Editing World's Strongest Man (section)

== Competition format and commonly contested events ==
{{See also| Strength athletics}}
Initially, eight men representing various sports and strength disciplines were invited to compete against each other in unique events designed to test each individual to the fullest extent. The earliest events were relatively crude, but new ideas were introduced over the years. Some events had a basis in both powerlifting and [[Highland Games]] heavy events, and others were created based on mythological feats of strength. There are a number of events that make up each competition.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://theworldsstrongestman.com/events/|title=Events Archive - World's Strongest Man|website=World's Strongest Man|access-date=7 February 2018|archive-date=1 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401102156/http://theworldsstrongestman.com/events/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://strongman.org/events/|title=Strongman Events Archives - Strongman.org|website=Strongman.org|date=2 February 2018 |access-date=7 February 2018|archive-date=10 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180210131212/http://strongman.org/events/|url-status=live}}</ref>

* '''[[Loading Medley]]''' – Several heavy objects, each weighing {{convert|220|–|330|lb}}, are carried/ dragged and loaded onto a truck bed or a similar platform over a course of about {{convert|10-30|m}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://theworldsstrongestman.com/events/loading-race/|title=Loading Race|access-date=6 December 2019|archive-date=1 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401102219/https://cdn.cookielaw.org/scripttemplates/otSDKStub.js|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''[[Lifting stone|Atlas Stones]]''' – Five heavy round stones increasing in weight in the range of {{convert|220|–|350|lb}} are lifted and set on platforms. When the stones were first introduced to the competition, it was an individual event and the platforms were all of equal height. The modern Atlas Stones event takes place on a {{convert|16|–|33|ft|0|adj=on}} long course and the competitors participate two at a time. There are three current variations to the Atlas Stones event. In one, the stones are placed directly in front of the platforms and the competitors must simply lift and place them, generally the lightest stone being placed on the highest platform. In another, the stones are placed in a diagonal line, with the first stone being in front of the first platform, and each subsequent stone is set farther back from the course, with the heaviest stone being farthest away (or vice versa). The third variation sees the five platforms in a straight vertical line with the stones in front of each, and the competitors must place the stones and then move a short distance to the next one. In recent competitions, this is typically the final event.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://strongman.org/events/atlas-stones/|title=Atlas Stones, Last Event|date=2 February 2018|access-date=8 February 2018|archive-date=1 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401102155/https://c0.wp.com/c/5.4.4/wp-includes/css/dist/block-library/style.min.css|url-status=live}}</ref> In the 2015 competition, the heaviest stone was 209 kilos (461&nbsp;lbs).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theworldsstrongestman.com/de/wsm/events/atlas_stone.html|title=McGlashen Stones / Atlas Stones Event|access-date=6 December 2019|archive-date=10 January 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110181504/http://www.theworldsstrongestman.com/de/wsm/events/atlas_stone.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* '''[[Vehicle pull]]''' – Vehicles such as transport trucks, trams, boxcars, buses, or planes are pulled across a {{convert|100|ft|adj=on}} course as fast as possible. One variation sees the competitors pull the object with a rope toward them. Another has them attached to a rope which is attached to a vehicle, while they use another rope to pull themselves down the course. A third involves no ropes, with the competitors pulling the vehicle while connected to a harness.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theworldsstrongestman.com/de/wsm/events/lorry_pull.html|title=Truck Pull Event|access-date=6 December 2019|archive-date=11 January 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070111063008/http://www.theworldsstrongestman.com/de/wsm/events/lorry_pull.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The 2007 competition featured pulling a fire truck (possibly a nod to 2006 champion Phil Pfister, a professional firefighter) and the 2008 qualifying rounds featured a coal truck (a reference to the [[bituminous coal|coal]] mining industry in [[West Virginia]], where the competition was held).