2025 Santa Monica Classic Results

The inaugural 2025 Santa Monica Classic took place in California on June 28-29, 2025. First, the event was promoted by 2019 World’s Strongest Man Martins Licis. Moreover, it featured 11 athletes from four countries. Finally, these competitors battled in six events: Car Deadlift, Log Lift, Frame Carry, Dumbbell Press, Super Yoke, and Loading Race.

Significantly, USA’s Marc Sanchez dominated the contest, scoring 53.5 points out of a possible 66. Additionally, this was his first major contest victory. In fact, he led the pack by a comfortable margin. Meanwhile, Cole Bolton and Jacob Finerty also impressed, placing second and third, respectively. Ultimately, the competition highlighted a mix of emerging talent and strong performances.

Looking ahead, the Santa Monica Classic sets a promising precedent for future strongman events in the region. Meanwhile, competitors like Sanchez have made a strong statement on the national stage. Consequently, fans and athletes alike are eager for the next edition. The blend of intense competition and variety of events made the Classic a memorable debut.

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🏆 2025 Santa Monica Classic Results & Event Breakdown

Overall Results — Santa Monica Classic

Rank	Athlete	Country	Points
1	Marc Sanchez	🇺🇸 USA	53.5
2	Cole Bolton	🇺🇸 USA	46.5
3	Jacob Finerty	🇺🇸 USA	45.5
4	Cim Johansson	🇸🇪 SWE	44
5	Ajuna Rwakatare	🇺🇸 USA	41
6	Kelly Howell	🇺🇸 USA	39
7	Nick Gentile	🇺🇸 USA	30
8	Konstantine Janashia	🇬🇪 GEO	20.5*
9	Morgan Hill	🇺🇸 USA	19.5
10	Josh Lancaster	🇬🇧 UK	16
11	Josh Gregory	🇺🇸 USA	14.5*

*Withdrew

Car Deadlift Event

To begin, the Car Deadlift challenged athletes to lift a 324-kilogram vehicle as many times as possible in one minute. Notably, Marc Sanchez led the way with eight reps, displaying impressive strength and stamina. Meanwhile, Josh Gregory followed closely with seven reps. In contrast, several athletes struggled, including Kelly Howell, who failed to register a lift.

Furthermore, Jacob Finerty and Morgan Hill tied with six reps each, showing competitive consistency. Additionally, Cole Bolton and Konstantine Janashia both managed four reps. Finally, a handful of athletes recorded fewer reps, reflecting the event’s intensity.

Athlete	Country	Reps
Marc Sanchez	🇺🇸 USA	8
Josh Gregory	🇺🇸 USA	7
Jacob Finerty	🇺🇸 USA	6 (T-3rd)
Morgan Hill	🇺🇸 USA	6 (T-3rd)
Cole Bolton	🇺🇸 USA	4 (T-5th)
Konstantine Janashia	🇬🇪 GEO	4 (T-5th)
Cim Johansson	🇸🇪 SWE	2 (T-7th)
Ajuna Rwakatare	🇺🇸 USA	2 (T-7th)
Nick Gentile	🇺🇸 USA	1 (T-9th)
Josh Lancaster	🇬🇧 UK	1 (T-9th)
Kelly Howell	🇺🇸 USA	0

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Log Lift

Moving on, the Log Lift tested overhead pressing power with 145 kilograms for reps in one minute. Equally, Marc Sanchez and Jacob Finerty tied for first with six reps each. Following closely, Cole Bolton achieved five reps, asserting himself among the leaders.

Furthermore, several athletes shared fourth place with four reps, including Cim Johansson, Ajuna Rwakatare, and Konstantine Janashia. On the other hand, Morgan Hill, Josh Lancaster, and Kelly Howell struggled. Unfortunately, Morgan Hill and Josh Lancaster did not register any successful lifts.

Athlete	Country	Reps
Marc Sanchez	🇺🇸 USA	6 (T-1st)
Jacob Finerty	🇺🇸 USA	6 (T-1st)
Cole Bolton	🇺🇸 USA	5
Cim Johansson	🇸🇪 SWE	4 (T-4th)
Ajuna Rwakatare	🇺🇸 USA	4 (T-4th)
Konstantine Janashia	🇬🇪 GEO	4 (T-4th)
Nick Gentile	🇺🇸 USA	3 (T-7th)
Josh Gregory	🇺🇸 USA	3 (T-7th)
Kelly Howell	🇺🇸 USA	2
Morgan Hill	🇺🇸 USA	0
Josh Lancaster	🇬🇧 UK	0

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Frame Carry

Next, the Frame Carry pushed athletes to carry 340 kilograms for maximum distance in one minute. Interestingly, Cim Johansson led this event by a significant margin, covering 38.41 meters. Behind him, Cole Bolton managed 32.92 meters, maintaining a strong overall position.

Meanwhile, Ajuna Rwakatare and Kelly Howell followed with respectable distances. In stark contrast, Marc Sanchez recorded only 1.68 meters. Furthermore, some athletes like Morgan Hill failed to register a lift. Sadly, Josh Gregory withdrew from this event.

