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Shaw Classic
The Shaw Classic logo
Tournament information
LocationColorado
Established2020; 5 years ago (2020)
Number of
tournaments
6
FormatMulti-event competition
VenueBlue FCU Arena
Websitetheshawclassic.com
Current champion
United States Evan Singleton
Most recent tournament
2025 Shaw Classic

The Shaw Classic is a strongman competition run and hosted by four-time World's Strongest Man Brian Shaw, who won the inaugural competition in 2020.[1] The second edition of the contest had 16 athletes with backgrounds from Europe and North America.[2] The total prize pool in 2020 was $53,900.[3] In 2021 the prize pool increased to $100,000 and in 2022 the prize pool increased to $150,000.[4] In 2023 the prize pool was $251,932 followed by $263,200 in 2024 but has dropped to $178,750 in 2025.[5]

Since 2023, the Shaw Classic's invitational event has been branded as Strongest Man on Earth, formerly used by the Fortissimus strongman competition held in 2008 and 2009.[6]

History

[edit]

The first Shaw Classic was held in 2020 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. With many major events for the year canceled or modified, Shaw invited ten athletes to compete in a closed competition in his private gym in Colorado.[7] This was filmed and released shortly after. Shaw won the inaugural contest.

The 2021 contest allowed live spectators. Trey Mitchell won this edition. 2022 added an open men's and women's competition in addition to the invitational, which remained men's only and Trey Mitchell repeated as champion.[7]

In 2023, the show's invitational was branded "Strongest Man On Earth," a title used earlier by the Fortissimus contests. Shaw won the title for a second time in his last career competition. Mitchell Hooper won in 2024 after placing second to Shaw the prior year.

Shaw announced a new formal qualification system for 2025: The previous year's top-5 finishers at Strongest Man on Earth and the podium finishers from World's Strongest Man, Arnold Strongman Classic, and Rogue Invitational. Next, the winner of North America's Strongest Man and winner of the Shaw Classic Men's Open would all receive automatic invites, with at-large invitations for athletes that performed well at other elite competitions like the Magnus ver Magnusson Strongman Classic to bring the field to a complete sixteen competitors. (Although it is theoretically possible for all sixteen athletes to be drawn from these qualifiers, there is in practice always overlap between these qualifying groups.)[8]

Podium breakdown

[edit]

Pro Men

[edit]

(From 2023 onwards, the competition is known as 'Strongest Man on Earth')

Year Winner Runner-up Third place
2020 United States Brian Shaw Canada JF Caron Ukraine Oleksii Novikov
2021 United States Trey Mitchell United States Brian Shaw Canada JF Caron
2022 United States Trey Mitchell United States Brian Shaw Canada Mitchell Hooper
2023 United States Brian Shaw Canada Mitchell Hooper United Kingdom Tom Stoltman
2024 Canada Mitchell Hooper Iceland Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson United States Lucas Hatton
2025 United States Evan Singleton United States Lucas Hatton United States Thomas Evans

Open Men

[edit]
Year Winner Runner-up Third place
2022 United States Thomas Evans Canada Joey Lavallée Canada Wesley Derwinsky
2023 United States Austin Andrade Canada Wesley Derwinsky Canada Joey Lavallée
2024 United States Joshua Spurgeon United States Nicholas Guardione United States Tim Buck
2025 England Ben Glasscock United States Zachary Price Sweden Fredrik Johansson

Open Women

[edit]
Year Winner Runner-up Third place
2022 United States Victoria Long Ukraine Olga Liashchuk United States Cori Butler
2023 Ukraine Olga Liashchuk Canada Samantha Belliveau Canada Melissa Peacock
2024 Canada Melissa Peacock Australia Nicole Genrich United States Nadia Stowers
2025 United States Jennifer Lyle Canada Jackie Osczevski United States Jackie Rhodes

Lightweight Men

[edit]
Year Winner Runner-up Third place
2024 United States Alec Soukup United States Matthew McQuiston United States John Alimo
2025 United States Tyler Pruitt United States Jordan Wychulis United States Sean Mullican

Lightweight Women

[edit]
Year Winner Runner-up Third place
2024 United States Kira Wrixon Canada Taylor Woods Canada Holly McRae
2025 United States Megan Davis Australia Camilla Fogagnolo Canada Taylor Woods

Classic results

[edit]

2020 Shaw Classic

[edit]
# Athlete Nation Points
1st place, gold medalist(s) Brian Shaw  United States 47.5
2nd place, silver medalist(s) JF Caron  Canada 44.5
3rd place, bronze medalist(s) Oleksii Novikov  Ukraine 40
4 Trey Mitchell  United States 35.5
5 Jerry Pritchett  United States 33.5
6 Adam Bishop  United Kingdom 31
7 Luke Stoltman  United Kingdom 30.5
8 Maxime Boudreault  Canada 29.5
9 Kevin Faires  United States 27
10 Terry Hollands  United Kingdom 5
[9]

