The 2023 Europe’s Strongest Man (ESM) contest is scheduled for April 1, 2023, at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, England. The contest is just over two weeks before the 2023 World’s Strongest Man (WSM) contest on April 19-24, 2023, in Myrtle Beach, SC.
The proximity to the season’s biggest show is partly why Pavlo Nakonechnyy of Ukraine has withdrawn from the 2023 ESM. To recover from a knee injury sustained during the deadlift event at the 2023 Arnold Strongman Classic (ASC) in Columbus, OH, won by Mitchell Hooper, Nakonechnyy’s next competitive appearance won’t be until the 2023 WSM.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp7RbgVuZxS/
[Related: 2023 Australia’s Strongest Man and Strongest Woman Results]
Nakonechnyy’s Replacement
Nakonechnyy’s withdrawal made his slot on the roster open to Paul Smith of the UK, who was initially listed as a reserve athlete. According to Strongman Archives, Smith’s most recent competitive appearance was at the 2023 Britain’s Strongest Man (BSM) on Jan. 28, 2023, where he finished just off the podium in fourth place; Adam Bishop won the contest.
In addition to Smith, Shane Flowers was also confirmed on the 2023 ESM roster on March 18, 2023. The updated 2023 ESM roster of 14 strongmen representing nine different countries are listed below:
2023 Europe’s Strongest Man Roster
- Oleksii Novikov (Ukraine) — Defending ESM Champion
- Gavin Bilton (UK)
- Jean-Stephen Coraboeuf (France)
- Adam Bishop (UK)
- Konstantine Janashia (Georgia)
- Pa O’Dwyer (Ireland)
- Aivars Šmaukstelis (Latvia)
- Dennis Kohlruss (Germany)
- Eythór Ingólfsson Melsted (Iceland)
- Graham Hicks (UK)
- Pavlo Kordiyaka (Ukraine)
- Paul Smith (UK)
- Rauno Heinla (Estonia) — withdrawn
- Pavlo Nakonechnyy (Ukraine) — withdrawn
[Related: Jay Cutler Teaches Eddie Hall the Difference Between Training for Strongman Vs. Bodybuilding]
2023 Europe’s Strongest Man Events
- Log Press Ladder
- Load & Push Race
- Deadlift for Reps
- Conan’s Wheel
- Castle Stones
More Strongman Content
- Tom and Luke Stoltman Will Be Featured on HBO’s “Real Sports”
- Gabriel Peña Will Attempt American Deadlift Record at the 2023 World Strength Games
- Evan Singleton’s Tips for Aspiring Strongman Athletes