Strongest Man on Earth CONTROVERSY

[@mitchellhooperstrongman]

I am very proud to be a strongman and to hold the title of the strongest man on earth. I hold the integrity of the sport in very high regard, and athletes would unanimously vote me as the most vocal during rules meetings because I know that getting it right is of the highest importance for the show. I have never and will never "cheat" to gain an advantage. I will, and always will, argue for the most fair rules for everyone and use all of my strength and abilities to win within the rules. LIFT HEAVY, BE KIND: lhbk.shop Programs: moosecoaching.com

[@daemonphil3132]

[@Mongkol_Thirakot]

Hafthor would've won

[@Henderson_A17]

@@Mongkol_Thirakotno he wouldn’t 😂

[@sunnybeans1236]

Maybe next time 😁

[@aeis3007]

Would you consider it cheating when Matyerrsz Balsaks bounced the atlas stone in Budapest 2014? I personally consider that smart gamesmanship and not cheating.

[@pdb189]

That trophy is a monster

[@greenwendal5056]

It was Brian Shaw who argued for Worlds Strongest Man to have decent trophies. Years ago they looked like my dad's local darts trophy.

[@Heylon1313]

It only looks good in these giants' hands, would make us mortals look like children holding it

[@kennethloper2836]

Congratulations big man.

[@effzett_]

Having so many trophies like Mitch, imagine how much living space is occupied by huge trophies 😆😆😆

[@criscristofferson7381]

I think everyone is wanting to know, does the globe spin on the trophy? 🌎 🏆 😂

[@mitchellhooperstrongman]

Yes it does!

[@mcfarvo]

@@mitchellhooperstrongman best trophy then 🏆

[@wickywills]

@@mitchellhooperstrongmanProve it next vid

[@BlackConnection337]

​@mitchellhooperstrongman Bro thats awesome

[@greenwoodricky]

I want to know which trophy is heaviest 😂

[@djpancake33]

If Thor can get his pressing strength back to pre injury, the sheer level of consistency between Mitch and Thor would be breathtaking to watch. Both would be outstanding in every event.

[@310Fire11]

The problem is Thor is 35 and may never get back to his prime

[@eladrio2311]

You sure wish so ​@@310Fire11

[@OrthodoxAtheist]

Possibly, but pretty sure the likes of JF Caron were hitting their maxes at 39/40. Old man strength is a thing. He might lose a step in the medleys, but when your stride is double other folks, that won't be much of an issue.

[@Yup3255h]

What’s crazy to me is that Thor won 5 out of 8 events and still lost so if it was just Mitch vs Thor Thor would win shits so confusing lmfao

[@high-captain-BaLrog]

if thor and mitch weren't competing it would've been a much closer and exciting competition but thor just mesmerized us with sheer dominance

[@cole59]

This was the first strongman event i got to go to and all of you blew my mind. Congratulations

[@diggypooper]

By cheating? sure

[@werofpm]

​@@diggypooper care to elaborate? did he lie in this video? Seems like they police themselves as a community.

[@hannibalb8276]

@@diggypooper He objectively didn't cheat and even thor doesn't think so. It's only a small segment of thor's awful GOT fans that seem to be lying about that. You need to take a break and rethink your life.

[@hnc9]

This was the first strongman event I actually bought ppv for. I am totally not regretting it was amazing

[@Grumbledookvid]

why do you like watching men run around and do stuff lol

[@nazziegler5572]

It was just the world's largest smith machine, and smith machine squat setups aren't the same as freebar. You knew to put your feet forward of the bar and the other guys didn't, simple as that.

[@StrengthSportsFan]

It was great meeting you, and I can’t thank you enough for the video you made for my son! He asked me to take him into the garage gym to work out as soon as I got home, and if he’s mean to his sister all I have to say is “Remember what Mitchell the Moose said…” to get him to start being kind. Can’t wait to bring him to meet you next year!

[@ravensdark99]

And through all the stuff people say..and with all the training those guys put in..this is the thing that matters..you can change one persons life for the better...and thats enough to make everything worth while...

