The Arnold Strongman Classic is an annual competition featuring

strength athletes In the 19th century, the term strongman referred to an exhibitor of strength or similar circus performers who performed feats of strength. More recently, strength athletics, also known as strongman competitions, have grown in popularity. These ...

from all over the world, determining who is the Strongest Man in the World. Created by

Arnold Schwarzenegger Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger (born July 30, 1947) is an Austrian and American actor, film producer, businessman, retired professional bodybuilder and politician who served as the 38th governor of California between 2003 and 2011. ''Time'' ...

, Jim Lorimer and Terry Todd, it is an offshoot of the Arnold Sports Festival which takes place annually in

Columbus, Ohio Columbus () is the state capital and the most populous city in the U.S. state of Ohio. With a 2020 census population of 905,748, it is the 14th-most populous city in the U.S., the second-most populous city in the Midwest, after Chicago, and t ...

USA The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country Continental United States, primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 U.S. state, states, a Washington, D.C., ...

. Widely regarded as the heaviest and the most difficult strongman competition in the world the Arnold Strongman Classic has been won only by 8 men in history. Among them, the Lithuanian

Žydrūnas Savickas Žydrūnas Savickas (; born ...

has won it 8 times, while the Icelander Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson and American Brian Shaw have won it 3 times each.

History

The Arnold Strongman (which has been variously referred to as the "Arnold Classic", the "Arnold Classic Strongman", "Arnold's Summit" and "Arnold's Strongest Man") is one of the many offshoots of the Arnold festival. The Arnold Sports Festival, founded in 1989 as the Arnold Classic and named after

, was originally a bodybuilding contest. It featured a competition for men (Arnold Classic) and women (

Ms. International The Ms. International female bodybuilding contest was considered to be the second-most prestigious competition for female bodybuilders (second only to the Ms. Olympia competition), from its inception in 1986 through 2013. It was first held in 1 ...

). The bodybuilding contests have since expanded to include a Fitness International and Figure International competition for women. However, the event had also expanded to include other sports and events, one of which was strongman, introduced in late 2002. This Strongman event was created by a powerlifter named

Dr. Terry Todd Terry Todd (December 31, 1937 – July 7, 2018) was an American powerlifter, and Olympic weightlifter. Todd was co-founder of the H.J. Lutcher Stark Center for Physical Culture and Sports, co-editor oIron Game History: The Journal of P ...

at the request of Arnold Schwarzenegger. The expansion of the programme led to the Classic becoming the Arnold Fitness Weekend and now the Arnold Sports Festival. According to the Arnold Sports Festival co-producer, Jim Lorimer: ''"The Arnold Strongman Classic has been growing in popularity every year, and we are very excited that many strong men are returning."'' January 29, 2008.

Championship History

In the inaugural 2002 competition, the American professional wrestler and former weight lifter Mark Henry emerged victorious over Norway's

Svend Karlsen Svend 'Viking' Karlsen (born 6 October 1967) is a Norway, Norwegian former Strongman (strength athlete), strongman, powerlifter, and International Federation of BodyBuilders, IFBB professional bodybuilder. Being a winner of the World's Strongest ...

. In addition to competing in what were the four official events — the Apollon's Wheel, the deadlift, the Hummer push and the 800+lbs Farmer's Walk — the competitors were given the opportunity to attempt to lift the

Thomas Inch Thomas Inch (27 December 1881 – 12 December 1963) was a British strongman, who held the titles of Britain's Strongest Youth and Britain's Strong Man. Early life Thomas Inch was born on 27 December 1881 in Scarborough, a seaside town on ...

"unliftable" dumbbell or ''Inch Bell''. A prize of $1000 was awarded to the man who could pull it the highest in the air. Five men chose to try the Bell with Mark Henry winning the $1000 by pulling it to the level of his chest. Pfister raised the Inch Bell over his head with his right hand, to a standing ovation, but his lift was disqualified because he briefly stabilized the dumbbell with his left hand when it was on his knee and because he used a "continental clean" when raising the dumbbell to his chest. Pfister was however also awarded $1000. From 2003 to 2008, the Arnold Strongman was won every year by

Žydrūnas Savickas Žydrūnas Savickas (; born ...

