The Arnold Strongman Classic contest is known for some of the heaviest implements in the sport.
The Arnold Strongman Classic is held each March at the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio. It is known for the heaviest implements in the sport — axle lifts, giant stones and static holds — and a small, invitation-only field.
The first contest was held in 2002.
Latest results
2026 Arnold Strongman Classic — March 2026, Columbus, Ohio.
2026 podium
| Place | Athlete |
|---|---|
| 1 | Mitchell Hooper |
| 2 | Austin Andrade |
| 3 | Martins Licis |
History & key moments
| Year | Moment |
|---|---|
| 2002 | Mark Henry wins the first Arnold Strongman Classic |
| 2003–2008 | Žydrūnas Savickas wins six straight; eight titles in total |
| 2023–2026 | Mitchell Hooper wins four straight |
A fan's guide
The Arnold's events are chosen for maximum weight rather than speed, so expect static lifts and slow, grinding efforts. Records set here, especially in the axle and the stones, are among the most respected in the sport.
The contest is broadcast live from the Arnold Sports Festival.
Our take
The Arnold is the purest test of absolute strength in the sport, and Hooper's four-year run against invitation-only fields is one of the great achievements in modern strongman.
Our full history page lists every podium since 2002.
What's next
The 2027 Arnold Strongman Classic will be held in March in Columbus.
Latest coverage
Coverage of the next edition will appear here.
FAQ
Who won the 2026 Arnold Strongman Classic?
Mitchell Hooper.
Who has the most Arnold Strongman Classic wins?
Žydrūnas Savickas, with eight.
Where is it held?
Columbus, Ohio, at the Arnold Sports Festival.