The Athletes
Mitchell Hooper – Canada – 2023 World’s Strongest Man
Tom Stoltman – Scotland – 2021 & 2022 World’s Strongest Man
Luke Stoltman – Scotland – 2021 & 2024 Europe’s Strongest Man
Wesley Derwinsky – Canada – 1st Time at World’s Strongest Man
Evan Singleton – USA – 5th at World’s Strongest Man 2023
Pavlo Kordiyaka – Ukraine – 6th at World’s Strongest Man 2023 & Europe’s Strongest Man 2023
Mat Ragg – New Zealand – 7th place at World’s Strongest Man 2023
Aivars Smaukstelis – Latvia – 2nd at Europe’s Strongest Man 2024
Austin Andrade – Mexico – 1st Time at World’s Strongest Man
Tristian Hoath – Canada – 1st Time at World’s Strongest Man
The field this year on paper isn’t as strong as last year, with the likes of Brian Shaw now retired, Trey Mitchell not making it to the finals and Oleksii Novikov injured. However, we still have some STRONG MEN competing, with a number of titles between them all. 3 WSM titles between 2 men, 3 ESM titles between 2 men, an Arnold Strongman Classic champion, and a whole bunch of Giants Live champions and podium finishers. Then we have 3 newcomers who could easily upset some of the bigger names in various events!
The Events
Knaack Giant’s Medley
This will be a Frame Carry into a Yoke, similar to something we had in the 2022 finals. The top 2 there? Mitchell Hooper and Tom Stoltman. I think its probably a safe bet that they will be the top 2 again here. Luke Stoltman, Evan Singleton and perhaps one of the new Canadian finalists could get a good place here as well imo.
Keg Toss
Rather than having to throw 6 to 8 kegs ranging in weight over a set height bar in the fastest time, this seems to be a single keg weight for max height instead. Tom Stoltman being nearly 7ft gives him a big advantage in these types of events, but even smaller athletes with perhaps better technique could overtake him here. Hooper is just incredible at every event and he won’t want to take 2nd to anyone, and again I could see one of the other Canadian’s finish this event with good points too.
Max Axle Press
Another MAX event, this time for weight. Mitchell Hooper broke the world record for this a few months after WSM, but he would certainly be the big favourite here for me regardless. Tom is excellent overhead too, imo beating out his brother Luke who at one time was considered one of the top 3 pressers on the planet. Honestly outside of those I just mentioned along with Singleton and maybe Pavlo, I don’t see many athletes getting big weights here. My guess is it will be a battle between Hooper and Stoltman (Tom) for first once again.
BFGoodrich Tires HD Terrain Deadlift
Basically its a deadlift with tires for reps. I know I keep saying it, but Hooper and Stoltman. Both fantastic deadlifters, especially when it comes to reps. Hooper will probably beat Stoltman here, but expect both to pull out double figure reps. As for the rest, it should be an excellent event for a lot of the athletes, as most of them got all 5 reps done in the deadlifter ladder during the heats, so they are pretty much all great at deadlifting!
Reign Total Body Fuel Conan’s Wheel
Ignoring the sponsored branding, its the dreaded Conan’s Wheel. This event completely upended almost every heat last year, sending those in qualifying positions down the table and vice versa. Pavlo is the world recorded holder though, so he should be good for this event, while Hooper can definitely challenge him if he wants (though he’ll likely just do enough for second place and save energy). Tom was terrible at this last year, but has improved a lot so hopefully it won’t be a bogey event for the big Scot. Aside from those names, it is extremely difficult to predict this type of event as often athletes lower down the leaderboard are able to pull out a massive number, so knowing where people will land is damn near impossible!
Atlas Stones
I don’t think I need to explain this event! Tom Stoltman is THE best stone lifter in the history of WSM, so he’ll be the one to beat here. Everyone is going to be tired, so even the best stone lifters might struggle to get all 5 up. Time is going to be the biggest factor here for a number of athletes, but as always, expect Tom and Mitchell to go all out and get 5 up in fast times.
Who Will Win?
The question on everyone’s mind. In previous years its been a difficult question. This year? Not so much honestly. For me, its really only between two men:
Mitchell Hooper – He is coming into this final looking like the best in the world. As he should, given he’s the reigning and defending WSM. Since appearing on the scene just 2 years ago, he has dominated almost every show he’s competed in, almost never being off the podium, and winning more often than not. He cruised through the heats to make the finals, and given how good he is at EVERYTHING, the events in the finals are well suited to him.
Tom Stoltman – Over the last 4 years, Tom has been WSM two times, and runner up two times. Last year he came into WSM after having months off to be with his family, so he wasn’t quite in top shape. He still managed second place. This year he’s back with a vengeance, having trained more than last year, and desperate to bring a 3rd title home with him. Only the Conan’s Wheel could potentially leave him outside the top 3 out of all the events in the finals, so it all comes down to how many, if any, events he can beat Hooper in.
Between the two, while its pretty even across the board, I think I have to give the edge to…
MITCHELL HOOPER
Yes, my official prediction for the 2024 WSM is the Canadian MOOSE, Mitchell Hooper! Tom Stoltman should easily place second once again, so really the biggest mystery is who will join them on the podium? Singleton looks very good in the heats, but I reckon he’ll have some big competition from Tristian Hoath.
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