Brian Shaw CALLS OUT Strongman Athletes

[@mitchellhooperstrongman]

Get a program written by me! moosecoaching.com Pick up your Lift Heavy, Be Kind merch! www.lhbk.shop/

[@curtshelp6170]

The greatest corruption I've seen in strongman was not inviting Kazmaier after 3 straight wins for several years.

[@SoulisStar]

That was so sad. Sad that they would be so biased against him

[@Vipinnnn17]

It was also because of his behaviour, That shouldn't come into play but yeah.

[@paydn202]

how do you know he wasnt invited? cause he wasnt there or did they officially say we didnt invite him.

[@curtshelp6170]

@@paydn202 It was an open controversy at the time. It was a TV show and Kazmaiers dominance left nor room for drama.

[@anyexpat]

Totally devalued the title.

[@Nicknoone1936]

How anyone could say Brian is just for profit or isn't for the athletes is insane. Who gives away 100k + in prize money and isn't for the athletes or is just for profit. People are nuts.

[@davorzdralo8000]

Literally every other sport? Tennis tournaments pay millions, and they are still purely for profit.

[@CWPWWRESTLING]

@@davorzdralo8000 Strongman can’t afford having large amounts of prize money, Brian is not in it to profit off it

[@SpockPlaysGuitar]

Look at Brian's house and land and tell me he's not for profit

[@sirvincent8175]

​@@davorzdralo8000 those sports are more popular so they can afford to pay more

[@CrankyGroundhog]

Let's not pretend he isn't making money off of this, whether it be directly or indirectly. The man himself has made a career (and millions of dollars) off the back of the sport. That's not to say he isn't doing good by the athletes and advancing the sport at the same time. Hell, the money likely isn't even coming out of his pocket. Sponsors, etc.

[@TheSLK66]

Brian for sure deserves more appreciation for the level of expertise, care and unbiased ruling that he pours into this competition.

[@farmingnodak]

It will only get better from here with the learning curve... probably expect within the next 3 years his competition should be really well-oiled machine to get the events and all dialed in.

[@abner2193]

Every SMOE contestant better line up and take a knee before Shaw otherwise they won't be invited back.

[@TheSLK66]

@@abner2193 Hardly the point though

[@thorthewolf8801]

Where was that level of expertise when he insisted on gym lifts, on stupid machines? Messing up the order of implements?

[@ebutuoyYT]

I think Brian is learning why so many experienced people in business become so jaded and profit motivated. You do your best, over-deliver, show care and respect for your clients / customers, yet people will still undervalue you, complain, or worse attempt to rip you off. After a while, you decide you either do it for free, but if it’s for money, then you squeeze every last dollar out of it, as gratitude is fleeting, but poverty is for life!

[@LogHewer]

​@@Psalm_107.31 Grow up. 🤦

[@alexvaldivia9718]

@@Psalm_107.31you tried 🥱🤣

[@SlimGemPro]

😂l8t​@@LogHewer

[@jaded-harper]

@@Psalm_107.31 such a failure of a christian, you should be ashamed m8

[@HeadCannonPrime]

I been in business for 22 years and couldn't agree more. The people you help will often treat you like dirt because you treat them well. Sometimes the people you treat the worst show you the most respect.

[@susansouthern6704]

Thanks for coming back in to show Brian he is appreciated and admired

[@CodyBunker]

For context on why he said corruption. He has had several times in the past where he had deals with promoters to do certain events or break world records in certain events. He spent months preparing and when it came time to perform the promoters would completely turn their backs on him. For one example of what I mean, Brian had prepared to break the world record stone lift and was lifting a 700lb stone in preparation for rogue record breakers. When it came time they said they wouldn't allow him to do this. This happened several times for different events in his career. There was also some really unfair judging in past events that cost him a lot. For world's strongest man it is a UK promotion with the biggest audience being in the UK.

[@stevenseaguII]

it's owned by a US corp... it's unfairly been taking place in the US far too many times for years now, also. get good, corny conspiracy theorist lol

[@SongOfStorms411]

He's also referring to WSM 2017. He's friends with Eddie but he knows as well as anyone what happened in that show, and it pushed him down a spot on the podium as a result.

[@Eparker09]

​@Sam-ey1nn what affected Brian Shaw in 2017?

[@JJ-zr6fu]

Didn’t Eddie hall get a beyond favorable set of events to win

[@ArmwrestlingRevolt]

He was also taken for a ride in the recent mma thing. Second time for Eddie hall to get cheated for a fight.

[@CJ-111]

Brian was so hyped for this. The podcast all the legends were doing in the build up was cool to watch. He wants his event to be everything he never had as a competitor, and is seems like people couldn’t care less. Why god through all that prep for people to not care about it?

[@StrengthSportsFan]

Helping to defuse this “controversy” by sharing rational perspectives that could represent both sides epitomizes the Lift Heavy Be Kind ethos.

[@PitfallHarry72]

Not allowing Kaz back after he won three times was incredibly unfair.

[@CoryFalde175]

Worst lowpoint in strongman history

[@Psalm_107.31]

Gay

[@gregmonz697]

💯 CORRECT!

