World's Strongest Man 2025 Results, Rayno Nel Tops Tom Stoltman, More for 1st Title

Rayno Nel is the World's Strongest Man.

After dominating the field on Day 1, holding a seven-point lead with 36 points, Nel out of South Africa clinched his first ever title, outlasting last year's winner Tom Stoltman. 

Competition Results

1. Rayno Nel (South Africa): 47 points
2. Tom Stoltman (Scotland): 46.5 points
3. Mitchell Hooper (Canada): 43.5 points
4. Trey Mitchell (United States): 38.5 points
5. Paddy Haynes (England): 32 points
6. Ondrej Fojtu (Czech Republic): 27 points
7. Shane Flowers (England): 21.5 points
8. Pavlo Kordiyaka (Ukraine): 25 points
9. Luke Stoltman (Scotland): 21.5 points
10. Eddie Williams (Australia): 20.5 points

Nel made a thunderous entrance onto the global stage, winning the 2025 World’s Strongest Man title in his debut appearance.

Nel outpaced defending champion Mitchell Hooper and three-time winner Stoltman to take the crown, capping off a dominant weekend performance with a statement in the Atlas Stones—completing four stones in just 30.17 seconds, more than a full second faster than Stoltman.

While the Flintstone Barbell Press Max made its return to the competition for the first time since 2022, Nel struggled—managing just one successful lift at 188 kg to finish near the bottom. Stoltman and Trey Mitchell tied for the win with six reps apiece.

Nel had a strong showing in the Hercules Hold, locking in a time of 75.63 seconds—second only to Eddie Williams. His 490 kg deadlift was also good for second behind Stoltman, keeping him in close atop of his competition.

He had an explosive showing in the KNAACK Carry and Hoist, clocking in at 30.58 seconds, nearly four seconds ahead of Stoltman.

From relatively unknown to world champion, Nel's breakout in Sacramento signals the arrival of a new force in strongman competition.