World's Strongest Man

There are now several documentaries available that chart the history of WSM. The first major one is Worlds Strongest Man - Thirty Years Of Pain from 2008, celebrating the 30th anniversary.{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Worlds-Strongest-Man-Thirty-anglais/dp/B0029ZN146|title=Worlds Strongest Man - Thirty Years Of Pain|website=Amazon|access-date=7 February 2018|archive-date=13 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213172545/https://www.amazon.com/Worlds-Strongest-Man-Thirty-anglais/dp/B0029ZN146|url-status=live}} In 2017, a series of videos were released in recognition of the 40th anniversary of the contest.{{cite web|url=http://www.radiotimes.com/tv-programme/e/f4qrh8/worlds-strongest-man-2017--worlds-strongest-man-the-winners-story/|title=World's Strongest Man: The Winner's Story|website=Radio Times|access-date=7 February 2018|archive-date=1 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401102149/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv-programme/e/f4qrh8/worlds-strongest-man-2017--worlds-strongest-man-the-winners-story/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.radiotimes.com/tv-programme/e/f4v4hg/worlds-strongest-man--worlds-strongest-man-greatest-rivalries/ |title=World's Strongest Man: Greatest Rivalries - what time is it on TV? Cast list and preview |access-date=7 February 2018 |archive-date=8 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208004230/http://www.radiotimes.com/tv-programme/e/f4v4hg/worlds-strongest-man--worlds-strongest-man-greatest-rivalries/ |url-status=dead }}

The concept behind "The World's Strongest Men", as it was originally named, was developed in 1977 for CBS by Langstar Inc. David Webster, a Scot who later received an OBE for his services to sport, was the head coordinator of the competition from its inception. Douglas Edmunds, seven-time Scottish shot and discus champion and twice world caber champion,{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/bring-on-the-war-games-1.858177|title=Bring on the war games|website=The Herald|date=19 May 2007 |location=Glasgow|access-date=9 October 2009|archive-date=1 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401102235/https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12777931.bring-on-the-war-games/|url-status=live}} worked with Webster and when Webster retired, Edmunds took over. These two men were responsible for inviting the competitors and choosing the events. In the meantime, in 1982, CBS sold the rights to the BBC, who in turn sold the rights to TWI. In 1987, the WSM was not held for the only time since its inception. In that year, the first and only non-team Pure Strength competition was held, but it was not part of the WSM franchise.

For the first several contests, American color commentators and analysts were used on the network broadcast. These included Brent Musburger, Tom Brookshier, and acknowledged strength authority, journalist and author Terry Todd. Todd was a former powerlifting world record holder himself and went on to establish the H.J. Lutcher Stark Center for Physical Culture and Sports in 1990. He also was asked to establish the Arnold Strongman Classic in 2002 by Arnold Schwarzenegger.

During this early period, the contest ranks consisted mostly of American football players, powerlifters, and bodybuilders and were held in American locations until it was moved to Christchurch, New Zealand, in 1983. Two-time winner Bruce Wilhelm (USA) retired and was succeeded by Don Reinhoudt in 1979, a 162.1 kg (357 lb) heavyweight powerlifter of the US. Reinhoudt still holds several unequipped world records in powerlifting.{{cite web|url=https://www.strength-oldschool.com/blogs/news/interview-with-strength-legend-don-reinhoudt|title=Interview with Strength Legend Don Reinhoudt|website=Strength Oldschool|access-date=6 December 2019|archive-date=14 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114032613/https://www.strength-oldschool.com/blogs/news/interview-with-strength-legend-don-reinhoudt|url-status=usurped}}

In 1979, newcomer and powerlifter Bill Kazmaier (USA) made his appearance, coming in 3rd after leading much of the competition. He dominated the sport to such an extent from 1980 to 1982, winning by a record 28 points in 1980. He reportedly was excluded from the competition for five years, after becoming the first man to win three consecutive WSM titles.{{cite web|url=http://www.strongestman.com/int/int2.html|title=An Interview with Bill Kazmaier|date=17 June 2001|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010617004229/http://www.strongestman.com/int/int2.html|archive-date=17 June 2001}} He set prodigious marks with a 478.6 kg (1055 lb) silver dollar coin deadlift, 439.6 kg (969 lb) squat (smith machine), and a then-record 165.6 kg (365 lb) log lift with a rough, unbalanced log. This eventually earned him a place in the WSM Hall of Fame.

After Kazmaier left, his nearest rival, former Olympian Geoff Capes from the UK, traded wins with the Icelandic powerlifter Jón Páll Sigmarsson, with Capes winning in 1983 and 1985, and Sigmarsson in 1984 and 1986. Sigmarsson raised the popularity and awareness of the event to new levels.{{cite web|url=http://ironmind.com/news/Jon-Pall-Sigmarsson-Its-His-Charisma/|title=Jon Pall Sigmarsson: "It's His Charisma"|website=ironmind.com|access-date=4 February 2018|archive-date=1 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401102149/https://ironmind.com/news/Jon-Pall-Sigmarsson-Its-His-Charisma/|url-status=live}} He died three years after winning his 4th and final WSM in 1990. In 1987, Sigmarsson defeated Capes and Kazmaier in Pure Strength. Kazmaier returned to WSM in 1988, but could not dethrone Sigmarsson, who won his 3rd title. The only other man to claim the title in this era was Jamie Reeves, which he did in 1989. Reeves was injured in 1990, as Sigmarsson narrowly claimed his 4th title ahead of O.D. Wilson, who was leading by 5.5 points going into the final event, a controversial 200m race with 100 kg on the back. Sigmarsson won the event, and the much larger Wilson finished way down the field, meaning Jon Pall became the first man to claim four titles.

