• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
BarBend

BarBend

The Online Home for Strength Sports

  • News
    • CrossFit
    • Strongman
    • Bodybuilding
    • Top Athletes
    • Powerlifting
    • Weightlifting
    • Competition Results
    • Latest Research
  • Reviews
    • Recovery
      • Best Cold Plunges
      • Best Saunas
      • Best Mini Massage Guns
      • Individual Recovery Reviews
    • Supplements
      • Best Protein
        • Best Whey Protein Powders
        • Best Vegan Protein Powders
        • Best Whey Isolate Protein Powders
        • Best Mass Gainers
        • Best Protein Bars
      • Best Pre-Workouts
        • Best Pre-Workouts for Women
        • Best Pre-Workouts for Men
        • Best Non-Stim Pre-Workouts
        • Strongest Pre-Workouts
      • Best Creatine
      • Best Electrolyte Supplements
      • Best Greens Powder
      • Best Meal Replacements
      • Best Nitric Oxide Supplements
      • Best Fat Burners
        • Best Fat Burners for Men
        • Best Fat Burners for Women
        • Best Non-Stim Fat Burners
      • More Supplements
        • Best Supplements for Muscle Growth
        • Best Supplements for CrossFit
        • Best Supplements for Weight Loss
        • Best Supplements for Bodybuilding
        • Best Supplements for Men
        • Best Supplement Stacks
      • Individual Supplements Reviews
    • Equipment
      • Cardio
        • Best Treadmills
        • Best Rowing Machines
        • Best Exercise Bikes
        • Best Ellipticals
        • Best Recumbent Bikes
      • Strength
        • Best Adjustable Dumbbells
        • Best Dumbbells
        • Best Kettlebells
        • Best Barbells
        • Best Squat Racks
        • Best Free Weights
        • Best Weight Benches
        • Best Resistance Bands
        • Best Slam Balls
        • Best Weighted Vests
        • Best Leg Extension Machines
        • Best Cable Machines
        • Best Power Racks
        • Best Pull Up Bars
      • Best Home Gyms
        • Best Smart Home Gyms
        • Best Gym Equipment Under $100
        • Best Home Gym Essentials
        • Best Home Gym Flooring
      • Individual Equipment Reviews
    • Fitness Accessories
      • Apparel
        • Best Weightlifting Shoes
        • Best Cross Training Shoes
        • Best Gym Bags
        • Best Gym Shorts
      • Training
        • Best Weightlifting Belts
        • Best Knee Sleeves
        • Best Lifting Straps
        • Best Grip Strengtheners
        • Best Wrist Wraps
        • Best Lifting Gloves
      • Individual Fitness Product Reviews
    • Certifications
      • Best Sports Nutrition Certifications
      • Best Personal Trainer Certifications
      • Best Nutrition Certifications
      • Individual Certifications Reviews
    • Programs
      • Best Online Workout Programs
      • Best Workout Streaming Services
      • Best Home Workout Programs
      • Individual Program Reviews
  • Nutrition
    • Diets
      • Carb Cycling
      • Vertical Diet
      • Reverse Dieting
      • Carnivore Diet
      • Ketogenic Diet
      • Intermittent Fasting
      • IIFYM Diet
    • Fat Loss
      • Macros for Fat Loss
      • Calorie Deficits
      • Natural Fat Burners
      • Cut 2 Pounds Weekly
    • Muscle Gain
      • How to Dirty Bulk
      • Go From Cutting to Bulking
      • Eat These Carbs
      • How to Eat for Muscle
    • Supplement Guides
      • Pre-Workout
      • Whey Protein
      • Mass Gainers
      • Greens Powders
      • Creatine
      • BCAAs
    • Nutrition Tips
      • Daily Protein Needs
      • Pre- and Post-Workout Nutrition
      • Foods With Creatine
      • Bulking Tips
  • Training
    • Workouts
      • Back Workouts
      • At-Home Workouts
      • Chest & Back Workouts
      • Full-Body Workout
      • HIIT Workouts
    • Exercise Guides
      • Deadlift
      • Bench Press
      • Back Squat
      • Overhead Press
      • Bent-Over Row
      • Lat Pulldown
      • Crunches
      • Farmer’s Carry
    • Best Exercises
      • Shoulder Exercises
      • Back Exercises
      • Chest Exercises
      • Glute Exercises
      • Ab Exercises
      • Hamstring Exercises
      • Quad Exercises
      • Calf Exercises
      • Biceps Exercises
      • Triceps Exercises
    • Programs
      • Push-Up Program
      • Pull-Up Program
      • German Volume Training
      • 5/3/1 Program
      • Powerbuilding Program
      • The Cube Method
      • 5×5 Program
      • Bodybuilding Programs
      • Build Your Own Program
    • Fat Loss
      • How to Burn Fat
      • Spot Fat Reduction
      • How to Train on a Cut
      • Body Conditioning
      • Workouts
        • Kettlebell Circuits
        • Dumbbell Complexes
        • Farmer’s Carry Workouts
    • Muscle Gain
      • Muscle Hypertrophy Explained
      • How to Build Muscle
      • How to Maintain Muscle
      • What Researchers Say About Muscle Gain
        • Workouts
          • 20-Minute Workouts
          • Kettlebell Circuits
          • CrossFit Workouts for Muscle
          • Bodybuilding Workouts
  • Calculators
    • Protein Intake Calculator
    • Macros Calculator
    • BMR Calculator
    • Squat Calculator
    • Calorie Calculator
News

