Our Honest Opinion of the 2024 Strongest Man On Earth

[@combinemax]

There is so little strongman content on yt that we would gladly watch this video even if it would be half a year late, let alone a couple of weeks 😅

[@LalasBrothers]

Hopefully in the future more people on KZbin will start making strongman content 😊

[@reallymysterious4520]

Not to mention they are both such nice guys 😀

[@douglasnisbet1189]

Ditch machine lifts. Either use axle bar squats WSM style or just do another event. Truck pull, farmers walk, hercules hold. Personally I'd rather see natural stones without tacky instead of atlas stones.

[@boostedchicken001]

The big globe bars for squats look good and easy to ref

[@entropy2100]

Brian loves big machines - but honestly none of them are that successful

[@LalasBrothers]

​@@boostedchicken001i agree, big different ll looking globes or wheels would do the job.

[@boostedchicken001]

@@LalasBrothers much better looking and way more equal between the athletes

[@damianen2164]

In around 2005 they were using great looking squat machine with barrels

[@alexanderreich749]

wake up honey the Lalas gigachads finally talked about SMOE!

[@LalasBrothers]

😂

[@vojtechkorhon4159]

The weird thing is that they had unnecessarily strict rules for deadlift and overhead medley, but the squats were not strict at all in regards to depth.

[@kucuser]

I agree on this. Have a consistency with rules on your show. You eighter let athletes to use equipement to best advantage they can so big numbers and big amounts of reps can be set "strongman style" or you hold them to best possible standard you can and lifts they are doing are universal to compare vs lets say powerlifters. It had no direction overall.

[@LalasBrothers]

On point 🙌

[@mattholt5063]

@@vojtechkorhon4159 good point. 👍🏻

[@etiennebrossard1263]

But it was well discussed that this event was not a squat event - the only goal was to move the bar from point A to point B back to point A.

[@vojtechkorhon4159]

@@etiennebrossard1263 then don't call the even a squat. Which is what they did. Besides, this comp is supposed to be strict. If they allow this for the squat-which-is-not-a-squat, they should follow the same philosophy for other events and allow belt cleans for the axle and not be so strict with gripping the deadlift bar.

[@Danimal77]

There was a controversy with the overhead dumbbell. Terry Hollands was much stricter and waited a lot longer to give the down signal (with both Evan and Thor) than the guys in the other lane who were being judged by someone else and being given a much quicker down signal for similar lifts.

[@mattholt5063]

@@Danimal77 yeah Thor got a tough call on last dumbbell.

[@Kamyen316]

If you look closely. They both weren't standing still. It still was moving and Terry waited. He reffed perfectly and didn't give a handicap lift. Problem is other reffs didn't and were less lenient with the lifts

[@andrewgilbertson5356]

Better late than never

[@LalasBrothers]

@@andrewgilbertson5356 yep 😊

[@paulsbourne]

I will say I thought Thor should have gotten that last dumbbell since one judge had given him the down signal but I get why he didn’t. And I agree with you that there was an underlying tension in Brian’s wrap up videos. Definitely hope he can acknowledge the constructive criticism, discard the rest, and continue to make the SMOE even better. Thanks for the analysis guys!

[@petershortland478]

Because it wasn't in control that's why even Big Z wouldn't give it

[@Roovstah]

​@@petershortland478 It was tho.

[@IonicNuva]

Glad I found y’all’s channel. You guys offer as much insight as Liz & Loz but I appreciate that you guys are willing to say things as they are. I love their content, but sometimes i feel like Liz and Loz end up being a little too concerned with potentially offending the athletes.

[@LalasBrothers]

We always trying to speak our minds and even if it upset some people. No one is liked by everyone 🤷 Thank you for your kind comment 😊

[@Tom-V]

Well said guys!

[@Rorschachs_Bloat]

The squat lift brings in an interesting question about whether strongman is trying too hard to be "different". Ultimately, it would have been both a fairer and clearer test of strength if it was just a regular squat. The only advantage to the setup that Brain had was that it was showy and strongman looking, as well as a homage to the old WSM squat machines.

[@terminator5198]

The only KZbin channel tells us the honest opinion I live you guys thank you very much 🙏 much love ❤️

[@LalasBrothers]

Thank you 😊

[@craigpawalawski4232]

SMOE could become a great competition but in my veiw Brain is trying to make it spectacular The squat on the Smith just didn't work more time needs to be put into these events just like the car leg press and picking a weight that no one could finish ...Thanks for your content 😊

[@vojtechkorhon4159]

They should have a lighter option for the athletes that zero the super heavy weight, like the Arnold Classic does.