Lithuania Lithuania (; lt, Lietuva ), officially the Republic of Lithuania ( lt, Lietuvos Respublika, links=no ), is a country in the Baltic region of Europe. It is one of three Baltic states and lies on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea. Lithuania ...

(see

Full results Full may refer to: * People with the surname Full, including: ** Mr. Full (given name unknown), acting Governor of German Cameroon, 1913 to 1914 * A property in the mathematical field of topology; see Full set * A property of functors in the mathe ...

below). In 2008, he received a $40,000 check from Gerard Dente of MHP, an

Audemars Piguet Audemars Piguet Holding SA () is a Swiss manufacturer of luxury watches and clocks, headquartered in Le Brassus, Switzerland. The company was founded by Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet in the Vallée de Joux in 1875, acquiring th ...

watch by Robert Ronan and the Louis Cyr trophy (after the legendary strongman, Louis Cyr) and congratulations from Governor

. In the competition, 12 world records were set with Savickas setting three of them. In the Tire Deadlift, he lifted 1,027 lbs. In the Circus Dumbbell, he tied with

Derek Poundstone Derek Poundstone (born September 28, 1981) is an American former professional strongman athlete from Woodbridge, Connecticut who placed runner-up at the 2008 World's Strongest Man. Derek Poundstone is a ...

for the world record with nine lifts each, and in the Manhood Stones, he lifted 525 lbs, three times. Second places were shared primarily between Svend Karlsen and

Vasyl Virastyuk Vasyl Virastyuk ( uk, Василь Вірастюк; born 22 April 1974), is a Ukrainians, Ukrainian politician and former strongman (strength athlete), strongman competitor. He is a brother of Roman Virastyuk. Virastyuk was the winner of 2004 Wo ...

while Raimonds Bergmanis,

Glenn Ross Glenn Ross (born 27 May 1971) known by his nickname "The Daddy", is a Northern Ireland former International Strongman and Powerlifter who has represented Northern Ireland and the UK in several World's Strongest Man competitions and various World ...

Andrus Murumets Andrus Murumets (born 20 July 1978) is an Estonian strongman and entrant to the World's Strongest Man contest. He reached 5th in the World Rankings according to the IFSA rankings in 2008. Andrus competed in the IFSA World Championships in 2005 f ...

and

Mikhail Koklyaev Mikhail Viktorovich Koklyaev (russian: Михаил Викторович Кокляев, born 17 December 1978) is a Russian weightlifter, strongman competitor, powerlifter and boxer. He is married and has two children. Strongman Koklyaev has pl ...

shared the third places. American

won in 2009 & 2010. Derek took the vacant throne from Zydrunas when he took 2009 off from the competition. When Savickas returned in 2010, Derek retained his title by defeating Zydrunas. Just days before the 2011 contest, 2-time defending champion Derek Poundstone was forced to withdraw from the contest due to injury. Fellow American big Brian Shaw came in and won the contest, and Mike Jenkins, the winner of the 2012 Arnold Strongman amateur event who was competing in his first-ever professional strongman competition, shocked many and finished in second place ahead of 6 time-champion Savickas who came in third.Brian Shaw of Colorado Wins the Tenth Arnold Strongman Classic
/ref> Mike Jenkins went on to win the title in 2012 ahead of Derek Poundstone by 1 point and Žydrūnas dropping to third. Lithuania's Vytautas Lalas won the competition in 2013 ahead of Brian Shaw by 0.5 point and Russia's

emerged third. From 2014 to 2017 the competition was won by either Zydrunas or Brian with two wins per each after very close battles, bringing their winning tallies to 8 and 3 respectively. the podiums were secured by Mike Burke,

Mateusz Kieliszkowski Mateusz Kieliszkowski (born 12 August 1993) is a Polish strongman competitor. He is particularly known for his impressive pressing ability within strongman, as well as his prowess in the Atlas Stones and various moving events. Strongman caree ...