Strongman Oleksii Novikov Wins 2022 Europe’s Strongest Man Contest

Ukraine's Novikov handily took the overall win ahead of runner-up Luke Stoltman.

Written by Roger Lockridge
Last updated on August 1st, 2023

  • Log Lift Challenge
  • |
  • Deadlift Ladder
  • |
  • Carry and Drag
  • |
  • Power Stairs
  • |
  • Atlas Stones

On Saturday, Apr. 2, 2022, Ukrainian strongman Oleksii Novikov won The 2022 Europe’s Strongest Man (ESM) contest. The competition venue was held at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, England, and was sanctioned by Giants Live, one of the most prestigious organizations in the sport. 

Novikov was coming off a second place finish to Martins Licis at the 2022 Arnold Strongman Classic, and has also been involved in the struggle with his home nation of Ukraine against the Russian invasion. 2021 champion Luke Stoltman finished as the runner-up.

You can check out the final standings below, as well as an event-by-event breakdown to see who won each event.

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by GIANTS LIVE: WSM Arena Tour (@giantslivestrongman)

[Related: The Best Strength Athletes in 2021]

2022 Europe’s Strongest Man Overall Rankings

  1. Oleksii Novikov — 52 points
  2. Luke Stoltman — 48 points
  3. Konstantine Janashia — 38.5 points
  4. Pavlo Kordiyaka — 37 points
  5. Shane Flowers — 36.5 points
  6. Aivars Smaukstelis — 33 points
  7. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 29 points
  8. Marius Lalas — 28.5 points
  9. Kelvin de Ruiter — 23 points
  10. Pa O’Dwyer — 20 points
  11. Gavin Bilton — 19.5 points
  12. Rauno Heinla — 13 points (withdrew)

Event 1 — Max Log Lift Challenge

The goal is simple — lift the most weight out of any man in the field. This is also known as the Max Log Lift World Championships. Some athletes journeyed to Leeds to only participate in this event, such as current world record holder Chieck “Iron Biby” Sanou and American Log Press record holder Bobby Thompson.

By the time Luke Stoltman lifted 200 kilograms (440 pounds) overhead, he had won the event for the overall contest. He joined Thompson and Sanou as the final three athletes competing for the Log Press win. Thompson’s best effort was 200 kilograms, while Stoltman and Sanou both achieved successful lifts with 218 kilograms (480.7 pounds).

Sanou and Stoltman both attempted to break the world record by one kilogram by attempting 230 kilograms, but neither man was able to lock out the massive weight. Therefore, Sanou and Stoltman tied for the win in the overall event with 218 kilograms each.

