The Arnold Strongman Classic is an annual competition featuring strength athletes from all over the world, determining who is the Strongest Man in the World. Created by Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jim Lorimer and Terry Todd, it is an offshoot of the Arnold Sports Festival which takes place annually in Columbus, Ohio, USA. Widely regarded as the heaviest and the most difficult strongman competition in the world the Arnold Strongman Classic has been won only by 9 men in history. Among them, the Lithuanian Žydrūnas Savickas has won it 8 times, while the American Brian Shaw and the Icelander Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson have won it 3 times each. Three of the past champions: American Mark Henry, Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson and Brian Shaw have been inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame.

History

The competition (which has been also referred to as 'Arnold's Strength Summit' and 'Arnold's Strongest Man' in the past) is one of the many offshoots of the Arnold festival. The Arnold Sports Festival, founded in 1989 as the Arnold Classic and named after Arnold Schwarzenegger, was originally a bodybuilding contest only. However, the event expanded to include other sports and events, one of which was Strongman, introduced in 2002. It was specifically designed by Terry Todd at the request of Schwarzenegger to select the actual strongest strongman based on straightforward tests of brute strength. The inaugural head judge was David P. Webster.

Championship history

2002

Inaugural competition, which was called 'Arnold Strongman Challenge' was won by Mark Henry of USA over Svend Karlsen of Norway and Phil Pfister of USA. Henry won the Apollon's wheels, Andy Bolton won the deadlift, Raimonds Bergmanis won the Hummer push while Pfister won the timber carry. Competitors were also given the opportunity to attempt the Thomas Inch dumbbell outside of the competition and Henry took the win by lifting it up to chest height.

2003

2003 was the beginning of Lithuania's Žydrūnas Savickas's dominant reign of the competition. Karlsen emerged second, while Bergmanis secured third. Savickas won Apollon's wheels and timber carry while Karlsen won medicine ball toss. The Hummer tire deadlift was introduced and was won by Brad Gillingham. The competition was called 'Arnold's Strength Summit'.

2004

Savickas won his second title over Karlsen and Bergmanis. The competition was called 'Arnold's Strongest Man' and 5 events were tested. It was also the first year a 10 man lineup was selected over the initial 8 man lineup from the previous two years. Savickas secured the wins in Apollon's wheels, medicine ball toss and timber carry. Karlsen won the hammer lift while Mark Philippi won the Hummer tire deadlift.

2005

For the second year, the competition was called 'Arnold's Strongest Man' and Savickas secured his third title over Vasyl Virastyuk of Ukraine and Glenn Ross of Northern Ireland. 6 events were tested for the first time where Savickas won the Apollon's wheels and shared the medicine ball toss world record with Magnus Samuelsson. Ross won the Hummer tire deadlift, and shared the dumbbell press win with Brian Siders and Hugo Girard. Van Hatfield won the hammer lift while Philippi won the timber carry.

2006

In 2006, the competition took its default name 'Arnold Strongman Classic' and it was won by Savickas for the fourth time over Virastyuk and Mikhail Koklyaev of Russia. Savickas raised the Apollon's wheels world record to 8 reps, won the super yoke, and shared the dumbbell win with Koklyaev and Pfister. Siders won the Hummer tire deadlift while Benedikt Magnússon won the timber carry.

2007

Savickas won his fifth title over Virastyuk and Andrus Murumets of Estonia. He equaled his Apollon's wheels world record from last year and also won the Hummer tire deadlift and super yoke. The Manhood Stone was introduced for the first time and it was won by Steve MacDonald. Virastyuk won the dumbbell press and Murumets broke the timber carry world record.

2008

Savickas won his sixth consecutive title while winning Manhood Stone and sharing the dumbbell press win with American Derek Poundstone who won the overall second place. Siders won Apollon's wheels and super yoke while Murumets won the timber carry. Magnússon and Oleksandr Pekanov both broke and briefly shared the Hummer tire deadlift world record before Magnússon was given an extra attempt outside the competition to take the world record outright. Koklyaev's consistency awarded him the third place.

2009

In 2009, Savickas took a break and Derek Poundstone became the third man to win the title. He also broke the dumbbell press world record. Koklyaev won the Hummer tire deadlift and took the overall second place. Travis Ortmayer of USA won Manhood stone and took overall third. Ervin Katona won the timber carry, Vidas Blekaitis won the super yoke and Siders equaled Savickas' Apollon's wheels world record.

2010

Poundstone, having broken another dumbbell press world record and won the timber carry to win his second consecutive title over returned Savickas and Ortmayer. Savickas won the Hummer tire deadlift and established a new world record in the Axle. Brian Shaw of USA won the Manhood Stone after a close battle with Poundstone and Ortmayer. The number of events was reduced to 5.

2011

Just days before the 2011 contest, Poundstone was forced to withdraw due to injury and Brian Shaw became the fourth man to win the title. He broke the Manhood stones world record, shared the Hummer tire deadlift win with Savickas and won the timber carry. Mike Jenkins of USA won dumbbell press and secured second place. Savickas broke another Axle world record and secured third.

2012

Mike Jenkins held off Poundstone to become the fifth man to win the title. He broke dumbbell press world record and won both timber carry and the newly introduced Austrian Oak. Poundstone's consistency won him second place and Savickas secured third place after winning the Hummer tire deadlift and Axle (cleans only).

2013

The number of events were reduced to 4, and Lithuania's Vytautas Lalas became the sixth man to win the title. He also won the dumbbell press. Krzysztof Radzikowski won the Austrian Oak. Overall runner up Shaw broke another Manhood stones world record and shared the Hummer tire deadlift world record with Mark Felix. Another consistent performance earned Koklyaev the overall third.