[@simenandersen3262]

​@@vojtechkorhon4159 they should all use the same machine and the weight should be progressive like the barrell loaded squat machines and deadlift machines WSM used in the 2000s. Because if you have two options the half the field will exaust themselves zeroing the heaviest one and won't be able to lift the lighter one anyways

[@Marina-Del-Rey]

My question with the deadlift, if you’re gonna put so many rules on it, down to thumb placement, why even allow straps? Like if the complaint is that the athletes rely too much on the straps sometimes so they need to be so strict why not just eliminate the straps so that way someone lift isn’t disallowed by a thumb placement when they clearly have control of the weight.

[@simenandersen3262]

Stupid and overcomplicated rules, and two events where half the field zeroed. I like Brian but this time he tried too much to turn Strongman into powerlifting.

[@jameschristy9966]

Even shrugged 900 lbs trying to get a down call also the lady liberty 🗽 is still waiting for Terry hollands down call 🤣

[@craigpawalawski4232]

100% Agree

[@joebot9309]

It’s simple, you can’t hold the bar with your finger tips - simply wrap your thumb around the bar. It’s fair for everyone. The athletes were well aware of this. If they chose to not follow the rules - they are morons.

[@Marina-Del-Rey]

@@simenandersen3262I try and give a lot of grace since I’m not an athlete so maybe I don’t know how a lot of these things work. But as a spectator some of the meticulous rules can ruin the event. I went in person the last two years and the car leg press the first year was a disaster to watch since the rules weren’t clear to the fans so it was just a bunch of disallowed reps and half stops. I wish the rules were explained to fans too so we know why things are being disallowed or stopped instead of being left to guess.

[@FrankVincent247]

Only started watching the video but coming in here now to say that just because it's Brian Shaw does not mean he gets a pass on c0ck ups! Also you lads hit the nail on the head here, Shaw needs to distance himself from the show as atm it's more about him than the athletes competing. Plus being upset that athletes did not thank him and Keri for putting the show on - all I can say here is grow up. You've no show without athletes and they owe you nothing for competing.

[@alangrace8628]

Just discovered this channel and i am delighted.. Vytautas is one of my favourite strongmen ever...in your prime, pound for pound you were one of the best ever... Is that a westmeath accent?? Great video men 👏 🇮🇪

[@LalasBrothers]

We are glad that you discovered our chanell and when it comes to accents, Shane has Kilkenny accent and me Lithuanian 😁

[@bobz4968]

Really good comments. Nothing more to say except glad you guys are back.

[@justinpaul3110]

I think everybody is missing.The point about why the squat was so annoying. The reason brian went through all the Effort with the measurements was to assure that it was a test of strength and could not be gamed. Yet that's exactly what happened: Mitch Hooper figured out a hack to win it. This is something that strongman has been doing for far too long: Improper equipment testing and development. If you're going to build something new like that, the then you need to do it months before the competition so that it can be tested. That is, if you really want it to be a strength test and not so much of a spectacle.

[@eladrio2311]

Nah man you don't know anything, it was a Strongman Squat®.... Jokes aside, I completely agree, before the event the spiel was about how this squat machine would show who the stronger squatter was, and after the event the spiel changed to no you fans don't understand anything, it was a strong man squat.... yeah sure Brian

[@larkinj27]

I hope they keep the machine but make it better for next year. It looked cool and changing everything again can lead to the same problem in a different way.

[@the_snowball3718]

There’s a podcast which featured Mitch the other day. Mitch brought up that the original rules from Ed coan were no ramping and no downward motion of the bar. Mitch spoke up and they got rid of that rule.

[@Eparker09]

I'm glad yall made the video recap

[@LalasBrothers]

Thank you for watching 😊

[@howardbennett9708]

Loving the content recently, keep it coming

[@LalasBrothers]

Thanks, will do! 😊

[@lisabalach6213]

Allowing the squat to be gimmicked doesn't prove who is the strongest. This is similar to the leg press in previous years.

[@LalasBrothers]

Yep

[@Micheldied]

That leg press couldn't be gimmicked. It was pretty much the same for everyone. It just didn't look very impressive because you couldn't even see the athlete, and just saw a car moving like two feet up and down. It was the car squat in the 2nd (?) Shaw that was very obviously gamed.

[@hardcorebronco]

Thank you for this review!! You guys are awesome!! ❤❤💪💪

[@LalasBrothers]

Our pleasure! Thank you for watching 😊

[@michaelholder98]

I’m so glad you guys did this episode. It’s a great topic with lots to unpack and we want to hear you’re guys’ breakdown of it all!! Marine Mike 🇺🇸 💪

[@LalasBrothers]

Thank you Marine Mike 😊

[@williamshine1346]

Thanks for the video, yours is my favorite show for strongman. Keep up the good work.