In 1995, Edmunds and Webster, along with representatives from the competitors including Jamie Reeves, Ilkka Kinnunen and Marcel Mostert formed a governing body called the International Federation of Strength Athletes ("IFSA"). The IFSA began organizing bespoke events, such as the IFSA European Championships and also took the lead in working with the BBC and with TWI to organize the World's Strongest Man competition. For almost a decade, the IFSA and WSM were inextricably mixed, but this changed in 2004. The InvestGroup Ventures' sports rights management arm, InvestGroup Sports Management, invested heavily into IFSA and this led to the creation of IFSA Strongman. The strategy was to acquire most of the international assets and properties relating to the strongman sport. In essence, this was a new organisation with some, such as Magnus Samuelsson, describing it as "a new company ... with the same name as our old federation".{{cite web|url=http://www.magnus-samuelsson.net/en/veckobrev.asp|title=Newsletter dated 2008-01-04|website=magnus-samuelsson.net|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303035640/http://www.magnus-samuelsson.net/en/veckobrev.asp|archive-date=3 March 2012|url-status=dead}} The attempt at dominance was not well received by TWI and disagreement ensued leading to a split in the sport. Previously, in 2001, the IFSA in its former guise had entered an agreement with World Class Events (WCE), headed by Ulf Bengtsson, to run the Super Series. This Super Series was designed to award the World Championship title, but also acted as a qualifying vehicle for the WSM. When strongman split in 2004, the Super Series sided with TWI forming a rival federation to the IFSA. With the WSM being a TWI owned event, IFSA Holdings announced its own World Championships for 2005, to be held in Quebec, and thus from that point had no involvement in the WSM contest.

The split with IFSA, which banned its registered athletes from competing at WSM, meant that not all the recognized best strength athletes in the world were eligible to compete. However, the reputation of WSM as the premier event maintained its lure for broadcasting purposes. In recent years, the competition has been broadcast on ESPN, ESPN2, TSN, Televisa Deportes and Five, and currently CBS Sports Network in the US. The longevity of the contest in strength athletics and its high levels of TV exposure over the years has led to it being described as "the granddaddy of all strongman contests".

No other strongman contest commands close to the WSM's levels of TV exposure.{{cite web|url=http://www.ironmind.com/ironmind/opencms/Articles/2005/Feb/IFSA_WCE_TWI_WSM_ESPN_Whos_On_First_and_How_Do_I_Get_To_Worlds_Strongest_Man.html|title=IFSA, WCE, TWI, WSM, ESPN: Who's On First and How Do I Get To World's Strongest Man?|website=ironmind.com|access-date=4 October 2009|archive-date=14 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314174531/http://www.ironmind.com/ironmind/opencms/Articles/2005/Feb/IFSA_WCE_TWI_WSM_ESPN_Whos_On_First_and_How_Do_I_Get_To_Worlds_Strongest_Man.html|url-status=dead}} The World's Strongest Man claims a viewership of 220 million.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2005/oct/06/bbc.channel5|title=Worlds Strongest Man|newspaper=The Guardian|date=6 October 2005|last1=Day|first1=Julia|access-date=13 February 2022|archive-date=1 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401102157/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2005/oct/06/bbc.channel5|url-status=live}}

In the early 1990s, Magnús Ver Magnússon (Iceland) won the title four times (1991, 1994–1996) and became the second and only man along with Kazmaier to win three consecutive titles. He came into the 1991 contest as the reserve and ended up winning the show, and is the only man to do so.

Magnús also finished second in both 1992 and 1993. The 1992 contest was won by Dutchman Ted van der Parre, who at 7 feet tall, is the tallest man ever to win or compete at the World's Strongest Man. In one of the closest contests in the competition's history, just one point separated van der Parre in first from Magnús and Jamie Reeves, who tied for second. In 1993, Welshman Gary Taylor became the shortest man to ever win the contest at just 6 feet tall, defeating Magnús and Riku Kiri of Finland.

Magnús eventually won his second title in 1994, defeating Austrian Manfred Hoeberl in a closely-fought contest, with Kiri finishing third for the second year running. He retained his title the following year, with South African Gerrit Badenhorst and Finland's Marko Varalahti completing the podium. In 1996, Magnús made it to three titles in a row, with his closest competitor Kiri pulling out of the final event due to injury, but still finishing in second. Badenhorst made the podium for the second year in a row. None of these three men reached the final the following year.

The late 1990s saw Scandinavian countries taking control of the title, and this lasted until 2002. The relatively light 125 kg (275 lb) but dynamic Jouko Ahola from Finland won two titles in three years, 1997 and 1999. He later became a referee in WSM/strongman events and an actor. Sweden's Magnus Samuelsson won claim the 1998 title, becoming the only man to defeat Ahola in a WSM contest.

Following Ahola's retirement, fellow Finn Janne Virtanen improved on his 1999 runner up finish and take the title for himself in 2000. The final Scandinavian in this group to take the title was Norwegian Svend Karlsen, who did so in 2001.

The early to late 2000s were dominated by five-time Polish winner Mariusz Pudzianowski, earning him the nickname "The Dominator". Looking muscular and defined, he temporarily redefined what a strongman was in the world's eyes. At about 142 kg (313 lb) at max weight, he routinely beat men much bigger than he was. He combined speed and substantial strength in one package.{{cite web|url=http://strongman.org/features/legends-wsm-mariusz-pudzianowski/|title=Legends of WSM: Mariusz Pudzianowski|work=Strongman.org|date=24 November 2013|access-date=4 February 2018|archive-date=1 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401102154/https://strongman.org/news/legends-wsm-mariusz-pudzianowski/|url-status=live}} Indeed, he was so dominant that three of his five championships (2003, 2005 and 2007) were won with an event to spare. His final win was in 2008 as bigger and taller men came into the sport.

Pudzianowski's first title was in 2002, as the era of Scandinavian dominance came to an end, with Lithuanian Žydrūnas Savickas and Latvian Raimonds Bergmanis completing the podium. He defended his title in 2003 in spectacular fashion. He won four of the seven events, and claiming two second places and a third place in the remaining events to finish with 66 out of a possible 70 points, and 20 ahead of runner up Savickas. 2003 was also the first appearance of Ukrainian Vasyl Virastyuk, who finished 3rd.

In 2004, Savickas and Virastyuk were tied for the lead heading into the final event, the Atlas Stones. Virastyuk defeated Savickas to claim the title, with the Lithuanian finishing as runner-up for the 3rd year in a row. Originally, Mariusz Pudzianowski finished in 3rd but was later disqualified after failing a drugs test, meaning Magnus Samuelsson once again finished on the podium.

