The 2025 World’s Strongest Man qualifying rounds have wrapped up. So far, two of four competition days are complete. Now, the final 10 athletes are set. They will return Saturday and Sunday to compete for the championship.

Initially, 25 athletes started the contest. Next, they were split into five groups. Over two days, each group faced five grueling events. Consequently, the top two athletes from each group earned a spot in the Final.

Importantly, this year’s competition introduced a new twist. For the first time, organizers ranked each athlete’s performance in the qualifying rounds. As a result, those rankings will determine starting scores in the Final.

Therefore, the 2025 WSM is no longer just about who advances. Instead, it’s also about how they performed. Ultimately, this change adds a fresh layer of strategy and intensity to the battle ahead.

 

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Leaderboard After Qualifying

2025 World’s Strongest Man – Finals Day 1 Results

Event One – KNAACK Carry & Hoist

Firstly, the event demanded brutal strength and endurance. Competitors carried a 250-kilogram Zercher carry for 20 meters, followed by a punishing 200-kilogram arm-over-arm pull up an eight-meter incline.

Secondly, while fans anticipated the clash between Mitchell Hooper and Tom Stoltman, it was Rayno Nel who stole the show. Defying expectations, Nel dominated with a time just under 31 seconds, sending a clear message to the field.

 

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Event Two – 18” Max Deadlift

Next, athletes faced intense elimination-style rounds, each striving to lift heavier weights to progress. Most wore lifting shoes, though Tom Stoltman and Paddy Haynes chose to go raw, lifting in socks.

Notably, Trey Mitchell set the pace with a massive 500-kilogram lift. Rayno Nel followed closely with 490 kilograms. Mitchell Hooper, Tom Stoltman, Paddy Haynes, Ondrej Fojtů, and Shane Flowers all tied at 465 kilograms, showcasing remarkable strength and endurance.

 

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Event Three – Hercules Hold

The third day of the 2025 World’s Strongest Man Finals ended with a brutal fan favorite—the Hercules Hold.

First, each athlete locked into position between two columns. Then, they gripped 350 kilograms in each hand. No movement was allowed. No margin for error. Just raw static strength and mental fortitude.

Next, the battle became personal. Every man faced the pain alone. They stared ahead and held on—until their bodies gave out.

In the end, Australia’s Eddie Williams dominated. He held out for over 82 seconds to take the win.

Official Results – Hercules Hold

Earlier this week, 25 athletes entered the 2025 WSM qualifiers. After five intense events, only ten advanced to the Finals.

Now, just a few events remain. The title of World’s Strongest Man is within reach—and every second on the clock matters more than ever.

What’s Next?

Earlier this week, 25 athletes competed fiercely in the qualifiers. Only 10 advanced after five grueling events.

Meanwhile, Colosseum Strength was on site for full coverage. Stay tuned for recaps on upcoming events, including the Flintstone Press Max and Atlas Stones.

Finals Day Two Preview

Overview 

The 2025 World’s Strongest Man is halfway complete. Next, ten finalists remain after two fierce qualifying days that ranked every lift for carry‑over points. Meanwhile, South Africa’s Rayno Nel leads with 27 points, edging Canada’s Mitchell Hooper and Britain’s Tom Stoltman at 24. Importantly, Day One opened with Nel winning the KNAACK Carry & Hoist and Trey Mitchell capturing the 18‑inch Max Deadlift. Consequently, the new scoring twist makes each event a tactical battle, not just a test of brute force. Finally, all contenders return this weekend to decide the title.

Featured Image –2025 World’s Strongest Man Finals Results Day 3 (LIVE COVERAGE) Day 1 Finals– Credit: @theworldsstrongestman (Instagram)