The World's Strongest Man Competition Is Finally Happening. Here's How to Watch.
While this year has presented countless challenges, there will still be a new World's Strongest Man crowned before the end of 2020.
After being delayed in April due to the coronavirus pandemic, the heavyweight competition is finally taking place in Bradenton, Florida. The events kick off today [Wednesday, November 11] and run through Sunday, November 15.
Unfortunately, there will be no live coverage of events as they happen, but a live recap show, complete with athlete interviews, analysis, and a behind the scenes look at the events after every day of competition will be available on the World's Strongest Man Facebook page at 4:30 p.m. ET. You'll have to pay a fee of $1.99 per day to access the stream.
For those who want to wait for the televised version of the event, CBS and CBS Sports will carry coverage in December at a date to be announced later, according to BarBend.
A field of 25 athletes will compete for the title of World's Strongest Man. That roster is much different than what was expected even a few weeks ago, let alone what fans were hoping to see at the start of the year. Former WSM champ Hafthor Björnsson made waves when he announced he would not be participating in the competition in May leading up to his 501 kilogram (1,105 pounds) deadlift event. He then retired from the sport in August after winning his tenth straight Iceland's Strongest Man title.
Defending champ Martins Licis was forced to pull out of the WSM competition to recover from injuries that stemmed from being hit by a car. Licis is still actively showcasing his training, and says he is prepping for the Arnold Classic Strongman competition next year. Another notable absence is Rob Kearney, who suffered a major triceps injury ahead of the competition and was also forced to pull out. Four other athletes who were slated to compete were also left off the final roster due to injury or a positive COVID-19 test, according to BarBend.
That said, four-time World's Strongest Man (2011, '13, '15, '16) Brian Shaw will look to add to his legacy. A fifth title would tie Shaw for the most of any competitor in WSM history and cement his place as one of the all-time greats of the sport.
World's Strongest Man 2020 Events
The competition will consist of two days of qualifying rounds and two days of finals, according to BarBend. The top 10 athletes from the qualifiers will move on to the finals.
Qualifiers
Day 1 Events - Wednesday, November 11
Farmer’s Carry For Max Distance
Squat of Deadlifts for Max Reps in 60 Seconds*
*weather permitting, squats are scheduled. If conditions are poor, the competitors will test deadlifts.
Day 2 Events - Thursday, November 12
Circus Dumbbell Clean and Press Medley or Log Lift
Loading Medley
Last-Man-Standing Stone Off*
*this winner take all event will pit second and third place finishers of each group against each other in an Atlas Stone over bar competition, according to BarBend. The competitors will lift the same stone over a bar back and forth until one can no longer complete a rep. The winner advances to the finals.
Finals
Friday, November 13 and Saturday November 14
Atlas Stones
Hercules Hold
Silver-Dollar Deadlift (18-inch or Partial Deadlift)
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