Rayno Nel Crowned Champion at the 48th World’s Strongest Man Competition
SACRAMENTO, CA – In a stunning display of strength and tenacity, Rayno Nel emerged victorious at the 48th edition of the World’s Strongest Man (WSM) competition, held from May 15-18 in Sacramento. Marking his first title in a remarkable debut, Nel’s journey through the four-day event was nothing short of legendary, solidifying his place in the annals of strongman history.
Competing against 25 of the world’s most formidable athletes, Nel’s path to glory was fraught with challenges, including facing off against three-time champion Tom Stoltman and reigning titleholder Mitchell Hooper. The competition saw Nel rise to the occasion, conquering both the qualifying heats and the finals with a level of dominance not seen in years.
A Historic Debut
Rayno Nel made history by becoming the first competitor to win the WSM title in his debut since 1997, following Jouko Ahola’s sensational triumph. He also made waves as the first South African to ever claim the coveted title, igniting a wave of celebration back home.
The WSM final consisted of two grueling days, where competitors battled across multiple events with a new scoring system that introduced a twist to the traditional format, adding pressure to every lift and hold.
From Underdog to Champion
Nel’s early days in the competition were anything but straightforward. Drawn into Group Three alongside seasoned competitors like Shane Flowers and Mateusz Kieliszkowski, many saw Kieliszkowski as the favorite. However, an unexpected withdrawal due to flu-like symptoms opened the door for Nel, who seized the opportunity by clinching victory in his group.
After advancing to the finals, Nel started off strong by winning the inaugural event, the KNAACK Carry and Hoist, finishing nearly four seconds ahead of Stoltman and positioning himself at the top of the leaderboard.
With the competition heating up, the 18-inch Max Deadlift event saw Trey Mitchell pull a remarkable 500 kilograms (1,102 pounds) to claim victory, while Nel’s second-place finish kept him at the forefront of the competition.
A Tense Championship Finish
As day two arrived, Nel’s resilience was tested further. Though he stumbled slightly in the Flintstone Press Max, finishing eighth, his cumulative lead allowed him to maintain his edge heading into the final event: the Atlas Stones.
The atmosphere was electric as fans watched Nel battle against the clock in lifting five colossal stones weighing between 140 to 210 kilograms onto platforms. In an exhilarating finish, Nel completed four lifts in just over 30 seconds. While Stoltman won the stone event, Nel’s earlier performances secured him the overall championship.
A Look Ahead
Nel’s victory was celebrated not just as an upset but as a sign of an exciting new chapter in the sport. Enthusiasts are eager to see how Nel will defend his title in future competitions. There remains curiosity about how the competition might have shifted had American strongman Evan Singleton not been sidelined with a biceps tear during qualifiers. Singleton, who placed third in last year’s WSM, is set to return for the 2026 competition, a match-up many are eagerly anticipating.
Final Standings
- Rayno Nel
- Tom Stoltman
- Mitchell Hooper
- Trey Mitchell
- Paddy Haynes
- Ondrej Fojtu
- Shane Flowers
- Pavlo Kordiyaka
- Luke Stoltman
- Eddie Williams
As cheers erupted for the new champion, Rayno Nel not only elevated himself into the sport’s elite but has also inspired thousands, proving that with grit and determination, dreams can become reality. The world will be watching as he prepares to defend his title in what promises to be an exciting future for the sport.