, Vytautas Lalas and Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson. In 2018, the Icelandic giant Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson reached his prime and dominated the competition for 3 consecutive years, winning the title in 2018, 2019 and 2020. Brian Shaw,

Martins Licis Martins Licis ( lv, Mārtiņš Līcis, ; born September 28, 1990) is a Latvian-American professional strongman, notable for winning 2019 World's Strongest Man, 2022 Arnold Strongman Classic, and 2021 Rogue Invitational strongman championships. He' ...

, Mateusz Kieliszkowski and

Mikhail Shivlyakov Mikhail Vasilyevich Shivlyakov (russian: Михаил Васильевич Шивляков; born 30 April 1980) is a former Russian Marine currently competing as a professional strongman. Early life Shivlyakov was born on April 30, 1980 i ...

all had to settle with second and third places. Hafþór established new World Records in the Bag over bar, 500 kg Timber carry,

Húsafell Stone __NOTOC__ The Húsafell Stone is a legendary lifting stone weighing 186 kg (410 lb) located in a west country farming estate in Húsafell, Iceland about north east from Reykjavík. The slightly triangular, slab shaped stone is kept at ...

carry, 400 lb Apollon's Axel for reps and twice broke the Elephant Bar Deadlift World Record with 472 kg (1,041 lb) in 2018 and 474 kg (1,045 lb) in 2019. Poland's Mateusz Kieliszkowski established world records in the Odd Haugen's Tombstone and Cyr Dumbbell while American Martins Licis established a world record in Conan's Wheel of Pain event. In 2021, the competition was not held due to

COVID-19 pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the coronavirus pandemic, is an ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The novel virus was first identif ...

. The 3 time defending champion Hafþór had retired from Strongman and

won the competition in 2022 ahead of Ukraine's Oleksiy Novikov who emerged second.

Past winners

Winners breakdown

Regular events and world records

#Timber Carry - Contestants have to lift heavy barn timbers bolted together and travel up an inclined ramp. In 2015 Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson carried a 500 kg (1,102 lb) frame up a 35 feet ramp in 10.15 seconds, and in 2018

Jerry Pritchett Jerry 'Iron Outlaw' Pritchett (born 18 December 1980) is an American strongman competitor and a regular entrant to the World's Strongest Man competition winning 4th place in 2020 and 3rd place in Master's category in 2021. He is also America's S ...

carried a 408 kg (900 lb) frame up a 35 feet ramp in 9.58 seconds. The event is also known as 'Frame Carry'. #Atlas Stones - Contestants have to lift heavy round concrete stones over a bar 4 feet in height. In 2017 Brian Shaw hoisted a 254 kg (560 lb) stone over the bar. #Apollon's Axle - A unique barbell made famous by the traditional strongman Louis "Apollon" Uni, reproduced by Ivanko Barbell Company, the Axle is a replica of the original with the same bar thickness, mechanically fastened to reproduction train wheels. Contestants must lift the wheels from the floor to overhead as many times as possible within a time frame. In 2002 Mark Henry repped a 166 kg (366 lb) Axel 3 times, and in 2018 Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson repped a 181 kg (400 lb) Axel 4 times. #Austrian Oak - A unique log named after

's nickname which weighs anywhere from 195-204 kg (430-450 lb) where the athletes has to press for the maximum number of reps. A lighter Slater log which weighs 175 kg (386 lb) was also used for athletes who couldn't lift the Austrian Oak. In 2015

Žydrūnas Savickas Žydrūnas Savickas (; born ...

repped a 204 kg (450 lb) Austrian Oak 4 times. #Hummer Tire Deadlift - Contestants are required to lift a specially designed long bar weighted with tires from 15" height. The Tire Deadlift bar was designed and manufactured by Ivanko Barbell Company and comprises a 13 foot long stainless steel bar and up to eight Hummer tires & rims. Additional calibrated barbell plates may be added. In 2014

Žydrūnas Savickas Žydrūnas Savickas (; born ...

pulled 524 kg (1,155 lb) from a 15" height. #Elephant Bar Deadlift - Contestants are required to lift a specially designed extra whipping long bar with

inscribed weight plates from a standard 9" height. The apparatus was designed and manufactured by

Rogue Fitness Rogue Fitness (legally named Coulter Ventures, LLC, often branded and referred to as Rogue) is an American manufacturer and distributor of gym equipment based in Columbus, Ohio. Its produces strength and conditioning equipment such as weightliftin ...