<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.theworldsstrongestman.com/history/|title=History|work=World's Strongest Man|access-date=23 December 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=22 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111222045807/http://www.theworldsstrongestman.com/history/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* '''Overhead Press''' – The heaviest possible load is pressed overhead, or a lighter weight is used for repetitions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theworldsstrongestman.com/de/wsm/events/over_head.html|title=Overhead Press Event|access-date=6 December 2019|archive-date=10 January 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110181730/http://www.theworldsstrongestman.com/de/wsm/events/over_head.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* '''Fingal's Fingers''' – A series of hinged poles ("fingers") are lifted starting from a horizontal resting position and flipped over to the other side. The poles get progressively heavier and longer. The event is scored by time and by how many of the poles a competitor was able to flip over. The event takes its name from [[Fionn mac Cumhaill|Fingal]], a mythological Gaelic hunter-warrior.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://theworldsstrongestman.com/events/fingals-fingers/|title=Fingal's Fingers Event|access-date=25 December 2020|archive-date=26 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126145342/http://theworldsstrongestman.com/events/fingals-fingers/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''Power Stairs''' – A series of three Duck Walk implements ranging from {{convert|400|–|600|lb|0}} are lifted, step by step, to the top of a flight of stairs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://theworldsstrongestman.com/events/power-stairs/|title=Power Stairs|access-date=6 December 2019|archive-date=1 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401102247/https://cdn.cookielaw.org/scripttemplates/otSDKStub.js|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''[[Squat (exercise)|Squat]]''' – Squatting large weights, such as {{convert|900|lb}} of bricks, a car, or people on a platform. Recently, an apparatus has been used that drops weighted kegs into a cage, one at a time after each successful lift (the event, in this case, is scored by weight instead of repetitions). The athlete will continue until completion, failure or time expires.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://theworldsstrongestman.com/events/squat-lift/|title=Squat Lift Event|access-date=25 December 2020|archive-date=12 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412072227/http://theworldsstrongestman.com/events/squat-lift/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''[[Deadlift|Dead Lift]]''' – Lifting weights or vehicles up to about {{convert|1100|lb}} straight off the ground until knees lock in a standing position. Lift is for either maximum weight, maximum repetitions with a fixed weight, or for time whilst holding a single repetition. In recent years, a similar keg-loaded apparatus to that described above for the squat has been used.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theworldsstrongestman.com/de/wsm/events/dead_lift.html|title=Dead Lift Event|access-date=6 December 2019|archive-date=10 January 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110181722/http://www.theworldsstrongestman.com/de/wsm/events/dead_lift.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theworldsstrongestman.com/de/wsm/events/dead_lift_reps.html|title=Dead Lift (Reps) Event|access-date=6 December 2019|archive-date=29 December 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061229044912/http://www.theworldsstrongestman.com/de/wsm/events/dead_lift_reps.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* '''[[Keg Tossing|Keg Toss]]''' – Competitors must throw kegs, of increasing weight, over a {{convert|14|ft|6|in|m|2|abbr=on}} high bar. A variation using [[kettlebell]]s was added to the 2015 competition, while in 2017, gold bricks were used.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://strongman.org/events/keg-toss/|title=Keg Toss|date=2 February 2018|access-date=7 February 2018|archive-date=1 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401102203/https://c0.wp.com/p/jetpack/8.7.1/css/jetpack.css|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://theworldsstrongestman.com/the-worlds-strongest-man-72015-roundup/|title=Keg Toss 2015|access-date=6 December 2019}}{{Dead link|date=February 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
* '''[[Weight over bar]]''' – A {{convert|56|lb|adj=on}} weight is thrown overhead with the goal being to clear a barrier above the competitor. The goal is to throw the weight the highest.
* '''[[Bar bending]]''' – Competitors have to grip long iron rods from their edges, use their arm and grip strength, and bend until the two ends come closer to each other.