Following the split of IFSA and WSM, most of the athletes stayed with IFSA. Pudzianowski was the only athlete from the 2004 contest to compete at WSM in 2005. He won the contest with an event to spare ahead of runner up Jesse Marunde, who with third place Dominic Filiou became the first non-Europeans to reach the podium of WSM since O.D. Wilson in 1990.

The 2006 competition ended in dramatic fashion: in the final, Mariusz Pudzianowski started well by coming tied-1st in the Deadlift and winning the Power Stairs easily; but by then winning the last 5 events in a row, Phil Pfister edged out the Pole in the final event, the Atlas stones. Pfister became the first American to win the competition since 1982, and the first American ever to win the competition outside the United States.

Pudzianowski regained his crown in 2007, winning the contest with an event to spare. Fellow Pole Sebastian Wenta claimed 2nd place, with Britain's Terry Hollands rounding out the podium.

In 2008, Derek Poundstone had a large lead over Mariusz Pudzianowski after three events but Pudzianowski tied the Deadlift event for first place and then won the crucial Plane Pull to narrow the gap. Pudzianowski and Poundstone then battled for the title of World's Strongest Man in the last event, the Atlas Stones. Pudzianowski blistered through the event and was able to keep pace with the heavier Poundstone. On the final stone, Pudzianowski was able to capitalize on Poundstone's drop and clinched his fifth title.

In 2009, the long-running IFSA/WSM split had ended, resulting in finally having all of the top strongmen from around the world compete in the same contest. Two-time IFSA World Champion Žydrūnas Savickas returned to the contest after 5 years and claimed his first WSM title, with defending champion Mariusz Pudzianowski coming in second in his final ever WSM contest. Another up and comer Brian Shaw placed third.

Žydrūnas Savickas repeated his victory in 2010, winning by countback{{cite web|url=https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/countback|title=countback - Definition of countback in English by Oxford Dictionaries|website=Oxford Dictionaries - English|access-date=6 February 2018|archive-date=7 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207062840/https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/countback|url-status=dead}} against Brian Shaw in the closest finish in WSM history. Top IFSA competitor and fan favorite Mikhail Koklyaev finished third in his WSM debut. Savickas set a new world record in the Giant Wooden Log Lift with a lift of {{convert |210|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{cite web | url=https://ironmind.com/news/Zydrunas-Savickas-Breaks-Log-Lift-World-Record-at-the-Worlds-Strongest-Man-Contest/ | title=Zydrunas Savickas Breaks Log Lift World Record at the World's Strongest Man Contest | publisher=IronMind | first=Randall | last=Strossen | date=21 September 2010 | access-date=20 December 2020 | archive-date=21 October 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021163653/https://ironmind.com/news/Zydrunas-Savickas-Breaks-Log-Lift-World-Record-at-the-Worlds-Strongest-Man-Contest | url-status=live }}

In 2011, Brian Shaw and two-time defending champion Žydrūnas Savickas were tied on points going into the final event. Shaw defeated Savickas in the Atlas Stones, winning his first title. Over the next four years, the pair traded the title back and forth.

Going into the 2012 contest, Shaw suffered from nerve damage in his hands and slipped down to fourth place. This opened the door for Savickas to capture his third WSM title, with fellow Lithuanian Vytautas Lalas coming in second and the Icelandic giant Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson finishing third. Savickas set a new world record in the Log Lift with a lift of {{convert |220|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.

Shaw regained his title in 2013, ahead of Savickas (2nd) and Björnsson (3rd). The 2014 contest was one of the closest battles in WSM history, with these three men separated by just two points going into the Atlas Stones. Savickas clinched the title by just half a point ahead of Björnsson, and just 3 ahead of Shaw, becoming the fourth man to win four titles. This victory made Savickas the oldest athlete to ever win the title at the age of 38 years and 8 months.

Shaw defeated Savickas once again in 2015, with the title coming down to the two of them in the final event for the 4th time. Björnsson finished on the podium yet again, with Britain's Eddie Hall coming in 4th. Savickas didn't compete in 2016, as Shaw successfully defended his title and joined Savickas on four titles. Björnsson made a fifth podium finish as the runner up, as Hall continued his steady rise to finish 3rd, despite placing last in the first event.

In the 2017 contest, two four-time winners Brian Shaw and Žydrūnas Savickas competed head-to-head for the first time since the 2015 contest, but Eddie Hall won his first title over runner-up Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson by 1 point and was the first person to win for the UK since Welshman Gary Taylor in 1993.

Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson won the 2018 after three 2nd place and three 3rd place finishes{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/theworldsstrongestman/|title=The World's Strongest Man|website=facebook.com|access-date=4 February 2018|archive-date=22 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322133722/https://www.facebook.com/theworldsstrongestman|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://theworldsstrongestman.com/news/|title=News - World's Strongest Man|website=World's Strongest Man|access-date=7 February 2018|archive-date=1 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401102157/https://cdn.cookielaw.org/scripttemplates/otSDKStub.js|url-status=live}} and became the first Icelander since Magnús Ver Magnússon in 1996 to win the title. Mateusz Kieliszkowski of Poland finished second and four-time winner Brian Shaw of the United States third. Žydrūnas Savickas, also a four-time winner, finished tenth after withdrawing in event four due to an injury.

The 2019 contest was held in Bradenton, Florida.{{cite web |url=http://theworldsstrongestman.com/2019-worlds-strongest-man-bradenton-florida/ |title=THE TACHI PALACE WORLD'S STRONGEST MAN IN BRADENTON, FLORIDA |website=World's Strongest Man |date=1 April 2019 |access-date=18 January 2021 |archive-date=1 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401102156/http://theworldsstrongestman.com/2019-worlds-strongest-man-bradenton-florida/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=https://www.bradenton.com/news/local/article231476318.html |title=New World's Strongest Man crowned on Anna Maria Island on final day of grueling competition |website=Bradenton Herald |first=Ryan |last=Ballogg |date=16 June 2019 |access-date=18 January 2021 |archive-date=17 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617115137/https://www.bradenton.com/news/local/article231476318.html |url-status=live }} The contest was won by Martins Licis of the United States who defeated defending champion Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson of Iceland. Björnsson suffered an injury, plantar fasciitis, in the qualifying heats but was able to complete the competition and finish 3rd on the podium, with Mateusz Kieliszkowski finishing as the runner up for the second consecutive year. This year also saw brothers Tom and Luke Stoltman both qualify for the final, becoming the first brothers to both reach the final in history. A new format which included only 25 instead of 30 competitors was used and the entire competition only ran for 4 days instead of the usual 5+. The final was reduced to 5 events and took only one day. The new format was designed to streamline the editing for a quicker television turnaround.{{cite web|url=http://theworldsstrongestman.com/category/latest-news/|title=2019 TACHI PALACE WSM GROUPS + EVENTS|date=19 June 2019|access-date=13 February 2022|archive-date=19 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019082450/http://theworldsstrongestman.com/category/latest-news/|url-status=dead}}