. In 2019 Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson pulled 474 kg (1,045 lb) from the standard 9" height. #Bale Tote - Contestants have to carry across their shoulders a heavy bar/yoke in a timed event. In 2017 Brian Shaw carried a 710 kg (1,565 lb) yoke for 4 meters in 14.87 seconds and in 2014

Žydrūnas Savickas Žydrūnas Savickas (; born ...

carried a 640 kg (1,410 lb) yoke for 4 meters in 3.87 seconds. The event is also known as 'Super Yoke'. #Bag over Bar - Contestants have to throw heavy sandbags from 'a duck walk to an over head position' over a 15 foot bar. In 2017 Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson threw a 45 kg (100 lb) bag over the 15 foot bar, and in 2019 a 25.5 kg (56 lb) Highland games weight (using only 1 arm) over a 20 foot 2 inch bar. #Circus Dumbbell - Lifting the classic heavy "Circus" dumbbell, used by professional Strongmen from the early 20th century including Louis Cyr. Richard Sorin reproduced the dumbbell for this event. It usually has a very big handle over in diameter. The basic rule was to use one hand at a time and lift the dumbbell overhead either for max weight or for many reps as possible within a given time.Arnold Strongman
/ref> In 2020

lifted a 145 kg (320 lb) dumbbell. #Odd Haugen's Tombstone - Contestants have to hoist the legendary Odd Haugen's Tombstone which is weighing 190 kg (420 lb) to their shoulder for many reps as possible. In 2019

lifted the stone for 5 repetitions. #Húsafell Stone - Contestants have to carry the legendary

which weighs 186 kg (410 lb) around a structure which replicated the historical sheep and goat pen. In 2019 Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson carried the stone for a distance of 218 feet 11 inches. #Conan's Wheel of Pain - The event replicated the legendary grain mill from '' Conan the Barbarian (1982)'' where the contestants have to push a contraption which weighs 20,000 lbs around in a circle for time or distance and measured in either degrees or distance. The colossal contraption was replicated and built by

. In 2019

pushed the wheel for a distance of 119 feet 9 inches. #Double T Squat - Contestants have to Squat a specially made curved bar to a platform and up for max weight. In 2022 Jean-Francois Caron Squatted 438 kg (966 lb).

Full results

2002: Arnold Classic Strongman Competition

Dates: 22, 23 February 2002 Columbus, Ohio:

2003: Arnold's Strength Summit

Dates: 28 February, 1 March 2003 Columbus, Ohio:

2004: Arnold's Strongest Man

Dates: 5, 6 March 2004 Columbus, Ohio:

2005: Arnold's Strongest Man

Dates: 4, 5 March 2005 Columbus, Ohio:

2006: Arnold Strongman Classic

Dates: 3, 4 March 2006 Columbus, Ohio:

2007: Arnold Strongman Classic

Dates: 2–4 March 2007 Columbus, Ohio:

2008: Arnold Strongman Classic

Dates: 29 February, 1 March 2008 Columbus, Ohio:

2009: Arnold Strongman Classic

Dates: 6, 7 March 2009 Columbus, Ohio:

2010: Arnold Strongman Classic

Dates: 5, 6 March 2010 Columbus, Ohio (Greater Columbus Convention Center, Arnold EXPO Stage)

2011: Arnold Strongman Classic

Dates: 4, 5 March 2011 Columbus, Ohio (Greater Columbus Convention Center, Arnold EXPO Stage)