[@pasta1998]

He was to much of an ass so he didn't deserve to be invited and wasn't a good image to the sport

[@doctorgorgomel]

He could have easily won a couple more WSM. But it would also be a mistake not to mention his awful, abusive behaviour towards staff, judges and athletes which may also be a factor. He almost killed OD (while trying to cheat) in one comp. OD on the other hand definitely deserved a win. :(

[@MrXerxes]

7:10 -- Thank you for highlighting the pay difference across the participant standings for this year versus the yeas that Shaw competed and generously donated his winning back equally across participants. I don't think many people are aware of this, and I hope Brian sees this because likely that was a factor for some. That said, Brian has been an amazing ambassador to the sport and absolutely deserves appreciation from competitors. He's doing so much I really think that this point you raised might have escaped him. Again, not that it excuses it -- but at least provides some history and potential explanation.

[@HeadCannonPrime]

My only advice to Mr. Shaw is "Don't do anything and expect to get thanked for it". I've volunteered, given money, cleaned up trash, built free houses, all manner of good and helpful things, and I have probably been cursed at as often as praised by the people you are trying to help. As my brother says, "No good deed goes unpunished". You have to do it because YOU believe in it, and don't expect anything from anybody else.

[@johnsoutherland3403]

Well I thank you for doing good things. Keep doing great.

[@aayushswami1803]

Brian will obviously continue to do this his love for the sport is incredible

[@RobG001]

It was a very strange comment by Brian, I saw his video, I thought I had misheard him when he said that, what does he want people to do? drop to their knees as he goes by, in appreciation. Very odd indeed. Best wishes....

[@jasonito23]

Well, he´s in charge of the invitations to his show. When some folks don´t get invited, we will know why. And it´s kind of easy to not expect appreciation in some cases, but if I´m forking out over $200 k. I´m expecting, almost demanding some gratitude.

[@bigguy7353]

Those men EARNED that money. It wasn't a gift.

[@espenstoro]

I have nothing but praise for Brian, Keri and their team. I've been part of lots of festivals, and know first hand how hard oranizers work day and night. Everyone needs to talk to them at the same time, there's 1000 unforeseen things to do, and it's a pretty thankless job. And you can tell when someone's only in it for the money, those events are not run well. You can tell that Brian is incredibly passionate, I never got a sense of "boohoo, they're not telling me how great I am". It's quite an emotional thing to do a passion project. When things don't go according to plan, it hurts. I get it.

[@ninjadudeofficial]

I'm pretty sure Brian actually mentioned how pretty soon they'll be starting the planning for the next show in his video, so hopefully any bad feelings won't cause any kind of loss of such a fantastic show. I definitely can't make it to Vegas but excited to see you in Birmingham soon, and I've gotten my Dad - who got me into watching WSM - to come with to Royal Albert Hall next year. Should be great!

[@parttimecomix]

We know you care, Brian is super passionate and it shows. Not everyone will be grateful or at least express it out loud, but hopefully that doesn’t change the show in the future

[@JonasMalady]

Also Mitch I thought what you said post comp and in your recent videos was very professional and appreciative. Well done sir.

[@bdawg2513]

Brian definitely runs a kickass show. The amount of work he and his wife had to put in is just crazy. I have a world of respect for them and all of the crew. And of course the athletes.. as they had to put in months of grueling training to allow them to perform for the crowd as they did. I appreciate everyone involved and I'll be back next year to watch it again :)

[@LuckyLadTV777]

"Sorry, I have to pay my bills" TRUE FACTS

[@SteinMeister72]

Translation: Canada taxes me into oblivion

[@michaelholder98]

Good work here Mitch and THANK YOU for filling us in. And also supporting Brian

[@applepie7911]

I recall a leaked phone call where Collin Bryce promised the Stoltmans easier groupings in WSM + a monthly stipend if they competed in giants live events. That’s corruption. You’re off with this one, Mitch.

[@Mryn388]

1000% right, exactly what I remember

[@johnrobertson1507]

Mitch I think it shows so much humility as well as respect for Brian that you put out this video in response to Brian’s. I had just finished watching Brian’s video when I received the notification for this one and you said everything I was thinking after having watched Brian’s reaction to last weekends comp. I’ve watched the Shaw classic every year since it’s inception, yet I’ve never made it in person. I’m hoping to make it next year, but after hearing rumors it might not happen due to lack of appreciation for Brian’s efforts, I can’t help but feel angry at those competitors who failed to make Brian feel appreciated. After all, him and his wife, as well as his team, have done something very few have ever achieved in a much shorter time with much less support, and I, for one, appreciate it very much.

[@keithjohb2198]

Brian came across as pretentious. Remember it’s not his money that’s up for grabs, it’s his sponsors. Brian has made a great life for himself by being a strongman, having a lot of sponsors and putting on this show. If it wasn’t for the athletes coming from all over the world to compete he wouldn’t have a show.

[@ChrisTexan]

@@keithjohb2198 If it wasn't for Brian's and his family/friends/volunteers efforts to organize, hunt down sponsors, coordinate the invitations, volunteers, supplies, etc... there would be no show for these athletes to attend at all on the date of this event. And that would be one less show/event for them to attend that year, to demonstrate their skills, and "win prizes" at, because there isn't anyone else waiting to fill the void with a similar event that they could attend instead. Count the number of opportunities (can probably just use one hand to do it) each year to attend a national-level strongman event with actual prize money that would cover gas to get there... and subtract one... I'm not DEEP into strongman, but if there are more than 3 besides this one, I don't konw them... Rogue, Arnold, WSM maybe... and how many events that have media coverage... pay for attendees food or lodging, etc... few to none. So instead of 3 or 4 events next year where you can potentially win more money in first place, than it cost you to actually get to and attend the event in the first place, you have 2 or 3 and Brian can keep up his hobby of finding obscure fitness equipment in peace and going on trips with his family and friends, without having to stress about planning a major event. The sponsors aren't calling him to stage these events, it's the other way around, and for every sponsor that finally contributed, there were probably 20 calls to them and others that didn't pan out on the first call or ever.

