Mitchell Hooper discussed the upcoming competition at length.
Mitchell Hooper knows what it takes to win on the Arnold Strongman stage and will defend his title in just over two months. Hooper is the reigning two-time champion at this event and recently shared his predictions for the 2025 show.
2025 Arnold Strongman Classic Roster
Austin Andrade
Hafthor Bjornsson
Maxime Boudreault
Nick Guardione
Lucas Hatton
Mitchell Hooper
Mateusz Kieliszkowski
Trey Mitchell
Evan Singleton
Tom Stoltman
Bobby Thompson
Mitchell Hooper’s Complete Arnold Strongman Predictions
Event One
The Max Elephant Bar Deadlift kicks off the event on day one. This is an event that Hafthor Bjornsson has been training hard for and Hooper believes he will have an advantage.
Hafthor Bjornsson
Trey Mitchell
Mitchell Hooper
“The record stands at 472kg and I believe that record is going to fall. I believe that Hafthor Bjornsson will be capable of lifting more than that.”
Event Two
The action continues with the Overheard Press. Hooper gives the early edge to Mateusz Kieliszkowski because of his overall form and strength.
Mateusz Kieliszkowski
Mitchell Hooper
Lucas Hatton
“Mateusz, in good form and with his overhead strength, should be really good and rapid in this event. Lucas’ overhead strength is absolutely absurd.”
The Frame Carry is the final event of day one. Hooper did not give a specific top three for this event but highlighted some of the top competitors, including himself, in this lift.
“I was 0.1 off the record last year. Mateusz is the current World Record holder. Maxime Boudreaut, the winner of the Frame Carry in 2022.”
Event Four
The second day of the Arnold Strongman kicks off with the Big Jerk, which is a new event this year. Athletes will be asked to complete an overhead press with as much weight as possible. Competitors can use any technique they want to lock in a score. This is where Hooper sees Hatton’s form coming into play.
Lucas Hatton
Mitchell Hooper
Tom Stoltman
“I think somewhere around 255kg is going to win this and this is going to be the first event win for Lucas Hatton. His split-jerk technique is really, really good.”
The competition advances with the Timber Trial where Strongman will load and pull a sled with as much wait as possible. This event calls for both endurance and speed along with strength.
Top 2: Tom Stoltman/Hafthor Bjornsson
3rd: Mitchell Hooper or Mateusz Kieliszkowski
“Tall guys are usually really good at this. Tom and Hafthor, I expect to be really good.”
Event Six
The final event of the show will be Atlas Stones. This is an event that all competitors are familiar with since it has become a staple in Strongman. Hooper added himself in a group that included some of the best in this event.
Mateusz Kieliszkowski
Tom Stoltman
Mitchell Hooper
“You can’t really look past Tom, Mateusz putting anything to his shoulder. This is like to be an event win for him.”
About Greg Patuto
Greg has covered the four major sports for six years and has been featured on sites such as Sports Illustrated, Fox Sports, SB Nation, NJ.com, and FanSided. Now, he is transitioning into the world of bodybuilding and strength sports.