  1. Luke Stoltman — 218 kilograms
  2. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 185 kilograms
  3. Pavlo Kordiyaka — 185 kilograms (tie)
  4. Oleksii Novikov — 185 kilograms (tie)
  5. Gavin Bilton — 170 kilograms
  6. Shane Flowers — 170 kilograms (tie)
  7. Konstantine Janashia — 170 kilograms (tie)
  8. Marius Lalas — 170 kilograms (tie)
  9. Kelvin de Ruiter — 0
  10. Rauno Heinla — 0
  11. Pa O’Dwyer — 0
  12. Aimars Smaukstelis — 0

Note: The rankings above show the finish for the ESM event itself. The second through fourth-place finishers split points evenly, as do the fifth through eighth-place position holders. Competitors that failed to achieve a good rep received zero points.

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by GIANTS LIVE: WSM Arena Tour (@giantslivestrongman)

Event 2 — Deadlift Ladder

Athletes had 75 seconds to successfully deadlift five different weights ranging from 300 kilograms (661 pounds) to 400 kilograms (881 pounds), testing both their strength and endurance capabilities. 

No one was able to lift all five weights successfully, but Konstantine Janashia stood with the first four weights in 35.04 seconds. Rauno Heinla took the silver spot, while 2020 World’s Strongest Man Novikov, who was able to step away from his military commitments in Ukraine in order to compete, rounded out the top three.

Thanks to a strong finish, Novikov was able to put himself in a tie for first place overall with Stoltman at this point in the overall competition.

  1. Konstantine Janashia — 4 reps in 35.04 seconds
  2. Rauno Heinla — 4 reps in 39.49 seconds
  3. Oleksii Novikov — 4 reps in 41.92 seconds
  4. Marius Lalas — 4 reps in 48.2 seconds
  5. Luke Stoltman — 4 reps in 55.21 seconds
  6. Shane Flowers — 4 reps in 61.03 seconds
  7. Pa O’Dwyer — 3 reps in 28.7 seconds 
  8. Aimars Smaukstelis — 3 reps in 29.23 seconds
  9. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 3 reps in 32.2 seconds
  10. Gavin Bilton — 3 reps in 38.4 seconds
  11. Kelvin de Ruiter — 3 reps in 40.5 seconds
  12. Pavlo Kordiyaka — 3 reps in 48.76 seconds

Event 3 — Carry and Drag

The competitors were asked to carry a 120-kilogram (264-pound) anchor down a 20-meter course. They must then connect it to a 350-kilogram (771 pound) chain and drag both back the full 20 meters. They competed in heats of three at a time. The fastest time determined the winner — Novikov — who needed just 26.26 seconds to get the job done.

Kelvin de Ruiter came in second place by less than a quarter-second. Pavlo Kordiyaka rounded out the top three by finishing in 27.3 seconds. Thanks to this win, Novikov took a four-point overall lead in the contest over defending champion Stoltman.

  1. Oleksii Novikov — 26.26 seconds
  2. Kelvin de Ruiter — 26.5 seconds
  3. Pavlo Kordiyaka — 27.3 seconds
  4. Shane Flowers — 27.45 seconds
  5. Luke Stoltman — 28.4 seconds
  6. Aimars Smaukstelis — 29.03 seconds
  7. Pa O’Dwyer — 29.54 seconds
  8. Marius Lalas — 30.11 seconds
  9. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 33.51 seconds
  10. Konstantine Janashia — 35.28 seconds
  11. Rauno Heinla — 35.87 seconds
  12. Gavin Bilton — 42.22 seconds

Event 4 — Power Stairs

Prior to the start of the fourth event, Heinla withdrew from the contest, leaving 11 men left in the field. No specific reason was given at the time. 

Even 4 was a ladder event featuring 5 weights. The objects at this event ranged from 200 kilograms (440 pounds) up to 250 kilograms (551 pounds). Each weight had to be lifted up three stairs one step at a time. Speed matters, but care is essential as well, because the weight must be placed fully on the top step for it to count. 

