“Big Slap to the Haters”: Mitchell Hooper’s Arnold Classic Strongman Victory Breaks the Internet

Within one year, Mitchell Hooper has proven to the strongman world that he is here to stay. The Moose won his second consecutive Arnold Classic Strongman title earlier today. Many people doubted the Canadian newcomer as a one-hit wonder after his 2023 Arnold Classic Strongman victory. However, he has proven the nay-sayers wrong after winning the World’s Strongest Man 2023 and now becoming a two-time Arnold Champion.

Mitchell Hooper had to go up against some tough competition at this year’s Arnold. While Brian Shaw retired in 2023, the defending champion had to fend off surging challengers Tom Stoltman, Martins Licis, Thor Björnsson, and others. However, despite facing a stacked lineup of former Arnold and WSM champions, Hooper walked away with $80,000 in prize money.

Who can stop Mitchell Hooper?

Since 2023, the Canadian strongman has been on a rampage. Last year, The Moose won the Arnold Classic Strongman and the World’s Strongest Man back to back, and this year, he’s on track to do the same. Top contenders like 2022 champion Martins Licis and two-time WSM winner Tom Stoltman dedicated their time to improving, but it wasn’t enough.

Hafthor Bjornsson also made his anticipated return to professional strongman through the Arnold Classic. However, the former three-time champion wasn’t at his best after the pec tear he suffered last year. Hence, one can’t help but ask, who has what it takes to stop Hooper? The fans certainly think his dominance will continue.

Fans bowed down to the Arnold Classic Strongman winner

“Dominance doesn’t leave room for doubt,” announced one fan. “Congratulations to Mitchell Hooper, 2X Arnold Strongman Classic Champion,” the fan added. “Proving the world he is the deal. That’s a big slap to the haters,” commented another fan. Former champion Hafthor Bjornsson didn’t compete at his full potential as he recently recovered from a pe tear. However, one fan didn’t think it would matter.

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“Easily the best. Even if prime Thor was here, he would’ve been beaten tonight,” the fan confidently announced in the comments. “Congrats Mitch! You are always exciting to watch!! So happy your time away from your family was worth it!!” commented one excited fan. One fan was so excited he wrote “Mooooose!! The best of the current age,” in all caps.

While Mitchell Hooper is relatively new to the sport with a fledgling competitive career, he has already won the Arnold Classic Strongman title twice. Do you think his dominance will continue?

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