It seemed like the start of a runaway contest for two-time defending Arnold Strongman Classic (ASC) champion Mitchell Hooper in Columbus, OH, who stood atop the leaderboard with a four-point margin heading into day two of competition at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. He finished second in the Elephant Bar Deadlift, third in the Overhead Gauntlet, and first in the Timber Carry.
The opening event for day two was the Big Jerk, in which each of the 10 invited strongmen had four attempts to establish their max behind-the-neck press. However, the competition dwindled to nine athletes as Maxime Boudreault withdrew — he finished with six points overall.
[Stay Tuned: 2025 Arnold Strongman Classic Results]
2025 ASC Big Jerk Results
- Lucas Hatton — 247 kilograms
- Mitchell Hooper — 242 kilograms
- Trey Mitchell — 242 kilograms
- Hafthor Björnsson — 232 kilograms
- Austin Andrade — 232 kilograms
- Evan Singleton — 232 kilograms
- Tom Stoltman — 232 kilograms
- Bobby Thompson — 215 kilograms
- Nick Guardione — 215 kilograms
- Maxime Boudreault — withdrew
[Stay Tuned: 2025 Arnold Strongwoman Classic Results]
2025 ASC Big Jerk Results
Guardione was first to the floor, successfully opening with 190 kilograms. Thompson was second to the stage and made easy work of 202 kilograms. Stoltman entered third to match Thompson’s weight.
Andrade missed his first attempt at 202 kilograms but tried again and locked it out. Björnsson had zero issues with 202 kilograms.
Mitchell knocked out 215 kilograms to get on the board. Singleton matched it easily, as did Hooper. Stoltman’s 215-kilogram attempt was initially missed but recovered for a clean lift.
Though the down signal seemed premature, Thompson scored a good lift at 215 kilograms. Andrade missed 215 kilograms on his first try but hit it on his second. Björnsson only needed one attempt to lock out 215 kilograms.
Guardione’s 215-kilogram lift was his best of the event. Hooper was the first to clear 222 kilograms. Stoltman matched that weight, encroaching on what seemed like his max.
Thompson missed 222 kilograms and bowed out of the event. Andrade returned and celebrated a clean lift at 222 kilograms. Guardione’s final attempt was at 222 kilograms, but it wasn’t to be.
Hatton yelled, “Easy!” as he opened at 227 kilograms with a split jerk. Björnsson missed his first attempt to match Hatton but secured his second.
Mitchell bumped the barbell to 232 kilograms for his second attempt, which was impeccable. Singleton matched Mitchell’s energy and weight to stay in the event. Hooper split jerked 232 kilograms to stay in the mix.
Stoltman’s 232-kilogram lift was his best of the event. Andrade finished his event going four-for-four, finishing at 232 kilograms. Björnsson made easy work of the same weight to match points on the leaderboard.
Hatton split-jerked his second attempt, pushing the lead to 237 kilograms, but he was nowhere near his max. Laurence Shahlaei, on commentary, screamed, “Wow!” as Mitchell cleared the 237-kilogram mark.
Singleton attempted to lockout 242 kilograms but couldn’t stabilize it after two tries. Hopper was fired up after successfully locking out 242 kilograms. Mitchell was similarly hot after stabilizing the 242-kilogram barbell overhead for an eternity.
Hatton won the event by calling for 247 kilograms and making it look like child’s play.
Arnold Strongwoman Classic Coverage
- 2025 Arnold Strongwoman Classic Big Jerk Results
- 2025 Arnold Strongwoman Classic Timber Carry Results
- 2025 Arnold Strongwoman Classic Overhead Gauntlet Results
Featured image: @
