The 2026 Arnold strongman Classic competition began on March 6 with nine elite strongmen battling through three demanding events. Each athlete aimed to collect as many points as possible before the decisive final day. By the end of the night, the leaderboard showed a tight race at the top.

Meanwhile, defending champion Mitchell Hooper once again proved why he remains one of the most dominant athletes in the sport. At the same time, rising contender Austin Andrade delivered an equally impressive performance across the opening challenges.

Ultimately, both athletes closed Day One with 23.5 points, putting them in a tie for the overall lead heading into the remaining events.

2026 Arnold Strongman Classic Results — Day One

 

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Event One — Elephant Bar Deadlift

The competition opened with the iconic Elephant Bar Deadlift, a signature event known for pushing athletes to lift enormous weights. Each competitor received three attempts to establish their heaviest single repetition.

Next, Mitchell Hooper delivered a dominant performance in the event. The Canadian strongman successfully pulled 981 pounds (445 kilograms) on his second attempt. After securing the lead, he chose not to attempt a third lift, conserving valuable energy for the remaining events.

Meanwhile, Austin Andrade finished close behind with a 976-pound (442.7-kilogram) deadlift. He attempted to break the 1,000-pound barrier on his final lift but ultimately fell short. Bryce Johnson surprised many by placing third with a 951-pound (431.4-kilogram) deadlift.

Elephant Bar Deadlift Results

Event Two — Cyr Dumbbell Challenge

Next, the athletes moved to the Cyr Dumbbell Challenge, an overhead strength event featuring multiple dumbbells with increasing weights. Competitors could choose which implement to attempt, with heavier lifts outranking lighter ones regardless of repetitions.

First, Lucas Hatton entered the event as one of the favorites. He immediately attempted the 300-pound (136-kilogram)dumbbell and successfully locked out one repetition.

Meanwhile, Mitchell Hooper followed with a strong performance of his own. After completing a lighter lift first, he also pressed the 300-pound dumbbell for one repetition, tying Hatton for first place in the event.

Finally, Austin Andrade and Trey Mitchell each lifted the 280-pound (127-kilogram) dumbbell for one repetition, earning solid points in the standings.

Cyr Dumbbell Challenge Results

Event Three — Stone to Shoulder

Finally, Day One concluded with the unpredictable Stone to Shoulder event. Athletes had two minutes to lift a massive 410-pound (186-kilogram) stone from the ground to their shoulder as many times as possible.

First, Austin Andrade and Martins Licis delivered the top performances. Both athletes completed three repetitions, forcing officials to rely on a tiebreaker to determine the winner.

Next, Andrade secured the victory after attempting a fourth lift and bringing the stone to his lap, which earned him the deciding tiebreaker point. Licis chose not to attempt another repetition.

Meanwhile, Bryce Johnson earned third place after completing two repetitions and continuing to attempt additional lifts to collect extra tiebreaker points.

Stone to Shoulder Results

Remaining Events

Next, the competition continues with three events scheduled for the final day.

• Event Four: Stone Drag

• Event Five: Austrian Oak

• Event Six: Ramp Rage

First, the Stone Drag will test full-body power and endurance. Next, the Austrian Oak will challenge the athletes’ overhead pressing strength. Finally, Ramp Rage will conclude the contest with a demanding loading race.

Past Arnold Strongman Classic Champions

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• 2026 Arnold Strongman Classic Day One Results — Mitchell Hooper and Austin Andrade Lead

Overview

Overall, the first day of the 2026 Arnold Strongman Classic delivered dramatic moments and surprising results. Mitchell Hooper showcased elite strength by winning the Elephant Bar Deadlift and tying for first place in the dumbbell challenge.

Meanwhile, Austin Andrade proved he is a serious title contender after winning the Stone to Shoulder event and matching Hooper’s overall score.

Ultimately, with three events still remaining, the race for the Arnold Strongman title remains wide open heading into the final day of competition.