• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The BarBend Logo in white.

BarBend

The Online Home for Strength Sports

  • Strength
    • Best Home Gym Machines
      • Best Functional Trainers
      • Best Squat Racks
      • Best Budget Home Gym Equipment
      • Best Cable Machines
      • Best Weight Benches
      • Best Smith Machines
      • Best Smart Home Gyms
    • Best Barbells
      • Best Budget Exercise Bikes
      • Best Budget Barbells
      • Best Powerlifting Barbells
      • Best Barbells For Women
    • Best Kettlebells
      • Best Adjustable Kettlebells
    • Best Dumbbells
      • Best Adjustable Dumbbells
    • More Strength Equipement
      • Best Resistance Bands
      • Best Weight Plates
      • Best Bumper Plates
      • Best Slam Balls
      • Best Weighted Vests
      • Best Weight Sleds
      • All Other Strength Equipment
    • Training
      • Exercise Guides
        • Deadlift
        • Bench Press
        • Back Squat
        • Overhead Press
        • Lat Pulldown
        • Shoulder Exercises
        • Chest Exercises
        • Ab Exercises
        • Quad Exercises
        • Biceps Exercises
      • Training Guides
        • Beginner’s Guide to the Gym
        • How to Build Muscle
        • Guide to Muscle Hypertrophy
        • How to Train on a Cut
      • Workouts
        • Back Workouts
        • At-Home Workouts
        • Chest & Back Workouts
        • Full-Body Workout
        • HIIT Workouts
        • Bodybuilding Workouts
        • Farmer’s Carry Workouts
      • Programs
        • 5×5 Program
        • Bodybuilding Programs
        • Push-Up Program
        • Pull-Up Program
        • 5/3/1 Program
        • Powerbuilding Program
        • German Volume Training
        • Build Your Own Program
    • News
      • CrossFit
      • Strongman
      • Bodybuilding
      • Powerlifting
      • Weightlifting
      • HYROX
    • Individual Strength Equipment Reviews
  • Nutrition
    • Best Protein
      • Best Protein Powder for Men
      • Best Whey Isolate Protein Powders
      • Best Protein Powder For Women
      • Best Tasting Protein Powders
      • Best Protein Bars
      • Protein by Goal
        • Best Mass Gainer
        • Best Protein Powder for Weight Loss
        • Best Protein Powder for Weight Gain
        • Best Protein Powder for Muscle Gain
      • Protein by Diet
        • Best Egg White Protein Powder
        • Best Keto Protein Powder
        • Best Organic Protein Powder
        • Best Vegan Protein Powders
    • Best BCAA’s
      • Best BCAA’s for Women
    • Best Fat Burners
      • Best Non-Stim Fat Burners
      • Best Fat Burners For Men
      • Best Curved Treadmills
      • Best Fat Burners For Women
    • Best Pre-Workouts
      • Best Non-Stim Pre-Workouts
      • Best Pre-Workout for Women
      • Best Pre-Workouts for Men
      • Strongest Pre-Workouts
    • Best Creatine
      • Best Creatine Gummies
      • Best Creatine For Women
      • Best Creatine for Men
    • Other Nutrition Products
      • Best Meal Replacements
      • Best Nitric Oxide Supplements
      • Best Electrolyte Supplements
      • Best Greens Powder
        • Best Greens Powder for Pregnancy
      • Best Meal Delivery Services
        • Best Budget Meal Delivery Services
        • Best Vegan Meal Delivery Service
        • Best Healthy Meal Delivery Service
        • Best Meal Delivery Service for Weight Loss
        • Best Paleo Meal Delivery Services
        • Best Multivitamins for Women