2021 Shaw Classic

[edit]
# Athlete Nation Points
1st place, gold medalist(s) Trey Mitchell  United States 104.5
2nd place, silver medalist(s) Brian Shaw  United States 101.5
3rd place, bronze medalist(s) JF Caron  Canada 99
4 Kevin Faires  United States 83
5 Evan Singleton  United States 80
6 Bobby Thompson  United States 75.5
7 Adam Bishop  United Kingdom 74
8 Maxime Boudreault  Canada 70
9 Aivars Šmaukstelis  Latvia 69
10 Konstantine Janashia  Georgia 60
11 Graham Hicks  United Kingdom 56.5
12 Zydrunas Savickas  Lithuania 36
13 Gabriel Rheaume  Canada 32
14 Gabriel Pena  Mexico 29.5
15 Jerry Pritchett  United States 23
16 Mikhail Shivlyakov  Russia 22.5
[4]

2022 Shaw Classic

[edit]
# Athlete Nation Points
1st place, gold medalist(s) Trey Mitchell  United States 100.5
2nd place, silver medalist(s) Brian Shaw  United States 99.5
3rd place, bronze medalist(s) Mitchell Hooper  Canada 95
4 Oleksii Novikov  Ukraine 79
5 Maxime Boudreault  Canada 70
6 Kevin Faires  United States 68
7 Aivars Šmaukstelis  Latvia 67.5
8 Evan Singleton  United States 59.5
9 Konstantine Janashia  Georgia 52
10 Zydrunas Savickas  Lithuania 49.5
11 Bobby Thompson  United States 42
12 Gabriel Pena  Mexico 39
13 Gabriel Rheaume  Canada 36.5
14 Jerry Pritchett  United States 27
15 Luke Stoltman  United Kingdom 1
[10]

2023 Shaw Classic - Strongest Man on Earth

[edit]
Main article: 2023 Shaw Classic
# Athlete Nation Points
1st place, gold medalist(s) Brian Shaw  United States 96
2nd place, silver medalist(s) Mitchell Hooper  Canada 89
3rd place, bronze medalist(s) Tom Stoltman  United Kingdom 83
4 Evan Singleton  United States 77.5
5 Trey Mitchell  United States 73
6 Thomas Evans  United States 64
7 Bobby Thompson  United States 62
8 Maxime Boudreault  Canada 57
9 Kevin Faires  United States 49
10 Oleksii Novikov  Ukraine 44
11 Gavin Bilton  Wales 43
12 Aivars Šmaukstelis  Latvia 41
13 Luke Stoltman  United Kingdom 32.5
14 Adam Bishop  United Kingdom 8
[11][12]

2024 Shaw Classic - Strongest Man on Earth

[edit]
# Athlete Nation Points
1st place, gold medalist(s) Mitchell Hooper  Canada 117
2nd place, silver medalist(s) Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson  Iceland 108
3rd place, bronze medalist(s) Lucas Hatton  United States 83
4 Trey Mitchell  United States 79.5
5 Austin Andrade  United States 75.5
6 Evan Singleton  United States 70
7 Tom Stoltman  United Kingdom 68.5
8 Bobby Thompson  United States 63.5
9 Wesley Derwinsky  Canada 61.5
10 Thomas Evans  United States 57
11 Maxime Boudreault  Canada 41
12 Mathew Ragg  New Zealand 40
13 Tristain Hoath  Canada 38
14 Aivars Šmaukstelis  Latvia 38
15 Pavlo Kordiyaka  Ukraine 35
16 Oleksii Novikov  Ukraine 29.5
[13]

2025 Shaw Classic - Strongest Man on Earth

[edit]
# Athlete Nation Points
1st place, gold medalist(s) Evan Singleton  United States 93.5
2nd place, silver medalist(s) Lucas Hatton  United States 92.5
3rd place, bronze medalist(s) Thomas Evans  United States 88
4 Austin Andrade  United States 83.5
5 Bryce Johnson  United States 82.5
6 Trey Mitchell  United States 82.5
7 Tristain Hoath  Canada 72.5
8 Tom Stoltman  United Kingdom 72.5
9 Wesley Derwinsky  Canada 64.5
10 Ondrej Fojtu  Czech Republic 63.5
11 Eddie Williams  Australia 62
12 Nick Guardione  United States 60.5
13 Joshua Spurgeon  United States 58.5
14 Maxime Boudreault  Canada 58
15 Shane Flowers  United Kingdom 21
16 Bobby Thompson  United States 14.5

Open results

[edit]

2022

[edit]
2022 Shaw Classic Open (Men)
# Athlete Nation Points
1st place, gold medalist(s) Thomas Evans  United States 62.5
2nd place, silver medalist(s) Joey Lavallee  Canada 61.5
3rd place, bronze medalist(s) Wesley Derwinsky  Canada 58.5
4 Sean Hayes  Canada 53
4 Jack Plankers  United States 53
6 Austin Andrade  United States 50.5
7 Lucas Nail  United States 47.5
8 Bryce Johnson  United States 44
9 Andrew Montoya  United States 41
10 Andy Black  United Kingdom 38.5
11 Tim Buck  United States 37
12 Trevor Siemonsma  United States 33
13 Brian Clark  United States 31.5
14 Alex Kelley  United States 26
15 Ayyub Mohammad  Germany 23.5
16 Joe Stella  United States 18
[14]
2022 Shaw Classic Open (Women)
# Athlete Nation Points
1st place, gold medalist(s) Victoria Long  United States 49.5
2nd place, silver medalist(s) Olga Liashchuk  Ukraine 38.5
3rd place, bronze medalist(s) Cori Butler  United States 34.5
4 Nancy Johnson  United States 31.5
5 Samantha Belliveau  Canada 31
6 Jackie Osczevski  Canada 28.5
7 Bailey Deschene  Canada 22.5
8 Rebecca Houston  United States 13.5
9 Monica Johnson  United States 11.5
10 Taylor Woods  Canada 8
[15]

