The 2026 World’s Strongest finals officially began on April 25th in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where ten athletes returned after surviving the qualifying stage. Three events were scheduled for the opening day, and every point carried major weight with only one day left after it. The battle for the title started immediately.

Rayno Nel delivered the strongest opening statement of the competition. He won all three events on Day One and moved into first place overall. As a result, the defending champion built a 2.5-point advantage entering the final day.

Mitchell Hooper stayed within striking distance despite finishing second in all three events. His consistency kept him close enough to attack on Day Two. Meanwhile, questions remained around whether Nel could hold off the Canadian once the overhead events arrived.

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The standings after Day One showed a clear separation at the top. Rayno Nel and Mitchell Hooper distanced themselves from the rest of the field through dominant performances. Everyone else now faced a steep climb.

Eddie Williams held third place after a steady afternoon. Mathew Ragg and Pavlo Kordiyaka also remained in contention for a podium finish. Martins Licis and Ondrej Fojtu stayed close enough to move upward with one strong final day.

Austin Andrade withdrew after the opening portion of the finals. That reduced the field to nine active competitors heading into Day Two.

 

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Event One — Flip & Carry

The finals opened with a punishing medley. Athletes had to flip a 520-kilogram box four times before carrying a 454-kilogram yoke for 20 meters. The event demanded explosive strength, speed, and recovery under pressure.

Mitchell Hooper entered as the unofficial king of the yoke, but Rayno Nel matched him stride for stride. The two men separated themselves from the field immediately. When the times were posted, Nel had won by just 0.14 seconds.

The fight for third place proved nearly as close. Pavlo Kordiyaka edged Eddie Williams by less than a second. The narrow margins showed just how deep the finals field had become.

 

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Event Two — Deadlift

The second event shifted from speed to raw pulling power. Athletes chose between 360 kilograms and 400 kilograms, then attempted as many repetitions as possible. However, one rep with the heavier bar outranked any number on the lighter bar.

Rayno Nel stayed perfect. He powered through five repetitions with 400 kilograms and shut the event down once victory was secure. That gave him maximum points again and expanded his overall lead.

Mitchell Hooper and Mathew Ragg both produced strong performances. Each completed four reps at 400 kilograms plus one at 360 kilograms. Their tie kept pressure on the leaderboard behind Nel.

 

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Event Three — Titan’s Toss

Titan’s Toss returned from last year with a technical challenge. Athletes threw ten 14-kilogram implements over a 3.65-meter beam. Each throw moved farther away, beginning at seven meters and ending at twelve.

Many athletes struggled once the distance increased. Rayno Nel did not. He landed nine successful tosses and missed only once, completing a flawless first day of finals competition.

Mitchell Hooper again finished second, this time by completing eight tosses in faster time than the rest of the field. Nick Guardione rebounded from two difficult earlier events to claim third.

 

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Remaining WSM Schedule

Day Two of the finals will decide the 2026 champion. Two signature events remain before the trophy ceremony. The margins at the top remain close enough for a late reversal.

Rayno Nel enters with the lead, but Mitchell Hooper remains within reach. If the Canadian gains ground on the Log Lift, the title race could shift quickly. Atlas Stones may then decide everything.

The final day promises one of the strongest finishes in recent years.

Previous World’s Strongest Man Winners

The World’s Strongest Man title remains the most prestigious prize in the sport. Winning once places an athlete in history. Winning multiple times defines eras.

Several legends shaped the competition through different generations. Bill Kazmaier, Mariusz Pudzianowski, Žydrūnas Savickas, Brian Shaw, and Tom Stoltman all built dynasties.

Rayno Nel entered this year as the defending champion. By the end of Day One, he had placed himself in strong position to join the repeat winners list.

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Overview

Rayno Nel could not have asked for a better opening day. He won every event, beat Mitchell Hooper each time, and created breathing room before the final two events. His pace, power, and composure all stood out.

Hooper, however, remains close enough to strike. He has often excelled when pressure rises late in competitions. If the Max Log narrows the gap, Atlas Stones could become decisive.

The rest of the field now battles for podium places unless the leaders stumble. Still, the title remains unsettled. One more day will decide the 2026 World’s Strongest Man.