Some of the biggest men in the strength sports world are gearing up once again to compete for the title of the World’s Strongest Man. This year’s roster is stacked with 25 participants, who will take to the field of competition in Sacramento, California.
The event kicks off June 15 and will continue in a series of events until June 20. Last year’s winner, Oleksii Novikov, is returning to the contest hoping to continue his reign after overcoming inclement weather, former four-time champ, Brian Shaw, and a much-delayed competition date. Novikov and Shaw will compete again for the title this week—and will have to watch out for notable athletes like the Stoltman brothers (Luke and Tom) and 2020’s third place finisher, JF Caron.
That said, two of WSM’s most high-profile recent winners, Hafthor Björnsson and Eddie Hall, will be absent from the competition this year to pursue their boxing endeavors (both have largely been absent from Strongman competitions of late, and Björnsson officially announced his retirement last year). Martins Licis, the 2019 champ, is still rehabbing injuries stemming from a car accident (which also contributed to his missing the 2020 competition), so he will not compete this year, instead aiming to return to competition for the 2021 Arnold Strongman Classic later this year.
The heavyweight competition is comprised of 14 exciting events like the return of Fingal’s Fingers, which requires the athletes to flip 400 to 600 pound poles from a horizontal resting position, and the new Titan’s Turntable, in which they will have to push a locomotive 180 degrees. The final competitors will meet for WSM’s signature Atlas Stones event.
To watch a broadcast version of the events, you’ll have to wait for their televised release on July 3 on the CBS Sports Network. If you’re itching to follow the competition more closely, keep a close eye on the WSM social media channels like Facebook and Instagram. If you’re really committed, tune into SBD’s World’s Strongest Man: Backstage Live behind-the-scenes coverage of the competition via Facebook, which will include results, event recaps, athlete interviews, and more. That programming will feature Licis as a guest host. The live streaming program will be comprised of seven episodes, each scheduled for 4 P.M. PST on each day from June 14 to 20. You can get access to all seven episodes for $2.99.
The World’s Strongest Man 2021 Events
Qualifying Round — Day One
Qualifying Round — Day Two
Qualifying Round — Day Three
Final — Day One
Final — Day Two
Source: Read Full Article