[@tabascojoe77]

Thanks for listening to your fans and making this video. Legends 💪💪💪

[@LalasBrothers]

Our pleasure! Thank you for watching 😊

[@youtubeconnollyfamily]

I think some people forget how new this show still is. I think there will still be some hiccups along the way, but knowing during Covid Brian was doing this out of his garage pretty much and now he has a sold out arena two years in a row. Pretty amazing amazing

[@michaelmullins1290]

Great video. So a massively great strongman competition happened, but it had a few problems? I hate the axle thing happened. Not on Brian, but you knew he was gonna take full responsibility. The rest is growing pains. I appreciate him and Keri's efforts.

[@Micheldied]

Mitch didn't change bar position on his back. It was lowbar during measurement as well. He was more upright during the measurement, which made his hips lower, but during the comp he was more leaned over so his hips were higher. Prettt sure Ed Coan and Brian Shaw aren't stupid enough to not take note of bar position on the back.

[@gotzvonunentberlichingen1452]

Haven‘t wachted yet but I bet you guys are very happy about Trey‘s performance.

[@LalasBrothers]

Trey looked great, he should of been invited to Rogue Invitationals, but that's just my opinion 😊

[@edwatson4997]

Thanks guys. 👍

[@LalasBrothers]

Our pleasure! Thank you for watching 😊

[@ToTallTim..]

Spot on assessment guys! Great job.

[@LalasBrothers]

Thank you 😊

[@Danimal77]

The thing is, Brian WAS the referee for the squat event and he greenlit every single one of Mitch's squats.

[@alexanderreich749]

the machine was set up, Hooper could've not gone deeper even if he wanted to. The mistake was in the measuring the day before, nothing Brian could've done on competition day

[@undefeatedgaul3201]

@@alexanderreich749false

[@Tomm5997]

​@@undefeatedgaul3201what is false?

[@skambas]

I haven't seen anyone mention that they measured the knee angle to 90° so if mitch kept his hips more forward in the preparation and further back in competition - this would happen. Imagine a perfectly straight torso, hips directly under the bar, it has to travel a much shorter distance before 90° is reached at the knee.

[@e.c.9468]

Thor didn't "cheat" (even if that's not really) the squat but he's so strong he still managed to rep 380 in the worst possible position

[@JBS7551]

Thor is an unbelievable squatter. Bothered me that Hooper gets on the mic and proclaims himself as the best squatter

[@Supersoftschnauzerparty]

Your explanation for what happened is the best and most fair I've listened to. I think it's shitty that Hooper switched from high to lowbar. It was the refs' fault for not calling it. I thought brian was reffing, though? Idk. We were NOT happy with the squats, but I definitely think it was just a little janky this year and will be much better in the future bc of this. I love Brian's passion for this show and hope to see more in the future. I really hope in the future there won't be this much controversy, and people will win with only good lifts.

[@alexanderreich749]

he did not switch from high to low bar - the stances were photographed and so he could have not done it. The fault lies with measuring a 90° knee angle, because different squat methods (more quad, more hip etc) lead to different knee angles. Hooper squats quad-dominant which leads to a greater knee angle if he goes parallel, thats why his 90° knee meant he only had to do half squats. Brian screwed up the rules, Hooper did not switch

[@Supersoftschnauzerparty]

@alexanderreich749 depends on what you consider a switch from highbar to low bar. If they took photographs at the angles that it was acceptable, then he would be hitting the depth that was acceptable. Dropping the bar down farther or when the "bar slid down his back" would be the advantage. Watch Hooper's explanation on his controversy video where he talks about Shaw's advice and how he used to do it.

[@alexanderreich749]

@@Supersoftschnauzerparty this is not correct, they were not measuring "depth", they were measuring "he has to hit 90° knee angle". This is not a squat event with powerlifting rules, this was Brian Shaws rules for his specific apparatus. I find the 90° rule to be rather stupid, but this is on Brian, not Mitch

[@carlh296]

I get it if Brian thought some of the guys did not show appreciation. He is moving comps to a different level, his work and effort is next level, and if the athletes want that, then they chould at least try to appreciate it.

[@eladrio2311]

it is a shitty attitude to air it out in a public youtube video, it looks bad for all parts. Should be said to the athletes privately

[@LalasBrothers]

​@@eladrio2311you have a point.

[@AWhistlingWolf]

I seriously do not understand why you wouldn't make this video now. People do re-watches of sports events years after they took place, three weeks is nothing. Good video.