2012: Arnold Strongman Classic

Dates: 2, 3 March 2012 Columbus, Ohio (Greater Columbus Convention Center, Arnold EXPO Stage)

2013: Arnold Strongman Classic

Dates: 1, 2 March 2013 Columbus, Ohio (Greater Columbus Convention Center, Arnold EXPO Stage)

2014: Arnold Strongman Classic

Dates: 1, 2 March 2014 Columbus, Ohio (Greater Columbus Convention Center, Arnold EXPO Stage)

2015: Arnold Strongman Classic

Dates: 7, 8 March 2015 Columbus, Ohio (Greater Columbus Convention Center, Arnold EXPO Stage)

2016: Arnold Strongman Classic

Dates: 4, 5 March 2016 Columbus, Ohio (Greater Columbus Convention Center, Arnold EXPO Stage)

2017: Arnold Strongman Classic

Dates: 3, 4 March 2017 Columbus, Ohio (Greater Columbus Convention Center, Arnold EXPO Stage)

2018: Arnold Strongman Classic

Dates: 2, 3 March 2018 Columbus, Ohio (Greater Columbus Convention Center, Arnold EXPO Stage)

2019: Arnold Strongman Classic

Dates: 1, 2 March 2019 Columbus, Ohio (Greater Columbus Convention Center, Arnold EXPO Stage)

2020: Arnold Strongman Classic

Dates: 6, 7 March 2020 Columbus, Ohio (Greater Columbus Convention Center, Strongman Arena)

2022: Arnold Strongman Classic

Dates: 4, 5 March 2022 Columbus, Ohio (Greater Columbus Convention Center, Strongman Arena)

Arnold Strongman Classic-Europe

In 2012, the inaugural ''"Arnold Strongman Classic-Europe"'' contest was formed and is a joint promotion between Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jim Lorimer (Arnold Sports Festival co-promoter), Dr. Rafael Santonja (president of the International Federation of Body Building, "IFBB") as well as American Strongman Corporation and Strongman Champions League.Strongman Champions League Coming to the Arnold Classic–Europe
/ref> The ''"Arnold Strongman Classic-Europe"'' contest will differ significantly from the format of the original Arnold Strongman Classic event, with less of an emphasis on brute strength and heavy events, and will include a wider variety of events and some speed/loading events similar to Strongman Champions League and

World's Strongest Man The World's Strongest Man is an international Strongman competition held every year. Organized by American event management company IMG, a subsidiary of Endeavor, it is broadcast in the US during summers and in the UK around the end of Decembe ...

contests. The format change is due largely in part to the event being broadcast and televised in 85 countries.

2012: Arnold Strongman Classic-Europe

The 2012 contest was held in Madrid, Spain on Oct. 13 & 14, 2012, the event was sponsored by MHP. The contest is included as part of the 2012 Strongman Champions League season, and competitors earned points towards the annual SCL overall title. The inaugural contest was won by 6-time Arnold Strongman champion and reigning

Zydrunas Savickas of

, who was also the 2012 SCL overall champion.Zydrunas Savickas Wins SCL Spain/Arnold-Europe
/ref> Dates: October 13–14, 2012

Madrid Madrid ( , ) is the capital and most populous city of Spain. The city has almost 3.4 million inhabitants and a metropolitan area population of approximately 6.7 million. It is the second-largest city in the European Union (EU), and ...

Spain , image_flag = Bandera de España.svg , image_coat = Escudo de España (mazonado).svg , national_motto = ''Plus ultra'' (Latin)(English: "Further Beyond") , national_anthem = (English: "Royal March") , i ...

2017: Arnold Strongman Classic-Europe

2018: Arnold Strongman Classic-Europe

2019: Arnold Strongman Classic-Europe

Arnold Strongman Classic Australia

In 2015, the inaugural ''"Arnold Strongman Classic Australia"'' contest was formed, and is a joint promotion between Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jim Lorimer (Arnold Sports Festival co-promoter), Dr. Rafael Santonja (president of the

International Federation of BodyBuilding & Fitness The International Federation of BodyBuilding and Fitness (IFBB), headquartered in Las Rozas (Madrid), is an international professional sports governing body for bodybuilding and fitness that oversees many of the sport's major international event ...

