2025 World’s Strongest Firefighter

Frank Boniello claimed the title of 2025 World’s Strongest Firefighter (WSF) at the Arnold Sports Festival (ASF) in Columbus, OH, on Saturday, March 1. Furthermore, he stood out among 18 finalists, securing the championship with unmatched strength and precision. As a result, his victory highlighted his dominance in a highly competitive field.

Additionally, the event featured strongmen and strongwomen who work as full-time, active firefighters. Also, their performances were assessed using a Wilks-like calculation, ensuring fairness across various weight classes and genders. Consequently, this system offered a level playing field, allowing all athletes to compete on equal terms.

Meanwhile, Marcus Waugh, the reigning 2024 champion, placed second. Moreover, Mike McGowan secured the bronze, proving his consistent strength. Furthermore, Kelly Lamb finished as the top female competitor, placing sixth overall, which was a remarkable achievement in a predominantly male competition.

2025 World’s Strongest Firefighter Results

Frank Boniello secured victory at the 2025 World’s Strongest Firefighter competition, finishing with 43.5 points. Meanwhile, Marcus Waugh claimed second with 37.5 points, while Mike McGowan followed closely in third with 36.5 points. Throughout the contest, the top ten competitors battled through three grueling events to determine the champion.

Notably, Strongman Corporation streamed the championship round live, capturing every intense moment. Each event tested the firefighters’ strength, endurance, and precision under pressure. In the end, Boniello’s consistency across all three challenges secured his first-place finish.

Final Standings

🥇 Frank Boniello — 43.5 points
🥈 Marcus Waugh — 37.5 points
🥉 Mike McGowan — 36.5 points
4️⃣ Justin Zuniga — 36 points
5️⃣ Jay Mullens — 33.5 points
6️⃣ Kelly Lamb — 30.5 points
7️⃣ Joseph Voiles — 29 points
8️⃣ Casey Shoe — 25.5 points
9️⃣ Josh Alonzo — 24.5 points
🔟 Harry Walker — 22 points

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Ambulance Tire Axle Press

For the first event, competitors faced the brutal Ambulance Tire Axle Press. Moreover, they had to clean an axle bar loaded with ambulance tires and additional weight before pressing it overhead for maximum reps. After lifting it once, they could continue pressing as long as the bar cleared their chin.

In this event, Boniello proved dominant, locking out nine reps to take first place. Meanwhile, Justin Zuniga and Joseph Voiles tied for second with eight reps each. Further down, McGowan and Michael George Ebanks Jr. finished with seven, while other athletes fought hard to stay in contention.

Event Results

🥇 Frank Boniello — 9 reps
🥈 Justin Zuniga — 8 reps (T-second)
🥈 Joseph Voiles — 8 reps (T-second)
4️⃣ Mike McGowan — 7 reps (T-fourth)
4️⃣ Michael George Ebanks Jr. — 7 reps (T-fourth)
6️⃣ Kelly Lamb — 6 reps (T-sixth)
6️⃣ Jay Mullens — 6 reps (T-sixth)
8️⃣ Alexander Arenas — 5 reps (T-eighth)
8️⃣ Marcus Waugh — 5 reps (T-eighth)
🔟 Josh Alonzo — 4 reps

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Silver Dollar Deadlift — Ascending Weight

For the second event, competitors took on the Silver Dollar Deadlift with ascending weight. Furthermore, they started at a foundation weight and added more plates to each rep. However, once they reached their max lift, their ranking was determined by the number of reps performed at that weight.

In this test of brute strength, Marcus Waugh dominated with nine reps, securing first place. Meanwhile, Kelly Lamb followed closely behind with eight. In a tie for third, Justin Zuniga and Josh Alonzo both completed six reps, while Boniello landed in fifth with five.

Event Results

🥇 Marcus Waugh — 9 reps
🥈 Kelly Lamb — 8 reps
🥉 Josh Alonzo — 6 reps (T-third)
🥉 Justin Zuniga — 6 reps (T-third)
5️⃣ Frank Boniello — 5 reps (T-fifth)
5️⃣ Alexander Arenas — 5 reps (T-fifth)
7️⃣-T Harry Walker — 4 reps (T-seventh)
7️⃣ Jay Mullens — 4 reps (T-seventh)
7️⃣ Mike McGowan — 4 reps (T-seventh)

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Fire Hydrant Load

For the final event, competitors faced a firefighter-themed variation of the Atlas Stones. Moreover, they had to lift five heavy hydrants onto a podium, ensuring each remained upright. The fastest time determined the winner.

In a thrilling finish, Boniello secured another victory, loading all five hydrants in 26.35 seconds. Meanwhile, McGowan finished just behind him at 26.58 seconds. Jay Mullens rounded out the top three with a strong time of 27.25 seconds.

Event Results

🥇 Frank Boniello — 26.35 seconds
🥈 Mike McGowan — 26.58 seconds
🥉 Jay Mullens — 27.25 seconds
4️⃣ Marcus Waugh — 30.3 seconds
5️⃣ Joseph Voiles — 32.81 seconds
6️⃣ Michael George Ebanks Jr. — 37.73 seconds
7️⃣ Casey Shoe — 39.11 seconds
8️⃣ Liam Shiels — 42.37 seconds
9️⃣ Justin Zuniga — 42.72 seconds
🔟 Harry Walker — 44.03 seconds

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After the competition, Arnold Schwarzenegger took the stage to honor the athletes. Also, he presented Boniello with the WSF Axe, recognizing his hard-fought victory. Additionally, every firefighter received a commemorative coin in appreciation of their dedication.

Beyond the competition, the event also served as a major fundraiser. According to organizer John Byrne, the 2025 World’s Strongest Firefighter raised over $30,000 through donations, merchandise sales, and pay-per-view livestream orders.

Ultimately, this year’s contest highlighted not just raw strength, but the resilience and dedication of firefighters. Lastly, their performance in the arena mirrored the same grit they bring to their work every day.

“After the devastating fire we just experienced, having firefighters worldwide compete while raising funds for charity was amazing,” Byrne said in a statement. “The dedication, work ethic, and showmanship on the stage was felt and seen across the world this year with the live stream. Working with Arnold to improve firefighter fitness while raising money for firefighter foundations has been a dream come true.”

At the same venue, 2023 WSF champion Andrew Burton delivered another standout performance. Moreover, he won the 2025 Arnold Strongman Pro/Am, securing his place in the 2026 Arnold Strongman Classic.

With this victory, Burton joins an elite lineup preparing for the Arnold Classic 2026. Also, his dominance in the Pro/Am further cements his reputation as a rising force in strongman.

Now, all eyes turn to his training as he gears up for the Arnold Classic 2026, where he will face the world’s best.

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Overview

Frank Boniello claimed the 2025 World’s Strongest Firefighter title at the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, OH, on March 1. He stood out with 43.5 points, outperforming 18 other firefighters in a fierce competition. Meanwhile, Marcus Waugh finished second with 37.5 points, and Mike McGowan took third with 36.5 points. The event included three demanding challenges: the Ambulance Tire Axle Press, Silver Dollar Deadlift, and Fire Hydrant Load. Boniello dominated in the final challenge, completing the Fire Hydrant Load in 26.35 seconds. Additionally, the competition raised over $30,000 for firefighter charities.

Featured Image – 2025 World’s Strongest Firefighter Official Results – Frank Boniello Victorious– Credit: @Courtesy of Zero Dark Thirty Media, @frboniella (Instagram)