Rayno Nel
Country: South Africa 🇿🇦
Date of Birth: 5/9/1995 (30 years old)
Height: 6'3" (191 cm)
Weight: 326 lbs (148 kg)
Rayno Nel is a South African professional strongman and former rugby player who made history by winning the 2025 World’s Strongest Man competition in his debut appearance. Since 2023, he has rapidly ascended the ranks, securing titles such as South Africa’s Strongest Man (2023, 2024) and Africa’s Strongest Man (2023, 2024). His victory at the 2025 World’s Strongest Man in Sacramento marked him as the first African and the first athlete from the Southern Hemisphere to claim the title, edging out defending champion Tom Stoltman by just half a point.
Career Statistics
3
Competitions
2
Wins
67%
Win Rate
2
Podiums
67%
Podium Rate
1st
Best Finish
Competition History
| Place | Competition | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Arnold Strongman Classic 2026 | March 6, 2026 |
| 8th | Rogue Invitational 2025 | October 31, 2025 |
| 1st | World’s Strongest Man 2025 | May 15, 2025 |
