The 2025 Arnold Strongman Classic (ASC), set for Feb. 28 through March 1, 2025, in Columbus, OH, features an 11-athlete, star-studded lineup, including two-time defending ASC champion Mitchell Hooper, three-time ASC champion Hafthor Björnsson and three-time reigning World’s Strongest Man (WSM) Tom Stoltman.
2024 Magnus Ver Magnusson Classic winner Mateusz Kieliszkowski is also in the lineup, seeking his first ASC title. Thanks to his victory in Iceland, momentum is on his side. However, he felt the need to change up his training to prepare for the static strength-biased competition in Ohio:
Kieliszkowski is prioritizing his log press, which is part of a shoulder-pressing medley scheduled for the first day of competition. After each athlete lifts two other elements, they can choose between a 175-kilogram and a 195-kilogram log to press. One rep with the heavier log outranks any number of reps with the lighter.
Kieliszkowski set a goal of three reps, which he feels will put him in a position to rank well.
If I do one or two [reps] at the competition, that will be okay.
Kieliszkowski did his best to simulate the conditions of the event; he wore a rubber shirt to help support the weight in the front rack position. He performed two sets, using 134 and 160 kilograms.
Next on Kieliszkowski’s agenda were circus dumbbell presses. The Polish strongman started with 75 kilograms, followed by 85, then 95, and finally 105 kilograms, all for multiple reps with his right arm.
Kieliszkowski worked on his stone-to-shoulder lift, using a 130-kilogram stone for his single set. He said the competitors would use a special ball for the competition in Ohio that they would need to acclimate to during equipment testing before the competition begins.
Kieliszkowski finished second to Hooper in the 2023 and 2024 ASCs. Kieliszkowski also ranked second to Björnsson in 2020. Kieliszkowski missed the 2021 and 2022 ASCs due to injury. He has never finished lower than fourth in any of his eight ASC appearances.
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Featured Image: @kieliszkowskimateusz on Instagram