2014

The 5 event format was brought back and Savickas won his seventh title. He won the Austrian Oak and established world records in the Hummer tire deadlift and the newly introduced bale tote. Shaw came second with a consistent performance across the board and Mike Burke emerged third. Jerry Pritchett won the timber carry and there was a four-way tie for the win of the newly introduced Cyr dumbbell press between Savickas, Shaw, Burke and Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson.

2015

Shaw won his second title winning the Hummer tire deadlift and a world record in the bale tote. He also shared the world record in the Cyr dumbbell for reps with Dimitar Savatinov. Runner up Savickas broke the Austrian Oak world record. Björnsson broke the timber carry world record and as a part of Rogue record breakers, broke the Weight over bar world record. Mateusz Kieliszkowski of Poland secured the overall third place.

2016

Žydrūnas Savickas won his eighth and final title after equaling his own Austrian Oak world record. He also won the timber carry. Runner up Shaw broke world records in the Cyr dumbbell and bale tote. Eddie Hall won the newly introduced Elephant bar deadlift while Lalas secured the overall third place. As a part of Rogue record breakers, Shaw, Björnsson and Burke set world records in Max Manhood Stone, Weight over bar, and double Thomas Inch dumbbells farmers walk, respectively.

2017

Brian Shaw won his third and final title with a world record in bale tote. He also won the timber carry and as a part of Rogue record breakers, broke Max Manhood Stone world record. The overall runner up Bjornsson won the Austrian Oak and broke the world record in the Sandbag over bar and as a part of Rogue record breakers, broke Weight over bar world record. Pritchett broke the Elephant bar deadlift world record and secured overall third place.

2018

2018 marked the beginning of Iceland's Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson's winning reign, after becoming the seventh man to win the title. He broke the Elephant bar deadlift world record, and won both the Axle press and Sandbag over bar. As a part of Rogue record breakers, he also broke the Weight over bar world record. Shaw won second place with a consistent performance across the board. Kieliszkowski broke Odd Haugen's Tombstone world record and Mikhail Shivlyakov secured the overall third place.

2019

Björnsson won his second consecutive title and in doing so broke his own Elephant bar deadlift world record, world record replica Húsafell Stone carry and as a part of Rogue record breakers, broke Weight over bar world record as well. He also shared the win in Austrian Oak with Kieliszkowski, Shivlyakov and Martins Licis. Licis broke the world record in the Conan's wheel of pain and secured the second place while Kieliszkowski broke the Odd Haugen's Tombstone world record and secured the third place.

2020

Björnsson won his third consecutive title becoming only the second man since Savickas to do so. He won the Elephant bar deadlift and the Sandbag over bar and held off Kieliszkowski who won trial by Stone, wheel of pain and established world records in Max Cyr Dumbbell and timber carry to second place. With another consistent performance, Licis secured the third place. As a part of Rogue record breakers, Tom Stoltman broke Max Manhood Stone world record.

2021

The competition was not held for the first and only time in its history due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2022

America's Martins Licis became the eighth man to win the title. He won the Odd Haugen's Tombstone and stayed consistent across the board. Ukraine's Oleksii Novikov won second place and broke the dumbbell press world record. JF Caron established a new world record in the Double-T Squat while Luke Stoltman and Bobby Thompson shared the third place.

2023

Canada's Mitchell Hooper became the ninth man to win the title, and the first man to win without winning a single event. Runner up Kieliszkowski won wheel of pain, timber carry and established a new world record in Steinstossen. Thompson emerged third with a win in briefed deadlift and Trey Mitchell won the Austrian Oak.

2024

Hooper won his second title with wins in timber carry, Axle and a world record replica Dinnie Stones carry. Björnsson who returned after a three-year hiatus and a recovering injury won the Elephant bar deadlift. Kieliszkowski won the Stones of Strength to secure second place while Stoltman emerged third.

Past winners

Winners breakdown

Multiple top 3 finishes

Championships by country

Regular events and world records

The events also include Rogue record breakers which were conducted in parallel to the Arnold Strongman Classic.

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)

2023: Arnold Strongman Classic

Dates: 3, 4 March 2023 Columbus, Ohio (Greater Columbus Convention Center, Strongman Arena)

2024: Arnold Strongman Classic

Dates: 1, 2 March 2024 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. 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 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 World's Strongest Man Zydrunas Savickas of Lithuania, who was also the 2012 SCL overall champion. Dates: October 13–14, 2012 Madrid, Spain

2016: Arnold Strongman Classic-Europe

Date: September 24, 2016 Barcelona, Spain

2017: Arnold Strongman Classic-Europe

Date: September 23, 2017 Barcelona, Spain

2018: Arnold Strongman Classic-Europe

Dates: March 16–17, 2018 Barcelona, Spain

2019: Arnold Strongman Classic-Europe

Date: September 21, 2019 Barcelona, Spain

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, "IFBB") as well as Australian Strongman Corporation and Strongman Champions League.

2015: Arnold Strongman Classic Australia

Dates: March 13–14, 2015 Melbourne, Australia

2016: Arnold Strongman Classic Australia

Dates: March 18–19, 2016 Melbourne, Australia

2017: Arnold Strongman Classic Australia

Date: March 18, 2017 Melbourne, Australia

2018: Arnold Strongman Classic Australia

Dates: March 16–17, 2018 Melbourne, Australia

2019: Arnold Strongman Classic Australia

Dates: March 15–16, 2019 Melbourne, Australia

Arnold Amateur Strongman World Championships

In 2010, the Arnold Amateur contest was formed by Dione Wessels. 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 from Poland was the 2011 winner, and Adam Scherr was the 2012 winner.

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)

2023: Arnold Amateur Strongman World Championships

Dates: 3, 5 March 2023 Columbus, Ohio (Greater Columbus Convention Center, Arnold EXPO Stage)