The 2025 World’s Strongest Man (WSM) competition is set for May 15-18, 2025. Reigning Strongest Man on Earth (SMoE), three-time Arnold Strongman Classic (ASC) champion, and 2023 WSM winner Mitchell Hooper is amidst his prep to recapture the title in Sacramento, CA.
Training in Vegas at the renowned Dragon’s Lair Gym alongside 2016 Europe’s Strongest Man champion Laurence Shahlaei, Hooper seeks to make history. At the 2025 WSM, Hooper intends to exceed Hafthor Björnsson’s 2020 world record deadlift of 501 kilograms (1,104.5 pounds).
During training with Laurence “Big Loz” Shahlaei, Hooper pulled an 18-inch, 505-kilogram (1,113.3-pound) deadlift double.
Shahlaei believes traveling and training in various locations enhances performance during competitions.
You don’t know what the setup will be. It’s easy to get used to your setup in your gym and get comfortable. We don’t have that luxury.
—Laurence Shahlaei
Standard Pyramid Training/Ramp-Up Sets
Hooper deadlifted a barbell elevated on weight plates and blocks 18 inches off the floor. Starting with lighter weights, Hooper progressively increased the load, adding more plates with each set, building up to his top lift.
As they loaded the barbell for even heavier lifts, Hooper noted that strongman training is more concerned with the raw act of lifting than safety protocols.
To the layperson, the number one priority is effort. That’s the overwhelmingly lacking thing. Effort and consistency; done, you’ll make progress.
—Mitchell Hooper
Shahlaei’s personal best 18-inch deadlift is 465 kilograms (1,025 pounds). While his leg strength was mighty, his lockout strength didn’t measure to the same standard.
[Shahlaei’s] leg and hand strength is how he got through everything.
—Mitchell Hooper
When Shahlaei competed, few of his rivals had coaches.
Maybe a friend would help, but it wasn’t like now, where experienced guys help top-level athletes.
—Laurence Shahlaei
Equipment & Pull Technique
Hooper wore weightlifting straps as the weight progressed. Shahlaei explained that wearing straps is wise, even with proper lifting techniques, since they help ensure grip strength isn’t the limiting factor.
As Hooper prepped for the deadlift, he mentioned he didn’t feel his lats engaging during the lift. Shahlaei reassures him, explaining that it’s not an issue — whether you feel them or not, the lats are still doing their job.
Lats work in a supporting role. The simplest cue to feel the lats is to squeeze your armpits to keep the arms as long as possible.
—Laurence Shahlaei
Squeezing the armpits and drawing the arms downward activates the lats and keeps the back engaged. Shahlaei pointed out that Hooper naturally engages his lats without thinking about it.
Shahlaei believes the best lifts are when the lifter doesn’t overthink the cues and applies raw power. Hooper prefers to feel effort before putting on accessories to help him lift more. He wants to know when something feels off at a lighter and safer weight.
At this stage, Hooper’s rate of perceived exertion (RPE) is a six. He loaded the bar with 420 kilograms (925 pounds) and 430 kilograms (950 pounds), executing both while wearing a lifting belt.
It’s still too easy. I need more weight; better gravity. The whole lift is too easy.
—Mitchell Hooper
Hooper Partial Deadlifts 505 Kilograms
Hooper locked out 480 kilograms (1,058 pounds). Wearing weightlifting chalk, he gripped the barbell, took a deep breath, and pulled without any sticking points.
Shahlaei encouraged Hooper to perform a partial 505-kilogram for a double. Hooper wrapped the training session with a series of ramp-up squat sets, reaching 306 kilograms (675 pounds).
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Featured image: @biglozwsm on Instagram