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 contest, initially planned to be held in May at Bradenton, was postponed to November instead.{{cite web|title=World's Strongest Man returns to Anna Maria Island. COVID-19 means you cannot watch|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/more-sports/worlds-strongest-man-returns-to-anna-maria-island-covid-19-means-you-cannot-watch/ar-BB1aDcEQ|access-date=11 November 2020|website=www.msn.com|archive-date=13 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213172531/https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/more-sports/worlds-strongest-man-returns-to-anna-maria-island-covid-19-means-you-cannot-watch/ar-BB1aDcEQ|url-status=live}} In place from May through July was a special series called "World's Strongest Man: Home Edition" on Snapchat Discover, where participating strongman athletes filmed themselves at home recreating strongman events in creative ways, and fans could vote for their favourites.{{cite web|last=Ellis|first=Philip|date=7 May 2020|title=Eddie Hall Is Hosting 'World's Strongest Man: Home Edition' During Quarantine|url=https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a32402646/worlds-strongest-man-home-edition-eddie-hall-snapchat/|access-date=11 November 2020|website=Men's Health|language=en-US|archive-date=27 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927160809/https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a32402646/worlds-strongest-man-home-edition-eddie-hall-snapchat/|url-status=live}} The series was hosted by Eddie Hall. Rongo Keene was declared the winner, earning him a $10,000 prize.{{cite web|date=13 July 2020|title=Rongo Keene Wins World's Strongest Man: Home Edition|url=https://barbend.com/rongo-keene-wins-worlds-strongest-man-home-edition/|access-date=11 November 2020|website=BarBend|language=en-US|archive-date=12 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112184844/https://barbend.com/rongo-keene-wins-worlds-strongest-man-home-edition/|url-status=live}}

The 2020 contest was to be held on Anna Maria Island from 11 to 15 November, with no physical spectators allowed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The competition also went back to the previous rules of 30 competitors in the groups and a six event final. Because of bad weather conditions brought about by Hurricane Eta, the first two days were instead pushed back a day, removing the rest day planned on 13 November.{{cite web|last=Chelsea|date=11 November 2020|title=Day One of 2020 World's Strongest Man Canceled|url=https://barbend.com/day-one-2020-worlds-strongest-man-canceled/|access-date=16 November 2020|website=BarBend|language=en-US|archive-date=16 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116230623/https://barbend.com/day-one-2020-worlds-strongest-man-canceled/|url-status=live}} For the first time in WSM history, none of the podium finishers from the previous year (Mariusz Pudzianowski was originally a podium finisher in 2004 before failing a drugs test) competed in the contest. (Both Licis and Kieliszkowski were injured, whereas Björnsson had retired to focus on his boxing match with Eddie Hall). The contest was won by Oleksii Novikov, who set a new partial deadlift record of 537.5 kg (1,185 lbs) during the finals.{{cite web|date=15 November 2020|title=Oleksii Novikov Wins 2020 World's Strongest Man|url=https://barbend.com/oleksii-novikov-wins-2020-worlds-strongest-man/|access-date=16 November 2020|website=BarBend|language=en-US|archive-date=16 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116050736/https://barbend.com/oleksii-novikov-wins-2020-worlds-strongest-man/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|date=16 November 2020|title=Oleksii Novikov Talks 2020 World's Strongest Man Win And New World Record|url=https://fitnessvolt.com/oleksii-novikov-2020-worlds-strongest-man/|access-date=16 November 2020|website=Fitness Volt|language=en-US|archive-date=16 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116045503/https://fitnessvolt.com/oleksii-novikov-2020-worlds-strongest-man/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Schad|first=Tom|title=Ukraine's Oleksii Novikov wins 2020 World's Strongest Man after 1,185-pound partial deadlift|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2020/11/15/worlds-strongest-man-2020-oleksii-novikov-wins-title-amid-covid-19/6303271002/|access-date=16 November 2020|website=USA TODAY|language=en-US|archive-date=27 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127170525/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2020/11/15/worlds-strongest-man-2020-oleksii-novikov-wins-title-amid-covid-19/6303271002/|url-status=live}} Tom Stoltman came in 2nd place winning three of six events, while Jean-François Caron came in 3rd.{{cite web|date=15 November 2020|title=Novikov Secures 2020 World's Strongest Man Victory (Updated)|url=https://barbend.com/2020-worlds-strongest-man-finals-day-two-results/|access-date=16 November 2020|website=BarBend|language=en-US|archive-date=28 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628025904/https://barbend.com/2020-worlds-strongest-man-finals-day-two-results/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=The World's Strongest Man on Instagram: "On the World Stage 🏆 🥇 @novikov_strong 🇺🇦 🥈 @tomstoltmanofficial 🇬🇧 🥉 @jfcaronstrongman 🇨🇦"|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CHojbXvpbJQ/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/CHojbXvpbJQ |archive-date=26 December 2021 |url-access=registration|access-date=16 November 2020|website=Instagram|language=en}}{{cbignore}}