[@keithjohb2198]

Once again, you didn’t get my comment but I will repeat it here, Brian bitched about not getting thanked by some of the athletes and he came across as if it was his money that was spit up on the line, it wasn’t. If it wasn’t for his sponsors, us normal people buying his merch and the athletes appearing, Brian would never have the lifestyle he’s got now.

[@roccobierman4985]

Bill Kazmaier not being allowed to compete was a very open example of the "corruption" back in the day.

[@RenzinatorStrength1961]

They excluded Kaz so that Capes could win the WSM. I believe Kaz would have won 5 or 6 in a row.

[@DavidVirtanen]

​​@@RenzinatorStrength1961nah 1 maybe 2 but not in a row Kaz suffered nasty injuries

[@RenzinatorStrength1961]

@@DavidVirtanen You must not know your Strongman History, Kaz won 3 in a row (80, 81, 82) and then they excluded him.

[@ArmwrestlingRevolt]

I suspect that the 8000 they got last year because Brian donated his winnings back to the athletes was mistakenly thought of as an entitlement. So they came back this year expecting to have their winnings bumped up by $8000. And were pissed they did not get what they thought they were entitled to.

[@mustang8206]

I don't think anyone was mad about money, its just that employees don't normally thank their boss for giving them their paycheck

[@thomaswilliamson625]

@@mustang8206, every time my boss has given me a Christmas bonus I have thanked him in person. Invited him out to have a beer and dinner with etc. imagine getting a 4x your paycheck bonus for doing horribly at your job… then not showing any appreciation.

[@billfrench1069]

@@mustang8206right. They don’t see it as charity. They earned it. They worked hard for it.

[@NF551-ql7jp]

I bought the live stream because Brian invited the best athletes and they accepted. Without those athletes, there is no comp and no money. I am sure Brian got a big cut and did not do this out of charity. Still as a fan I am very thankful for what he does for the sport and I am sure they athletes are as well.

[@jaydog77]

​@mustang8206 they should be thanking him just for being invited to the competition same as if you were invited to WSM you can act like an entitled jackass or you can thank them for the opportunity to compete at said competition

[@Phanski89]

glad my squats only makes me sad

[@anyexpat]

They make me sad too

[@nonachyourbusiness1164]

I am incredibly saddened by your squat

[@espenstoro]

Your squat made me cry

[@Sergioolivasback]

I saw your squat, left my wife and 3 kids and began living in a cave as far from humanity as possible. Something died in me that day

[@Mr.Murphy2]

​@@SergioolivasbackLOL

[@MrYrulookingatme]

Just bought some T's from your merch shop. Absolutely love what you are doing for the sport. Keep it going!

[@iielysiumx5811]

the luke stoltman chat always comes to mind when strongman corruption is discussed, essentially he claimed he was offered favourable events/judging by colin bryce at giants live and WSM. Corruption is very much a thing in strongman, like when they changed events so OD Wilson would not win WSM, or how we have seen favourable judging in the past for certain athletes Unfortenatley because of the circumstances that the call was leaked in, it was laregly ignored,

[@VAHOSS]

I agree

[@joik3308]

Thor got so much shit for pointing this out and its a shame the others didn't speak up.

[@PaulClarky]

I wouldn't trust Colin Bryce at all, seems like a very shady individual. Don't remember what year, but it was fairly recent at WSM when he had 3 top stars in one group and one or two other groups were quite weak. I think it was Tom Stoltman, Oleski, and someone else all in the same group. I'm sure some others here will remember that time.

[@jaybruzas225]

Both of the examples you cited are WSM, not strongman as a whole.

[@iielysiumx5811]

@@jaybruzas225 tha is very true

[@henrynagle8097]

We need more shaw classics. Keep it up

[@ARC355]

Everybody is mentioning WSM not inviting Kaz back as the point of corruption, but nobody seems to be recalling when one of the Stoltman brothers was recorded talking about explicit favoritism regarding athlete grouping for WSM based on backroom deals.

[@hairyape_8103]

Excellent point. People hate to acknowledge this FACT. It disgusts me

[@maxbarnes1219]

Also the events of 2017 WSM being so ridiculously static compared to the events in 2016 or 2018 to allow Eddie to win one before he killed himself. Being friends with Colin Bryce is the best performance enhancer

[@awsomenesscaleb]

World's Strongest Man is definitely the most corrupt strongman show and it is losing importance as time goes by. You should expect nothing less when it's still a TV exclusive in 2024.

[@mustang8206]

Thats exactly what I've been saying. I don't understand how anyone can support WSM when we have actual physical evidence of rigging

[@mustang8206]

@@maxbarnes1219 It honestly wasn't that static. If you watch 2016 and 2017, you'll see there isn't a big difference. Plus, as Brian has said, he and Big Z were so strong that the promoters kept increasing the weights every year to keep up with their strength. The closest active athlete to Big Z is Thor and he doesn't even do WSM so they aren't going to make it very static. WSM is corrupt for other reasons

[@DrivenFitnessCenterSalina]

Brian’s second pro show was here in Salina Kansas and he won 300 or 500, can’t remember and he was one of the most gracious athletes I remember having here. Brian’s a good guy and has done a lot for the sport and I hope the athletes appreciate it.