[@LalasBrothers]

We will know now, thank you for watching 😊

[@IaneHowe]

Thanks flr bein honest. Point 1 So if the athlete knows it's cheating, is it not his fault because the referee allowed it? Then don't lie and excuse yourself. And isn't Brian responsibility and that his referee allowed only that person to cheat over and over and over gain? Then don't say anything. Point 2 Brian today would've failed his own competition. Why didn't he have that heavy style of competition at his retirement? Point 3 it was a dangerous shitshow. Gates that didn't latch, kegs rolling at competitors' legs, Fingle's finger not latching not only making dangerous to harm someone confusing them if they had to fix it and latch because strict rules. The Axels was the least of the mistakes. The rules were so strict that the competitors were more worried about rules than competing because they wanted to impress Brian. As a viwer quite boring as 90% of competitors could even attempt an event. It was more about spectacle than real competition. And because he "pays well," it's ok? To me, as a competitor that competes every 6 weeks, the risk isn't worth the reward. What Mitch didn't like was that someone finally called him out at something. He did what he always does act arrogant as he knows better, which normally intimate the referee to agree with him. It happens often. He did what he always does, what I call covert cheating. It's not a full cheatnis just a little advantage cheat. Truth is he cheats and cheats often. I used to like him but have no respect for him anymore. You can say I'm strict and be strict one one and lenient to another. Then say im against corruption. Thats is corruption! In my opinion, the aparatus was his baby. He talked about a lot. Had it all failed, no one could've done it. It would've looked really silly, so... Also, thats just a personal opinion, I think they should complete it in the morning as they are the real show, not the otger way around.

[@odn7769]

I think besides the extremely strange sold "super strict" squat event the biggest problem still is the incosistency of judging. Combined with Hoopers past its even more strange. You didnt even see Hoopers body completely at the last dumbbels and even there it looked not really good. All this stuff combined with some other guys get extremely super strict judging have indeed effects on the overall placings in the end and even for first place too.

[@petershortland478]

Just depends because BIG Z he is super strict with his judging he will make you hold a log or a dumbell for longer

[@hulkthedane7542]

Even if your video comes a month after the competition, that is a LOT sooner than WSM is broadcast after the competition is held 🤣🙈🙊. Besides, we, your followers, value your opinions and insight 👍👍👍.

[@oldgrannywheels]

IMAGINE. Its been 1 month..... Please just release. We all sit in anticipation.

[@LalasBrothers]

Thank you for watching 😊

[@ianjames7524]

Thor pressed the 255 dumbbell twice and didn't get credit for it was the shitty part of buying the ppv. If he had the same squat depth as Mitch would of been more points there 😊

[@odysseusnissan]

Is there anyone else that was being distracted by little Lalas big Mickey Mouse ears(from the background images 15:46 for an example but it was throughout the video)? What are the odds those are lined up perfectly with his ears?

[@curvinh6289]

Yay! Glad you this ,you guys are thr best strongman channel hands down, bo bias , just facts

[@LalasBrothers]

Thank you, it means a lot to us 😊

[@77slate]

I kinda feel gutted for Brian on this one. Some of the accusations and criticism was seriously OTT. It's still a relatively new comp in the SM calendar and there will be hiccups and issues along the way. The fact he has put himself forward to do this should still be commended by SM fans. Using tactics and figuring out creative ways to lift & move things is a fun part of the sport I don't want to disappear either.

[@eladrio2311]

No, I don't agree with the "Using tactics and figuring out creative ways to lift & move things is a fun part of the sport". I mean I don't agree with it in the context of SMOE. In the roundtable discussions previous to the event Brian said multiple times that the machine would really serve to show who the strongest squatter is. And it did not do that. Creative ways to lift and move things is not being the strongest squatter.

[@77slate]

@@eladrio2311 if you want strict squat rules watch powerlifting. This is SM. It's a different beast. You also need to consider the fact it's the promoters job to hype the comp up right? It's the show element that is ingrained in the sport to create spectacle & drama.

[@testerblazer3469]

I agree the SMOE was the best competition this year

[@jacobbalzer7599]

It seemed like the stones got easier the more guys that touched them and left tacky on them for sure. Guys who went early were saying they were slick but didn’t seem to matter after a few had touched them

[@alexanderreich749]

I mean... just do what Mitch did, go out early and apply a metric gigaton of tacky on all the stones you wish to lift? Tom just went out there overconfident, with a little prep he wouldve lifted the big stone no problem imo

[@RubbishGimpy]

@@alexanderreich749 Tom is no thinking mans strongman.