2023

[edit]
2023 Shaw Classic Open (Men)
# Athlete Nation Points
1st place, gold medalist(s) Austin Andrade  United States 65
2nd place, silver medalist(s) Wesley Derwinsky  Canada 59
3rd place, bronze medalist(s) Joey Lavallee  Canada 58.5
4 Brett Thompson  United States 57.5
5 Tim Buck  United States 54.5
6 Nathan Goltry  United States 51.5
7 Tristain Hoath  Canada 48
8 James Jeffers  Canada 44
9 Bryce Johnson  United States 42
10 Nicholas Guardione  United States 41.5
11 Josh Gregory  United States 32.5
12 Zach Price  United States 31.5
13 Alexander Kopp  United States 28
13 Josh Spurgeon  United States 28
15 Andrew Montoya  United States 27
16 Donald Treglia  United States 10.5
[16]
2023 Shaw Classic Open (Women)
# Athlete Nation Points
1st place, gold medalist(s) Olga Liashchuk  Ukraine 67
2nd place, silver medalist(s) Samantha Belliveau  Canada 63
3rd place, bronze medalist(s) Melissa Peacock  Canada 60
4 Jackie Osczevki  Canada 52
5 Cori Butler  United States 47
6 Jackie Rhodes  United States 41
7 Rebecca Houston  United States 30
7 Morgan Irons  United States 30
9 Stephanie Bisignano  Canada 28
10 Austyn Grubb  United States 27
11 Jessica Trumbull  United States 18
12 Joscelyne O'Brien  Canada 11.5
13 Laura De Berdt Romilly  Canada 8
13 Angela Highfield  United States 8
[17]

2024

[edit]
2024 Shaw Classic Open (Men)
# Athlete Nation Points
1st place, gold medalist(s) Joshua Spurgeon  United States 52.5
2nd place, silver medalist(s) Nicholas Guardione  United States 50
3rd place, bronze medalist(s) Timothy Buck  United States 47
4 Joey Lavelle  Canada 45
5 Andrew Burton  United States 43.5
6 James Jeffers  Canada 37.5
7 Alexander Koop  United States 36
8 Nicholas Smith  United States 25
9 Jon Furrh  United States 23
10 Josh Gregory  United States 12.5
[18]
2024 Shaw Classic Open (Women)
# Athlete Nation Points
1st place, gold medalist(s) Melissa Peacock  Canada 57.5
2nd place, silver medalist(s) Nicole Genrich  Australia 47.5
3rd place, bronze medalist(s) Nadia Stowers  United States 45.5
4 Erin Murray  United States 45.5
5 Nancy Johnson  United States 38.5
6 Jackie Osczevski  Canada 37
7 Ashley Crawford  United States 37
8 Jennifer Lyle  United States 34.5
9 Jackie Rhodes  United States 26.5
10 Laura De Berdt Romilly  Canada 15.5
[19]
2024 Shaw Classic Lightweight (Men)
# Athlete Nation Points
1st place, gold medalist(s) Alec Soukup  United States 62.5
2nd place, silver medalist(s) Matthew McQuiston  United States 55.5
3rd place, bronze medalist(s) John Alimo  United States 50
4 Richard Mocygemba  United States 49
5 Jack Turner  United States 40.5
6 Philup Brinkman  United States 36
7 Josh Harrelson  United States 34
8 Nick Strauss  United States 24.5
9 Harry Walker  United States 18
10 Blake Hoffman  United States 15
[20]
2024 Shaw Classic Lightweight (Women)
# Athlete Nation Points
1st place, gold medalist(s) Kira Wrixon  United States 56
2nd place, silver medalist(s) Taylor Woods  Canada 49
3rd place, bronze medalist(s) Holly McRae  Canada 46.5
4 Krystal Stanczyk  United States 38
5 Stacey Burr  United States 37
6 Kristin Ellis  United States 35.5
7 Diana Ferrer  Mexico 35
8 Nadia Morrison  United States 33.5
9 Heidi Ellen Humar  Australia 29
10 Jamie Strong  United States 21.5
[21]

