In a stunning upset at the 2025 World's Strongest Man competition in Sacramento, California, South Africa's Rayno Nel has etched his name in history. The former rugby player secured the title, becoming the first competitor from the African continent to ever win the prestigious event. This victory also marks the first time a rookie has claimed the crown since 1997.
Nel's path to victory was anything but predictable. The 30-year-old dominated the first day of the finals, consistently placing near the top in each event. However, he faced a daunting challenge on the final day, knowing his weaker events – the Flintstone Barbell and the Atlas Stones – were looming. Adding to the pressure were seasoned veterans like 2023 champion Mitch Hooper and three-time winner Tom Stoltman, both hot on his heels.
Despite the pressure, Nel managed to hold his own, securing a crucial third-place finish in the Atlas Stones, the final event of the competition. This performance allowed him to narrowly edge out Stoltman by a mere half-point, solidifying his victory.
"I'm just over the moon," Nel shared in an interview. "To represent South Africa in any way feels surreal. We're a small country with a lot of struggles, and this means so much to my people."
Nel's journey to becoming the World's Strongest Man is remarkable. Just three years ago, he was focused on rugby. When his rugby career ended, his competitive spirit led him to strongman. Fortuitously, a top-notch training facility was located near his home, allowing him to develop his natural strength under the guidance of coach Terence Bosman.
While Nel had achieved success in continental strongman competitions, the World's Strongest Man represented a significant leap in competition. He acknowledged feeling some initial nerves due to the magnitude of the event. However, his knowledge of his competitors' capabilities instilled a quiet confidence.
Nel, standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 326 pounds, attributes his success to a combination of innate strength and dedicated training. He recalled realizing his strength advantage over larger rugby opponents.
Asked about his plans for celebrating his historic win, Nel simply stated his intention to enjoy a beer with his family. Despite the potential difficulty in finding his preferred South African brand, Black Label, he expressed a willingness to try some American beer.