Frank Boniello Clinches 2025 World's Strongest Firefighter Title

[MuscleMecca Crew]

In a remarkable display of strength and endurance, Frank Boniello emerged victorious at the 2025 World's Strongest Firefighter (WSF) competition, held during the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio. Competing against 17 formidable finalists, Boniello secured the championship on March 1, 2025, showcasing unparalleled prowess across multiple grueling events.

A Glimpse into the Champion's Journey​

Frank Boniello, a dedicated firefighter stationed at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, has long balanced the demands of his profession with a passion for strength sports. His athletic journey began in high school, where he participated in football and wrestling, fostering a competitive spirit that would later propel him into the realms of powerlifting and strongman competitions.

Boniello's powerlifting career, spanning from 2017 to 2022, boasts impressive personal records: a 606-pound squat, a 430-pound bench press, and a 700-pound deadlift, all achieved without specialized equipment. His transition to strongman events was marked by a debut at the 2023 WSF competition, followed by a fifth-place finish in 2024, setting the stage for his triumphant win in 2025.

The Road to Victory: Event Breakdown​

The championship round of the 2025 WSF featured three demanding events, each designed to test the competitors' strength, endurance, and agility.

Ambulance Tire Axle Press​

In this event, athletes were required to clean an axle bar loaded with ambulance tires and additional weight, then press it overhead for maximum repetitions. Once the bar was cleaned, subsequent presses did not require additional cleans, provided the bar cleared the chin.

• Frank Boniello: 9 reps
• Justin Zuniga: 8 reps
• Joseph Voiles: 8 reps
• Mike McGowan: 7 reps
• Michael George Ebanks Jr.: 7 reps

Silver Dollar Deadlift — Ascending Weight​

Competitors began with a base weight, adding more plates with each successful lift. The winner was determined by the maximum weight lifted and the number of repetitions performed at that weight.

• Marcus Waugh: 9 reps
• Kelly Lamb: 8 reps
• Josh Alonzo: 6 reps
• Justin Zuniga: 6 reps
• Frank Boniello: 5 reps

Fire Hydrant Load​

A firefighter-themed variation of the classic Atlas Stones event, participants lifted five weighted fire hydrants onto a podium in the shortest time possible.

• Frank Boniello: 26.35 seconds
• Mike McGowan: 26.58 seconds
• Jay Mullens: 27.25 seconds
• Marcus Waugh: 30.3 seconds
• Joseph Voiles: 32.81 seconds

Final Standings​

The cumulative performance across all events determined the overall rankings:

1. Frank Boniello: 43.5 points
2. Marcus Waugh: 37.5 points
3. Mike McGowan: 36.5 points
4. Justin Zuniga: 36 points
5. Jay Mullens: 33.5 points
6. Kelly Lamb: 30.5 points
7. Joseph Voiles: 29 points
8. Casey Shoe: 25.5 points
9. Josh Alonzo: 24.5 points
10. Harry Walker: 22 points

Champion's Perspective​

Reflecting on his achievement, Boniello expressed a deep sense of responsibility accompanying his new title. "There is an adjustment to my life after winning this title, being consciously aware of how I represent this title," he stated. His dedication to the sport and commitment to representing the firefighting community exemplify the ethos of the WSF competition.

Event Significance and Charitable Impact​

The WSF competition, initiated in 2019, has grown significantly, now featuring over 100 competitors, including both men and women. The 2025 event continued its tradition of supporting firefighter-related charities, raising over $30,000 for organizations such as the CAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation, the Santa Monica Firefighters Relief Fund, and the Columbus Firefighters Foundation. These funds aid firefighters and their families, as well as burn victims, underscoring the event's commitment to public service.

Looking Ahead​

Boniello's victory at the WSF has opened new avenues in his athletic career. Inspired by predecessors like Andrew Burton, who leveraged the WSF title to qualify for the Arnold Strongman Classic, Boniello aims to compete against the world's top under 105-kilogram strongmen. "I want to do other shows and see where I stand against the best under 105-kilogram strongmen in the world. I’m having so much fun in strongman," he remarked, signaling an exciting future in strength sports.