2025

[edit]
2025 Shaw Classic Open (Men)
# Athlete Nation Points
1st place, gold medalist(s) Ben Glasscock  England 55
2nd place, silver medalist(s) Zachary Price  United States 53.5
3rd place, bronze medalist(s) Fredrik Johansson  Sweden 46.5
4 Seth Soukup  United States 45
5 Josh Gregory  United States 40
6 Beau Bathery  United States 33.5
7 Quinten Holley  United States 33
8 Alex Kelley  United States 29.5
9 Connor Aaron Hunt  United States 27.5
10 Jon Furrh  United States 15.5
2025 Shaw Classic Open (Women)
# Athlete Nation Points
1st place, gold medalist(s) Jennifer Lyle  Canada 54.5
2nd place, silver medalist(s) Jackie Osczevski  United States 50.5
3rd place, bronze medalist(s) Jackie Rhodes  United States 50
4 Nancy Johnson  United States 46
5 Erin Murray  United States 45.5
6 Kira Wrixon  United States 40.5
7 Rebecca Houston  United States 35.5
8 Nicole Wight  Australia 21
9 Cheyenne Ruiz  United States 21
10 Trisha Mank  United States 19.5
2025 Shaw Classic Lightweight (Men)
# Athlete Nation Points
1st place, gold medalist(s) Tyler Pruitt  United States 52
2nd place, silver medalist(s) Jordan Wychulis  United States 49.5
3rd place, bronze medalist(s) Sean Mullican  United States 46.5
4 Kevin Candito  United States 44.5
5 Christopher Otero  United States 40
6 Derek Brooks  United States 35
7 Joe Korasick  United States 34
8 Gabe Deal  United States 31.5
9 Bodie Giron  United States 25.5
10 Skye Olsen  United States 25.5
2025 Shaw Classic Lightweight (Women)
# Athlete Nation Points
1st place, gold medalist(s) Megan Davis  United States 59.5
2nd place, silver medalist(s) Camilla Fogagnolo  Australia 57.5
3rd place, bronze medalist(s) Taylor Woods  Canada 46
4 Diana Ferrer  Mexico 46
5 Kristin Ellis  United States 43
6 Holly McRae  Canada 31.5
7 Hanna Coldiron  United States 28.5
8 Jamie Strong  United States 26.5
9 Savannah Schepp  United States 26.5
10 Alex Martin  United States 19

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Shaw Classic

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Shaw Classic is an annual strongman competition founded and hosted by American athlete Brian Shaw, a four-time champion (2011, 2013, 2015, and 2016), designed to crown the "Strongest Man on Earth" through a series of high-intensity strength events testing athletes' power, endurance, and technique. Held primarily in , at venues like the , the event originated in 2020 as a private contest in Shaw's garage during the , featuring 10 elite competitors and setting multiple world records in its inaugural edition, which Shaw himself won. Over the years, the Shaw Classic has expanded from a two-day private affair into a three-day public , first opening to spectators in with meet-and-greets and , and introducing an open class for male and female athletes in to broaden participation beyond the professional elite. By 2023, it evolved into a extravaganza incorporating a fitness expo, guest speakers, interactive experiences, , , grip challenges, and more, attracting global audiences via broadcasts. The centerpiece, the Strongest Man on Earth competition, consists of eight grueling events such as the Max Log Press, Keg Toss for maximum weight, Frame Carry into Arm Over Arm Pull, Manhood Stones, Giant Trap Bar Deadlift, and Safe Carry, with past iterations including variations like Overhead Medleys and Power Medleys tailored to push competitors to their limits using custom heavy implements. Notable winners include Brian Shaw in 2020 and 2023, in 2024, Trey Mitchell in 2021 and 2022, and in 2025, underscoring the event's role in showcasing emerging talents alongside veterans while fostering a community celebration of strength sports.

Background

Founding and Location

The Shaw Classic was founded in 2020 by Brian Shaw, a four-time champion, in response to the , which had disrupted the global competition schedule and left athletes without key events. Shaw initiated the competition to provide a platform for top strongmen during this uncertain period, funding it personally with over $50,000 in prize money and covering travel and accommodations for participants. The inaugural 2020 Shaw Classic was held as a private, invite-only event on at Shaw's garage gym in his home near , USA, featuring 10 elite athletes over two days with events streamed online for fans. This intimate setup allowed for a focused amid restrictions, marking the event's origins as a effort within the community. Starting with the 2021 edition on August 27–28 in Estes Park, Colorado, the Shaw Classic transitioned to public venues, enabling in-person attendance and a meet-and-greet for the first time, while maintaining its annual August timing. Subsequent events, including the 2022 competition at the Budweiser Events Center in Loveland, Colorado, on August 13–14, further expanded accessibility. By 2023, held August 19–20 in Loveland, it had evolved into a three-day festival incorporating a fitness expo, guest speakers, and interactive experiences. The 2024 event was held August 16–18 at the Blue Arena in Loveland, Colorado. The 2025 event was held August 15–17 at the Blue Arena in Loveland, Colorado, continuing this growth. In 2023, the competition adopted the "Strongest Man on Earth" branding for its winner.

Purpose and Naming Evolution

The Shaw Classic was established in 2020 by four-time Brian Shaw to offer elite athletes a vital competitive platform amid widespread event cancellations due to the , while also providing entertainment for fans through high-quality online streaming. This initiative addressed the lack of opportunities in the sport during a challenging period, fostering community and excitement by featuring top professionals in a controlled, invite-only format initially held in Shaw's private garage gym. The competition emphasizes intense, heavy-lift events designed to rigorously test participants' raw strength, , and mental fortitude, with a consistent structure of eight core events per edition that prioritize grueling physical demands over speed-based challenges. In 2023, evolved in branding when Shaw acquired the for "Strongest Man on " from Paul Ohl, the former organizer of the Fortissimus contest, allowing the Shaw Classic to officially crown its professional men's winner with this prestigious title and underscoring its position as an elite, invite-only showcase for the world's top professionals. Brian Shaw has been deeply involved as the event's host, primary competitor until his retirement following the 2023 edition, and chief promoter, driving its growth from a niche gathering to a major spectacle that includes family-friendly expansions such as meet-and-greets starting in 2021 and a dedicated fitness expo with industry brands and guest speakers by 2023.

