The 2023 Strongman Classic, scheduled for July 8 at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England, has endured another shakeup to its roster. In early June, it was announced that defending Strongman Classic champion Oleksii Novikov would vacate the throne. On June 30, 2023, another Ukrainian athlete pulled out of the competition.
Pavlo Nakonechnyy has withdrawn from the 2023 Strongman Classic due to a lingering knee injury sustained at the 2023 Arnold Strongman Classic. He tapped out of the final event, the Timber Carry, in Columbus, OH, due to the knee injury suffered during the deadlift event.
Gavin Bilton of the UK has been confirmed as Nakonechnyy’s replacement.
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2023 Strongman Classic Roster
The updated roster for the 2023 Strongman Classic is comprised of the following athletes:
- Kevin Faires
- Mitchell Hooper
- Rongo Keene
- Pavlo Kordiyaka
- Spenser Remick
- Cheick “Iron Biby” Sanou
- Evan Singleton
- Luke Stoltman
- Tom Stoltman
- Eddie Williams
- Trey Mitchell
- Gavin Bilton
- Pavlo Nakonechnny — Withdrawn
- Oleksii Novikov — Defending Champion, Withdrawn
This is not the first premiere contest Nakonechnyy has had to withdraw from due to this knee injury. Previously, he withdrew from the 2023 World’s Strongest Man (WSM) contest for similar reasons.
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[Related: Ivan Makarov Hits a 476-Kilogram (1,049.4-Pound) Equipped Deadlift Double PR In Training]
2023 Strongman Classic Events
The single-day competition in London will feature the following five events:
- Event One — Nicol Stone Carry
- Event Two — Super Yoke
- Event Three — Axle Deadlift
- Event Four — Viking Press
- Event Five — Castle Stones
Although two Ukrainian strongmen have withdrawn from the 2023 Strongman Classic, the country is not left without representation. The 2023 Europe’s Strongest Man champion Pavlo Kordiyaka is still scheduled to compete at Royal Albert Hall.
Giants Live confirmed with the announcement of Nakonechnyy’s withdrawal that Bilton has been a scheduled reserve athlete for this show since the initial roster was announced. Therefore, Bilton should be in competition shape come July 8.
Featured image: @pavlo_nakonechnyy on Instagram
