eddie Williams (Australia)
- Konstantine Janashia (Georgia)
- Graham Hicks (United Kingdom)
- Luke Stoltman (United Kingdom)
- Mathew Ragg (New Zealand)
- Gabriel Rhéaume (Canada)
- Brian Shaw (United States)
- Fadi El Masri (Australia)
- Jaco Schoonwinkel (South Africa)
- Oleksii Novikov (Ukraine)
- Jean-Stephen Coraboeuf (Australia)
- Mark Felix (United Kingdom)
- Pa O’Dwyer (Ireland)
- Cheick “Iron Biby” Sanou (Burkina Faso)
- Thomas Evans (United States)
- *Pavlo Nakonechnyy (Ukraine) — *Withdrawn
- *Maxime Boudreault (Canada) — *Withdrawn
These athletes will compete in a series of events designed to test their strength, endurance, and agility. From the legendary Atlas Stones to the grueling Deadlift, the 2023 WSM promises to be an exciting and unforgettable competition.
Schedule of Events for 2023 World’s Strongest Man Revealed
Qualifying Stage Day One
- Event One: Loading Race — April 19 | 8 a.m., Sand Stage
- Event Two: Deadlift Machine — April 19 | 11:29 a.m., Land Stage
- Event Three: Log Ladder — April 19 | 4:49 p.m., Sand Stage
Qualifying Stage Day Two
- Event Four: Conan’s Wheel — April 20 | 8 a.m., Land Stage
- Event Five: Kettlebell Toss — April 20 | 1:20 p.m., Sand Stage
- Event Six: Stone Off — April 20 | 6:13 p.m., Land Stage
- Rest Day — April 21, 2023
Final Day One
Only Top 10 Competitors Will Advance to 2023 World’s Strongest Man Final
- Event One: Fingal’s Fingers — April 22 | 8 a.m., Street Stage
- Event Two: KNAACK Deadlift — April 22 | 10:41 a.m., Sand Stage
- Event Three: Reign Shield Carry — April 22 | 2:18 p.m., Street Stage
Final Day Two
- Event Four: Max Dumbbell — April 23 | 8 a.m., Land Stage
- Event Five: Vehicle Pull — April 23 | 10:10 a.m., Street Stage
- Event Six: Atlas Stones — April 23 | 1:54 p.m., Sand Stage
- Beyond Stoltman’s “Three-Peat” Pursuit: Other Notable Storylines at 2023 World’s Strongest Man
2023 WSM to Feature Three Current and Former Champions
The 2023 World’s Strongest Man (WSM) roster is set to feature some of the strongest athletes in the world, including three current and former champions. Reigning two-time champion Tom Stoltman from Scotland, legendary four-time WSM winner Brian Shaw from the United States, and 2020 victor Oleksii Novikov from Ukraine will all be competing for the coveted title. With these powerhouse competitors in the mix, it’s sure to be a thrilling event that will have the entire strongman world on the edge of their seats.
Mitchell Hooper and Mateusz Kieliszkowski Could Challenge for 2023 WSM Title
While the 2023 WSM will feature three current and former champions, there are other potential contenders who could challenge for the title. Among them are Canada’s Mitchell Hooper and Poland’s Mateusz Kieliszkowski, both of whom have been making waves in the strongman world with their impressive performances. With their strength and determination, they could very well give the reigning champions a run for their money.
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2023 WSM Promises to Be a Highly Anticipated Event
The 2023 World’s Strongest Man (WSM) competition is shaping up to be a highly anticipated event that will have fans of the sport on the edge of their seats. With some of the strongest athletes in the world set to compete, including reigning champion Tom Stoltman, four-time winner Brian Shaw, and 2020 victor Oleksii Novikov, it’s sure to be a thrilling competition. The WSM is known for pushing competitors to their limits with grueling challenges that test their strength, endurance, and mental fortitude, and the 2023 edition promises to be no different.
Overview
The 2023 World’s Strongest Man competition is fast approaching, with the Qualifying Round taking place from April 19-20 and the Finals scheduled for April 22-23 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Terry Hollands, a veteran 15-time competitor in the WSM, recently revealed the five Qualifying Round groups, each consisting of six athletes competing for a total of 10 berths. Two athletes from each group will advance to the Finals, where they will join the reigning two-time champion, Tom Stoltman of the United Kingdom. While there will be no live audience, the WSM is expected to be a thrilling showcase of strength, with the precise organization of the Qualifying Round groups possibly influencing the outcome. The full schedule of events and 30-man roster has been announced.
Courtesy Image @ Joe Martinez / World’s Strongest Man (Instagram)
