The most prestigious title in strength sport returns as the SBD World’s Strongest Man 2026 lands on the stunning Atlantic coastline of South Carolina. 25 of the planet’s most powerful humans will be muscling in on Myrtle Beach, which will be hosting WSM for the third time!
Now in its 49th edition, World’s Strongest Man brings together the very best the sport has to offer — 25 elite strongmen, four brutal days of competition, and a series of iconic events designed to push the limits of human strength. Set on the oceanfront at Burroughs & Chapin Pavilion Place, this year’s contest promises not only jaw‑dropping performances, but drama, history, and career‑defining moments.
The road to the title begins with intense qualifying heats on Thursday and Friday, before the strongest ten advance to a punishing two‑day final on Saturday and Sunday. When the final Atlas Stone is loaded, only one man will earn the ultimate honour of being crowned World’s Strongest Man.
THE CHAMPIONSHIP STORY: A MODERN CLASSIC
Defending champion Rayno Nel (South Africa) returns to World’s Strongest Man after one of the most dramatic victories in the contest’s history. His shock rookie triumph in 2025, secured by just 0.5 points, stunned fans worldwide and denied title favourites Tom Stoltman and Mitchell Hooper.
Nel’s victory marked a major shift in the competitive landscape — but defending the title is a challenge of an entirely different magnitude.
Standing in his way is Mitchell Hooper (Canada), widely regarded as the most dominant all‑round strongman of the past few seasons. Although Hooper has fallen short at World’s Strongest Man since his 2023 victory (also in Myrtle Beach), his record elsewhere is staggering: four consecutive Arnold Classic titles, three Rogue Invitational wins, two Shaw Classics, and multiple Giants Live victories. Everything he enters, he expects to win — and World’s Strongest Man remains unfinished business.
Then there is Tom Stoltman (Scotland). Already a three‑time World’s Strongest Man, Tom has the opportunity to join the sport’s pantheon of four‑time champions, alongside legends such as Magnús Ver Magnússon, Jón Páll Sigmarsson, Žydrūnas Savickas, and Brian Shaw. Consistently exceptional at World’s, Stoltman is at his most dangerous under the biggest pressure — and few would bet against him going all the way again.
Britain will be further represented by two-time Europe’s Strongest Man winner, Luke Richardson who is a finalist from back in 2020. Former Britain’s Strongest Man and 3-time WSM finalist, Adam Bishop, was runner-up behind Tom Stoltman at Britain’s this year. He’ll be looking to make the final for the first time since 2021. Paddy Haynes, who was 5th last year, is one of the sports fastest improving athletes and will be joined by England’s Andrew Flynn and Ben Glasscock, who will be making his debut.
SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE POWER & AFRICAN ALLIANCE
The Southern Hemisphere arrives with serious intent.
Eddie Williams (Australia) returns aiming to build on his 10th‑place finish in 2025 and push for his first ever WSM Final. Known for explosive power and relentless energy, Williams will be desperate to take that next step.
Joining him is Josh Patacca (Australia), making his World’s Strongest Man debut as the reigning Official Strongman Games champion. Patacca has risen rapidly through the ranks and brings momentum, confidence, and raw talent to his first appearance on the sport’s biggest stage.
From New Zealand, the ever‑reliable Mat Ragg returns. A two‑time WSM finalist and 4th‑place finisher in 2024, Ragg’s work rate, athleticism, and consistency make him a perennial threat in both the heats and the final.
South Africa fields a powerful double act. Defending champion Rayno Nel will be joined by teammate Jaco Schoonwinkel, the current Africa’s Strongest Man and a 2023 WSM finalist. Schoonwinkel has already proven he belongs at the very top and will be determined to re‑establish himself in the final.
Evans “The Hulk” Nana (Ghana) — a two‑time WSM competitor and Africa’s Strongest Man runner‑up is one of the sport’s biggest characters and still hunts his first final appearance.
DEPTH, DEBUTS & DANGEROUS OUTSIDERS
Beyond the favourites, the field is stacked with athletes capable of major upsets.
Martins Licis (USA), the 2019 World’s Strongest Man, makes his hugely anticipated return after several years battling injury. If anywhere brings out the best in returning champions, it’s World’s.
Ondřej Fojtů (Czech Republic) arrives as the newly crowned Europe’s Strongest Man, following one of the most dominant ESM performances in recent memory. After finishing 6th in 2025, he now has a podium firmly in his sights.
Evan “T‑Rex” Singleton (USA) brings trademark aggression and explosiveness, backed by a 3rd‑place WSM finish in 2024 and victory at the 2025 Shaw Classic. When events suit him, Singleton is a nightmare matchup.
From Mexico, Austin Andrade continues his steady climb after an impressive 7th place finish in 2024. He missed out on the final last year and will keen to regain his top 10 in the world status.
Late qualifiers from Europe’s Strongest Man add further intrigue. Pavlo Kordiyaka (Ukraine), former Europe’s Strongest Man champion and three‑time WSM finalist, returns with vast experience and consistency. Alongside him is Matyáš Funiok (Czech Republic) — just 20 years old, the youngest athlete in the contest, and one of the most exciting prospects the sport has seen in years.
GIANTS LIVE & WORLD’S STRONGEST MAN: STRENGTH CONNECTED
The relationship between Giants Live and World’s Strongest Man is woven into the fabric of the sport — and that connection will be on full display in Myrtle Beach.
For many competitors, their journey to Myrtle Beach began on the Giants Live stage, with qualifications earned through podium finishes at events such as Britain’s Strongest Man, Europe’s Strongest Man, The World Tour Finals, Strongman Classic, and the World Open. These events continue to provide a clear pathway to the pinnacle of the sport.
Further routes via the Official Strongman Games and European Championships ensure the very best strength athletes from around the globe arrive at World’s Strongest Man — battle‑hardened, proven, and ready.
Giants Live co‑founders Darren Sadler and Colin Bryce will once again take on the role of Head Referee and Contest Director. Supporting them will be two of the most respected officials in strength sport: four‑time World’s Strongest Man Magnús Ver Magnússon and long‑time Giants Live referee Dave Warner, both familiar and trusted figures to athletes and fans alike.
EVENTS, SCHEDULE & THE ULTIMATE TEST
From punishing carries to explosive throws, the event list offers zero room for weakness. All times are are Eastern Daylight Time (BST -5):
Day 1 (Heats): Thursday April 23rd
10.00am – Carry & Climb
1.30pm – Circus Press Medley
4.30pm – Squat Lift
Day 2 (Heats): Friday April 24th
10.00am – Squat Lift
3.30pm – Natural Stone Medley
Day 3 (Final): Saturday April 25th
10.00am – KNAACK Monster Box Flip & Carry
1.00pm – Deadlift
3.00pm – Titan’s Toss
Day 4 (Final): Sunday April 26th
10:00am – Max Log
1.30pm – Atlas Stones
Sunday, April 26 will see the final Atlas Stones lifted — and a new or returning champion crowned.
Redemption stories. Historic milestones. Rising stars. Brutal heartbreak.
With the world watching and the Atlantic crashing behind them, only one man will survive Myrtle Beach and earn the right to be called World’s Strongest Man 2026.
Stay tuned to Giants Live for coverage of the world’s greatest strength contest – and, don’t forget, if you want to see many of the WSM stars in the UK then buy tickets to see them at The Strongman Open in Birmingham and the World Tour Finals in Glasgow. See all the details on our 2026 shows >>