* '''Car Carry''' – Competitors stand inside a stripped-down automobile, which is missing some of its roof and all of its bottom and interior, and carry it across a {{convert|25|m|adj=on|sp=us}} course. Competitors are scored by time, then distance once the time-limit expires.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mensjournal.com/sports/weirdest-worlds-strongest-man-events/|title=Weirdest World's Strongest Man Events|newspaper=Men's Journal |date=19 March 2012|access-date=6 December 2019|archive-date=1 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401102214/https://www.mensjournal.com/sports/weirdest-worlds-strongest-man-events/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''Hercules Hold''' – The athlete stands between two hinged pillars, gripping handles that prevent the pillars from falling to the side. The pillars are held for the longest possible time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://theworldsstrongestman.com/events/pillars-of-hercules/|title=Pillars of Hercules Event|access-date=25 December 2020|archive-date=28 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128033120/http://theworldsstrongestman.com/events/pillars-of-hercules/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* '''Carry and Drag''' – An anchor and a chain are carried to the end of a set distance, where they must be attached to each other and then dragged back the same distance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://theworldsstrongestman.com/events/carry-and-drag/|title=Carry and Drag Event|access-date=25 December 2020|archive-date=2 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202013017/http://theworldsstrongestman.com/events/carry-and-drag/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''Farmer's Walk''' – Competitors carry heavy objects (usually [[anvil]]s) weighing from 275 to 375&nbsp;lbs (125 to 170&nbsp;kg) in each hand for a set distance, and compete for the fastest time. A variation involves the use of a heavy frame with parallel handles or heavy objects attached to handles, and another involves much heavier weights (referred to as the '''Giant Farmer's Walk''').<ref>{{cite web|url=http://theworldsstrongestman.com/events/farmers-walk/|title=Farmer's Walk Event|access-date=25 December 2020|archive-date=2 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202005320/http://theworldsstrongestman.com/events/farmers-walk/|url-status=live}}</ref> This event is usually done on the same course as the Carry and Drag and is conducted as a race, but one competition in [[Sanya, China]] saw the competitors compete individually carrying the weights up a small set of stairs. The [[2001 World's Strongest Man|2001]] competition saw the competitors race two at a time along a course requiring several turns.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ns7iFhCzy6Y| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211107/Ns7iFhCzy6Y| archive-date=7 November 2021 | url-status=live|title=Worlds Strongest Man 2001|last=Total Enhancements Training Center|date=20 April 2013|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
* '''Super Yoke''' – Apparatus composed of a crossbar and two uprights. The uprights each have a heavy weight attached to them, such as a [[refrigerator]] or diesel engine, and the competitors must carry the yoke on their shoulders for a short distance.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://startingstrongman.com/2015/01/15/history-of-the-super-yoke/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317000005/http://startingstrongman.com/2015/01/15/history-of-the-super-yoke/ |archive-date=17 March 2015 |title=History of the Super Yoke {{!}} Starting Strongman}}</ref>
* '''[[Husafell Stone]]''' – A flat, somewhat triangular [[lifting stone]] weighing around 410&nbsp;lb (186&nbsp;kg) is carried high on the chest for a set distance or for overall distance within a time limit. The stone is named for a famous one in [[Iceland]], which actually was brought out for use when the competition was held in Iceland. During some years which the competition took place in Africa, this event was known as the Africa Stone and the stone was in the shape of the continent as it appears on a map. The 2017 competition called this event the Elephant Carry, and the stone was shaped like the head and face of an African elephant.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://theworldsstrongestman.com/events/husaffel-stone/|title=Husafell Stone / Africa Stone Event|access-date=25 December 2020|archive-date=13 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113162529/http://theworldsstrongestman.com/events/husaffel-stone/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''Duck Walk''' – An object with a handle is carried, suspended between the legs, over a set course.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://breakingmuscle.com/fitness/pick-up-something-new-10-loaded-carries-to-strengthen-your-training-and-yourself|title=Pick Up Something New: 10 Loaded Carries to Strengthen Your Training (and Yourself)|website=Breaking Muscle|date=4 July 2013|access-date=6 December 2019|archive-date=1 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401102154/https://breakingmuscle.com/fitness/pick-up-something-new-10-loaded-carries-to-strengthen-your-training-and-yourself|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''Log Throw / [[Caber toss]]''' – A five-meter-long ({{frac|16|1|2}} foot) log is thrown for distance or for height over a bar. When thrown for distance, the event is conducted similarly to the normal caber toss but with distance replacing technique. The length of the throw is determined by measuring the distance between where the competitor's toes were when he tossed and the tip of the log, based on where it first landed.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.carmunnockgames.org/about|title=Caber|access-date=7 February 2018|archive-date=1 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401102157/https://carmunnockgames.