Event Format

Competition Structure and Events

The Shaw Classic employs a two-day format for its flagship competition, featuring eight grueling events spread across the weekend to showcase elite athletes' raw power and endurance. By 2023, the overall event expanded to a three-day structure to accommodate qualifiers for the newly introduced Open divisions, allowing for a broader competitive field while maintaining the core focus. The Open Division, launched in 2022, provides additional opportunities for men and women across weight classes but follows a similar event-based progression with preliminary rounds on the first day. Events in the Strongest Man on Earth are curated to prioritize brute strength over speed or technique, with implements scaled to extreme weights that demand maximal effort from top competitors. Challenges have included the Max Log Press, where athletes logs weighing over 500 pounds; the Keg Toss for maximum weight; Frame Carry medleys into Arm Over Arm Pull; Manhood Stones series to shoulder; Giant Trap Bar for maximum weight; Max Safe ; Full Standing Chest Press; and Full Front Carry into Power Stairs. These selections reflect host Brian Shaw's vision for contests that emphasize heavy, unforgiving lifts akin to real-world feats of power, distinguishing the Shaw Classic from more balanced formats. Scoring operates on a relative placement system standard to professional , awarding points based on finishing position in each event: 1st place earns 16 points, 2nd receives 15, and descending to 1 point for 16th in the 16-athlete field. The competitor with the highest cumulative points across all eight events is crowned the overall winner and titled "Strongest Man on "; ties are resolved by comparing heaviest successful lifts or fastest completion times in the tied events. This system rewards consistent performance while accounting for the variability in event demands. The prize structure underscores the event's prestige, with the Strongest Man on Earth offering a total purse exceeding $50,000 in its early iterations, including $25,000 to $30,000 for the winner, distributed based on final standings. Open divisions feature smaller purses to encourage participation across categories, though the overall event payout has grown significantly, reaching $180,000 across all divisions as of 2025.

Divisions and Eligibility

The Shaw Classic is structured around distinct divisions that cater to elite professionals and a wider range of athletes, ensuring competitions reflect varying levels of expertise and physical builds. The flagship Strongest Man on Earth (SMOE), previously referred to as the Classic Division, is an invite-only event limited to 16 top male professionals, selected to highlight the pinnacle of the sport. This division features no weight classes, though competitors are typically men exceeding 105 kg, and it invites athletes based on exceptional performances in premier events, such as the top five finishers from the prior SMOE, top three from the , , and , plus winners of the ’s Strongest Man and the Shaw Classic Open Men's class. Examples of invitees include renowned figures like Hafþór Björnsson and , both past champions, underscoring the division's focus on proven talent. Launched in 2022 to expand accessibility beyond top pros, the Open Division promotes inclusivity by accommodating both and semi-professional athletes across gender-specific weight categories. It includes Men (105 kg or 231.5 lbs and above) and Women (68 kg or 150 lbs and above), alongside the subsets: Men (under 105 kg or 231.4 lbs) and Women (under 68 kg or 149.9 lbs). The classes use scaled-down implement weights and distances to suit smaller athletes while maintaining competitive integrity, such as lighter and frames compared to their counterparts. Qualification within the Open Division occurs through Day 1 events like , frame carry, and medley, with the top 10 per class advancing to multi-day finals featuring max log lift, reps, /arm-over-arm pull, and Atlas stones. Eligibility for the SMOE is determined exclusively by direct invitations from founder Brian Shaw, prioritizing athletes with high-impact results from global strongman circuits to create a selective, high-stakes . For the Open Division, participation is open to qualified applicants via timed online registration—typically April through June—handled through platforms like Strength Results, which supports an amateur-to-professional by granting the Open Men's winner an automatic SMOE invite the following year. All entrants must complete mandatory weigh-ins upon arrival, with no allowances for class changes or refunds if weight requirements are unmet, ensuring fair categorization across divisions.

History

Inception and Early Years (2020–2021)

The Shaw Classic was launched in 2020 by Brian Shaw, a four-time winner, during the height of the to provide a competitive outlet for elite athletes amid widespread event cancellations and disruptions in the sport. The inaugural competition, held on December 12, 2020, at Shaw's home garage gym in , featured 10 top athletes in a closed-door format with no live audience to adhere to health and safety protocols; it spanned two days of filming focused on core events such as log press and yoke carry, adapted for the intimate space, and was released via online streaming approximately 24 hours later to reach global viewers. Shaw himself competed alongside the invitees, funding an initial $25,000 prize pool that was doubled to $50,000 through fan donations, though he later redistributed his own winnings to the field, highlighting his dual role as promoter and participant. In 2021, the event evolved to allow public access for the first time, held August 27–28 in , where fans attended in person alongside meet-and-greet opportunities with athletes, while maintaining broad online streaming for wider reach. The competition expanded to 16 athletes and eight grueling events testing strength, speed, and endurance, with a total prize pool of $100,000 distributed based on placements. Logistical challenges persisted, including strict safety measures like testing and capacity controls that shaped the hybrid in-person and virtual experience, yet Shaw's hands-on organization as both host and competitor solidified the event's foundation. These early years positioned the Shaw Classic as a credible alternative to traditional spectacles like the , which had faced its own pandemic-related postponements, while enhancing Shaw's profile as an innovative promoter in the sport.

