A sit down with the World’s Strongest Man
Mitchell Hooper has quickly become one of the most dominant competitors in modern strongman competitions, with multiple World’s Strongest Man victories under his belt. Known for his intelligence, consistency, and well-rounded strength, Hooper has built a reputation as an athlete who can perform at an elite level across every event.
Nicknamed “The Moose,” Mitchell Hooper rose to prominence with standout performances on the international stage, culminating in his first victory at the World’s Strongest Man in 2023. Since then, he has remained a top contender, earning major wins at events like the Arnold Strongman Classic and the Rogue Invitational.
In 2026, Hooper reclaimed the biggest title in strongman, further solidifying his place among the sport’s elite. Our team at Generation Iron sat down with him.
What Is the World’s Strongest Man?
The World’s Strongest Man (WSM) is widely regarded as the most prestigious competition in the sport of strongman. Established in 1977, it features the strongest athletes from around the world competing in a series of physically demanding and unconventional events.
These events often include:
- Atlas Stones
- Log Press
- Deadlifts
- Truck Pulls
- Carry variations
Athletes earn points based on their performance in each event, and the competitor with the highest total score is crowned the World’s Strongest Man. The competition tests not just raw strength, but also endurance, technique, and mental toughness.
Generation Iron’s Interview
Below is Generation Iron’s full interview with Mitchell Hooper following his 2026 World’s Strongest Man victory.
Congrats on reclaiming The World’s Strongest Man title! This is now your second World’s Strongest Man victory after first winning in 2023. Does this victory feel different from the first one?
Yes. The first one blew my mind and the second was a confirmation of what I believe I am capable of. Since my last victory we have had our two girls who were in attendance. That was a huge motivator.
You came into this contest as a former champion, but not the defending champion. How much did that change your mindset?
It didn’t change my mindset at all. I won the rogue invitational and the Arnold, beating the best guys in the world who were vying for the WSM title. I saw myself as the favourite, and if I could do what I had done many times before I would come out on top.
Rayno Nel had a strong lead early in the finals. At what point did you feel the competition start shifting back in your favor to come back to win this?
Rayno had a 2.5 point lead, which isn’t much in strongman. With overhead being his weakness hanging over his head, it never felt like it was out of grasp.
This was one of the most dramatic finishes in recent World’s Strongest Man history that we have covered here at Generation Iron. How did you stay composed knowing the title could come down to the final event?
I would give any effort required to win, but I knew I could live with second place if I left it all out there. With my family, wife and daughters watching, it puts things into perspective.
What was the biggest adjustment you made in training between the 2025 season and this 2026 WSM prep?
I didn’t train as hard. I do my best to come in fresh and healthy, rather than trying to win the show in prep
Which event in the 2026 WSM final best represented who you are as an athlete?
Max log. When rayno hit a few PB’s and it looked like it would lock up the title, I kept rising to the occasion. I make a habit of doing what it takes to win
After winning the 2026 World’s Strongest Man, what is next?
I plan on a couple Giants Lives and attempting a 4peat at the rogue invitational as I have done at the Arnold. I want to continue cementing my legacy as one of the best to ever do it.
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What This Win Means for Hooper’s Legacy
Mitchell Hooper’s second World’s Strongest Man title confirms that his first victory was no fluke. Instead, it establishes him as one of the most consistent and dangerous competitors in the sport today.
A few key takeaways from this interview include:
- A strong belief in his own abilities
- A calculated approach to competition and preparation
- The importance of family as motivation
- The ability to remain composed under pressure
His admission that he trained less heading into the 2026 competition highlights a strategic shift toward recovery, longevity, and peak performance at the right time.
What’s Next for Mitchell Hooper?
With plans to continue competing in elite events like the Rogue Invitational and the Arnold Strongman Classic, Hooper’s career trajectory shows no signs of slowing down.
If he continues at this pace, Mitchell Hooper is not just building a winning record—he’s building a legacy that could place him among the greatest strongmen of all time.
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