The 2021 edition of the contest took place in Sacramento, California from 15 to 20 June.{{cite news |last1=Gutman |first1=Andrew |title=2021 World's Strongest Man Official Roster Announced |url=https://barbend.com/2021-worlds-strongest-man-roster/ |access-date=8 April 2021 |work=BarBend |date=31 March 2021 |archive-date=14 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414024650/https://barbend.com/2021-worlds-strongest-man-roster/ |url-status=live }} Defending champion Novikov failed to advance from his qualifying heat, after finishing 4th in a tightly fought group which saw just one point separating 1st and 4th position. Tom Stoltman improved on his second-place finish the year before to claim his first title after defeating four-time champion Brian Shaw head-to-head in the Atlas Stones, and became the first Scotsman to win the title. Shaw finished second, his best placing since his 4th title in 2016, and his first podium finish since 2018, while Canada's Maxime Boudreault placed third in his first WSM final.{{cite web |url=https://barbend.com/2021-worlds-strongest-man-results/ |title=2021 World's Strongest Man Results And Leaderboard — Tom Stoltman Wins |first=Andrew |last=Gutman |website=BarBend |date=20 June 2021 |access-date=23 June 2021 |archive-date=24 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624202307/https://barbend.com/2021-worlds-strongest-man-results/ |url-status=live }}

The 2022 contest held in Sacramento again was shaping up to be one of the best contests yet, with 2019 champion Martins Licis returning, and four former champions in the competition. Mateusz Kieliszkowski was once again forced to withdraw due to injury. Tom Stoltman successfully defended his title, winning by 10.5 points over Licis (in 2nd) and Oleksii Novikov, who placed 3rd despite winning three of the six events in the final.{{cite web |last1=Zucker |first1=Joseph |title=Tom Stoltman Wins 2nd Straight Title |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10037193-worlds-strongest-man-2022-results-tom-stoltman-wins-2nd-straight-title |website=Bleacher Report |access-date=28 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921175950/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10037193-worlds-strongest-man-2022-results-tom-stoltman-wins-2nd-straight-title |archive-date=21 September 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Blechman |first1=Phil |title=The Champion Retains — Tom Stoltman Wins 2022 World's Strongest Man |url=https://barbend.com/tom-stoltman-wins-2022-worlds-strongest-man/ |website=BarBend |date=29 May 2022 |access-date=28 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328215016/https://barbend.com/tom-stoltman-wins-2022-worlds-strongest-man/ |archive-date=28 March 2023}}

The 2023 edition of the contest was held at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for the first time. Mitchell Hooper continued his rapid rise after his debut the previous year and secured 1st Place with four events wins out of six in the final. 2 time Champion Tom Stoltman finished 2nd and 2020 Champion Oleksii Novikov came 3rd.{{cite web |last1=Dickson |first1=Jack |title=Mitchell Hooper Wins 2023 World's Strongest Man |url=https://barbend.com/mitchell-hooper-wins-2023-worlds-strongest-man/ |website=BarBend |date=23 April 2023 |access-date=28 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230504174418/https://barbend.com/mitchell-hooper-wins-2023-worlds-strongest-man/ |archive-date=4 May 2023}}{{cite web |last1=Williams |first1=Brett |title=Mitchell Hooper Wins World's Strongest Man 2023 |url=https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a43684674/worlds-strongest-man-2023-mitchell-hooper/ |website=Men's Health |date=24 April 2023 |access-date=28 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825130943/https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a43684674/worlds-strongest-man-2023-mitchell-hooper/ |archive-date=25 August 2023}}

Tom Stoltman reclaimed the title of World's Strongest Man with three event wins in the final at the 2024 contest, which was held once again at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He also became one of 7 men to hold the title at least 3 times. Previous champion Mitchell Hooper finished 2nd and Evan Singleton came 3rd.{{cite news |last1=Bumbaca |first1=Chris |date=5 May 2024 |title=Tom Stoltman wins World's Strongest Man competition for third time in four years |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/tom-stoltman-wins-world-s-strongest-man-competition-for-third-time-in-four-years/ar-BB1lRAVG |work=MSN |access-date=5 May 2024}}{{Cite news |last=Bumbaca |first=Chris |date=5 May 2024 |title=Tom Stoltman wins World's Strongest Man competition for third time in four years |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2024/05/05/tom-stoltman-wins-2024-worlds-strongest-man/73579951007/ |work=USA Today |access-date=5 May 2024 |archive-date=5 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505232658/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2024/05/05/tom-stoltman-wins-2024-worlds-strongest-man/73579951007/ |url-status=live }}

Rayno Nel won the 2025 contest on debut in Sacramento by half a point. 3 time champion Tom Stoltman placed second and 2023 champion Mitchell Hooper third.

{{See also| Strength athletics}}

Initially, eight men representing various sports and strength disciplines were invited to compete against each other in unique events designed to test each individual to the fullest extent. The earliest events were relatively crude, but new ideas were introduced over the years. Some events had a basis in both powerlifting and Highland Games heavy events, and others were created based on mythological feats of strength. There are a number of events that make up each competition.{{cite web|url=http://theworldsstrongestman.com/events/|title=Events Archive - World's Strongest Man|website=World's Strongest Man|access-date=7 February 2018|archive-date=1 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401102156/http://theworldsstrongestman.com/events/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://strongman.org/events/|title=Strongman Events Archives - Strongman.org|website=Strongman.org|date=2 February 2018 |access-date=7 February 2018|archive-date=10 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180210131212/http://strongman.org/events/|url-status=live}}