        • Best Multivitamins for Men
        • Best Supplement Stacks
        • Best Multivitamins
    • Guides
      • Diets
        • Carb Cycling
        • Vertical Diet
        • Reverse Dieting
        • Carnivore Diet
        • Ketogenic Diet
        • Intermittent Fasting
        • IIFYM Diet
      • Muscle Gain
        • How to Dirty Bulk
        • Go From Cutting to Bulking
        • Eat These Carbs
        • How to Eat for Muscle
      • Fat Loss
        • Macros for Fat Loss
        • Calorie Deficits
        • Natural Fat Burners
        • Cut 2 Pounds Weekly
      • Supplement Guides
        • Pre-Workout
        • Whey Protein
        • Mass Gainers
        • Greens Powders
        • Creatine
        • BCAAs
      • Daily Protein Needs
      • Pre- and Post-Workout Nutrition
      • Foods With Creatine
      • Bulking Tips
    • Individual Supplement Reviews
  • Conditioning
    • Best Treadmills
      • Best Manual Treadmills
      • Best Compact Treadmills
      • Best Budget Treadmills
      • Best Treadmills Under $2000
      • Best Treadmills Under $1000
      • Best Treadmills For Tall People
      • Best Commercial Treadmills
      • Best Under Desk Treadmills
    • Best Rowing Machines
      • Best Water Rowing Machines
      • Best Budget Rowing Machines
      • Best Compact Rowing Machines
      • Best Foldable Rowing Machines
      • Best Air Rowing Machines
    • Best Exercise Bikes
      • Best Recumbent Bikes
      • Best Folding Exercise Bikes
      • Best Exercise Bikes For Seniors
      • Best Air Bikes
    • Best Ellipticals
      • Best Budget Ellipticals
      • Best Compact Ellipticals
      • Best Rear Driving Ellipticals
      • Best Ellipticals For Seniors
      • Best Under Desk Ellipticals
      • Best Ellipticals Under $1000
    • Other Conditioning Products
      • Best Jump Ropes
      • Best Plyometric Boxes
      • Best Speed Sleds
      • Best Agility Ladders
      • Best Vertical Climbers
      • Best Commercial Stair Climbers
      • Best Affordable Stair Climbers
    • Individual Cardio Equipment Reviews
  • Recovery
    • Best Cold Plunges
    • Best Saunas
      • Best Infrared Sauna
    • Best Massage Guns
      • Best Mini-Massage Guns
    • Best Compression Boots
    • Best Back Massagers
    • Best Massage Chairs
    • Other Recovery Tools
      • Best Inversion Tables
      • Best Vibrating Massage Rollers
      • Best Massage Balls
      • Best Ice Wraps
      • Best Foam Rollers
    • Recovery Guides
  • Fitness Accessories
    • Fitness Tech
      • Best Fitness Apps
        • Best Weightlifting Apps
        • Best Workout Programs
        • Best Cycling Apps
        • Best Treadmills Apps
        • Best Workout Streaming Services
        • Best Workout Apps
        • Best Running Apps
    • Best Bluetooth Earbuds
    • Best Digital Scales
      • Best Smart Scales
    • Best Fitness Trackers
      • Best Heart Rate Monitors
      • Best Pedometers
      • Best Stopwatches
    • Apparel
      • Best Running Shoes
      • Best Weightlifting Shoes
      • Best Cross Training Shoes
      • Best Gym Shorts
      • Best Sports Bras
      • Best Trail Running Shoes
    • Support Gear
      • Best Lifting Straps
      • Best Gym Bags
      • Best Lifting Gloves
      • Best Wrist Wraps
      • Best Lifting Chalk
      • Best Dip Belts
      • Best Pull Up Assist Bands
      • Best Lifting Belts
  • Community Forum
Home » Strongman News » 2021 World's Strongest Man Pickaxe Hold — Results and Recap