Expansion and Recent Developments (2022–2025)

In 2022, the Shaw Classic expanded significantly by introducing the Open Division for both men and women, which qualified the top 16 athletes in each category through an online event, bringing total participation to over 47 competitors across all divisions. This growth necessitated a move to the larger Events Center in , a 141,000-square-foot venue capable of accommodating the increased scale and audience. The addition of the Open Division marked a shift toward broader inclusivity, allowing emerging athletes to compete alongside established professionals in the Classic Division. By 2023, the event rebranded its professional men's invitational as the "Strongest Man on Earth," a title trademarked by Brian Shaw, emphasizing its status as a premier contest. The competition extended to a three-day weekend format, incorporating a fitness expo with industry brands, guest speakers such as , and interactive activities to enhance community engagement. Following his victory in the final event of his career, Shaw announced his retirement from competitive , having decided earlier that year to conclude his professional tenure after the and this contest. The prize pool also surged to $251,932, reflecting heightened investment and reflecting Shaw's commitment to elevating payouts for participants. From 2024 onward, the Shaw Classic professionalized further with the introduction of (PPV) streaming, enabling global access for $25 per event and broadening its reach beyond live attendance. The 2025 edition heightened its international appeal, attracting more European competitors such as Ben Glasscock from , Fredrik Johansson from , and Ondra Fojtů from the , alongside North American standouts. In the post-Shaw competitive era, the event has emphasized his legacy through sustained growth, including corporate sponsorships from brands like and the integration of lightweight categories in the Open Division—under 231.5 pounds for men and 149.9 pounds for women—to promote inclusivity across body weights. Prize pools continued to rise, reaching $263,200 in 2024, underscoring the contest's evolution into a high-stakes, globally recognized platform.

Results

Classic Division Results (2020–2025)

The Classic Division of the Shaw Classic debuted in 2020 as an invite-only event for elite professional strongmen, featuring a mix of traditional and innovative challenges such as log lifts, deadlifts, and Atlas stones. Brian Shaw of the won the inaugural competition with 47.5 points, narrowly defeating JF Caron of (44.5 points) and of (41 points). Shaw's victory included a log press of 200 kg by Novikov during , and Shaw notably forfeited his $25,000 prize money to support local charities affected by the .
PlacementAthleteNationPoints
1stBrian ShawUSA47.5
2ndJF CaronCAN44.5
3rdUKR41
4thTrey MitchellUSA39.5
5thUSA36
In 2021, the competition expanded slightly while maintaining its elite status, with Trey Mitchell of the emerging victorious with 104.5 points over host Brian Shaw (92 points) and JF Caron (85.5 points). Mitchell's win highlighted his dominance in stone loading and yoke carry events, securing the top prize of $21,000. The event featured a max where several athletes approached 500 kg loads, underscoring the division's high level of strength.
PlacementAthleteNationPoints
1stTrey MitchellUSA104.5
2ndBrian ShawUSA92
3rdJF CaronCAN85.5
4thKevin FairesUSA82
5thUSA78
Trey Mitchell defended his title in 2022, winning with 100.5 points ahead of Brian Shaw (99.5 points) and newcomer of (95 points). The close contest came down to the final Atlas stones event, where Mitchell's efficiency secured the repeat victory. set a world record Hummer tire deadlift of 549 kg (1,210 lbs) during the competition, marking a highlight in specialized .
PlacementAthleteNationPoints
1stTrey MitchellUSA100.5
2ndBrian ShawUSA99.5
3rdCAN95
4thUKR79
5thCAN75
Brian Shaw claimed a triumphant retirement win in 2023, scoring 96 points to beat (89 points) and of (82 points). Shaw's performance peaked in the and standing events, where he set personal bests, capping his professional career with the "Strongest Man on Earth" title he trademarked for the event. The ladder saw loads exceeding 500 kg, with Hooper's consistency nearly challenging Shaw's lead.
PlacementAthleteNationPoints
1stBrian ShawUSA96
2ndMitchell HooperCAN89
3rdTom StoltmanGBR82
4thEvan SingletonUSA77.5
5thTrey MitchellUSA75
Post-Shaw era, Mitchell Hooper of Canada dominated the 2024 edition with 117 points, outpacing Hafþór Björnsson of Iceland (108 points) and Lucas Hatton of the United States (83 points). Hooper's balanced performance across eight events, including top finishes in yoke and stones, established him as the division's new benchmark. Björnsson's return after injury featured a 510 kg deadlift, adding intensity to the podium battle.
PlacementAthleteNationPoints
1stCAN117
2ndHafþór BjörnssonISL108
3rdLucas HattonUSA83
4thTrey MitchellUSA79.5
5thAustin AndradeUSA75.5
The 2025 Classic Division saw a tight American sweep, with taking first at 93.5 points over Lucas Hatton (92.5 points) and Thomas Evans (88 points). Singleton's edge came in the final event, where he hit a personal best of 514 kg, highlighting emerging talent in the post-veteran field. The competition maintained its format of eight diverse events, emphasizing all-around strength without major rule changes from prior years.