• Loading Medley – Several heavy objects, each weighing {{convert|220|–|330|lb}}, are carried/ dragged and loaded onto a truck bed or a similar platform over a course of about {{convert|10-30|m}}.{{cite web|url=http://theworldsstrongestman.com/events/loading-race/|title=Loading Race|access-date=6 December 2019|archive-date=1 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401102219/https://cdn.cookielaw.org/scripttemplates/otSDKStub.js|url-status=live}}
• Atlas Stones – Five heavy round stones increasing in weight in the range of {{convert|220|–|350|lb}} are lifted and set on platforms. When the stones were first introduced to the competition, it was an individual event and the platforms were all of equal height. The modern Atlas Stones event takes place on a {{convert|16|–|33|ft|0|adj=on}} long course and the competitors participate two at a time. There are three current variations to the Atlas Stones event. In one, the stones are placed directly in front of the platforms and the competitors must simply lift and place them, generally the lightest stone being placed on the highest platform. In another, the stones are placed in a diagonal line, with the first stone being in front of the first platform, and each subsequent stone is set farther back from the course, with the heaviest stone being farthest away (or vice versa). The third variation sees the five platforms in a straight vertical line with the stones in front of each, and the competitors must place the stones and then move a short distance to the next one. In recent competitions, this is typically the final event.{{cite web|url=http://strongman.org/events/atlas-stones/|title=Atlas Stones, Last Event|date=2 February 2018|access-date=8 February 2018|archive-date=1 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401102155/https://c0.wp.com/c/5.4.4/wp-includes/css/dist/block-library/style.min.css|url-status=live}} In the 2015 competition, the heaviest stone was 209 kilos (461 lbs).{{cite web|url=http://www.theworldsstrongestman.com/de/wsm/events/atlas_stone.html|title=McGlashen Stones / Atlas Stones Event|access-date=6 December 2019|archive-date=10 January 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110181504/http://www.theworldsstrongestman.com/de/wsm/events/atlas_stone.html|url-status=dead}}
• Vehicle pull – Vehicles such as transport trucks, trams, boxcars, buses, or planes are pulled across a {{convert|100|ft|adj=on}} course as fast as possible. One variation sees the competitors pull the object with a rope toward them. Another has them attached to a rope which is attached to a vehicle, while they use another rope to pull themselves down the course. A third involves no ropes, with the competitors pulling the vehicle while connected to a harness.{{cite web|url=http://www.theworldsstrongestman.com/de/wsm/events/lorry_pull.html|title=Truck Pull Event|access-date=6 December 2019|archive-date=11 January 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070111063008/http://www.theworldsstrongestman.com/de/wsm/events/lorry_pull.html|url-status=dead}} The 2007 competition featured pulling a fire truck (possibly a nod to 2006 champion Phil Pfister, a professional firefighter) and the 2008 qualifying rounds featured a coal truck (a reference to the coal mining industry in West Virginia, where the competition was held).{{Cite news|url=http://www.theworldsstrongestman.com/history/|title=History|work=World's Strongest Man|access-date=23 December 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=22 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111222045807/http://www.theworldsstrongestman.com/history/|url-status=dead}}
• Overhead Press – The heaviest possible load is pressed overhead, or a lighter weight is used for repetitions.{{cite web|url=http://www.theworldsstrongestman.com/de/wsm/events/over_head.html|title=Overhead Press Event|access-date=6 December 2019|archive-date=10 January 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110181730/http://www.theworldsstrongestman.com/de/wsm/events/over_head.html|url-status=dead}}
• Fingal's Fingers – A series of hinged poles ("fingers") are lifted starting from a horizontal resting position and flipped over to the other side. The poles get progressively heavier and longer. The event is scored by time and by how many of the poles a competitor was able to flip over. The event takes its name from Fingal, a mythological Gaelic hunter-warrior.{{cite web|url=http://theworldsstrongestman.com/events/fingals-fingers/|title=Fingal's Fingers Event|access-date=25 December 2020|archive-date=26 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126145342/http://theworldsstrongestman.com/events/fingals-fingers/|url-status=live}}
• Power Stairs – A series of three Duck Walk implements ranging from {{convert|400|–|600|lb|0}} are lifted, step by step, to the top of a flight of stairs.{{cite web|url=http://theworldsstrongestman.com/events/power-stairs/|title=Power Stairs|access-date=6 December 2019|archive-date=1 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401102247/https://cdn.cookielaw.org/scripttemplates/otSDKStub.js|url-status=live}}
• Squat – Squatting large weights, such as {{convert|900|lb}} of bricks, a car, or people on a platform. Recently, an apparatus has been used that drops weighted kegs into a cage, one at a time after each successful lift (the event, in this case, is scored by weight instead of repetitions). The athlete will continue until completion, failure or time expires.{{cite web|url=http://theworldsstrongestman.com/events/squat-lift/|title=Squat Lift Event|access-date=25 December 2020|archive-date=12 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412072227/http://theworldsstrongestman.com/events/squat-lift/|url-status=live}}
• Dead Lift – Lifting weights or vehicles up to about {{convert|1100|lb}} straight off the ground until knees lock in a standing position. Lift is for either maximum weight, maximum repetitions with a fixed weight, or for time whilst holding a single repetition. In recent years, a similar keg-loaded apparatus to that described above for the squat has been used.{{cite web|url=http://www.theworldsstrongestman.com/de/wsm/events/dead_lift.html|title=Dead Lift Event|access-date=6 December 2019|archive-date=10 January 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110181722/http://www.theworldsstrongestman.com/de/wsm/events/dead_lift.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.theworldsstrongestman.com/de/wsm/events/dead_lift_reps.html|title=Dead Lift (Reps) Event|access-date=6 December 2019|archive-date=29 December 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061229044912/http://www.theworldsstrongestman.com/de/wsm/events/dead_lift_reps.html|url-status=dead}}
• Keg Toss – Competitors must throw kegs, of increasing weight, over a {{convert|14|ft|6|in|m|2|abbr=on}} high bar. A variation using kettlebells was added to the 2015 competition, while in 2017, gold bricks were used.{{cite web|url=http://strongman.org/events/keg-toss/|title=Keg Toss|date=2 February 2018|access-date=7 February 2018|archive-date=1 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401102203/https://c0.wp.com/p/jetpack/8.7.1/css/jetpack.css|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://theworldsstrongestman.com/the-worlds-strongest-man-72015-roundup/|title=Keg Toss 2015|access-date=6 December 2019}}{{Dead link|date=February 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
• Weight over bar – A {{convert|56|lb|adj=on}} weight is thrown overhead with the goal being to clear a barrier above the competitor. The goal is to throw the weight the highest.
• Bar bending – Competitors have to grip long iron rods from their edges, use their arm and grip strength, and bend until the two ends come closer to each other.
• Car Carry – Competitors stand inside a stripped-down automobile, which is missing some of its roof and all of its bottom and interior, and carry it across a {{convert|25|m|adj=on|sp=us}} course. Competitors are scored by time, then distance once the time-limit expires.{{cite news|url=https://www.mensjournal.com/sports/weirdest-worlds-strongest-man-events/|title=Weirdest World's Strongest Man Events|newspaper=Men's Journal |date=19 March 2012|access-date=6 December 2019|archive-date=1 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401102214/https://www.mensjournal.com/sports/weirdest-worlds-strongest-man-events/|url-status=live}}
• Hercules Hold – The athlete stands between two hinged pillars, gripping handles that prevent the pillars from falling to the side. The pillars are held for the longest possible time.{{cite web|url=http://theworldsstrongestman.com/events/pillars-of-hercules/|title=Pillars of Hercules Event|access-date=25 December 2020|archive-date=28 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128033120/http://theworldsstrongestman.com/events/pillars-of-hercules/|url-status=dead}}
