Who will leave Myrtle Beach as the champion of World’s Strongest Man?
By Roger “Rock” Lockridge, Managing Editor
The 2026 SBD World’s Strongest Man is set for Apr. 23-26 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and it will be the 49th edition of what is considered the sport of strongman’s ultimate contest. 25 men from around the world will gather to take part in two days of competition. The top ten of that group will move on to the finals for two more days of events. The man that scores the most points based on finishes in the finals will hold the giant gold trophy atop the podium.
2026 WORLD’S STRONGEST MAN ROSTER
The full lineup of athletes vying for this championship is below as they were grouped. The athletes will compete within their group over the first two days of the contest. The top two in each group move on to the finals.
Group One
- Ben Glasscock (GBR)
- Nick Guardione (USA)
- Rayno Nel (RSA) (Defending Champion)
- Tristain Hoath (CAN)
- Luke Richardson (GBR)
Group Two
- Austin Andrade (MEX)
- Mathew Ragg (NZL)
- Jaco Schoonwinkel (RSA)
- Tom Stoltman (GBR)
- Levi Strong (USA)
Group Three
- Matyáš Funiok (CZE)
- Lucas Hatton (USA)
- Paddy Haynes (GBR)
- Mitchell Hooper (CAN)
- Eddie Williams (AUS)
Group Four
- Adam Bishop (GBR)
- Ondrej Fojtu (CZE)
- James Jeffers (CAN)
- Bryce Johnson (USA)
- Martins Licis (LVA)
Group Five
- Andrew Flynn (GBR)
- Pavlo Kordiyaka (UKR)
- Trey Mitchell (USA)
- Evans Nana (GHA)
- Evan Singleton (USA)
2026 WORLD’S STRONGEST MAN SCHEDULE AND EVENTS BREAKDOWN
The four-day schedule of events is as follows. There will be no rest day between the qualifying events and finals. This is a change that was made in 2025 and could impact how the final results of the contest play out.
QUALIFYING EVENTS
(All times are Eastern Daylight Time)
THURSDAY, APRIL 23RD
- 10:00AM – CARRY & CLIMB
- 1:30PM – CIRCUS PRESS MEDLEY
- 4:30PM – SQUAT LIFT
FRIDAY, APRIL 24TH
- 10:00AM – TRUCK PULL
- 3:30PM – NATURAL STONE MEDLEY
- 6:45PM – JIMMY POLLOCK AWARD
FINAL EVENTS
SATURDAY, APRIL 25TH
- 10:00AM – KNAACK® MONSTER BOX® FLIP & CARRY
- 1:00PM – DEADLIFT
- 3:00PM – TITAN’S TOSS
SUNDAY, APRIL 26TH
- 10:00AM – MAX LOG
- 1:30PM – ATLAS STONES
- 2:45PM – WSM TROPHY CEREMONY
TOP CONTENDERS TO WIN THE 2026 WORLD’S STRONGEST MAN
As defending champion Rayno Nel proved one year ago, anything can happen, and a competitor can pull off a massive upset. That said, there are still established favorites and dark horses to keep an eye on.
Rayno Nel
The defending champion flew under the radar in 2025, but all eyes are on him now. With a year of more intense training and a shot of confidence every time he sees the 2025 trophy in his house, he becomes more dangerous. His goal one year ago was just to make the finals. Now, nothing short of a second title will be considered successful. If he can shut out the pressure and lock in, going back-to-back is definitely a possibility.
Tom Stoltman
Stoltman is a three-time winner, and his last title came at Myrtle Beach in 2024. Some critics said he only won because Mitchell Hooper suffered a hand injury at the beginning of finals that ultimately cost him the win. Other experts feel that the third win cemented his legacy as one of the best ever. He has been accustomed to competing alongside older brother Luke Stoltman, but Luke is not in the lineup this year. The younger brother has reported a solid prep and is confident going into the contest.
Mitchell Hooper
The 2023 winner of this event and MUTANT athlete is coming off earning a fourth straight Arnold Strongman Classic win as well as a victory at the 2025 Rogue Invitational. When Hooper is on, he is nearly untouchable, and he seems to believe that is what will happen in South Carolina. Thanks to his knowledge of the body and his experience in other sports, Hooper may be the best true athlete in the sport today.
DARK HORSE PICKS FOR THE 2026 WORLD’S STRONGEST MAN
Evan Singleton
Evan Singleton was third at the 2024 World’s Strongest Man and won the 2025 Strongest Man on Earth title. Singleton did not finish the 2025 WSM due to an injury he suffered during the qualifiers. “T-Rex” also suffered a pec tear in October but is set to return to the sport. If he can stay healthy during the week, he does pose a threat to the favorites and could make the podium.
Martins Licis
The 2019 World’s Strongest Man winner is expected to be in his final year of competition. At 35 years of age, Licis could be one of the older men in the lineup, but unlike other sports, many strongmen peak in their mid to late 30’s. Like Hooper, Licis is also known for playing events smart and being a master technician. It would be an incredible story if he were able to win a second title seven years after his first, and it is a possibility if any of the other favorites make a mistake.
HOW TO WATCH THE 2026 WORLD’S STRONGEST MAN
The World’s Strongest Man is a contracted television event, and the contest will be taped in Myrtle Beach. It will not air live. Airing of the competition will vary by country. However, fans can follow @theworldsstrongestman on Instagram to stay updated on the competition as it takes place.
Muscle Insider will also have a full recap of the competition once it concludes. So, check back in after the weekend to see the latest news and results of how history was made in South Carolina.
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