Brian Shaw Reveals Update About Strongest Man On Earth: “They’re Not Coming Back and That is For the Foreseeable Future”

Four-time World’s Strongest Man champion Brian Shaw delivered disappointing news for Strongman fans after revealing that the Strongest Man On Earth competition will not return for the foreseeable future. In a YouTube video published on May 18, Shaw explained that ongoing discussions about reviving the event ultimately failed to make financial and logistical sense.

Over the years, the Strongest Man On Earth evolved into one of the most respected contests in the sport because of its athlete-focused structure, massive prize purses, and brutally heavy events. Meanwhile, the competition originally began as the Shaw Classic before later adopting the Strongest Man On Earth branding.

Throughout its growth, Shaw and his team invested enormous time and resources into building the event into a premier showcase for elite Strongman athletes. However, Shaw admitted that balancing the competition alongside family life and multiple business ventures eventually became unsustainable.

Now, Shaw has officially confirmed that the competition will not return in 2026, 2027, or anytime soon, while also announcing plans to sell much of the equipment previously used at the event.

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Brian Shaw Reveals Update About Strongest Man On Earth: “They’re Not Coming Back and That is For the Foreseeable Future”

Before addressing the future of Strongest Man On Earth, Shaw first answered questions regarding his growing involvement in arm wrestling. Although he has enjoyed competing and learning the sport, Shaw admitted that his current lifestyle limits how far he can pursue it competitively.

“Arm wrestling has been great. I’ve really enjoyed training and learning and being able to get into a few super matches now has been an awesome experience.”

Meanwhile, Shaw explained that becoming elite in arm wrestling would require significantly more travel and training with different groups. Consequently, he acknowledged that reaching the highest level in the sport would demand sacrifices he is unwilling to make at this stage of life.

“What I will say is I understand that to get good at arm wrestling, to be the best that I could possibly be, I need to train with more hands. So, the training group needs to be larger. I would have to travel more to meet up with different groups to train. Doing tournaments is not a bad idea. Getting to grip up with a multitude of different guys would be a great experience.”

During the discussion, Shaw emphasized that his family responsibilities now outweigh the demands required for extensive competition travel and event promotion. Specifically, he spoke about wanting to remain present for his wife and children as they grow older.

“Now, what I will say is I have a lot going on in my life. I’ve got a wife. I’ve got two boys that are coming up. They’re getting into sports. I want to be super involved with my family. That’s always going to be my top priority.”

Additionally, Shaw explained that his businesses also require substantial time and attention. Therefore, he cannot dedicate himself fully to arm wrestling or large-scale Strongman event promotion.

“Outside of that, I have multiple different businesses that I own and run. So, all of those require time and attention. And the reality is I can’t just drop everything to travel for arm wrestling, to train for arm wrestling. Kudos to the guys that can do that. I’m not going to be one of those guys at this point in my life. I’ve got too much stuff going on. So, arm wrestling has to fit into my schedule.”

Brian Shaw Reflects on Building the Shaw Classic

While discussing the Strongest Man On Earth, Shaw reflected emotionally on the history and growth of the Shaw Classic. Initially launched as a competition in his own home gym, the event steadily developed into one of Strongman’s marquee contests.

Moreover, Shaw highlighted the effort poured into the event by athletes, volunteers, sponsors, and fans over the years. Because of that shared passion, he admitted that stepping away from the competition has been extremely difficult.

“We have had a number of different talks and conversations about the Strongest Man On Earth / Shaw Classic and how to make it make sense for that event to come back. Unfortunately, all of those conversations have not made sense.”

Furthermore, Shaw expressed pride in what the competition accomplished for athletes and the Strongman community.

“And as you guys know, we poured so much of ourselves into that event. The Shaw Classic, starting it, making it happen. So, you know, myself, Carrie, our team, all the volunteers, all the athletes, and all the fans. I mean, there are so many people that played a part in the growth of the Shaw Classic and Strongest Man on Earth and where it got to.”

Shaw Says Financial Reality Forced the Decision

Although Shaw loved the event deeply, he explained that emotional investment alone could not justify continuing under the current circumstances. Ultimately, financial realities and the time commitment required became overwhelming.

“And I think, speaking for myself, I was very, very proud of the event. I was very proud of what we were able to do and what we were able to give back. And that’s what has made this so difficult, going through this process and having these conversations because that X factor of love for an event doesn’t necessarily translate into the bottom line when you’re talking dollars and cents.”

At the same time, Shaw reiterated that the sacrifices required from both himself and his team increased each year. Consequently, maintaining the event no longer aligned with his priorities.

“Above everything else, I will say that my family, my boys, as they’re getting older, I want to be around. I want to be present. And the time that it takes away from my family to put on the Strongest Man On Earth and the Shaw Classic and the sacrifices that have to be made by not only me but my team as well increasingly got more difficult over the years.”

Brian Shaw Confirms Strongest Man On Earth Will Not Return

Eventually, Shaw delivered the definitive update many fans feared hearing. According to him, the Strongest Man On Earth and Shaw Classic competitions are effectively over for the foreseeable future.

“So that’s where it starts to not make sense. I know a lot of people are potentially going to be disappointed because they love the event, they love coming, and we love the event.”

“We loved having people come and be motivated and the athletes and seeing people happy and, you know, that’s the part that we did love without a doubt and definitely will be missed.”

“But the reality of the situation we are in right now is the Shaw Classic and Strongest Man on Earth are not coming back. So they’re not coming back in 2026. They’re not coming back in 2027. They’re not coming back and that is for the foreseeable future.”

Following that announcement, many Strongman fans expressed disappointment online because the contest had quickly become one of the most respected events in the sport.

After confirming the cancellation, Shaw also revealed that he plans to liquidate the equipment used throughout the Shaw Classic and Strongest Man On Earth competitions. Nevertheless, he expressed hope that the gear would continue benefiting the Strongman community.

“Obviously, we still own those trademarks. So, if something were to change drastically in the future, then that may open the door.”

“But with that being said, we’ve made the decision that we are going to liquidate all of the equipment from the Shaw Classic from the Strongest Man on Earth. So, if you’re watching this video and you’re interested in some of that equipment, please reach out to us and let us know.”

Meanwhile, Shaw explained that he would prefer the equipment to end up with individuals passionate about strength sports and athlete development.

“We’ll be able to provide you with a list of stuff that we do have or if there are specific pieces that you are interested in having. I would love for the equipment to go to good homes and potentially be used again.”

Brian Shaw Career Highlights

Year	Career Highlight
2009	Won first major Strongman titles internationally
2011	Captured first World’s Strongest Man title
2013	Won Arnold Strongman Classic
2015	Claimed third World’s Strongest Man title
2016	Won fourth World’s Strongest Man title
2020	Created Shaw Classic competition
2023	Shaw Classic officially evolved into Strongest Man On Earth
2026	Confirmed Strongest Man On Earth will not return for foreseeable future

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Overview

Brian Shaw decision to end the Strongest Man On Earth marks the conclusion of one of modern Strongman’s most respected competitions. Although the event became known for massive prize purses, athlete-focused treatment, and brutally heavy events, Shaw explained that the time demands, financial realities, and sacrifices required from both his family and team became too significant to continue. While many fans remain disappointed by the announcement, Shaw made it clear that his priorities now center around family, business responsibilities, and continuing his personal journey in arm wrestling and content creation.

Follow full coverage, breakdowns, and Strongman news at colosseumstrength.com

Featured Image – Brian Shaw Reveals Update About Strongest Man On Earth: “They’re Not Coming Back and That is For the Foreseeable Future” – Credit: @ShawStrength (Instagram)