2025 Europe’s Strongest Man Competition

[Bodybuilding News]

The 2025 Europe’s Strongest Man competition is scheduled for April 5th, 2025, in Leeds, England. This event consistently attracts Europe’s strongest athletes, each competing fiercely in a series of rigorous strength challenges. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of this elite competition, including the official lineup, event details, athlete strengths, and performance predictions.

Official Competitor Lineup for Europe’s Strongest Man 2025​

The competition gathers some of Europe’s elite strongmen, including former champions and standout athletes, each bringing unique strengths and competitive histories. The confirmed participants are:

• Luke Stoltman (Scotland) – Defending Champion
• Pavlo Kordiyaka (Ukraine) – 2023 Champion
• Mateusz Kieliszkowski (Poland)
• Paddy Haynes (England)
• Luke Richardson (England) – 2020 Champion
• Aivars Smaukstelis (Latvia)
• Pa O’Dwyer (Ireland)
• Rauno Heinla (Estonia)
• Ondrej Fojtu (Czech Republic)
• Andrew Flynn (England)
• Nicolas Cambi (Italy)

Notably absent is Oleksii Novikov, who has withdrawn to focus on recovery, though he remains a top contender for future competitions.

Athlete Profiles and Strengths​

Luke Stoltman – The Defending Champion​

Luke Stoltman, the current two-time champion, remains a heavy favorite. Stoltman is renowned for his exceptional pressing abilities, making him a significant threat, particularly in overhead pressing events. His composure under pressure and competitive experience give him a clear edge heading into this year’s event.

Pavlo Kordiyaka – Aiming for Another Victory​

Pavlo Kordiyaka returns with an ambition to reclaim his 2023 title. Known for his endurance and athletic versatility, Kordiyaka’s strengths lie in endurance-based events like the Shield Walk, positioning him as a formidable contender capable of securing the top spot once more.

Mateusz Kieliszkowski – Strong Comeback Contender​

Mateusz Kieliszkowski, having overcome several injuries in recent years, strategically skipped other competitions to ensure peak condition for Europe’s Strongest Man. His explosive speed, agility, and overall athleticism make him particularly effective in dynamic events such as Anchor Carry & Drag.

Rauno Heinla – Deadlift Specialist​

Rauno Heinla is recognized globally for his phenomenal deadlift capacity, particularly suited to the Axle Deadlift event. With unmatched strength in static lifts, Heinla is likely to excel and potentially dominate this aspect of the competition.

Aivars Smaukstelis – Highly Versatile Competitor​

Aivars Smaukstelis narrowly missed the title last year and returns highly motivated. His well-rounded strength, consistency, and experience in all disciplines, especially the Castle Stones, mark him as a dangerous competitor who could challenge strongly for the title.

Detailed Event Breakdown for 2025 Europe’s Strongest Man​

The competition consists of five demanding events, each crafted to test the full spectrum of the athletes’ strength, agility, endurance, and technique.

Press Medley – Test of Upper-Body Power​

Athletes will compete by pressing four distinct implements—Circus Dumbbell, Yoke Press, Log Lift, and Axle Press—each requiring two repetitions. This event tests upper-body strength, endurance, and versatility. Competitors like Luke Stoltman and Mateusz Kieliszkowski are particularly well-suited to excel here due to their overhead pressing expertise.

Shield Walk – Endurance and Mental Resilience​

The Shield Walk challenges athletes with a daunting 200-kilogram (440.9 lbs) shield, carried as far as possible within a set time. This event requires tremendous endurance, grip strength, core stability, and controlled breathing. Pavlo Kordiyaka, with his notable endurance, has an advantage in this grueling event.

Anchor Carry & Drag – Strength Combined with Speed​

Athletes first carry a heavy implement across a 20-meter course, then immediately return by dragging a heavy anchor attached via chains. This event tests explosive power, grip endurance, cardiovascular stamina, and agility. Mateusz Kieliszkowski’s exceptional athleticism positions him strongly here.

Axle Deadlift – Pure Static Strength Test​

Athletes will perform as many repetitions as possible on a thick axle bar. The thicker, more rigid axle dramatically increases the difficulty compared to standard bars. Rauno Heinla, famous for his deadlift proficiency, is anticipated to dominate in this pure strength event.

Castle Stones – Classic Strongman Finale​

This iconic event demands athletes quickly load progressively heavier stones onto elevated platforms. Technique, explosive power, endurance, and grip are critical. Aivars Smaukstelis, with his extensive experience and past success, is strongly positioned to challenge for event supremacy here.

Athlete Strengths and Event Predictions​

Considering each athlete’s specific strengths, several key predictions emerge:

• Press Medley: Luke Stoltman and Mateusz Kieliszkowski are favored due to their proven pressing abilities and experience.
• Shield Walk: Pavlo Kordiyaka’s endurance and proven stamina offer him the strongest advantage.
• Anchor Carry & Drag: Mateusz Kieliszkowski, with unmatched agility and dynamic power, is likely the athlete to beat.
• Axle Deadlift: Rauno Heinla is heavily favored, potentially gaining significant points in this static strength event.
• Castle Stones: Aivars Smaukstelis and Luke Richardson are the likely top contenders, both having previously demonstrated exceptional performance in similar events.

Competition Schedule and Timing​

The competition events are scheduled throughout the day as follows:

Time	Event	Description
10:00 - 11:00	Press Medley	Dumbbell, Yoke, Log, and Axle Press
11:30 - 12:30	Shield Walk	200 kg shield carry for maximum distance
13:00 - 14:00	Anchor Carry & Drag	Heavy implement carry and anchor drag, 20 meters
14:30 - 15:30	Axle Deadlift	Max repetitions with thick axle bar
16:00 - 17:00	Castle Stones	Loading stones of increasing weight rapidly