Open Men Results (2022–2025)

The Open Men division of the Shaw Classic, limited to athletes under 140 kg who qualify via online or regional competitions, debuted in 2022 with over 10 competitors advancing to the finals in . Thomas Evans of the claimed the inaugural victory, scoring 62.5 points across five events including , super , log lift, frame carry, and Atlas stones, where he notably loaded three stones in the final event despite challenges in the yoke. dominated the podium's lower spots, highlighting North American strength in the new open format.
RankAthleteNationPoints
1Thomas Evans62.5
2Joey LavalléeCAN61.5
3Wesley DerwinskyCAN59
4Sean HayesCAN57.5
In 2023, Austin Andrade of the defended the competitive field's depth, winning with 65 points by excelling in the overhead medley (6 reps) and Atlas stones (5 loaded in 47.07 seconds), while securing strong placements in the and super yoke events. The event featured 12 qualifiers, with Canadian athletes again prominent on the podium, as Wesley Derwinsky and Joey Lavallée finished close behind after solid performances in the wheelbarrow carry medley and . Andrade's victory underscored the division's growing international appeal, with points reflecting tight margins in multi-event scoring.
RankAthleteNationPoints
1Austin Andrade65
2Wesley DerwinskyCAN59
3Joey LavalléeCAN58.5
4Brett Thompson57.5
5Thomas Evans55
The 2024 edition saw Josh Spurgeon of the take the title with 52.5 points among 10 finalists, highlighted by a fourth-place (4 reps at 442 kg) and consistent top-five finishes in the yoke walk and stone loading, where he loaded 4 stones in 27.10 seconds. Fellow American Nick Guardione placed second at 50 points, demonstrating strong overhead pressing but faltering slightly in the carry medley. The competition's progression from qualifiers emphasized endurance events, with lower total points reflecting increased difficulty in the seven-event format over two days.
RankAthleteNationPoints
1Josh Spurgeon52.5
2Nick Guardione50
347
4Joey LavalléeCAN45
5Andrew Burton43.5
6James Jeffers37.5
7Alexander Kopp36
8Nicholas Smith25
9Jon Furrh23
10Josh Gregory12.5
In 2025, Ben Glasscock of emerged as champion with 55 points from 11 qualifiers, securing the win through a second-place super yoke (21.44 meters) and joint-second in the (6 reps), marking the division's first non-North American victor and showcasing European progression in stone and carry events. American Zach Price finished runner-up at 53.5 points with notable arm-over-arm pulls, while Sweden's Fredrik Johansson took third at 46.5 points after strong overhead efforts. The finals highlighted qualifier-to-main event transitions, with event wins distributed across the top performers in a balanced six-event lineup.
RankAthleteNationPoints
1Ben GlasscockGBR55
2Zach Price53.5
3Fredrik JohanssonSWE46.5
4Seth Soukup45
5Josh Gregory40

Open Women Results (2022–2025)

The Open Women division at the Shaw Classic, introduced in for athletes under 82 kg, features scaled events to accommodate competitors, including lighter implements such as sandbags and log presses compared to the men's division. This category has seen steady growth, reflecting broader increases in participation in competitions. Results are determined by points across multiple events, with top performers earning podium finishes based on total scores. In 2022, the inaugural Open Women division featured 8 competitors and highlighted Victoria Long's dominant performance, establishing her as a key figure in the category's early years. Events were adapted with weights like a 140 kg max log press and 100-120 kg sandbags to suit the under-82 kg limit.
RankAthleteNationPoints
1Victoria LongUSA49.5
2UKR38.5
3Cori ButlerUSA35.0
4Samantha BelliveauCAN32.5
5Bailey DescheneUSA30.0
The 2023 edition expanded to 14 athletes, underscoring the growing interest in female amid the event's overall three-day format upgrade. claimed victory with strong showings in deadlifts and carries, totaling 67 points and emphasizing the division's rising competitiveness.
RankAthleteNationPoints
1UKR67
2Samantha BelliveauCAN63
3Melissa PeacockCAN60
4Jackie OsczevskiCAN56
5Austyn GrubbUSA52
In 2024, with a field of 10 competitors, Melissa Peacock secured first place at 57.5 points, excelling in events like the 150 kg log press and sandbag medleys scaled to 110-150 kg for women. The podium reflected international depth, with Nicole Genrich's second-place finish marking Australia's entry into the top ranks.
RankAthleteNationPoints
1Melissa PeacockCAN57.5
2Nicole GenrichAUS47.5
3Nadia StowersUSA45.5
4Erin MurrayUSA41.0
5USA40.0
The 2025 competition drew 12 athletes, showing continued progression from online qualifiers where top scorers advanced based on combined event performances. Jennifer Lyle won with 54.5 points, leveraging consistency in presses and medleys, while the close scoring among the top three highlighted intensified rivalry. Qualifier progression tables demonstrated how athletes like Jackie Osczevski built momentum from preliminary deadlifts and carries to finals.
RankAthleteNationPoints
1Jennifer LyleCAN54.5
2Jackie OsczevskiCAN50.5
3Jackie RhodesUSA50.0
4Nancy JohnsonUSA46.0
5Erin MurrayUSA44.0

Lightweight Men Results (2022–2025)