Aivars Smaukstelis surprised the field and audience by taking the win with a time of 27.2 seconds. Pavlo Kordiyaka and Shane Flowers also completed the course in less than 30 seconds to take second and third, respectively. Stoltman and Novikov rounded out the top five, setting up for a dramatic finish.

  1. Aivars Smaukstelis — 27.2 seconds
  2. Pavlo Kordiyaka — 28.09 seconds
  3. Shane Flowers — 29.27 seconds
  4. Luke Stoltman — 30.1 seconds
  5. Oleksii Novikov — 30.25 seconds
  6. Konstantine Janashia — 31.05 seconds
  7. Marius Lalas — 32.67 seconds
  8. Kelvin de Ruiter — 35.56 seconds
  9. Pa O’Dwyer — 40.16 seconds
  10. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 48.35 seconds 
  11. Gavin Bilton — 51.81 seconds

Event 5 — Atlas Stones

The Atlas Stones would determine the final standings. The stones featured in this event ranged from 100 kilograms (220 pounds) to 180 kilograms (397 pounds). Each had to be placed on its respective pedestal without it rolling off in the quickest time possible, up to 60 seconds.

The top two contenders for the title were Novikov and Stoltman. Novikov entered this event with a three-point lead. Stoltman had to do considerably better than Novikov if he wanted to repeat as champion.

Flowers was in third place overall going into this event, but he suffered an injury as he was going to lift the final stone, and he was unable to finish the event. Novikov and Stoltman were in the final heat, and Novikov was able to take the win. In an act of true sportsmanship, Stoltman celebrated Novikov by lifting his arm in victory.

  1. Oleksii Novikov — 20.3 seconds
  2. Luke Stoltman — 20.4 seconds
  3. Konstantine Janashia — 24.02 seconds
  4. Aivars Smaukstelis — 24.34 seconds
  5. Eythor Ingolfsson Melsted — 25.2 seconds
  6. Gavin Bilton — 25.28 seconds
  7. Pavlo Kordiyaka — 25.31 seconds
  8. Kelvin de Ruiter — 30.6 seconds
  9. Pa O’Dwyer — 31.03 seconds
  10. Marius Lalas — 4 stones (time not reported)
  11. Shane Flowers — 4 stones (time not reported)

Novikov is the first man from Ukraine to win the ESM title, and he is the third straight unique champion in the last three years. Novikov finished second to Stoltman in the 2021 contest. The last man to successfully defend the title was Hafthor Björnsson, who won three straight titles from 2017 to 2019.

Featured Image: @giantslivestrongman on Instagram

About Roger Lockridge

Roger "Rock" Lockridge has been writing professionally for 10 years and has been training for 20. His work in the fitness industry has been seen in numerous outlets and has been a part of coverage for several events including the Mr. Olympia, Arnold Classic, the CrossFit Games, and the Olympics. He's also shared his own personal success story in several interviews and articles. Lockridge lives in West Virginia with his wife and son.

View All Articles

Primary Sidebar

Latest News

Ashley Kaltwasser’s Tricks For Longevity in Competitive Bikini Bodybuilding

Enahoro Asein (83KG) Deadlifts a Monster 355-Kilogram (783-Pound) Triple Raw

2023 Rising Phoenix and Arizona Pro Women’s Bodybuilding Show Preview

2023 Sheru Classic France Pro Bodybuilding Show Preview

2023 Daytona Pro-Am Bodybuilding Show Preview

Latest Reviews

Alaskan Cold Plunge Feature

Redwood Outdoors Alaskan Cold Plunge Review

Living.Fit Grip Strengthener Review

Bells of Steel Competition Kettlebell Review

Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0 Review

REP BlackWing Feature

REP Fitness BlackWing Weight Bench Review

Be the smartest person in your gym

The BarBend newsletter is everything you need to know about strength in a 3 minute read.

I Want In!
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 © 2023 · BarBend Inc · Sitemap