The Atlas Stones challenge featured five stones weighing between 140 and 210 kilograms. The winner was the athlete who loaded all five stones in the fastest time.

Pavlo Kordiyaka vs. Shane Flowers

Meanwhile, Kordiyaka lifted shirtless, using tacky only on his arms. This risky move aimed for extra skin traction under the hot Sacramento sun. Next, they loaded the first stones together. Afterwards, Kordiyaka gained a slight lead by the third stone. Then, the crowd roared as he loaded the fourth stone. Afterward, he lapped the fifth but couldn’t lift it higher. On the other hand, Flowers skipped the fifth stone. Later, Flowers got a five-second penalty for rolling the fourth stone off its ring.

Paddy Haynes vs. Ondrej Fojtů

Also, Haynes and Fojtů were tied after the first stone. However, Haynes pulled ahead by the second. By then, he led after the fourth stone while Fojtů bowed out at three. Still, Fojtů lapped the fifth but couldn’t lock it over the lip. Instead, it fell to the floor.

Mitchell Hooper Vs Trey Mitchell 

In the next heat, Hooper stumbled at the start, dropping the first stone and losing precious time. Trey Mitchell stayed steady, becoming the first to load all five stones. Hooper tried twice at the fifth stone but could not move it.

Rayno Nel vs. Tom Stoltman

Finally, Nel had the leader’s advantage. Specifically, loading all five stones would guarantee him the title. Otherwise, he had to beat Hooper’s four-stone time. Additionally, Stoltman lifted shirtless. Then, he moved through the first three stones in one smooth motion, gaining a lead over Nel. Next, Nel loaded his fourth stone, but it was unclear if his time beat Hooper. Then, he tried the fifth stone, but the whistle blew before he could finish. Ultimately, Nel’s time was one second faster than Hooper’s. Therefore, Nel secured the 2025 WSM championship.

Finally, the top contenders Rayno Nel and Tom Stoltman faced off. Nel, holding the overall lead, knew that loading all five stones would secure the championship. Otherwise, he only needed to beat Hooper’s time on four stones.

Stoltman, also shirtless, lifted the first three stones in one motion, building a clear lead over Nel. Nel loaded his fourth stone, matching Hooper’s time, then attempted the fifth stone. The whistle blew before he could lock it in.

Nel Secures Historic Title

After tense moments, officials announced Nel’s time was one second faster than Hooper’s. This confirmed Rayno Nel as the 2025 WSM champion. His grip, power, and strategy made history.