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/footer-logo-2x.png|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''[[Tug of War]]''' – One on one tug of war in a single-elimination tournament. In the first few competitions, this determined the champion and served as the final event.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://physicalculturestudy.com/2015/04/15/1977-and-the-birth-of-the-worlds-strongest-man/|title=1977 and the birth of the World's Strongest Man|date=15 April 2015|access-date=7 February 2018|archive-date=1 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401102155/https://physicalculturestudy.com/2015/04/15/1977-and-the-birth-of-the-worlds-strongest-man/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''Pole Pushing''' – One on one pole pushing in a Sumo-style ring in a single-elimination tournament. The pole has handles at either end.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://strongmancl.com/rules/|title=Strongman Champions League / Rules|access-date=6 December 2019|archive-date=1 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401102221/https://strongmancl.com/rules/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''Crucifix''' – Weights are held straight out at each side for as long a time as possible. A common variation entails weights being held out in front, using either one or both hands.<ref name="auto"/> 
* '''Giant Dumbbell Press''' – Single-handed dumbbells are hoisted from the ground onto the competitor's shoulder, from where, with one hand, he must raise it vertically over his head and lockout his arm. With four weights between {{convert|100|and|115|kg}}, scoring is based on time and number of successful lifts.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://theworldsstrongestman.com/events/giant-dumbbell-press/|title=Giant Dumbbell Press|access-date=25 December 2020|archive-date=2 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202003337/http://theworldsstrongestman.com/events/giant-dumbbell-press/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''Basque Circle/Stone Circle/Conan's Wheel''' – A competitor takes hold of the handle of a metal basket by placing the handle on his forearms. Inside the basket, usually, is at least {{convert|600|lb}} of heavy stones (the [[2015 World's Strongest Man|2015]] WSM replaced the stones with [[pineapple]]s and at least one earlier competition used a car). Holding the basket in the crook of his elbow, the competitor carries the basket in a clockwise manner over a platform with a {{convert|25|m|adj=on|sp=us}} circumference. The event is contested for distance.<ref name="auto"/> 
*'''Norse Hammers''' – Added to the competition for the first time in 2015, the Norse Hammers is similar to the Fingal's Fingers event. Three hammers, shaped like those of Norse god [[Thor]], must be flipped over. Unlike the Fingal Fingers, the competitors must lift the hammer from the side before pushing it up. There are three hammers, weighing 350, 365, and 380 pounds, respectively. In order to complete the event, all three hammers must be flipped within the time limit.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9nueK8TwDE| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211107/U9nueK8TwDE| archive-date=7 November 2021 | url-status=live|title=World's Strongest Man 2015 Day 1 - Norse Hammers [Ultra HD 4K]| date=20 April 2015|access-date=6 December 2019|via=www.youtube.com}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
*'''Circus Barbell''' – Similar to the Overhead Press, this event gets its name from the apparatus used which resembles the classically shaped barbell used by circus strongmen. The barbell, which weighs {{convert|150|kg}}, consists of two heavy spheres with a thick, flexible bar that makes it difficult for the competitors to lift. The event is conducted for reps within a time limit and the movement to complete the lift resembles a [[clean and press]] lift.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/theworldsstrongestman/posts/the-circus-barbell-consists-of-two-heavy-spheres-with-a-thick-flexible-bar-that-/2116197838430026/|title=The circus barbell. WSM FB|website=[[Facebook]]|access-date=19 June 2019|archive-date=1 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401102223/https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ftheworldsstrongestman%2Fposts%2Fthe-circus-barbell-consists-of-two-heavy-spheres-with-a-thick-flexible-bar-that-%2F2116197838430026%2F|url-status=live}}</ref>

Beginning in 2017, the qualifying format was changed. After five events, the leader clinches a spot in the final while the last place competitor is eliminated from the competition. To determine the second finalist of the group, a new event called Last Man Standing was added. An Atlas Stone is placed at the center of an octagon and, one at a time, the competitors must lift the stone and drop it over a 55-inch metal bar. They each have twenty seconds to do this, and once one cannot complete the drop, he is eliminated and the next highest scoring competitor entering the event takes his turn. The competition continues in stepladder fashion, beginning with the fourth and fifth place competitors, until only one remains; that competitor is declared the winner of the event and secures the second place in the final for the qualifying group.<ref>https://shawstrength.com/abc/worlds-strongest-man-2017/{{Dead link|date=February 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

The 2018 competition used the Atlas Stones event to determine the second finalist. The three lowest scorers were eliminated from the competition, and the second and third place finishers squared off with the winner advancing to the final.

The 2019 competition saw the return of Last Man Standing, but instead of featuring the remaining four competitors, only the second and third place competitors square off to determine the second finalist.

The 2025 competition will see a format change with the finalists performance in the group stage counting towards the final. Each finalist can start between 1-10 points. The last man standing event has also been abandoned.