Last week, 2023 World’s Strongest Man (WSM) champion Mitchell Hooper voiced several concerns about the competition, including:
- A 90-day prize money payout timeline, which has tripled year-over-year.
- The burden on competitors’ families and friends to cover their travel and ticket costs.
- The low prize money offered compared to other elite contests.
- A lack of transparency regarding event details before the competition.
Hooper’s candid remarks sparked a range of positive and negative reactions. The following day, he released a video announcing a fundraiser to support the families and friends of competitors traveling to Sacramento, CA, for the WSM, scheduled for May 15-18, 2025.
The effort has made an impact: WSM organizers responded favorably to some of Hooper’s concerns.
[Related: The World’s Strongest Man’s Q&A Before Defending the Title]
Pubic Callout & Fundraiser
Hooper emphasized his commitment to improving conditions for competitors. While he has previously raised concerns privately, any changes thus far made were temporary. This prompted him to speak out publicly for more permanent and meaningful reform.
Hooper advocated privately for family and friends of competitors to have a dedicated space to watch the competition. His efforts led to a space last year; however, he clarified that his advocacy never demanded multiple seats for family and friends based on individual needs.
Hooper explained the competitor fund was not set up as a charity since participation in the sport is voluntary and doesn’t inherently justify a charitable framework. He believes businesses benefiting from strongman competitions should reinvest in the sport.
Reflecting this philosophy, Hooper’s brands are stepping up: his clothing line is donating 15% of its proceeds, and his coaching business will contribute 30% within the specified timeframe. Additionally, Hooper pledged to match the total amount raised.
If I benefit disproportionately from the sport and can use that to help some guys who don’t benefit as much, that’s what I’d like to do, so that’s why I was tied to my businesses,” Hooper expressed. “I’m not looking to start a charity, I don’t think this is charity. Certainly, it helps me, it helps with publicity, I’m not hiding that in any way, but I think it can be a great win-win.”
Financial Payout Timing
Although the WSM competition maintains its 90-day payout timeline, the organization has accepted his proposal to give every competing athlete a $1,500 payment upon leaving the event. This upfront prize money is intended to help athletes cover the expenses associated with competing.
Competitors’ Family Paying for Tickets
WSM has pledged to provide athletes with four complimentary passes for their family and friends—a gesture that hasn’t gone unnoticed. Hooper expressed his appreciation for the initiative, noting that while his primary focus is ensuring respect for athletes and their families, this move demonstrates that WSM is listening and making meaningful efforts to support its competitors.
Fundraiser Proceeds
Hooper announced that his brands and sponsors have raised $12,538 at the time of this article’s publication, with the possibility of additional contributions in the coming days. He plans to distribute this amount equally among the other 24 competitors, excluding himself.
Hooper aims to allocate over $1,000 to each athlete to help offset flight costs and bring an additional person to the competition. Hooper stated that any athlete who declines their share will have their portion added to the prize pool for the winner of Canada’s Strongest Man, subject to approval from the governing body. Hooper believes this initiative could help strengthen participation and support for the sport in Canada.
Pay It Forward
Hooper bypassed every intermediate stage in strongman, allowing him to fast-track his journey to competing professionally and reaching the pinnacle of the sport without excessive spending.
“I did a small handful of local car park shows, and that was it,” Hooper expressed. “Four complete strongman shows, and I was at World’s Strongest Man on the professional circuit. I didn’t have to go through qualifiers, OSG, Shaw Classic qualifier, or Arnold Classic qualifier. I got very fortunate and got my way in.”
Many athletes stretch themselves thin to compete. Hooper strives to make their experience as positive as possible. Rising living costs globally make it increasingly difficult for athletes to handle additional expenses. Hooper’s goal is to help alleviate that burden.
Hooper believes that improving the experience for newcomers to the sport elevates the quality of competition and boosts its popularity. The sport will grow by supporting strongman events at the local level, particularly for beginners.
For example, Hooper mentions Eddie Hall’s record-breaking deadlift, which garnered significant mainstream attention for the sport. By nurturing up-and-coming competitors, Hooper sees an opportunity to strengthen and grow the strongman community worldwide.
More Strongman Content
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- Learn the Dumbbell Clean & Press for Full-Body Strength and Power
Featured image: @mitchellhooper on Instagram
