Jul 13, 2026 · By Justin Pickrell
Mitchell Hooper Is World's Strongest Man Again — And He Earned It Ugly
Mitchell Hooper is the 2026 World's Strongest Man — his second title — and he won it by hunting down a man who had beaten him all week and burying him on the final two events.
Who won the 2026 World's Strongest Man?
Mitchell Hooper. The Canadian claimed his second WSM title (2023 and 2026) in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, held April 23–26. Rayno Nel took second, Trey Mitchell third.
How did Hooper win if Nel dominated?
Rayno Nel swept Saturday's events and carried the lead into the final day. Hooper didn't flinch — he clawed it back with a massive Log Lift and closed hard in the Atlas Stones. The final margin was reported at 54 to 52.
Why does a two-point win matter?
Because it's the part nobody clips for highlights. Nel had the momentum, the crowd, and the lead. Hooper still had to walk out and load stones after four days of getting run over — and he did it anyway.
What did the 2026 final actually look like?
- Venue: Myrtle Beach, SC — April 23–26, 2026
- Winner: Mitchell Hooper (second career title)
- Runner-up: Rayno Nel, who swept Saturday's events
- Third: Trey Mitchell
- Final margin: reported 54–52
- Notable absence: Tom Stoltman, out before the finals
There's the lesson, and it has nothing to do with talent. Everyone watching wanted to know how far behind Hooper was. He wanted to know how many stones were left. Getting outscored for three days and still closing is the whole sport — and the whole point. Load up in the Barbell heavyweight tee and go do your version of it.
FAQ
How many World's Strongest Man titles does Mitchell Hooper have?
Two — he won in 2023 and again in 2026.
Where was the 2026 World's Strongest Man held?
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, from April 23 to 26, 2026.
Who finished second at the 2026 World's Strongest Man?
Rayno Nel, who won Saturday's events but lost the overall title by a reported two points.
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