Rayno Nel (born 9 May 1995) is a South African strongman competitor from Krugersdorp.[1][2] He is the reigning World's Strongest Man (WSM) champion and the first winner of the coveted title from South Africa, the continent of Africa and the southern hemisphere.
He is also a two times Africa's Strongest Man, two times South Africa's Strongest Man and the defending Strongman Champions League world champion.[3]
Nel started his career as a Rugby player, playing for the Central University of Technology and Free State Cheetahs.[4] In 2023, he tried strongman by participating in South Africa's Strongest Man competition, where he emerged victorious. With back-to-back victories, he was invited to the Siberian Power Show and the Strongman Champions League to compete alongside other leading international athletes.
Despite a foot fracture which occurred in event two, he placed fourth at 2024 Siberian Power Show[4] and then went on a dominant run, winning 2024 SCL Holland,[5] 2024 SCL Africa and 2024 SCL World Finals.[6]
In 2025, Nel was given a wildcard invite to the 2025 World's Strongest Man Competition. In a group filled with seasoned pros, such as 2x podium finisher Mateusz Kieliszkowski and runner up at the Arnold Strongman Classic Lucas Hatton, he won his group and proceeded to defeat both former champions Mitchell Hooper and Tom Stoltman in the final to win the World's Strongest Man.
After his victory at WSM, Nel recorded two further victories over successive weekends at the Strongman Champions League, SCL Italy[7] and SCL Holland.[8]
Nel made his debut on the Giants Live circuit in July 2025, finishing 4th at the Strongman Classic behind Evan Singleton, fellow South African Jaco Schoonwinkel and Paddy Haynes.[9]
Winning percentage: 80.00%
Podium percentage: 80.00%
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Podium | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9th | 10th | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International competitions | 8 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
Nel graduated with an M.Eng in Engineering and works as an Electrical Engineer.[4]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | World's Strongest Man | Himself – Competitor |
Strongman Champions League Overall Champions | |
|---|---|
|
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