Three-time World’s Strongest Man (WSM) champion Tom Stoltman is prepping to defend his title at the 2025 WSM competition in Sacramento, CA, from May 15-18, 2025.
Following a disappointing seventh-place finish at the 2024 Strongest Man on Earth (SMoE) competition just months after securing his 2024 WSM victory, Stoltman is determined to reclaim his dominance on the world stage where he thrives most.
Stoltman answers fans’ questions regarding his career, training, and mindset as he prepares to defend his crown at the 2025 WSM.
Why Stoltman Changed Coaches
Tom Stoltman switched coaches after witnessing his brother, 2024 Europe WSM Luke Stoltman, recover from a biceps injury and return stronger. Inspired by Luke’s transformation, Tom wanted fellow strongman Shane Flowers, the coach behind his brother’s remarkable comeback, to guide him. Flowers will compete against both Stoltmans in Sacramento.
“I’m not going to improve if I’m getting injured. It’s going to be this thing of we don’t really know what to do,” Stoltman stated. “When I saw Luke win Britain’s World’s Strongest Man with Shane, that’s the best I’ve ever seen Luke perform — looked so fit and strong. I was like, wow, he’s doing many good things for Luke.”
Mitchell Hooper’s World’s Strongest Man Comments
Tom Stoltman typically avoids weighing in on such topics, but shared his thoughts on Mitchell Hooper’s recent comments regarding the WSM contest’s shortcomings. While he agreed with some points and disagreed with others, Stoltman supports WSM offering better financial rewards.
World’s Strongest Man is a title everyone knows. It deserves to have more money. Hopefully, in the next few years, it will.
—Tom Stoltman
Stoltman doesn’t consider covering expenses for athletes’ family travel necessary. He clarified that at the Arnold, athletes are only allocated one ticket — a rule that applies to all strongman competitions.
I’ve never been to an international competition where they said, ‘Tom, have yours plus seven tickets to give to people.’
—Tom Stoltman
Stoltman believes athletes should respect the WSM organizers; those under contract should refrain from making frequent social media posts that could undermine professional standards.
In my own experiences, the World’s Strongest Man treats you how you treat other people. That’s how I see it.
—Tom Stoltman
Strongest Man on Earth Events
Stoltman feels the true SMoE winner will be the athletes who finish with their bodies intact. He plans to bulk up and get “super-sized” during his SMoE prep after the 2025 WSM concludes.
Stoltman highlighted the demanding nature of the 2025 SMoE, which includes four max-effort lifts and a grueling tire flip, notorious for putting immense strain on the biceps.
It’s heavy, hellish, and just going to be hell.
—Tom Stoltman
Other Competitions
Stoltman values every competition he enters, but the WSM holds a special place, as its format aligns perfectly with his strengths and preferences. His second favorite is the Arnold Strongman Classic (ASC), a long-standing event he greatly respects.
How to Begin Training for Strongman
Stoltman thinks training should prioritize exercises that bias push and pull strength. He trains the bench press, deadlift, and squat to develop the hinge.
Building a solid foundation of strength and muscle is crucial before diving into dedicated strongman training. When Stoltman started, he avoided strongman-specific training for about 18 months, instead dedicating that time to strengthening his core fundamentals and building muscle mass.
Tom Stoltman’s Training
Stoltman incorporates pre-workout supplements before every training session, which he occasionally switches up to avoid monotony.
Log Press & Barbell Clean & Press
Stoltman’s training starts with the log press while wearing knee sleeves. He performs two reps at 150 kilograms (330 pounds). After a brief 30-second rest, he completes another two reps, repeating this process until he reaches a total of six reps.
Stoltman transitions to the barbell, starting with one clean and five presses at 130 kilograms (286 pounds). After a short rest, he increases the weight to 140 kilograms (308 pounds) for one clean and three presses.
Deadlift
Stoltman pulled the following loads progressively:
- 160 kilograms (352 pounds)
- 210 kilograms (462 pounds)
- 260 kilograms (573 pounds)
- 310 kilograms (683 pounds)
- 360 kilograms (793 pounds )
- 410 kilograms (903 pounds)
- 460 kilograms (1,014 pounds)
Stoltman strapped on his weightlifting belt and pulled 460 kilograms (1,014 pounds). He then reloaded to 220 kilograms (485 pounds) and attached resistance bands to each end. With the added tension, he completed four controlled reps.
Zercher Rack Pull & March
Stoltman hoisted 185 kilograms (407 pounds) and positioned it securely against his chest. Performing the Zercher lift, he powered through three reps, marching in place on the final rep.
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Featured Image: @tomstoltmanofficial on Instagram