[@alexanderreich749]

@@RubbishGimpy which is sad to see, because he has insane potential. Maybe the lack of coach (or Luke) screwed him up here

[@craigj4979]

i wouldn't say thor got robbed but if you look at the overhead he almost got that 190 log and he got a very harsh call on the dumbbell if he had got them lifts he would have gained 8 or 9 points. then the squat would have become a big controversy. when thor gets that overhead back hes going to be a big problem for hooper

[@LalasBrothers]

It seems like Thor's overhead is improving rapidly, witch is nice to see.

[@petergripping1440]

The squat was the one that changed the outcome of the standings

[@Vampire__Squid]

Mitch didn't do anything wrong, however those squats can't be allowed like double dipping in viking press. He was doing a combo squat/good morning. Deadlifts are for testing spinal erector strength.

[@eladrio2311]

Key difference being that the double dipping was ruled out...

[@Vampire__Squid]

@@eladrio2311 Yes so the same thing has to happen. I couldn't phrase my comment perfectly. People also say hitching and split jerks can't be allowed but personally I don't give a $#$% about split jerks.

[@Ian-if2lf]

@@Vampire__Squid I have a problem with spit jerks , its not the same as muscling it up, its a different set of mechanics, so you are not testing like for like strength, if the goal is to find the ''strongest'' then split jerk vs static power are not measuring the same thing and there fore they should be different events.

[@Ian-if2lf]

Mitch did nothing wrong within the competition rules yes, but he knows he is finding ways to get a cheat advantage in many events so I would question his integrity

[@Vampire__Squid]

@@Ian-if2lf Yes a lot of people are noticing his ways of getting advantages.

[@mattholt5063]

Love the channel and content; but I’d like to know why it is called Lalas brothers when it’s Vytautas and not his brother? Was the original intention for the channel different? I’ve not seen sight or sound of Marius. 🤔

[@LalasBrothers]

Honestly, Marius thinks that his english language is not good enough for youtube, witch i don't think it's the case, so now just me and Shane making the content. I suggested him to change the name, but he is happy with the way it is now.

[@mattholt5063]

@@LalasBrothers be good to get him on the channel and hear from the three of you. Some English KZbinrs struggle with English so tell him not to worry! P.s he Marius might be easier to understand than Shane at times 😂

[@magnuslund2545]

Give Thor until Strongman season starts next year with the Arnolds and I think we will see an awesome new rivalry between Hooper and Thor. This should make for an interesting year. Hopefully Tom is up for the yearlong challenge as well.

[@LalasBrothers]

🙌

[@stankavanagh7214]

Question for Vytautas Do you think Tom needs to change Trainer?? Since Mitch has went to Loz hes a new man.. I don't believe Tom won WSM because of Dan in any way.. Plus his nutritionist? He eats pure dirt before competitions..

[@LalasBrothers]

When it comes to Tom, i think we should always take in to concideration his autism. It's possible that his performance fluctuates that much because of that. And yes, i think his nutrition should be a bit better too.

[@joebot9309]

1/3 depth squats were 100 percent a massive problem. The axle was a mistake and it was corrected. The squat was allowed to go on without correction lol? No way Mitch would have beat Hatten and Thor in the squat. Not in a million years.

[@combinemax]

@@joebot9309 in barbell squats to powerlifting standard who knows who would be better... But given the set up, Hooper was absolutely right to use any loopholes, and it clearly worked for him

[@alexanderreich749]

I think the main issue was that Brian didn't really think the rules through for the Squat. Having knees at 90° is a bad way to measure because some people just squat more with their quads and others more with their hips, so their position is different and they work with different knee angles. Brian should've just dialed in the apparatus at the classic thigh-has-to-be-parallel-position and everything would've been fair for everyone imo. Mitch just used his brain and I think he got lucky because he squats with a bigger knee angle and thus his 90° is way higher than other's. I don't think @lalasbrothers explanation was correct, as they fotographed the bar position and thus he can't just change from high bar to low bar, it was just Brian chosing a bad reference point with the 90° knee rule

[@vojtechkorhon4159]

Thor is better with barbell squats, but Mitch was better at that machine even without the weird depth shenanigans. Sebastian Oreb (Thor's coach) talked about how the machine didn't suit Thor's squatting style. I think Mitch could have very well won it even with better depth.

[@alexanderreich749]

@@vojtechkorhon4159 I mean, how do you know whether Mitch was better without the shenanigans? Ofc he talked about the machine not suiting Thor's style, as he (with his usual squat stance) literally had to squat deeper than others (e.g. Mitch). I'm a huge Mitch fan and I feel robbed, because I'd love to see both compete in a legit squat challenge. Thor just got screwed by the machine, if they both had to squat to a similar depth I think the results would've been much closer. I still feel Mitch would've probably won, but maybe by 1-2 reps.

