Just days remain until the 2026 World’s Strongest Man begins. The competition is scheduled for April 23-26 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Once again, the sport’s biggest title will bring together many of the world’s elite athletes.

The opening two days are reserved for qualifying heats. There, 25 competitors will battle for only 10 places in the final. Every event now carries immediate pressure.

Organizers revealed all five groups through Instagram. That announcement officially mapped the road each athlete must survive. Several former champions now face dangerous early tests.

The final two days will feature the championship round. Only the top two athletes from each group will advance. Everyone else will see their run end before the weekend finale.

 

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2026 World’s Strongest Man Groups Revealed

Group One

🇿🇦 Rayno Nel enters as the defending World’s Strongest Man champion and the clear favorite on paper. His rise over the last year has changed the balance of the sport. Now he returns with the pressure of defending the title.

However, this group is not simple. 🇬🇧 Luke Richardson remains one of the most gifted static strength athletes in the field. If healthy and sharp, he can threaten anyone.

Still, Richardson placed lower than expected at the recent 2026 Europe’s Strongest Man. That result raised questions entering Myrtle Beach. So, Group One may depend on which version of Richardson arrives.

Group Two

Group Two may be the deepest and most dangerous of the qualifiers. Nearly every athlete in the lineup can steal points in specific events. That makes mistakes especially costly.

🇬🇧 Tom Stoltman headlines the group as a three-time World’s Strongest Man champion. His experience in navigating heats could prove decisive. Few athletes understand this stage better.

Yet danger surrounds him. 🇿🇦 Jaco Schoonwinkel has upset elite names in past WSM qualifiers, while 🇲🇽 Austin Andrade arrives after a runner-up finish at the 2026 Arnold Strongman Classic. As a result, this group may produce the fiercest race for advancement.

Group Three

🇨🇦 Mitchell Hooper stands as the marquee name in Group Three. His all-around consistency has made him one of the sport’s most reliable contenders. That balance often shines in qualifying rounds.

However, the group offers depth. 🇺🇸 Lucas Hatton and 🇦🇺 Eddie Williams both bring explosive event potential. A fast start could shift the standings quickly.

Meanwhile, 🇬🇧 Paddy Haynes and 🇨🇿 Matyáš Funiok will aim to create surprises. In groups like this, one strong event can change everything. Hooper may be favored, but nothing comes easily.

Group Four

🇱🇻 Martins Licis gives Group Four immediate star power. When healthy, the former champion remains one of the smartest and most complete athletes in the sport. His return always draws attention.

Still, 🇬🇧 Adam Bishop brings veteran strength and major-event experience. He has often performed well under pressure. That could matter in a close qualifying race.

Meanwhile, 🇺🇸 Bryce Johnson, 🇨🇦 James Jeffers and 🇨🇿 Ondrej Fojtu round out a group with upset potential. None will arrive simply to participate. Licis may lead the headlines, but points must still be earned.

 

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Group Five

Group Five features several dangerous contenders with contrasting styles. It may become one of the most physical groups in the field. Margins could be thin throughout.

🇺🇸 Trey Mitchell brings elite pressing power and years of high-level experience. 🇺🇸 Evan Singleton, meanwhile, can dominate when momentum swings his way. That creates an intriguing internal American battle.

Then there is 🇺🇦 Pavlo Kordiyaka, whose speed and athleticism make him a serious threat. 🇬🇭 Evans Nana and 🇬🇧 Andrew Flynn complete a group with no easy rounds. Advancing here may require near-flawless execution.

2026 Arnold Strongman Classic Live Coverage

• 2026 Arnold Strongman Classic Day One Results — Mitchell Hooper and Austin Andrade Lead
• 2026 Arnold Strongwoman Classic Results Day One — Olga Liashchuk and Angelica Jardine Lead
• 2026 Arnold Strongman Classic Results Day 1, 2 — Mitchell Hooper Wins 4th Consecutive Title
• 2026 Arnold Strongwoman Classic Results Day 1,2 — Olga Liashchuk Wins the Title

2026 World’s Strongest Man Live Coverage

• 2026 World’s Strongest Man Groups Revealed

Overview

The 2026 World’s Strongest Man now has its roadmap. Twenty-five athletes will begin, but only ten will reach the final. Every heat contains proven contenders and emerging threats.

Several former champions, including Tom Stoltman and Martins Licis, must first survive qualification. Meanwhile, Rayno Nel starts his title defense with fresh pressure. No champion receives an easy path.

So, the opening two days may shape the entire contest. One mistake can end a campaign before the final even begins. That reality is what makes World’s Strongest Man qualifying so compelling.