, "IFBB") as well as Australian Strongman Corporation and Strongman Champions League.http://arnoldclassic.com.au/

2015: Arnold Strongman Classic Australia

2016: Arnold Strongman Classic Australia

2017: Arnold Strongman Classic Australia

2018: Arnold Strongman Classic Australia

2019: Arnold Strongman Classic Australia

Arnold Amateur Strongman World Championships

In 2010, the Arnold Amateur contest was formed by Dione Wessels.Mike Jenkins Wins Amateur Strongman Title at the Arnold
/ref> The contest is open to amateur strongman competitors from all over the world. The winner of the contest receives their pro card, and an invite to the next year's Arnold Strongman Classic event. Mike Jenkins won the inaugural contest in 2010,

Mateusz Baron Mateusz is a Polish language, Polish given name, equivalent to Hebrew names Matityahu and Matthew (name), Matthew, meaning "gift of Yahweh". List Notable people with the name include: B–H *Mateusz Bąk (born 1983), Polish football goalkeeper *Ma ...

from

Poland Poland, officially the Republic of Poland, is a country in Central Europe. It is divided into 16 administrative provinces called voivodeships, covering an area of . Poland has a population of over 38 million and is the fifth-most populous ...

was the 2011 winner,Matesz Baron Wins ASC Arnold Amateur Strongman World Championships
/ref> and Adam Scherr was the 2012 winner.Adam Scherr Wins Arnold ASC Amateur Strongman World Championships
/ref>

2010: Arnold Amateur Strongman World Championships

Dates: 7, 6 March 2010 Columbus, Ohio (Greater Columbus Convention Center, Arnold EXPO Stage)

2011: Arnold Amateur Strongman World Championships

Dates: 5, 6 March 2011 Columbus, Ohio (Greater Columbus Convention Center, Arnold EXPO Stage)

2012: Arnold Amateur Strongman World Championships

Dates: 3, 4 March 2012 Columbus, Ohio (Greater Columbus Convention Center, Arnold EXPO Stage)

2013: Arnold Amateur Strongman World Championships

Dates: 1,2 March 2013 Columbus, Ohio (Greater Columbus Convention Center, Arnold EXPO Stage)

2014: Arnold Amateur Strongman World Championships

Dates: 1,2 March 2014 Columbus, Ohio (Greater Columbus Convention Center, Arnold EXPO Stage)

2015: Arnold Amateur Strongman World Championships

Dates: 7,8 March 2015 Columbus, Ohio (Greater Columbus Convention Center, Arnold EXPO Stage)

2016: Arnold Amateur Strongman World Championships

Dates: 4, 5 March 2016 Columbus, Ohio (Greater Columbus Convention Center, Arnold EXPO Stage)

2017: Arnold Amateur Strongman World Championships

Dates: 1,2 March 2017 Columbus, Ohio (Greater Columbus Convention Center, Arnold EXPO Stage)

2018: Arnold Amateur Strongman World Championships

Dates: 2, 3 March 2018 Columbus, Ohio (Greater Columbus Convention Center, Arnold EXPO Stage)

2019: Arnold Amateur Strongman World Championships

Dates: 2, 3 March 2019 Columbus, Ohio (Greater Columbus Convention Center, Arnold EXPO Stage)

2020: Arnold Amateur Strongman World Championships

Dates: 7, 8 March 2020 Columbus, Ohio (Greater Columbus Convention Center, Arnold EXPO Stage)

2022: Arnold Amateur Strongman World Championships

Dates: 4, 6 March 2022 Columbus, Ohio (Greater Columbus Convention Center, Arnold EXPO Stage)

References

External links

Official Arnold Strongman Classic website

Arnold Sports Festival
{{Arnold Schwarzenegger Arnold Schwarzenegger Strongmen competitions Recurring sporting events established in 2002