Brian Shaw has spent his life pulling, lifting, and carrying weights that would crush most men. However, Brian Shaw latest strength challenge—organized by MrBeast—pitted him not against barbells or Strongman champions, but against a lion in a dramatic tug-of-war.

Recently, YouTube megastar MrBeast invited Shaw to South Africa for a bold experiment: a tug-of-war contest between man and beast. While the idea was outlandish, it was also undeniably compelling. Shaw accepted.

Consequently, MrBeast’s team built a reinforced cage system to ensure both the lion and Shaw remained safe. On one side of the rope was a massive piece of meat. On the other, one of the strongest humans on Earth.

By design, the setup allowed both participants to exert full effort without ever coming into direct contact. The risk was managed. The challenge was real. And Shaw was ready.

Watch Brian Shaw battles a lion in a tug-of-war:

 

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Brian Shaw Faces Off With a Lion in MrBeast’s Tug-of-War Challenge

Before the lion even entered the cage, Shaw began preparing himself both physically and mentally. As the crew finalized the setup, he warmed up roughly 10 to 12 minutes out from the showdown. Every detail mattered—especially his grip, stance, and position on the rope.

Meanwhile, MrBeast’s production team made final rope adjustments. They shortened the slack slightly to give Shaw a better finishing angle once the tug began. It was a calculated decision to maximize his leverage while keeping the lion fully engaged.

“I feel like we are in a good spot getting in there,” Shaw said. “We’re going to trim the rope a little bit just so I can get to a finishing position. Once the lion gets in there, it’s go time. I feel like that will be a little bit of an adrenaline rush.”

Finally, Shaw stepped into the cage alongside MrBeast and the crew. The lion was brought in once the team was in position. The meat was dangling, and the lion was ready to lock on.

“The meat is suspended up and I think the lion is pretty excited,” Shaw said. “I think the lion is also pretty angry so I need to flip my switch and get into my mode.”

The lion showed brute force, but Shaw held his ground and pulled for the win

Once the lion bit down and began to pull, the rope snapped tight. The tension surged immediately. Shaw braced himself and adjusted into a staggered stance, using his back leg to anchor against the lion’s raw force.

“I think I gotta be staggered and I think, if I can, have to launch backwards,” Shaw said.

At first, the lion seemed to control the direction, dragging the rope to one side. But Shaw stayed locked in. He didn’t panic. He waited for the right moment to counter and shift the momentum.

Eventually, Shaw summoned everything he had. With one massive pull, the red flag on the rope crossed over to his side. The crowd behind the camera cheered. The lion had lost. Brian Shaw had won.

Shaw celebrated the moment and thanked MrBeast and his team for the opportunity

After the event, Shaw took a moment to reflect on the unusual but unforgettable experience. Clearly, it wasn’t just about strength—it was about doing something new, something no one had seen before.

“I want to say thanks to everybody on the MrBeast team for their hospitality, for setting it up, for doing all the hard work to make it happen. And for involving me in it, it was something pretty, pretty cool.”

Though retired from Strongman competition, Shaw has continued to explore new frontiers of strength. He has dipped into arm wrestling and trained with MMA fighters. This moment in South Africa proved he still thrives under pressure.

For Shaw, this was not just a viral video stunt. It was a symbolic reminder: strength may change form, but it doesn’t fade.

Watch Brian Shaw battles a lion in a tug-of-war at his Youtube Channel:

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• Brian Shaw battles a lion in a tug-of-war challenge organized by MrBeast

Overview

Brian Shaw took on one of his wildest strength challenges yet. This time, he faced a lion. MrBeast organized the event and flew Shaw to South Africa. There, his team built a special cage for safety. As a result, Shaw and the lion could pull on opposite ends of a rope. Eventually, the lion locked onto a piece of meat tied to the rope. Then, the tug-of-war began. Shaw held strong and pulled the red flag to his side. In the end, the strongman beat the beast.

Featured Image –  Brian Shaw battles a lion in a tug-of-war challenge organized by MrBeast  – Credit: @Shawstrength (Instagram)