In years past, the only attention that the sport of strongman got was when it was occasionally aired on TV at random times of the year. Now the sport seemingly has a calendar full of events and news that the fans can keep up with and support. There always seems to be a new contest coming up.
One such contest will be taking place in Barcelona, Spain. The Arnold Strongman Europe contest will be happening September 20-22 and there is more than bragging rights on the line. The winner also will receive an automatic qualification to the 2020 Arnold Strongman Classic in Columbus, Ohio. Here are a few competitors to keep your eye on throughout the contest.
Martins Licis
Licis won this show in 2018 and it actually started quite a run for him. He went on to win the Arnold Strongman USA in Santa Monica, finished 2nd to Hafthor Bjornsson at the ASC this past March, and then went on to win the World’s Strongest Man title over the summer. He also came back from the bottom of the pack to finish 3rd at Giants Live Wembley in July.
However, he needs to win this event again because he’s currently not qualified for the 2020 ASC. He can score points for their scoring system should he not win but he shouldn’t leave that to chance and will go all-out here.
Brian Shaw
Shaw doesn’t need to earn a qualifying spot since he’s a past ASC champion, but it has been a while since we’ve seen him at the top of the podium. He hasn’t won a contest since he won in Columbus back in 2017. He has recently focused on dropping weight and improving his athleticism and this will be his first contest since making that commitment.
Shaw will go down as one of the greatest strongmen in history but there are some in the sport that feel his time has past. He will be physically leaner and as motivated as ever so his presence will definitely add to the excitement.
Oleksii Novikov
Novikov won the Arnold South America so he doesn’t need the qualification either but when you see his name on the list, you know he’s a threat that should be recognized. He is successful because he is consistent throughout all events. He may not win them all but he will be near the top. That means is anyone has a bad event, he can and will pass you on the leaderboard.
Mateusz Kieliszkowski
Many see this guy as the future of the sport, but he competes as if he isn’t very patient. He’s coming off of a win at Giants Live Wembley. He is a multi-time winner of Poland’s Strongest Man and has also won the Arnold Africa in the past. His career highlight is finished 2nd at the World’s Strongest Man in 2018 and 2019. He does need this win to move on to the big show in March.
Full List of Competitors
Nedzmin Ambeskovic
Maxime Boudreault
J.F. Caron
Anthony Fuhrman
Kim Gerhardt
Rauno Heinla
Mateusz Kieliszkowski
Jitse Kramer
Martins Licis
Brad Neitzel
Oleksii Novikov
Jerry Pritchett
Aaron Page
Jimmy Paquet
Luke Reynolds
Brian Shaw
Mikhail Shivlyakov
Aivers Smaukstelis
List of Events
Log Clean and Press for Reps with 180 kg (397 pounds)
Yoke Walk with 455 kg (1,003 pounds)
Farmer’s Carry with 170 kg (375 pounds). No straps allowed.
Deadlift for Reps with 365 kg (804 pounds). Straps and briefs only allowed. No figure 8 straps allowed.
Arm Over Arm Pull – Weight to be determined
Featured image: @shawstrength on Instagram
