# South African rookie Rayno Nel made history in Sacramento, clinching the 2025 World’s Strongest Man title and becoming the first African and first debutant since 1997 to win. The former rugby player built an early lead but held firm through the gruelling Flintstone Barbell and Atlas Stones finals. The two-time South African Strongest Man showcased Africa’s strength in this sport on the global stage, by beating defending champion, Britain’s Tom Stoltman, by just half a point, while Canadian Mitchell Hooper had to settle for third place overall.
South Africa’s Rayno Nel crowned 2025 World’s Strongest Man