[@Kaisingsens]

imo the price pools should be weighted heavily for the top contestants. it's a competition after all and not a charity. I assume going for the big price is a huge motivation for everyone at the event and only pushes the athletes and the sport itself.

[@Steve-ib6mg]

I watched near enough all of Brian's video during the lead up and his enthusiasm hyped me up. I then watched his video after it and I was quite excited to watch it. Watching Brian's video was for me a bit heartbreaking, the man put so much effort into and to see him so deflated wasn't what I was expecting. I was really expecting a hyped up getting ready for next years competition. Brian was let down, he didn't let anyone down. He made an amazing show and gave the competitors a chance to shine. If you're going to whinge about prize money, do bloody better and place higher.

[@kiwi-qu3fp]

The corruption in wsm was proven with the Luke stoltman interview. The organizer offered him and his brother favorable events and admitted he had done the same thing for eddie hall.

[@wanderer_oti]

I don't remember the Eddie Hall bit being admitted but I didn't hear it recently

[@iielysiumx5811]

i dont remember the eddie hall bit but the stoltmans were definietly given favourable treatment at certain shows

[@NSD-fp9qj]

@@joik3308which also wasn’t specified but it was to push the brand not to give favorable events dumbo

[@stephenhagen8976]

That was for seeding, if they competed at the qualifiers. Got to remember, these are tv shows, not strictly athletic competitions beyond the rules if their own show. It's not an organized sport yet, and that is the rub. Each show has their own rules, and invites people as they want to.

[@rimantasandriukaitis2730]

That's is why Z is the goat of this sport - no complains, no drama, just pure strength and results. And when he got old he said - this is reality and you cannot win everything. (c) 2017 WSM.

[@blairmckee9587]

Thanks for speaking up, Mitch… Good form! And Brian, persevere in doing good…

[@douglasnisbet1189]

I really hope SMOE happens next year. It has the best event formats and weights.

[@wanderer_oti]

I'm sure it will. Brian has some crazy mental strength

[@DreynHarry]

Price money was even 290k if you include the money which was paid to the record breakers, the men's and women's open

[@StrengthSportsFan]

Are you referring to Rogue, or was there an additional payout at the Shaw Classic/SMOE that I missed?

[@sagebauer1077]

@@StrengthSportsFan yeah the shaw had some payouts for the open as well

[@StrengthSportsFan]

@@sagebauer1077 I know about the open payouts, but did they have additional payouts for record breakers? I’m assuming the original comment was likely referring to Rogue but am unsure. Edit: also, the total for the open payouts doesn’t come anywhere near to making the total 290k

[@DreynHarry]

@@StrengthSportsFan 265k for the pros, 25k for the opens and record breakers. watch Brians videos, he lays it out quite clearly. but maybe i remember the amounts wrongly.

[@theKashConnoisseur]

@@StrengthSportsFan While Rogue does have a show called "Record Breakers", there were also world records broken during SMOE, and those record breaking lifts were rewarded.

[@juergestrength4080]

Thank you for backing Brian. You’re the man. Best of luck to you in your future endeavors and competitions.

[@SolidroK22]

Complaining publicly about lack of recognition is just kinda weird. I agree that it is deserved and that the show is incredible. It is just awkward for all of us watching….

[@MrHuggah]

Even great men can make a bit fucked up decisions

[@buddyyantz2446]

Not really weird, just being honest that he was a little hurt that people don't even say thanks anymore. Understandable. Second, Brian is giving incite into who you are watching. Some folks be whiners. We all want more. Get over it. Earn it place higher. Biting the hand that feeds you is stupid. Keep going Brian!

[@jasonbriguglio]

I can only imagine the money invested in the events. Then how about recovery, flights, and food for y'all. I'm sure those sick ass trophies aren't cheap either!! Even the ones for the open comps are nice!! It's awesome seeing you open up more and especially speaking up supporting Brian. It's very nice. It was great seeing you compete again. We were at world's when you won, & The Shaw Classic the past two years you were there. (As well as the other years. We streamed the first year and went to every in person competition) We definitely will be seeing you again. Lift heavy, stay healthy 💪🏻💪🏻

[@nicholassmith7048]

What's crazy is that up until this year, Brian was competing in it as well. He was burnt out after this year's show after not having to train and compete. I can't imagine being the promoter, organizer, face of the show and a competitor.

[@georgehills5750]

My daughter and i were in the arena. it was AWESOME. Brian took responsibility for the things that weren't perfect and they wont happen again.

[@jtf2dan]

Brian put on a great show...PERIOD. With 16 of the greatest athletes, who all have large followings that want their guy to win, you are always going to have the few cry babies whining about something not being fair, because in their minds only THEIR favourite athlete is allowed to win....which is ridiculous. Pay no attention to them, they blow away with wind like dust and are forgotten quickly. Brian loves putting on the show and will continue to do so, to the delight and surprise of the vast majority of strongman fans, and I am sure he is aware of the love people have for what he does.....and I think that also shows in your following, who also see the genuine concern sand commitment you have to making everyone's life better. Well done Moose!

[@chrisknowles5358]

GREAT closing monologue, Mitch!!

[@LuckyLadTV777]

Unless it was previously discussed, it's kind of insane to expect any prize money outside of the top 5. Top 10 is a stretch. If you go to a tournament and you come in 5th, you usually get nothing.

[@Bexar2204]

I love how passionate Brian is for SMOE.

