2026 World's Strongest Man Lineup
The 2026 World's Strongest Man contest has sent 21 invites with several spots still left to fill. The confirmed lineup represents the elite of global strength athletics, with final invitations still pending. The event's growing profile signals continued momentum for the sport and expanded interest from fans worldwide.
- The 2026 competition will be held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, from April 23-26. This marks a return to the location after the 2025 event was held in Sacramento. - The field of competitors will feature four previous World's Strongest Man winners: defending champion Rayno Nel, three-time champion Tom Stoltman, 2023 champion Mitchell Hooper, and 2019 champion Martins Licis. - South Africa's Rayno Nel is the defending champion, having become the first rookie to win the title since 1997 in the 2025 competition. Tom Stoltman of Great Britain and Canada's Mitchell Hooper placed second and third, respectively. - Tom Stoltman is seeking his fourth World's Strongest Man title, which would place him in an elite group of athletes who have won the competition four or more times. - Martins Licis from the USA is expected to make his return to the competition for the first time since 2022. - One month after the competition, Mitchell Hooper is scheduled to attempt a deadlift world record at the 2026 Enhanced Games. - The full roster is expected to include 25 to 30 athletes, with some fans and competitors advocating for the larger number of spots. - Athletes can qualify for the World's Strongest Man by finishing in the top three at one of the Giants Live events held throughout the year.