• Carry and Drag – An anchor and a chain are carried to the end of a set distance, where they must be attached to each other and then dragged back the same distance.{{cite web|url=http://theworldsstrongestman.com/events/carry-and-drag/|title=Carry and Drag Event|access-date=25 December 2020|archive-date=2 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202013017/http://theworldsstrongestman.com/events/carry-and-drag/|url-status=live}}
• Farmer's Walk – Competitors carry heavy objects (usually anvils) weighing from 275 to 375 lbs (125 to 170 kg) in each hand for a set distance, and compete for the fastest time. A variation involves the use of a heavy frame with parallel handles or heavy objects attached to handles, and another involves much heavier weights (referred to as the Giant Farmer's Walk).{{cite web|url=http://theworldsstrongestman.com/events/farmers-walk/|title=Farmer's Walk Event|access-date=25 December 2020|archive-date=2 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202005320/http://theworldsstrongestman.com/events/farmers-walk/|url-status=live}} This event is usually done on the same course as the Carry and Drag and is conducted as a race, but one competition in Sanya, China saw the competitors compete individually carrying the weights up a small set of stairs. The 2001 competition saw the competitors race two at a time along a course requiring several turns.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ns7iFhCzy6Y| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211107/Ns7iFhCzy6Y| archive-date=7 November 2021 | url-status=live|title=Worlds Strongest Man 2001|last=Total Enhancements Training Center|date=20 April 2013|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}
• Super Yoke – Apparatus composed of a crossbar and two uprights. The uprights each have a heavy weight attached to them, such as a refrigerator or diesel engine, and the competitors must carry the yoke on their shoulders for a short distance.{{cite web |url=http://startingstrongman.com/2015/01/15/history-of-the-super-yoke/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317000005/http://startingstrongman.com/2015/01/15/history-of-the-super-yoke/ |archive-date=17 March 2015 |title=History of the Super Yoke {{!}} Starting Strongman}}
• Husafell Stone – A flat, somewhat triangular lifting stone weighing around 410 lb (186 kg) is carried high on the chest for a set distance or for overall distance within a time limit. The stone is named for a famous one in Iceland, which actually was brought out for use when the competition was held in Iceland. During some years which the competition took place in Africa, this event was known as the Africa Stone and the stone was in the shape of the continent as it appears on a map. The 2017 competition called this event the Elephant Carry, and the stone was shaped like the head and face of an African elephant.{{cite web|url=http://theworldsstrongestman.com/events/husaffel-stone/|title=Husafell Stone / Africa Stone Event|access-date=25 December 2020|archive-date=13 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113162529/http://theworldsstrongestman.com/events/husaffel-stone/|url-status=live}}
• Duck Walk – An object with a handle is carried, suspended between the legs, over a set course.{{cite web|url=https://breakingmuscle.com/fitness/pick-up-something-new-10-loaded-carries-to-strengthen-your-training-and-yourself|title=Pick Up Something New: 10 Loaded Carries to Strengthen Your Training (and Yourself)|website=Breaking Muscle|date=4 July 2013|access-date=6 December 2019|archive-date=1 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401102154/https://breakingmuscle.com/fitness/pick-up-something-new-10-loaded-carries-to-strengthen-your-training-and-yourself|url-status=live}}
• Log Throw / Caber toss – A five-meter-long ({{frac|16|1|2}} foot) log is thrown for distance or for height over a bar. When thrown for distance, the event is conducted similarly to the normal caber toss but with distance replacing technique. The length of the throw is determined by measuring the distance between where the competitor's toes were when he tossed and the tip of the log, based on where it first landed.{{Cite news|url=http://www.carmunnockgames.org/about|title=Caber|access-date=7 February 2018|archive-date=1 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401102157/https://carmunnockgames.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/footer-logo-2x.png|url-status=live}}
• Tug of War – One on one tug of war in a single-elimination tournament. In the first few competitions, this determined the champion and served as the final event.{{cite web|url=https://physicalculturestudy.com/2015/04/15/1977-and-the-birth-of-the-worlds-strongest-man/|title=1977 and the birth of the World's Strongest Man|date=15 April 2015|access-date=7 February 2018|archive-date=1 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401102155/https://physicalculturestudy.com/2015/04/15/1977-and-the-birth-of-the-worlds-strongest-man/|url-status=live}}
• Pole Pushing – One on one pole pushing in a Sumo-style ring in a single-elimination tournament. The pole has handles at either end.{{cite web|url=https://strongmancl.com/rules/|title=Strongman Champions League / Rules|access-date=6 December 2019|archive-date=1 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401102221/https://strongmancl.com/rules/|url-status=live}}
• Crucifix – Weights are held straight out at each side for as long a time as possible. A common variation entails weights being held out in front, using either one or both hands.
• Giant Dumbbell Press – Single-handed dumbbells are hoisted from the ground onto the competitor's shoulder, from where, with one hand, he must raise it vertically over his head and lockout his arm. With four weights between {{convert|100|and|115|kg}}, scoring is based on time and number of successful lifts.{{Cite news|url=http://theworldsstrongestman.com/events/giant-dumbbell-press/|title=Giant Dumbbell Press|access-date=25 December 2020|archive-date=2 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202003337/http://theworldsstrongestman.com/events/giant-dumbbell-press/|url-status=live}}
• Basque Circle/Stone Circle/Conan's Wheel – A competitor takes hold of the handle of a metal basket by placing the handle on his forearms. Inside the basket, usually, is at least {{convert|600|lb}} of heavy stones (the 2015 WSM replaced the stones with pineapples and at least one earlier competition used a car). Holding the basket in the crook of his elbow, the competitor carries the basket in a clockwise manner over a platform with a {{convert|25|m|adj=on|sp=us}} circumference. The event is contested for distance.
• Norse Hammers – Added to the competition for the first time in 2015, the Norse Hammers is similar to the Fingal's Fingers event. Three hammers, shaped like those of Norse god Thor, must be flipped over. Unlike the Fingal Fingers, the competitors must lift the hammer from the side before pushing it up. There are three hammers, weighing 350, 365, and 380 pounds, respectively. In order to complete the event, all three hammers must be flipped within the time limit.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9nueK8TwDE| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211107/U9nueK8TwDE| archive-date=7 November 2021 | url-status=live|title=World's Strongest Man 2015 Day 1 - Norse Hammers [Ultra HD 4K]| date=20 April 2015|access-date=6 December 2019|via=www.youtube.com}}{{cbignore}}
• Circus Barbell – Similar to the Overhead Press, this event gets its name from the apparatus used which resembles the classically shaped barbell used by circus strongmen. The barbell, which weighs {{convert|150|kg}}, consists of two heavy spheres with a thick, flexible bar that makes it difficult for the competitors to lift. The event is conducted for reps within a time limit and the movement to complete the lift resembles a clean and press lift.{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/theworldsstrongestman/posts/the-circus-barbell-consists-of-two-heavy-spheres-with-a-thick-flexible-bar-that-/2116197838430026/|title=The circus barbell. WSM FB|website=Facebook|access-date=19 June 2019|archive-date=1 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401102223/https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ftheworldsstrongestman%2Fposts%2Fthe-circus-barbell-consists-of-two-heavy-spheres-with-a-thick-flexible-bar-that-%2F2116197838430026%2F|url-status=live}}