[@alexanderreich749]

@@combinemax yeah, completely legit by Hooper to use all his advantage, it just means that Brian screwed up by using a wrong way to dial in the athlete's depths

[@Pletzmutz]

Brian just got overworked, that's all. It's difficult for a perfectionist to delegate and easy to feel ingratitude when you're trying to do everything. I believe Brian's said he'll be delegating more next year, that should help.

[@ladsgomez5954]

I just hope SMOE corrects these problems and be better next show. They are definitely one of the big shows now with the second biggest payout. I hope Tom and Thor can be 100% next show to see how they do against the Moose Hooper.

[@LalasBrothers]

I truly believe that Brian will correct everything and the show will be even better than this year .

[@boostedchicken001]

Simple fix just have the weight painted on the axle such an easy way to make sure they are in order

[@lucascheidegger1625]

😊

[@marcusorillius6971]

That’s exactly what I saw and said about the squat. Mitch did some thing with the bar. Changed from high bar to low bar. Said it in a comment on Pa’s channel and Pa and Terry responded and said no way that happened 🙄. That’s exactly what happened.

[@daviesugo7641]

@@marcusorillius6971 Brian took a picture of bar placement. The bar was exactly where it was in his testing video as it was in the comp. Compare in this vid. He just bent forward more.

[@alexanderreich749]

sure, spew your conspiracy theories because you are mad. Brian took photos, so he could've not changed bar position. Brian just screwed up the measuring (90° knee angle is not the same depth for everyone) which gave Hooper an advantage, but he did not cheat

[@Micheldied]

But... he didn't.

[@Eparker09]

Per Brian "It's a strongman squat", so i guess in strongman heavy ass good morning and squat are the same. Lol. 2nd time Evan has screwed himself at the Shaw classic duento his hand placement.

[@Vampire__Squid]

So unlike a lot of comments, I will say the SMOE was a massive success and my 2nd favourite contest behind Rogue.

[@LalasBrothers]

Yes, i think that it was a success too.

[@misterc5783]

Axle. Mistakes happen. If you’re not over it after 5 seconds then the problem is yours. And I don’t mean you guys on the channel, I mean in general. The professional internet whiners who take to Reddit and such talking about people like they’re garbage because someone made a mistake. And that 245kg stone of yours went up and over very easy, man. But what do I know. Maybe not “very” easy.

[@jameschristy9966]

It will never leave Colorado

[@AlejandroSanchez-pl6jw]

Nor should it

[@LalasBrothers]

But maybe in the future, it can expend beyond Colorado.

[@hill160881]

The issue everyone is missing is Brian won’t own the squat was a screw up. If he would own it then it would be easier to swallow. Since he explained it away I lost all respect.

[@tbone88015]

All respect, bit extreme

[@hill160881]

@@tbone88015 it was a fair contest or it was not. One or the other. Anyone with eyes knows hooper is not stronger in the squat. Anyone with eyes says those were half squats. So it was either poorly set up and a bad machine or it was not? If it’s about gaming the system then it’s not about the strongest man. Which is it? Extreme may be what’s needed to get this fixed since both Shaw and hooper act like it’s no big deal. Will hooper challenge Thor to a squat off with 380 to prove it? Not a chance.

[@espenstoro]

I have lost zero respect, but I disagree. It'll require further testing and more refined rules.

[@alexanderreich749]

its very extreme to lose all respect for a single fuck-up. Yes, Brian screwed up the rules that gave more quad-dominant squatters (e.g. Hooper, Hatton) an advantage. They should just dial the machine in for parallel thighs, not 90° knee angle and everything would've been good. I hope Brian realizes this during the next months and will fix it for the next time

[@alexanderreich749]

@@hill160881 why should Hooper have to explain anything here? He did what was required of him, he won, from his PoV everything is fine. It's all on refs/Brian, Hooper can't be blamed for following the rules

[@jaredhebert7724]

really think tom was just more gassed than he thought he would have been after the events...thor n mitch are just better conditioned i believe

[@CraigMayhem]

If you expect people to thank you or kiss your butt you're going to be upset forever. Brian is great but that shouldn't be why (or even part of why) you do something. If you do something great people will appreciate it but don't do it if you're going to get upset if they don't thank you in person.