2021 World’s Strongest Man Pickaxe Hold — Results and Recap

Notably, 2020 WSM winner Oleksii Novikov has been eliminated.

Phil Blechman
Written by Phil Blechman
Last updated on August 3rd, 2023

The fourth and final event of the 2021 World’s Strongest Man (WSM) qualifying stage before the Stone Off was the Pickaxe Hold. All five groups participated in this event — it was 101 degrees outside. Each athlete was tasked with standing with their backs against a pillar and holding up a 60-pound pickaxe with outstretched arms for as long as possible.

Brian Shaw and JF Caron came into the event with 4.5 and four-point leads in their groups, respectively. A single point only separated Tom Stoltman and Trey Mitchell for the lead in Group Two. Group Five was the closest, with 2020 WSM Oleksii Novikov and Luke Stoltman tied for first with 15 points, and Kevin Faires and Bobby Thompson tied at 13 points. 

2021 World’s Strongest Man Pickaxe Hold Results

The pickaxe weighed 60-pounds, and competitors had to hold it for as long as possible. No one broke a minute. 

Group One

  1. Aivars Smaukstelis — 32.51 seconds
  2. Gavin Bilton — 31.02 seconds
  3. Maxime Boudreault — 30.64 seconds
  4. Travis Ortmayer — 20.28 seconds
  5. Brian Shaw — 5.64 seconds

Group Two

  1. Trey Mitchell — 46.13 seconds
  2. Mark Felix — 40.82 seconds
  3. Tom Stoltman — 36.90 seconds
  4. Evan Singleton — 28.90 seconds
  5. Johnny Hansson — 28.15 seconds

Group Three

  1. Robert Oberst — 48.03 seconds
  2. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 43.67 seconds
  3. JF Caron — 29.09 seconds
  4. Mikhail Shivlyakov — 23.25 seconds

Group Four

  1. Jerry Pritchett — 35:39 seconds
  2. Konstantine Janashia — 25.07 seconds
  3. Adam Bishop — 10.97 seconds

Group Five

  1. Bobby Thompson — 41.62 seconds
  2. Kevin Faires — 35.38 seconds
  3. Luke Stoltman — 34.60 seconds
  4. Oleksii Novikov — 32.81 seconds
  5. Ervin Toots — 24.42 seconds

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by JF Caron Strongman (@jfcaronstrongman)

[Related: What You Need to Know About How to Increase Strength]

Group One

Travis Ortmayer and Gavin Bilton were tied for fourth in Group One with eight points each, but Ortmayer was chosen to run the first heat alone. From the get-go, he was shaking but had a solid grip on the thick of the handle. His official time was 20.28 seconds. Following his heat Ortmayer thanked the crowd, knowing that he was unlikely to secure enough points to advance to the Stone Off event.

Aivars Smaukstelis and Bilton took to the stage for heat two. Smaukstelis held his Pickaxe straight forward while Bilton had a slight tilt. It was an intense battle between the two, who seemed comfortable until Bilton suddenly dropped at 31.02 seconds. Smaukstelis held on a hair longer to score a time of 32.51 seconds.

Maxime Boudreault and Brian Shaw were in the final heat. His previous scores were essentially a lock that Shaw would win the group, and the Stone Off would be a battle between Boudreault and Smaukstelis. Due to this, Shaw dropped his pickaxe right after the whistle blew. Boudreault still went for broke and scored a time of 30.64 seconds. 

Shaw earned a record 13th consecutive WSM Finals appearance. 

Group Two

As was the case with the Overhead Medley, Mark Felix ran the first heat solo for Group Two. “The Miracle Man” got into starting position and was an absolute rock in the event. He held the pickaxe steady for a staggering 40.82 seconds that got the crowd nearby fired up.

Johnny Hansson and Evan Singleton were paired off for heat two. Hansson took a wide, low stance against his pillar and was shaking from the start. Singleton stood more upright and closed his eyes for the duration of the hold. Hansson’s wider grip didn’t allow him much relief, and he dropped at 28.15 seconds. Singleton held on a bit longer to score a time of 28.90 seconds. It appeared as though Singleton sustained it for longer than the official time, but head judge Magnus ver Magnusson only counted the time before Singleton bending his elbows. 

Stoltman has appeared in two WSM Finals but has never won his group in the qualifying stage. He aimed to change that in his head-to-head heat against Trey Mitchell. Stoltman had some shakes in his arms from the start but was breathing normally. Mitchell was a statue and outlasted Stoltman by a significant amount. The official results were 36.90 seconds for Stoltman and an event-winning time of 46.13 seconds for Mitchell.

This secured Mitchell a group win and his second appearance at the WSM Finals. Felix’s second-place finish jumped him to third place overall and entered the Stone Off against Tom Stoltman.

Group Three

Robert Oberst and Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted were slated to battle in the first heat for Group Three. Oberst was the first athlete to wear gloves for this event and was steady from the start. Ingolfsson winced around the 15-second mark but held on. The battle raged on to chants of “Obie” from the crowd. Ultimately, Ingolfsson dropped first at a time of 43.67 seconds. Oberst scored an official time of 48.03 seconds. 

“Thank you so much!” Oberst yelled to the crowd.

