World’s Strongest Man Champion | South African Strongman | Former Rugby Star Turned Strength Icon
Rayno Nel is a professional strongman athlete from South Africa and the 2025 World’s Strongest Man champion. Known for his explosive strength, rapid rise, and unshakable composure under pressure, Nel made history by becoming the first athlete from Africa and the southern hemisphere to win the prestigious World’s Strongest Man title, not to mention he was a rookie when he did it.
His background in rugby and engineering, combined with a relentless work ethic, has positioned him as one of the most dominant new faces in the world of strength sports, and our team at Generation Iron is here to break down his stats.
Rayno Nel – Quick Stats
| Full Name: Rayno Nel (World’s Strongest Man) | ||
| Weight | Height | Date Of Birth |
| 326lbs | 6’3″ | 5/9/1995 |
| Division | Era | Nationality |
| Strongman | 2010s, 2020s | South African |
Early Life & Athletic Background
Rayno Nel was born in Upington and raised in Bloemfontein, South Africa. A talented multi-sport athlete, he first made his mark in rugby. Nel played at the university level for the Central University of Technology (CUT Ixias), eventually earning a professional stint with the Free State Cheetahs.
Balancing academics and athletics, he earned an engineering degree before discovering a passion for strength training in 2023. His rugby conditioning and competitive experience laid the perfect foundation for his transition to strongman.
Strongman Career Beginnings (2023–2024)
Nel’s strongman journey began explosively. In his debut year:
- Won South Africa’s Strongest Man 2023
- Captured the Arnold Classic Africa title
- Won Africa’s Strongest Man in both 2023 and 2024
- Dominated multiple Strongman Champions League events, including Holland and Africa, consistently placing first or second across events like deadlift, Atlas Stones, truck pull, and log press.
His performances were marked by raw power, technical polish, and a high level of athleticism uncommon in first-year competitors.
2025 World’s Strongest Man Champion
Rayno Nel entered the 2025 World’s Strongest Man (WSM) as a wildcard and left as the world champion.
Event Highlights:
- 18″ Deadlift: 490 kg (2nd place)
- Flintstone Barbell Press: 188 kg (Event win, behind-the-neck press record)
- Hercules Hold: 2nd place
- Atlas Stones: Clutched victory by loading the final stone ahead of rivals
- Final Score: 47 points – defeating two-time champion Tom Stoltman by just 0.5 points
This WSM victory marked a historic first for South Africa and the continent of Africa, breaking geographic barriers in the sport’s legacy.
Training & Diet
Rayno Nel follows a high-volume, strength-specific training plan that incorporates:
- 4-5 sessions per week focused on:
- Deadlifts, log presses, yoke carries, and natural stone lifting
- Grip strength, sandbag carries, and truck pulling
- Recovery Focus: Sleep, contrast therapy, and mobility work
- Diet: High-protein intake, 5–6 meals daily, supplemented with creatine, amino acids, and USN Mass gH, his preferred brand
- Emphasizes clean eating and consistent caloric intake to maintain mass and optimize performance
Notable Personal Records
| Event | Performance |
|---|---|
| 18” Deadlift | 490 kg (WSM 2025) |
| Flintstone Barbell Press | 188 kg (WSM Record – Behind-Neck) |
| Natural Stone Loading | 4 stones (160–210 kg) in 17.19 seconds |
| Truck Pull | 16,000 kg over 25m in 33.34 seconds |
| Log Press (Reps) | 150 kg × 7 reps |
| Atlas Stones | 120–200 kg set in 47.72 seconds |
Generation Iron’s Exlusive Interview
Generation Iron got to sit down with Rayno Nel and talk about everything post competition. Check it out!
Legacy and Future
Rayno Nel’s win at World’s Strongest Man 2025 has instantly placed him among the top names in modern strongman history. His combination of power, mobility, and humble determination is redefining what’s possible for African strength athletes.
With upcoming appearances expected in the Arnold Strongman Classic, Rogue Invitational, and SCL World Finals, Nel is not only expected to defend his crown—but to elevate the sport’s visibility in emerging markets worldwide.
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