[@odn7769]

😯

[@LalasBrothers]

💪

[@craigj4979]

organisers get most of the money well that's just how the world runs. we do all the work for penny's and people at the top take all the profit everybody needs to start standing up against these big corporations

[@LalasBrothers]

Unfortunately that's just the world we live in right now.

[@cwinz789]

I don't really like some of what Brian had to say in his wrap up video but, in his defense, he looked absolutely burnt out in that video and I'm not sure he knew exactly what he was saying. I imagine he was just speaking his feelings without having the energy to filter his thoughts. He honestly probably should've waited another week or so and fully recovered from all the stress and sat on that video before saying anything

[@jlalonde1000]

I hoped brian took a paycheck he deserves it

[@LalasBrothers]

@@jlalonde1000 yes he does.

[@simenandersen3262]

Overcomplicated squat machine with too complicated rules. No squat suit as well.. Brian put too much thought into this. Can't they just bring back the barrel loaded squat machines WSM used from 2004-2009? I like Giants Live deadlifts more. Blast that suit, 8-shaped straps and just move as much weight as possible 💪

[@petershortland478]

I'm fine with just a squat machine it's easy doesn't require so much work and easy to test for the athletes. I know Nick Best is defending Brian for it of course he would they best friends but it wasn't well thought out event, it's unnecessary heavy specially when your not testing at that weight

[@petershortland478]

You argue GL do Axle Deadlifts so figure of 8s so they should be allowed for squat machine they did squat machine I think in 2018 or 19

[@eladrio2311]

@@petershortland478 the heavyness of the weight has nothing to do with the controversy

[@simenandersen3262]

@@petershortland478 if figure 8 straps aren't allowed then just getting the weight from A to B should be sufficient. I didn't like Brian's constant self applauding every rule he put into these events.

[@ChrispyChrunchy]

Alot of asterisks on Hoopers legacy at this point.

[@LalasBrothers]

@@ChrispyChrunchy few 😊

[@daviesugo7641]

He won by 9 points at the end

[@Micheldied]

Yes, very controversial. He definitely cheated his way to 19 podiums in a row, and winning every major show. Lmao.

[@heathjohnson2575]

Mitch is the best you can change the events all you want he will still win. And everyone else will cry that he cheated every time.

[@LalasBrothers]

Mitch is the best strongman at the moment, hopefully Thor's shoulder strength can improve and only than he can challenge Hopper properly.

[@ShakotanZero]

9:12 “a good carpenter never blames the tools”.

[@Twiceonasunday]

Half rep Hooper - perhaps the most obnoxious person in Strongman since the one hit wonder Thor ko’d.

[@LalasBrothers]

I know what you mean, but nevertheless he is a great strongman and good for our sport.

[@Twiceonasunday]

@@LalasBrothers thanks for the reply. Keep up the good work!

[@xaviermitchell578]

I hate how nasty fans of sport can be to athletes

[@Micheldied]

​@@xaviermitchell578 the dumbest people are always the loudest.

[@reallymysterious4520]

Brian airing dirty laundry in public is PATHETIC talking about not being thanked - I lost respect for him - keep that stuff behind the scenes

[@LalasBrothers]

I have to agree with you on this one. It's ok to keep some things to yourself.

[@reallymysterious4520]

@@LalasBrothers Early on in Mitch's career he mentioned that pretty well all the Strongmen were nice except one but he wouldn't name that person to single him out. It's not quite the same thing as Brian also didn't name specific names but still he just should not have brought up the topic

[@tomz6594]

Also, what about small bonuses for top 3 finish per event? Current pay scale, overall show winner getting lions share, but maybe 1500/1000/500 bonus for top 3 per event.

[@jessebutryn]

In regards to not being thanked for the pay: I'm not saying it's right but I sort of understand if some of the athletes simply didn't think about it. It may be the highest paying show and Shaw is definitely doing the right thing but the pay is still shit for most of the athletes. These guys just got done absolutely annihilating their bodies in what is without question the most grueling show in the world and most of them are leaving with less than $10k. Again this is not Shaw's fault or anything the sport just needs to get more popular but can you blame novikov for example for coming to the end of this competition with a permanently damaged body that has been ravaged by a 2 day show that likely put more strain on his body than the past 4 combined years of competition, looking at his $1050 paycheck and not being overwhelmed with gratefulness? Now if someone complained or outwardly expressed discontent with their pay in some way I think that is wrong but I'm just saying I understand if it wasn't the first thing on their mind. The best paying strongman show still doesn't pay enough IMO.

