The start of a new year is the perfect time to take stock of where the sport of strongman stands. These are not all-time rankings and they are not based on a single contest. Instead, the LiftingBase Power Rankings reflect recent results, consistency, versatility, and projected performance going into 2026.
With the 2025 season behind us and several major contests on the horizon, here is how the top of the strongman world stacks up right now.
January 2026 Strongman Power Rankings
- Mitchell Hooper (Canada)
- Tom Stoltman (Great Britain)
- Trey Mitchell (United States)
- Hafþór Björnsson (Iceland)
- Evan Singleton (United States)
- Rayno Nel (South Africa)
- Lucas Hatton (United States)
- Thomas Evans (United States)
- Ondřej Fojtů (Czech Republic)
- Paddy Haynes (Great Britain)
1. Mitchell Hooper (Canada)
Mitchell Hooper enters 2026 as the clear standard in modern strongman.
Hooper’s 2025 was nothing short of legendary. Three-peating at both the Arnold Strongman Classic and Rogue Invitational is a feat only matched by strongman royalty like Žydrūnas Savickas. While the WSM bronze stings, Hooper proved he’s the most consistently dominant force in the sport. His technical precision, combined with freakish strength across all disciplines, makes him the clear #1 heading into 2026. The Arnold in March will be his stage to defend once again.
2026 Outlook: Favorite for Arnold, Rogue, and a serious WSM threat.
2. Tom Stoltman (Great Britain)
Tom Stoltman remains one of the most dangerous competitors in the sport, especially when contests trend toward heavy loading and stones.
Lost WSM 2025 by half a point – the narrowest margin in recent memory. Tom won both day 2 events and nearly pulled off the upset despite trailing by 9 points. The three-time champion showed he’s still got championship mettle and the stones prowess that’s made him legendary. His consistency across major shows and home-field advantage at certain UK events keeps him firmly at #2.
2026 Outlook: Hungry to reclaim WSM. The favorite going in.
3. Trey Mitchell (United States)
Trey’s 2025 solidified him as a legitimate championship contender. Second at Rogue, tied for event wins with Hooper at Arnold, and consistently in the mix at every major show. His pressing power is world-class and he’s improved his weaknesses. At his peak physical prime, Mitchell could break through for a major title in 2026.
2026 Outlook: Dark horse for all three majors. His year to shine.
4. Hafþór Björnsson (Iceland)
That 1026 lb elephant bar deadlift at Arnold was a statement, Thor is back and stronger than ever. Multiple event victories throughout 2025 showed he’s not just here for nostalgia, he’s here to win. His raw strength ceiling remains the highest in the sport. If he stays healthy and motivated, a fifth major title isn’t out of the question. Increasing the deadlift world record multiple times further cemented his status in lifting history.
2026 Outlook: Can’t count him out of anything. Arnold is his wheelhouse.
5. Evan Singleton (United States)
Two major titles in 2025 (Strongest Man on Earth and Giants Live Strongman Classic) prove Singleton belongs in the elite conversation. The former WWE wrestler has found his groove in strongman’s upper echelon. His Hercules Hold win at Giants Live and sixth-place Arnold showing demonstrate versatility. He’s knocking on the door of the top tier.
2026 Outlook: Podium threat at any show. WSM breakthrough possible.
6. Rayno Nel (South Africa)
World’s Strongest Man champion, but what happened after? Nel’s historic debut victory in May was one of the year’s biggest stories, but his late-season performances didn’t match the hype. The talent is undeniable, his day 1 WSM performance was all-time great. The question is consistency. Can he handle the pressure of being WSM champion? We’ll find out in 2026.
2026 Outlook: Prove-it year. Either cements legacy or one-hit wonder label sticks.
7. Lucas Hatton (United States)
Hatton quietly had an excellent 2025, winning multiple events at major competitions. His overhead pressing is elite, and he’s shown he can compete with anyone on the right day. Consistent top-5 finishes across Arnold, Strongest Man on Earth, and other shows make him a lock for most invites. Just needs that breakthrough podium finish.
2026 Outlook: Podium dark horse everywhere. Could shock at Arnold.
8. Thomas Evans (United States)
Evans has been building momentum, competing at the highest level and showing flashes of brilliance. His static strength events are impressive, and he’s improving his movement work. Another year of experience at major shows should push him further up these rankings.
2026 Outlook: Solid mid-pack finisher with upside. Finals regular.
9. Ondřej Fojtů (Czech Republic)
Fojtů’s 2025 WSM finals appearance showed he belongs among the world’s best. He’s been consistently strong on the European circuit and is building his resume at the major international shows. His grip and static events are world-class.
2026 Outlook: WSM finals regular. Could crack top 5 with the right events.
10. Paddy Haynes (Great Britain)
He holds the Húsafell Stone world record and is consistently excellent in grip-dependent events. While he may not win shows outright, he’s a lock for top-10 finishes and a spoiler in any grip event.
2026 Outlook: Perennial finals contender. Event specialist who can steal points.
Looking Ahead
- Can Hooper finally capture the elusive WSM title?
- Will Tom reclaim his throne or is the Stoltman era over?
- Is Rayno Nel the real deal or a one-comp wonder?
- Thor’s full-season return – how far can he climb?
NEXT MAJOR COMP: Arnold Strongman Classic (March 6-7, 2026)
Rankings based on 2025 competition results, consistency across shows, and projected 2026 form. Debate us in the comments.