The second and final heat in this group was JF Caron against Mikhail Shivlyakov. Caron held a straight leg stance while Shivlyakov was closing to a wall-sit position. Shivlyakov showed pain on his face right away and had drop shortly thereafter. Caron locked up a win in his group and did not over-exert himself. Shivlyakov lasted for 23.25 seconds. Caron scored an official time of 29.09. 

Oberst and Ingolfsson were locked to battle in the Stone Off. Caron earned entry to his eighth consecutive WSM Finals. 

Group Four

Since there were only three men left in this group, they each ran the event solo. Pritchett, also wearing gloves, was up first and looked rock-solid out of the gate. He had a good showing and locked in a time of 35.39 seconds before limping off the stage — he seemed to be nursing a hip injury sustained earlier in competition.

Adam Bishop got set next for his attempt in the Pickaxe Hold. He did not appear comfortable at all from the start and dropped rather quickly at a time of 10.97 seconds. Konstantine Janashia had flared elbows from the jump but seemed comfortable feeding off the energy of the crowd. His time of 25.07 seconds earned him his fifth WSM Finals appearance. 

Group Five

Ervin Toots ran the first heat in this event solo. It was a ceremonial attempt as he was too far behind in the standings to earn a shot at the Stone Off. Despite that, he had a decent run for a time of 24.42 seconds. 

Kevin Faires and Bobby Thompson were tied coming into this event, and both appeared at ease once bearing the full weight of the pickaxes. A drawn-out affair saw Faires’ elbows flare first, and he caved after 35.38 seconds. Thompson tried to hold on for as long as possible, knowing that Luke Stoltman and Oleksii Novikov still had their heat. He scored 41.62 seconds.

Stoltman and Novikov were neck and neck in the standings for most of the qualifying stage. Whoever bested the other in this event would secure their spot in the Finals. The high-stakes matchup was on with both men rock steady. Novikov made routine glances at Stoltman but was unable to beat the Scottish strongman. The 2020 WSM champion scored an official time of 32.81 seconds. Stoltman scored a time of 34.60 seconds. This left Thompson with the winning time and a group win. Unfortunately, Novikov’s time dropped him to fourth place overall and eliminated him from the competition.

Stone Off

The Stone Off will feature five head-to-head matchups. Each athlete will lift the same Atlas Stone over a bar until one man is unable to. 

Here are the matchups:

  • Group One — Boudreault vs. Smaukstelis
  • Group Two — Tom Stoltman vs. Mark Felix
  • Group Three — Oberst vs. Ingolfsson
  • Group Four — Bishop vs. Pritchett
  • Group Five — Faires vs. Luke Stoltman

Featured Image: @jfcaronstrongman on Instagram

Phil Blechman

About Phil Blechman

Phil is a native New Yorker passionate about storytelling, bodybuilding, and game design. He holds a BFA from Syracuse University.

View All Articles

Primary Sidebar

Latest Reviews

Featured image for the Ironmaster Super Bench Pro V2 Review

Ironmaster Super Bench Pro V2 Review (2025): Our Expert’s New Favorite FID Bench

Titan T3 Power Rack Review

Titan T3 Power Rack Review (2025): An Expert-Approved Rig Beckoning to Budget-Minded Athletes

Our tester works out at the beach in preparation for the Rogue Resistance Bands Review

Rogue Resistance Bands Review (2025): Tested by a Certified Personal Trainer

Barbend tester Jake Herod works out on a Force USA Trainer

Force USA G3 Review (2025): Our Experts Tested This Compact All-In-One Rack for Small Home Gyms

BarBend

BarBend is an independent website. The views expressed on this site may come from individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the view of BarBend or any other organization. BarBend is the Official Media Partner of USA Weightlifting.

  • About Us
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Pinterest

Sections

  • CrossFit
  • Strongman
  • Bodybuilding
  • Powerlifting
  • Weightlifting
  • Reviews
  • Nutrition
  • Training

More

  • BarBend Newsletter
  • BarBend Podcast
  • The Ripped Report
  • 1RM Calculator
  • BMR Calculator
  • Macros Calculator
  • Protein Calculator
  • Squat Calculator

Policies

  • Accessibility
  • Advice Disclaimer
  • Cookies Policy
  • Disclaimers
  • Disclosures
  • Editorial Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use

Copyright © 2025 · BarBend Inc · Sitemap