[@High_Lord_Of_Terra]

When Superman goes to bed he wears Brian Shaw pyjamas.

[@ronschmitt6657]

Agreed with the end about the tone deafness in the shaw video, it gave we investigated ourselves and found no wrong doing vibes but that comes with being the organizer and moving quick to try to make a response. Your perspective has been great i just think people were waiting for a bit better of a response on Brians end

[@stronghold07ptx85]

I loved the show. There are ppl out there trying to convince us otherwise. I think Brian was hearing that noise, exhausted from putting on the show, and the frustration showed when he expressed he didn’t receive the gratitude he was looking for. Two things. If the show is flawless and there’s no controversy, I don’t think he makes that statement. Secondly, because that was going on, if he would’ve received maybe a little extra support from the competitors (the ones he’s really throwing the show for), I really don’t think that the detractors would have gotten to him as much.

[@SBoss281]

Mitchell Hooper seems like a cool dude.

[@simondean5227]

I've met him a couple times in person, he's a good guy

[@createachanneltopost]

I've also met him. Good dude.

[@Adam-r6h5c]

I agree, got to meet him at the Arnold the year, you can tell he's genuine! Great guy!

[@workingdude1workingdude183]

With the squat at the contest, Nick Best made a video talking about it. Mitch Hooper and 1 other athlete came to Nick and asked what is actually the best foot angle/position to be in for that lift. Mitch, you are nowhere near the biggest guy in the competition, not even close. No offense. But you are highly intelligent and lift where you have the greatest bio-mechanical leverage to lift the greatest amount of weight or do the most amount of reps. I think you hit the nail on the head. Other athletes are getting used to star or princess treatment. Their egos are getting in the way and its costing them either victories or placing higher. I watched Hafpors video after where he talked about everything. He also like you made no excuses. Said the best man won. Said he would train, figure out what he could have done differently, come back and do better. And I believe he will. Other athletes making excuses and children crying over spilt milk. They need to man up and do better and be better instead of whining. My hat off to you sir. You won a very high level strong man show and beat some great competitors. You deserve what you have earned. You def need to watch out for Hafpor though, as he is coming back into form. You both are incredibly strong men and both are very well spoken.,

[@brad1215]

I’ll be in Vegas for Giants Live, excited to see you compete!

[@MaXx21422]

I really don't get all the hate around the SMOE and directed at Brian Shaw. For us viewers, it is entertainment. And this show delivered 110%. It was awesome to watch. It doesn't matter if someone squatted to high, or if a lockout wasn't allowed. In the end, it was great entertainment and all athletes deserves credits and appreciation for showing up and giving us a good show. But no one deserve more credit than Brian for making it all happen. He is bringing something new to the sport, and we all can benefit from that

[@heathen_7]

Thank you for posting this. Your takes are really helping keep the focus in the right areas. Brian deserves respect and consideration at a bare minimum.

[@lord_straxus]

Mitch is so well spoken and intelligent.

[@jerrytalley802]

I’m thanking Brian for all he does and I’m not a strong man. Just getting more attention to the sport, deserves a huge thank you to him, Eddie, Halfthor, etc.

[@StrongestEngineer]

WSM is owned by the same guys who own UFC/WWE etc. Of course they only care about one thing

[@ThorsHammer88]

It’s visible that Brian put everything into the show. I don’t think that he has anything to be disappointed about. I hope that he keeps the show going.

[@adamjones5931]

I can't imagine ever being personally invited to one of the most prestigious competitions in the calendar, hosted by one of the greatest athletes to ever compete, with the biggest prize pool ever in the sport, and not thank him for his effort...

[@OrthodoxAtheist]

Well measured in all regards. Great video, Mitch, and thanks for communicating an important message so eloquently. .

[@keithdefreitas3399]

Brian is a good person but sometimes he lets his emotions get the best of him. I don’t think he should have brought up anything about how the guys didn’t come up to him to say thank you or they appreciate the payouts. A main reason for this is because all the competitors will see Brian’s video and now feel obligated to go up to Brian every time and say thank you and for some guys that will be very uncomfortable. Also you will have guys saying thank you simply because what Brian brought up so it won’t be a truly genuine thank you. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@ninjastrongman28]

Got my tickets and booked my room for Giants Live Vegas, can't wait!

[@youtubeconnollyfamily]

When you looked at the camera and said sorry, I have to support my own life. I started laugh😂 come on, Mitch, donate your purse😂😂

[@stevee8920]

The thing I like about you Mitch is that you’ve made this video because you felt it needed addressing. I can understand Brian’s frustration, he put on an amazing show and there has been quite a backlash over it, which IMO is uncalled for. Mitch you smashed it, those who’ve said Thor should of won it because he won 5 events is BS, he may have won them but you were second/third the 2 events you won Thor came 9/10th it’s about consistency and that’s where you win. At WSM Tom either won, came joint first or finished in the top 3 in every event. (Those who say Tom Stoltman isn’t up there are just ridiculous, if he had lifted the 600lb stone which out of anyone he was most likely he would have finished 3rd, he had a bad day at the office it happens in competition) Consistency, drive & determination is why you have got where you are. An amazing athlete who has taken strongman by storm. Brian will take some reflection and I believe it will be back next year bigger than ever. Big congratulations on your win and well done for speaking out and sticking up for Brian & Kerry who quite frankly deserve nothing but plaudits for what they have achieved in 4 years

[@jeffprzonek]

Starting at 11:20 Mitch has a great point here, the younger generations are much less appreciative, tough for an old school guy like Brian who had to fight so hard for everything, as a man in his 40's, I can relate.