Athlete	Country	Distance (m)
Cim Johansson	🇸🇪 SWE	38.41
Cole Bolton	🇺🇸 USA	32.92
Ajuna Rwakatare	🇺🇸 USA	27.43
Kelly Howell	🇺🇸 USA	21.95
Konstantine Janashia	🇬🇪 GEO	10.97
Jacob Finerty	🇺🇸 USA	5.49
Marc Sanchez	🇺🇸 USA	1.68
Nick Gentile	🇺🇸 USA	1.32
Morgan Hill	🇺🇸 USA	0
Josh Lancaster	🇬🇧 UK	0
Josh Gregory	🇺🇸 USA	Withdrew

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Dumbbell Press

Subsequently, the Dumbbell Press measured overhead pressing endurance with 91 kilograms for reps in one minute. Surprisingly, Nick Gentile topped this event with three reps. Following closely, Ajuna Rwakatare and Kelly Howell tied for second with two reps each.

Meanwhile, Marc Sanchez, Jacob Finerty, Cim Johansson, and Josh Lancaster each managed one rep. However, several athletes including Cole Bolton and Konstantine Janashia did not record a lift. Ultimately, this event showcased the varied skill sets of the athletes.

Athlete	Country	Reps
Nick Gentile	🇺🇸 USA	3
Ajuna Rwakatare	🇺🇸 USA	2 (T-2nd)
Kelly Howell	🇺🇸 USA	2 (T-2nd)
Marc Sanchez	🇺🇸 USA	1 (T-4th)
Jacob Finerty	🇺🇸 USA	1 (T-4th)
Cim Johansson	🇸🇪 SWE	1 (T-4th)
Josh Lancaster	🇬🇧 UK	1 (T-4th)
Cole Bolton	🇺🇸 USA	0
Konstantine Janashia	🇬🇪 GEO	0
Morgan Hill	🇺🇸 USA	0
Josh Gregory	🇺🇸 USA	Withdrew

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Super Yoke

Next up, the Super Yoke tested speed and strength with a 454-kilogram yoke over 11 meters. Notably, Cole Bolton won this event with a fast time of 11.94 seconds. Meanwhile, Marc Sanchez and Kelly Howell tied for second with times of 12.81 seconds.

Further back, Cim Johansson and Ajuna Rwakatare placed fourth and fifth. However, Konstantine Janashia and Josh Gregory withdrew from this event. Overall, this race proved critical for athletes aiming to solidify their standings.

Athlete	Country	Time (seconds)
Cole Bolton	🇺🇸 USA	11.94
Marc Sanchez	🇺🇸 USA	12.81 (T-2nd)
Kelly Howell	🇺🇸 USA	12.81 (T-2nd)
Cim Johansson	🇸🇪 SWE	14.16
Ajuna Rwakatare	🇺🇸 USA	14.94
Jacob Finerty	🇺🇸 USA	16.12
Morgan Hill	🇺🇸 USA	17.4
Josh Lancaster	🇬🇧 UK	21.78
Nick Gentile	🇺🇸 USA	53.13
Konstantine Janashia	🇬🇪 GEO	Withdrew
Josh Gregory	🇺🇸 USA	Withdrew

Loading Race

Finally, the Loading Race required athletes to load three heavy implements quickly: 147, 159, and 170 kilograms. Consequently, Marc Sanchez won again with a swift 21.35 seconds. Close behind, Cole Bolton finished in 22.09 seconds.

Meanwhile, Kelly Howell and Jacob Finerty rounded out the top four with times under 24 seconds. AlthoughKonstantine Janashia and Josh Gregory withdrew, others completed the event with respectable times. Ultimately, the Loading Race concluded a highly competitive day of varied tests.

Athlete	Country	Time (seconds)
Marc Sanchez	🇺🇸 USA	21.35
Cole Bolton	🇺🇸 USA	22.09
Kelly Howell	🇺🇸 USA	23.2
Jacob Finerty	🇺🇸 USA	23.7
Cim Johansson	🇸🇪 SWE	25.9
Morgan Hill	🇺🇸 USA	29.5
Ajuna Rwakatare	🇺🇸 USA	31.69
Nick Gentile	🇺🇸 USA	30.75
Josh Lancaster	🇬🇧 UK	39.2
Konstantine Janashia	🇬🇪 GEO	Withdrew
Josh Gregory	🇺🇸 USA	Withdrew

Featured Image – 2025 Santa Monica Classic Results – Credit: @legendofmarc, @thesantamonicaclassic (Instagram)

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Overview

The 2025 Santa Monica Classic debuted with great excitement. First, 11 athletes from four countries competed fiercely across six events. Next, USA’s Marc Sanchez dominated, winning the overall title with a strong 53.5 points. Meanwhile, Cole Bolton and Jacob Finerty rounded out the podium. Furthermore, the competition tested a wide range of strength and endurance skills, from deadlifts to loading races. Finally, the event set a solid foundation for future strongman contests in California.

Featured Image – 2025 Santa Monica Classic Results – Credit: @legendofmarc, @thesantamonicaclassic (Instagram)