[@richtheunstable3359]

Got an idea for a new machine to test keg strength for Brian. A leg press again but beyond sitting back straight in it. No strict rules because were not counting reps or weight no. Its attached to some gizmo/pully thing that actually lifts weight up a tower. Its about getting the weight up the tower. Just keep pumping those legs for 60s who cares if you're half repping etc. Maybe hang some chains off it so it gets heavier as you go. If not just do a vehicle or sled pull. I assume he has avoided vehicle pull as thats a very WSM thing.

[@LalasBrothers]

I should send him your idea 😊

[@mediaproof960]

Brians wrap up video was soon after the contest it seemed like. He would still have been very busy breaking things down and handling the finalizing of it all. To me Brian seemed pissed off and tired. To see all your hard work criticized so much had him down and out I think. It's great for strongman to grow but with that growth comes alot of people that don't really know what's going on with rules and are critical. I hope he keeps it going.

[@eladrio2311]

it's strongman no one knows the rules because they never are available for fans...

[@QueenToKingOfSpades]

Why do people keep saying the same crap about Mitch squats being high? Did you not just reference the two videos that explained exactly the things you talked about by Mitch himself and Brian?

[@eladrio2311]

People keep saying it because it's true, his squats were high compared to others

[@alexanderreich749]

there is no doubt that the squats were high, the baseless allegations are just that he cheated to get this positon, which is nonsense

[@gabrielpichorim8191]

Why dont you guys go to a Giants Live show? Would be great seeing you behind the scenes.

[@LalasBrothers]

I have a buisness to run and Shane has a full time job, on top of that family obligations. Sometimes we barely can find time to make youtube videos, so travelling becomes very complicated for us. But maybe some day we will get to the point where we can travel to atleast some of the competitions🤞😊

[@elky454]

I think maybe cut the athletes down to 10. So many had a hard time doing the events. Nobody wants to see a bunch of 0's or no lifts. And being the most strict and the heaviest will cut way down on many lifts. It has to be entertaining for the fans. And last they really don't need the gimmick events. Most times it turns out to be a bust.

[@larkinj27]

Thor's deadlift was immense. It sounds normal but the strange thing in pay for me is that first place/ Mitch gets (something like) $100,000 and the last place is getting less than a $1,000. Maybe it's similar to other sports but seems very dramatic.

[@alexanderreich749]

competitions are always very top-heavy - just compare the prize money. 100k to 1k is actually less top-heavy than most others, because there the last place would just get nothing.

[@Alienspecies635]

Who the fook is la la and who the fook is his brother? I'm flipping lost

[@RubbishGimpy]

I don't think Brian has moved on with the strongman times. He wants to make a competition which he used to do 20yrs ago and give better benefits to strongman but he appears ignorant that other strongman shows provide big money payouts who look after strongman needs now and treat it like a sports event and not a circus show. With multiple high level shows strongmen can make a living out of it now and will unlikely risk their health for the ego lifts that Brian wants in his show. Thor the celebrity strongman understands showmanship and Mitch who's bored of winning and so wants to break records are the only two people who care. The show is too heavy and only 5 strongman can (almost) compete. I'll skip the Shaw Classic comparison with other shows and just say Brian is trying to hard to out do other more established shows. He needs to relax and let the Shaw Classic grow organically, it shouldn't be about money.

[@LalasBrothers]

I see your point

[@Micheldied]

I like how in your last paragraph you say you'll "skip the Shaw Classic comparison with other shows" even though you spent two paragraphs doing just that.

[@RubbishGimpy]

@@Micheldied You didn't like it enough to give me a thumbs up though did you.

[@RubbishGimpy]

@@Micheldied Also tell me what shows I compared the Shaw Classic to please.

[@Micheldied]

@@RubbishGimpy you didn't name any, but you are comparing it to "other more established shows", in your own words. Are you not doing just that? You typed "other shows" in every single one of your 3 paragraphs.

[@tomz6594]

I think Brian should consider inviting less athletes to increase the payout per athlete. I like the big field but maybe 12 athletes is enough.

[@jylauril]

Sorry to say but you are only my second favorite channel in yoututube. Best channel has auntie Liz and well you just cant be be better :D

[@tribeof2035]

No on cares. Grow up.

[@LalasBrothers]

Ok dude 😊 thanks for the comment 👍

[@JBS7551]

@@LalasBrothers Nah you guys are better in my opinion. Not afraid to be honest about everything

[@undefeatedgaul3201]

That muppet shouldn’t even be part of the channel. Ruins every video

[@johnfinnh]

Thor is allways CRYING " i got ROBBED" Such a BABY

[@LalasBrothers]

Was Thor complaining that he "got robbed"? Is it on the video or his social media post?

[@JBS7551]

He never said that you clown

[@Micheldied]

Always? Name 3 instances lol