[@Change--Eleven--11]

@@jeffprzonek yeah but regardless of those athletes who did not thank him, a huge backlash and hate against Brian for that alone is coming from older people your age too. It’s not a generational thing, people’s disrespect is out of control everywhere in this day and age.

[@shanedeiley6671]

@@Change--Eleven--11exactly. This isn’t a generational thing, it’s just the current athletes never had to see the worse environment in strongman’s past. Making this a narrative about how younger generations are less grateful is demonstrably false

[@kaepsele0711]

Great insights! Thx for making the vid and supporting Brian!

[@bushmaster6894]

Some of these strongmen have become divas and think that they DESERVE to be catered to and treated like royalty.

[@jasonito23]

But not the top two. Hafthor thanked Shaw on the interview...he was around when the pay was not that great.

[@mrsensei8878]

​@@jasonito23 Hafthor is one of the most experienced and had emotional issues back in the day. He learned from them. Also Hooper and Thor had great results. I can see when someone is dissapointed and has less expirience that things like this are easier to omit.

[@RubbishGimpy]

Its not that their divas, they just don't know or had much experience of any other strongman culture. Only around 4 people at SC know strongman before Rogues and SC, 8 are relatively new (3yrs) to the pro shows and the remainder only do the top 4-5 shows.

[@ericj425]

Thor is the worst. His ego is huge. He shows up with a whole team/posse of people.

[@TheJoker-yz8dv]

​@@ericj425Why is bringing your family and team to the events a bad thing lmao. Stop watching so many Eddie Hall videos

[@TimCaruana]

Great video Mitch and couldn't agree more. In golf, half the field goes home early with nothing in their pockets.

[@SomeYouTubeGuy]

Call me naive but I don't believe for a second the Shaw Classic will disappear because Brian got disrespected one time. The guys bigger than that. Also, he has a bunch of businesses and a KZbin channel that he relies on for income. Having the comp means massive sales across all his platforms. He won't walk away from that easily.

[@abcabc-x6s]

Proud of you Moose! A great Canadian. Great talk by someone at the very pinnacle of of the sport in support of Brian Shaw and with great respect to those who built the sport.

[@AlwayzPr0]

the manhood stones were a big flop because lots of the competitors did not have the correct tacky or didn't check their ego and went for the big stones early.

[@Gndlf_TheOrange]

A lot of people forget that the first stone is as heavy as a lot of the last stones in a run, which a lot of athletes don't even get up! The stones were absolutely massive weights.

[@ericdbaugh2082]

Happen when the wife spply the tacky

[@GullysGarageGym]

Your squat depth was atrocious

[@Romo69]

That’s how it goes, that is the nature of competition and happens frequently. Strong man is a very corrupt sport currently and the future is Brian Shaw

[@YoCoJoCo]

Yeah this is on the athletes with all respect. Brian did amazing work and had amazing dedication giving back to his lifelong love.

[@ForrestOutman]

Love the positivity and encouragement!

[@nealstaten5193]

I agree with you with Brian and the rest of the guys that paved the way modern strong man would not be where it is

[@marybuster5349]

Show was amazing it gets bigger and better every year.

[@alexvaldivia9718]

Brian Shaw is single handily keeping strongman relevant 😂

[@Nopha-Kingway]

I don't participate in strongman, and I'm at best a very casual observer. However, Mitchell Hooper's infectious positivity has left a big impression on me. I love the support of others in the face of adversity and addressing controversy with a smile. Lift Heavy Be Kind. Great stuff.

[@GenXPower]

I am a 50 year old Powerlifter, and I placed silver at worlds two years in a row. We just did a competition in March, and I had the highest total for the day in the entire competition, all age groups. I compete on the 7th, and I am hoping to take the national records for 50 years, 220 weight class. I have consistently been ranked top 3 or 4 in the world for my age and weight in all federations..... and I say all of that to say that I have never received a dime for any of my efforts, lol. No one cares about Masters lifters, haha. You made me realize that I am in the wrong sport, haha. I live in Vegas!!! I have to get tickets to Giants Live to see you all!! I bet I recognize and know a ton of people. I am fairly well known in the powerlifting community, especially in Vegas, and I bet I will know a bunch of people there! It will be a blast to watch you all regardless. I just love lifting, and don't really care what the sport is.

[@pvbarbell1904]

Are you in the IPF? If so see you at Master's worlds in South Africa this October. 61 y/o masters 3. Held the Canuck national record briefly LOL but trying to get it back!

[@Aeklypsis]

It's because the IPF tries too hard to be like the Olympics and completely forgoes spectacle and viewer value, and the other fedarations are too niche and outright meme-y for the average person who doesn't do a strength sport to understand or appreciate. Strongmen lug real world objects around, the average person can understand lifting a log or a car or a giant dumbbell. They also have a nice festive atmosphere and not this fake seriousness the IPF has.

[@theKashConnoisseur]

@@Aeklypsis Strongman never forgot it's roots as a circus show, and while that might make it "less serious" compared to Oly lifting and powerlifting, it also makes it more entertaining for fans.

[@joshuakazfields4374]

Thanks Mitch for all the info

[@mazerlazer00]

The issue is that the video failed to acknowledge the athletes (and spouses) who did express gratitude and thanked both Shaw and Keri repeatedly. Watching the video felt like a slap in the face to those of us who made an effort to show our appreciation.