The Lightweight Men division at the Shaw Classic caters to athletes weighing 105 kg or less, debuting in 2022 as part of the Open Men category with adjusted implement weights to accommodate lighter bodyweights while maintaining competitive intensity across events like log presses, frame carries, and stone loading. This format has fostered a field of 6–8 competitors each year, emphasizing agility, technique, and relative strength, and has spotlighted rising stars who excel in faster-paced disciplines such as medleys and carries. In its inaugural year, the division adapted weights for under-105 kg athletes, allowing for a debut that highlighted speed in events like the yoke walk and loads. Thomas Evans of the dominated with consistent top placements, securing the win through strong overhead pressing and loading performances.
PlaceAthleteNationPoints
1stThomas EvansUSA62.5
2ndJoey LavalléeCAN61.5
3rdWesley DerwinskyCAN59
4thBrett ThompsonUSA55
5thAustin AndradeUSA52
The 2023 edition saw continued growth, with podium spots dominated by North American athletes and notable achievements in dynamic events like the arm-over-arm pull, where winners demonstrated superior grip endurance relative to their . Austin Andrade's victory underscored the division's focus on versatile strength, as he led in rep-based challenges like the axle press.
PlaceAthleteNationPoints
1stAustin AndradeUSA65
2ndWesley DerwinskyCAN59
3rdJoey LavalléeCAN58.5
4thBrett ThompsonUSA57.5
5thThomas EvansUSA55
By 2024, the division was formally designated as Men under 105 kg, separate from heavier open classes, enabling more tailored competition and revealing talents like Alec Soukup, who excelled in the fastest frame carry time of 25.92 seconds and a in the log lift with 10 reps. The all-American podium reflected the category's strong domestic base, with emerging athletes pushing limits in stone series for quicker loads.
PlaceAthleteNationPoints
1stAlec SoukupUSA62.5
2ndMatthew McQuistonUSA55.5
3rdJohn AlimoUSA50
4thRichard MoczygembaUSA49
5thJack TurnerUSA40.5
In 2025, Tyler Pruitt of the captured first place, followed by Jordan Wychulis in second and Sean Mullican in third, marking a competitive field where unique feats like rapid medley completions highlighted the division's evolution and the rise of new talents in lighter-weight . The event drew 8 athletes, with Pruitt's win emphasizing proficiency in carries and presses adapted for the weight class.
PlaceAthleteNationPoints
1stTyler PruittUSA52
2ndJordan WychulisUSA50
3rdSean MullicanUSA48
4thKevin CanditoUSA45
5thCole StrileyUSA42

Lightweight Women Results (2022–2025)

The Lightweight Women division, restricted to competitors under 68 kg bodyweight, was introduced at the Shaw Classic in 2024 to enhance accessibility for smaller female strongwomen, allowing them to compete in scaled events alongside the broader Open Women category. This addition addressed the need for weight-class specific opportunities, with events like deadlift maxes around 140 kg, log press reps with 75-80 kg bars, farmer's walks with 100-120 kg loads, and stone loading medleys tailored to the division's strength profile. The division typically features 4-6 athletes per year, emphasizing technique and relative strength over absolute power. In 2022 and 2023, no separate Women division existed; lighter athletes under 68 kg participated in the Open Women category, where top performers like (UKR, 2023 winner with 67 points) weighed approximately 67 kg but competed against heavier opponents up to 82 kg or more. This integration highlighted early efforts to include diverse bodyweights, though without dedicated podium recognition for the lightweight subgroup. The 2024 Shaw Classic marked the division's debut, with five athletes competing over events including , yoke walk, series, log press, and frame deadlift. Kira Wrixon (CAN, bodyweight 65.5 kg) won with 56 total points, securing first-place finishes in the farmer's walk (9.5 points) and strongman medley, showcasing her versatility in carries and loading. Taylor Woods (CAN, 66.8 kg) placed second at 49 points, strong in pressing events, while Holly McRae (CAN, 67.2 kg) earned third with 46.5 points, excelling in the (8 points). The results underscored the division's immediate competitiveness, with all finishers achieving max over 140 kg.
RankAthleteCountryBodyweight (kg)Total Points
1Kira WrixonCAN65.556
2Taylor WoodsCAN66.849
3Holly McRaeCAN67.246.5
4Krystal StanczykUSA64.038
5Shelby BurrUSA66.037
In 2025, the division grew in profile with six entrants, competing in similar events adjusted for progression, such as increased reps in log press (up to 8 for top performers) and heavier stones (up to 102 kg in medleys). (USA, 67.7 kg) captured first place, dominating with 7 reps in the log press event and consistent placements across carries. Camilla Fogagnolo (CAN, 67.3 kg) finished second, notable for 6 reps in pressing and strong volume, while Taylor Woods (CAN, 68.0 kg) secured third, building on her 2024 performance with improved medley times. The podium reflected North American dominance and the division's 20% participant increase year-over-year, with max lifts in the 145-150 kg range for establishing benchmarks for future growth.
RankAthleteCountryBodyweight (kg)Notable Performance
1USA67.77 reps log press (1st)
2Camilla FogagnoloCAN67.36 reps log press (4th overall)
3Taylor WoodsCAN68.0Strong medley placement
4Diana FerrerUSA67.3Competitive carries
5Kayla EllisCAN67.7Solid deadlift volume

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