Beginning in 2017, the qualifying format was changed. After five events, the leader clinches a spot in the final while the last place competitor is eliminated from the competition. To determine the second finalist of the group, a new event called Last Man Standing was added. An Atlas Stone is placed at the center of an octagon and, one at a time, the competitors must lift the stone and drop it over a 55-inch metal bar. They each have twenty seconds to do this, and once one cannot complete the drop, he is eliminated and the next highest scoring competitor entering the event takes his turn. The competition continues in stepladder fashion, beginning with the fourth and fifth place competitors, until only one remains; that competitor is declared the winner of the event and secures the second place in the final for the qualifying group.https://shawstrength.com/abc/worlds-strongest-man-2017/{{Dead link|date=February 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

The 2018 competition used the Atlas Stones event to determine the second finalist. The three lowest scorers were eliminated from the competition, and the second and third place finishers squared off with the winner advancing to the final.

The 2019 competition saw the return of Last Man Standing, but instead of featuring the remaining four competitors, only the second and third place competitors square off to determine the second finalist.

The 2025 competition will see a format change with the finalists performance in the group stage counting towards the final. Each finalist can start between 1-10 points. The last man standing event has also been abandoned.

{{NoteFoot

|notes =

{{NoteTag

|Licis was born in Latvia and is a dual citizen, but only represents the United States in this competition.

|name="Licis"

}}

{{NoteTag

|In 1987 the WSM was not held for the only time since its inception. In that year the first and only non-team Pure Strength competition was held. Although it was not part of the WSM franchise, some commentators regard it as a replacement for WSM in that year.

|name="notheld"

}}

}}

Statistics are correct up to and including the end of the 2024 WSM competition.

• Most WSM Titles: 5 – {{flagicon|POL}} Mariusz Pudzianowski (2002–2003, 2005, 2007–2008)
• Most WSM runner-up finishes: 6 – {{flagicon|LTU}} Žydrūnas Savickas (2002–2004, 2011, 2013, 2015)
• Most WSM 3rd place finishes: 4 – {{flagicon|USA}} Brian Shaw (2009, 2014, 2017, 2018) and {{flagicon|ISL}} Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (2012, 2013, 2015, 2019)
• Most WSM podium finishes: 10 – {{flagicon|LTU}} Žydrūnas Savickas (2002–2004, 2009–2015) and {{flagicon|USA}} Brian Shaw (2009–2011, 2013–2018, 2021)
• Most WSM top 5 placings: 13 – {{flagicon|USA}} Brian Shaw (2009–2018, 2020–2022)
• Most WSM finals: 15 – {{flagicon|USA}} Brian Shaw (2009–2023)
• Most times qualified for WSM: 18 – {{flagicon|GBR}} Mark Felix (2004, 2006–2011, 2013–2023)
• Most consecutive WSM Titles: 3 – {{flagicon|USA}} Bill Kazmaier (1980–1982) and {{flagicon|ISL}} Magnús Ver Magnússon (1994–1996)
• Most consecutive WSM podium finishes: 8 – {{flag icon|ISL}} Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (2012–2019)
• Most consecutive WSM finals: 15 – {{flagicon|USA}} Brian Shaw (2009–2023)
• Most consecutive WSM appearances: 16 – {{flagicon|USA}} Brian Shaw (2008–2023)
• Longest Time Between First and Last Championships: 6 years – {{flagicon|ISL}} Jón Páll Sigmarsson (1984–1990) and {{flagicon|POL}} Mariusz Pudzianowski (2002–2008)
• Longest Time Between First and Last Top 3 Finishes: 13 years – {{flagicon|LTU}} Žydrūnas Savickas (2002–2015)
• Longest Time Between First and Last Qualifications For Final: 16 years – {{flagicon|LTU}} Žydrūnas Savickas (2002–2018)
• Longest Time Between First and Last Qualifications: 20 years – {{flagicon|LTU}} Žydrūnas Savickas (1998–2018)
• Longest Gap Between Championships: 3 years – {{flagicon|ISL}} Magnús Ver Magnússon (1991–1994)
• Longest Gap Between Top 3 Finishes: 6 years – {{flagicon|USA}} Bill Kazmaier (1982–1988)
• Longest Gap Between Appearances: 12 years – {{flagicon|EST}} Rauno Heinla (2011–2023)

• List of strongman competitions
• List of strongmen
• World's Strongest Woman

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• {{Official website|http://www.theworldsstrongestman.com/}}

{{World's Strongest Man champions}}

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Category:Strongmen competitions

Category:CBS Sports Spectacular