Who Won the Arnold Strongman Event in 2023? Predictions for 2024

The Arnold Festival hosts a series of diverse championships around the fitness realm. From Strongman championships to lifting weights, it has it all and is among one of the most awaited events in the bodybuilding world, after Mr. Olympia. The Strongman championship was first introduced at the Arnold Festival in 2002. After its inception, the Arnold Strongman Classic, abbreviated as ASC, is renowned to be one of the most prestigious strength contests all across the globe. It is an intense two-day battle of strength for which men fly over to Columbus, OH, the only home for the contest.

Well, while the speculations around the Arnold Strongman Classic 2024 are rife, it is safe to say that last year too was a blast. Strongman giant Mitchell Hooper won the title last year after an intense fight for the first position. Mateusz Kieliszkowski took home the silver medal while the second runner-up position was bagged by Bobby Thompson. Here’s all you need to know about the win at the ASC last year.

Mitchell Hooper had already predicted his win at the Arnold Strongman Classic

As the 2022 Arnold Strongman Classic champion Martin Licis vacated his crown due to some personal reasons, the probability of a new champion rose highly. Mitchell Hooper ascended the throne right after him, and well, it was not a surprise for him at all. Days before the event, the beast stated that he had full faith that he would win the title of the ASC 2023, 40 times out of 100. His victory was the sweet fruit of his outstanding performance through both the days of the championship. In all of the five events that the icon participated in, he did not finish lower than third place in any of them.

As he headed into the final event on the second day of the championship, he had already acquired a lead of 4.5 points over his closest competitor, Trey Mitchell. Mitchell Hooper worked immensely hard to improve his performance from 2022 in the Timber Carry, which was his weak spot, and well, he did indeed pull out an exceptional stance at it. As he maintained his performance throughout the very end of the show, he was certain, and after winning the title, he even said, “Nothing that happened surprised me.” Well, Hooper’s rookie season will forever be remembered as one of the greatest events in the history of Strongman.

Read More: Meet the 34-Year-Old Mechanic-Turned-Strongman Beast Making History at the Arnold Classic 2023

After the fun-filled roller coaster ride at the Arnold Strongman Classic last year, the hype has gone beyond imagination this year, with just a few days away from D-day. The predictions of the winners are all over the Internet, and here’s what the verdict of the fitness community looks like.

The top 3 contenders of the Arnold Strongman Classic

Among all the formidable contenders that are vying for the title of the Arnold Strongman Classic this year, three of them stand out to take home the title. The 2022 ASC champion Martins Licis is in full prep to get back the limelight to himself and give a great comeback after having to drop out last year. While Mitchell Hooper has put in all he has to defend his title once again, this year. Having had a successful battle in 2023, he has no desire to get dethroned so soon.

Read More: After Grabbing the World’s Strongest Man Title, Mitchell Hooper Flaunts His Lifting Prowess During a Shoot

To add to the list is the invincible Icelandic Strongman Hafthor Bjornsson, who managed to grab the title three times in a row from 2018 to 2020. He is ready to take over the stage once again, demonstrating his unmatchable feats of strength and prowess. The Strongman beast has had an unparalleled career, coming out victorious in the World’s Strongest Man championship eight times in a row.

Well, looks like the ride is indeed going to be unpredictable this year, with such legends participating to compete together. But well, there is just one winner. Who do you think will be this year? Let us know in the comments section below!