The 2026 World’s Strongest Man broadcast details, roster, and events can be found here!
The 2026 World’s Strongest Man returns to Myrtle Beach from April 23-26. This year’s showdown carries major implications as competitors fight for the title that could shape the overall legacy in their careers. Many former champions will compete this weekend, bringing an all-star cast of Strongmen to South Carolina. Our team at Generation Iron is going to break it down.
Rayno Nel Defending Title After Historic Victory
Rayno Nel returns to defend his WSM title from 225. He became the first rookie to win the title since 1997. Nel used this momentum to dominate the Strongman Champions League. He went onto win the SCL Italy and SCL Holland, which he won in 2024 as well. Nel was crowned champion during the SCL World Finals for the second straight year as well.
The rest of the field is looking up at Nel — and it is a loaded group.
Tom Stoltman finished as the runner-up to Nel last year as he was in search of his fourth title. As a three-time champion, one more win would put Stoltman in the same tier as Brian Shaw, Zydrunas Savickas, and Magnús ver Magnússon, legends who each secured four WSM titles.
Mitchell Hooper won the 2023 WSM title and has moved down a peg each year since but has finished in the top three over the last three years. Hooper has won four consecutive Arnold Strongman titles, keeping him in contention. Martins Licis is also in the field as a former champion who could make some noise.
How to Watch the 2026 WSM
As in previous years, the full 2026 World’s Strongest Man competition will not be available to watch via a livestream. Instead, CBS Sports Network and CBS Television Network will air the competition on a delay later this summer.
The U.S. dates will take place on June 20 and July 19. The international dates have not been shared fully but it will air on Channel 5 in the UK in December.
In the meantime, fans can follow real-time updates, highlight reels, and exclusive backstage content on WSM’s social media platforms and Generation Iron’s official channels.
The 2026 Athlete Lineup: Group by Group
There is a total of 25 athletes spread across five groups during qualifiers. Here is how the groups stack up:
Group 1
- Ben Glasscock (GBR)
- Nick Guardione (USA)
- Rayno Nel (RSA)
- Tristain Hoath (CAN)
- Luke Richardson (GBR)
Group 2
- Austin Andrade (MEX)
- Mathew Ragg (NZL)
- Jaco Schoonwinkel (RSA)
- Tom Stoltman (GBR)
- Levi Strong (USA)
Group 3
- Matyas Funiok (CZE)
- Lucas Hatton (USA)
- Paddy Haynes (GBR)
- Mitchell Hooper (CAN)
- Eddie Williams (AUS)
Group 4
- Adam Bishop (GBR)
- Ondrej Fojtu (CZE)
- James Jeffers (CAN)
- Bryce Johnson (USA)
- Martins Licis (LVA)
Group 5
- Andrew Flynn (GBR)
- Pavlo Kordiyaka (UKR)
- Trey Mitchell (USA)
- Evans Nana (GHA)
- Evan Singleton (USA)
2026 WSM Event Schedule
The 2026 WSM will featured a total of 10 intense events spread out across four days. They are designed to test the strength of competitors in many ways including endurance, technique, and grip.
Qualifying Stage – Day 1 (Thursday, April 23)
- Carry & Climb – 10:00 am
- Circus Press Medley – 1:30 pm
- Squat Lift – 4:30 pm
Qualifying Stage – Day 2 (Friday, April 24)
- Truck Pull – 10:00 am
- Natural Stone Medley – 3:30 pm
Final – Day 1 (Saturday, April 25)
- KNAACK Monster Box Flip & Carry – 10:00 am
- Deadlift – 1:00 pm
- Titan’s Toss – 3:00 pm
Final – Day 2 (Sunday, April 26)
- Max Log – 10:00 am
- Atlas Stones – 1:30 pm
For all updates from the 2026 World’s Strongest Man, follow Generation Iron on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.