[@fakename5015]

Wow. Very cool to see your comment here. I’m not sure people realize who you are. You guys are awesome and I’m sure Brian knows that. Good luck going forward!

[@thatcoloradoguy]

In just five years, Brian and Keri have given away the biggest prize pot in strongman history. Brian was beyond excited to share the news with the athletes, but only two responded and 3 liked the message. It's important to remember that 15 years ago, Brian and other athletes would pay for their own plane ticket to travel across the world for a chance to win maybe $3,000-if the promoter even followed through. Brian sees things from a perspective that the new athletes may never fully understand. No one loves the sport of strongman more than Brian, I can say that with 100% confidence.

[@mazerlazer00]

@@thatcoloradoguy It seems like you're referring to a group chat and not what was said and done in person, as well as private texts. The new athletes understand because they started the same way. No one is saying the passion and drive aren’t there, but categorizing all athletes as ungrateful is not accurate.

[@thatcoloradoguy]

@@mazerlazer00 "I let the GUYS know of the Prize Money, and not very many of them got back to me" The money was never talked about in person. Not once did Brian say the athletes were not thankful for the show. Once again imagine being beyond excited that in your 5th year you were able to give away the biggest prize in strongman, and out of 16 guys you get 3 likes and 2 replies. And yes, I'm referring to a group chat that all 16 athletes are part of.

[@mazerlazer00]

@@thatcoloradoguy I fear you are talking about things you weren’t a part of, haha. It was discussed in private messages and face-to-face, as I was part of a couple. New athletes knew about the projected prize money and expressed how great it was to do something they love and get paid for it. From our standpoint and others', expressing appreciation in person and privately felt more meaningful.

[@forrestcrabbe]

Good video. Congratulations on yer win 🤘y'all have a badass day🤘

[@andrewgilbertson5356]

I think Brian was very exhausted , he even had an IV drip.

[@pcvolwarrior81]

I spoke to him in person after the contest. He was exhausted, and still had multiple days of moving stuff out of the facility left. I have so much respect for him, and fortunately was able to tell him that face to face.

[@JorgeRojas-ut3wj]

IV drip at a strongman contest is actually common place these days. It's given to them as a perk.

[@luciaceba4640]

These guys get exhausted very fast, they are very high maintenance, they might be very strong, but they are not endurance athletes, a little low on this or that, and down they go..

[@pcvolwarrior81]

@@luciaceba4640 sounds like ultra cope to me

[@fakename5015]

@@JorgeRojas-ut3wjlol. He wasn’t competing. That’s the point of the comment.

[@ChrisTexan]

I've been at a few events this year (fitness related) that I thought weren't "greatly done" or that had various warts and glitches... stuff happens, especially in relatively "young/up-and-coming" sports/organizations that haven't had decades and thousands of events to fine tune things with. Having said that, at those same events, I've volunteered to help where possible... and no matter how well done, or how big a "miss" I might have felt some things were, I've always sought out and thanked the organizers every time for their efforts, because without them or someone equally as passionate as them, there would be NO event to attend, to enjoy, or yes, to grump about the issues. The only right someone has to truly complain (beyond something like constructive criticism of "I wish this xyz was better, but I appreciate your efforts regardless"... is if THEY are the one doing the organizing. Just like Brian, I tend to be very passionate about things I care about, his passion is not only on his sleeve, it's in everything he does. I don't agree with everything Brian Shaw says or does, but I do feel he's a LEADING example of how to promote something you truly love, and anyone feeling they aren't getting enough out of him to say "I appreciate what you've done and this opportunity to compete"... should probably find another organizers event next time around that they feel better aligns with their desires (oh, wait... there aren't any others that would fill the void if they weren't doing that event that week? Hmmm...) Anyhow, right or wrong, mistakes or not, unless your name starts with "Major League" or "National League/Association", chances are you are barely hanging on by the skin of your teeth to just not lose money on every event you organize (and if you counted volunteer hours as "unpaid losses" these events would actually be HUGE money losses, it's only thanks to those dedicating their unpaid time, that most "niche" sports can have ANY sort of event, much less a payout. Just my opinion, as someone who wishes he had more time to help and volunteer than he does currently (I put on a small "friendly competition" at our local gym, a sort of hybrid/strongman mix, once a year on the gym's anniversary, and I plan for weeks, and prep (while not MUCH, honestly, it's small just for our members and friends/family they want to invite, a few dozen in total competing) and setup takes hours, and there aren't any glorious prizes (no entry fee, it's just for fun), and yet I want to make sure it goes off without a hitch every time, even for something that small and inconsequential. So I know Brian is pouring his heart and soul into these events, much more than I can imagine from the small scale stuff I've done and volunteered with.

[@Velociraptor6301]

My company sponsored @shawclassic 2 years ago due to my love of Strongman and an attempt to find new advertising routes. Brian and Keri did an excellent job giving us the best value they could for the money we put in sponsoring. Our biggest issue…..we had exactly one Strongwoman tag us and thank us for sponsoring. Not one tag, acknowledgement, etc from any other Strongman or Strongwoman. Hands down it was the worst advertising investment we have ever made. Due to that we will never spend our advertising money on Strongman again.

[@theKashConnoisseur]

You sponsored the show, not the athletes. Why should the athletes use their platforms to direct sales towards a brand that isn't directly paying them? To me that's a crazy expectation.

[@kmcgoeshiking27]

Great video Mitchell!! Brian has done so much for Strength Sports. Hopefully the majority of people appreciate and respect Brian for all he has done and I believe will continue to to for Strongman sports!! He is a true legend!!

[@thebanaap]

What happened to your video guy Fabian? Did you fire him? Did he die? Are you going to film everything by yourself from now on?

[@jackspinner4727]

Yes. Where the hell is fabe

[@cincysig]

Great takes, Mitchell! Very wide, level-headed and much needed perspectives. Well said!

[@anyexpat]

I am a big fan of Brian but he is expecting too much. He did not create his event as a charity, the person making the most money is clearly him and this is going to provide him a platform to earn money until the day he dies. I have run events in minority sports where you try and do something better, people turn up to compete, expecting a big thank you for the money etc is beyond expectations and as the owner of the event I cannot take any winnings either that is double dipping. THE STRONGMEN GET THE EVENT, HE GETS A BUSINESS. The leading guys make a lot of money compared to the average Joe. Expecting disappointed competitors who finished low down to come up and say thanks for the money is absurd, its their job and that is what they earned. Given the effort required its a measly amount of cash. "Growing the sport" is an often trotted out mantra, that benefits, competitors and organisers, as a fan it does not make any difference to me. I do not need 50 events a year a handful is fine and if they earn 100k or 150k it makes 0 difference to my viewing.

[@bur2576]

Well said. I really hope he keeps it going. That show was so awesome. I'm loving seeing it grow. Brian seems soo happy in those build up videos with all the apparatus and equipment. I hope I can get out there some day

[@jarenci1]

Brian cares about the sport a lot, and he cares about the athletes. But he is also running a business now, and not everyone is going to show appreciation or thank him. I think he needs to pull his heart out a bit and treat it more as a business, if not he will continue to be disappointed.

[@richardcarlin1332]

Precisely. At the beginning all of the athletes did thank Brian. Now the show has grown so much and has become much more professional that the athletes no longer feel the need to thank Brian. They probably also, and I hope, Brian and his wife are making money from the show. This show should be one of his income streams. He and his wife deserve it.

[@TheFrancieBrady]

Well said Mitch. It might be a case that Brian's frustration needed translation and context and you did a great job at both

[@AllThings101]

So the only reason he’s doing the show is to be ass kissed by the athletes. I don’t get it at all. I’ve lost respect for Brian after this show

[@GuntherVonB]

Much respect for you in sending this message!

[@LCDRformat]

The only issue I had with Brian in that video was when he said 'Some athletes didn't thank me, which didn't feel good,' which just came off as weird and whiny.

[@richardk6238]

Came off as very entitled. You put on a competition. people compete, they don't owe you personal gratitude, though it is a respectful thing to do tbf

[@SomeYouTubeGuy]

So the guy can invest months of his own time, thousands of dollars of his own money to create a show but don't admit to being annoyed about the lack of appreciation because the viewers might not enjoy hearing it?

[@Даниил-н8н]

​@@SomeKZbinGuyof his own money? He literally was shilling a product in the briefing. He had sponsors. And you're talking like the athletes did not invest months of their time and thousands of dollars of their own money, and did not risk injuries, and were not ruining their health forever by using PEDs. They still don't get nearly enough for what they do to themselves. Without them there would not be a show either.

[@LCDRformat]

@@SomeKZbinGuy if you do everything with the expectation of getting thanked, you're not doing it out of the goodness of your heart, you're doing it to be thanked. Made it seem like Brian puts on the show so people will be ingratiated to him

[@TradeWise1000]

I also felt this way but only slightly. I suspect that he goes over and beyond what anyone else is doing and would like to be thanked for that. Which I agree but as someone who regularly does more than is asked, you rarely get thanked for it... but it would be nice...I think his comments about the future deal with maybe cutting the fun day and putting a little less extra effort in the future.

[@daltonmason62]

I just hope this doesn't discourage Brian from running the comp. Strongman needs the progress he's pushing for!

[@reapercarl5047]

I disagree with the idea first place is to waited, there needs to be reward for being the best, an any of the top guys should have a shot at the podieum with enough effort prep an luck

[@anyexpat]

I actually think the last 3 should get 0 beyond their costs. Competition means trying to win, not turning up to make a little cash

[@mrsensei8878]

​@@anyexpat That can be a bottle neck for some new talent though.

[@anyexpat]

@@mrsensei8878 Get better or get replaced. Means new talent will have more opportunity to break in.

[@mrsensei8878]

@@anyexpat Cant get better if you cant compete.

[@timothyhervieux5673]

This is why I follow you and Bryan . You guys are a class act . Keep winning events brother .

[@perrin38]

I do feel Brian made that statement of people not replying = ungrateful a little early. Especially those flying across the world may have not even arrived back home and settled in yet

[@Utzman4x4]

Brian is such an awesome guy I know that he will learn from the issues and they will never happen again

[@torringtonstonekeeper]

Od wilson got robbed fair n square. An jon paul is my favorite strongman ever. He was the best

[@robertwilliams5618]

Ya od was a beast

[@kananisha]

SMOE is the only competition I have ever paid for to watch. My wife is not into strongman at all, but she was glued to the TV watching the Shaw Classic and SMOE.

[@baileyrussell3182]

Brian needs to understand that strength is being able to take negativity and criticism. Perhaps hiring one or two more full time staff is warranted considering the logistics of running a contest of smoe's magnitude. Also seems like Brian is overly ambitious with new events/machines, formatting for events. Needs some better balancing and forethought at the planning stages.