[@AndyDeBrunner]

Your daughter owes Mitchell a massive debt of gratitude!

[@hjewkes]

I’ve always been impressed by the amount of brains you bring to the sport. Back at rogue last year when that bull was ruining everyone and you noticed how you needed to adjust your pull to be able to minimize the friction, or how in every event you dial in to do the optimal amount of work. You aren’t the only competitor who does this obviously, but if there is an advantage within the rules to be had I’ve seen you leverage it. All sport isnt just about brute strength and speed, but the talent and tactics to apply them correctly. But yeah - lets put away the protractors next year and fix that ruling lol

[@diggypooper]

Yeah his brains allowed him to take advantage of other atheletes by doing 3/4 squat reps. He is a cheat.

[@michaelmayers3622]

Hin and martinze

[@SpoiledMilkHotel]

His pre-comp interview with Shaw was signal enough, the fact he had intuition on strategies, I wouldn't be surprised if competitors started practicing their squats and trying learn as much as they can to face Hooper. It's not so much as controversy against player, but rules themselves, SMOE will iron them out with time as Loz said. Regardless, Mitch was an absolute powerhouse as always.

[@lmdoinraysmom]

Martins him and brian probably have the highest IQs in strongman. Evan Singleton definitely the lowest

[@Hybridknfgrowchannel]

@@hjewkes indeed i do the same for my clients.

[@Jack000222]

Support you 100% brother! You crushed it and proved you truly are the Strongest Man on Earth! Remember that the weather is always the harshest on the peak. #LHBK

[@daemonphil3132]

[@mitchellhooperstrongman]

Thanks Jack! 😃 #LHBK

[@IRONRIDER97]

Strongest at what at failing to complete events properly 😂

[@milanaleksic8979]

Gay af

[@IRONRIDER97]

@@martinbradley1062 yeah exactly Weakest Winner of all Time

[@david1623burnett]

Thanks for taking that min. And signing my weight belt at the hotel.. appreciate it! Congratulations on the Win! Me and my Wife were sitting right next to your Wife and family.

[@FleXdaNorth]

congratulations MOOSE!! #LHBK

[@hulkthedane7542]

One thing that comes up a lot in these times of many strongman competitions is judging criteria; I think, the rule of having the whole implement on the platform in power stairs is solely a way to make a criteria that is VERY easy to watch and judge. Whereas if the criteria for success was only "the implement stays on the ledge" the following situation could occur; a competitor puts down the implement and steps away - and the implement tips so slowly, that it SEEMS like it stays, but actually falls. .... like that sandbag, Brian missed back in the day, that probably cost him a WSM title. It rarely happens, but it happens. Pushing the implement the last few inches onto the platform/ledge is not a test of strength in itself, but it is VERY easy to judge.

[@paddathehutt]

Bang on! Considering all yhr "controversy" surrounding other events, with judging calls ans depth of squat etc, I like the power stairs ledge rule as its crystal clear and no room for ambiguity

[@fatman123526]

100% agree. Athletes have lifted and pushed them all the way on to the top platform in one go on a number of occasions. Being a little grouchy cause the bobble might have cost you the event win is fine, but events need as much objective ability to judge as possible.

[@jaxon6638]

😊

[@rahimiparham]

Before even watching this video - CONGRATULATIONS on winning! you put full effort and did so well in all events hence the much deserved win! looking forward to the next comp with you & thor!

[@mitchellhooperstrongman]

I appreciate you!

[@bdegrds]

Don't hate the player, hate the game. Congrats Moose

[@jameschristy9966]

If everyone hates the game then they will be back to complete in car parks with no fans

[@mustang8206]

The only way this sport grows is if people actually try to be strong

[@thomasrosendahl2783]

Tom Stoltman really hates the game, he said placing 7th should be celebrated.

[@Nikoncha]

@@thomasrosendahl2783 I mean.. I am pretty strong in most commercial gyms, but I wouldn't even qualify for SMoE. These guys are all the elite of the elites and even if you don't win it deserves a lot of respect in the strength world imo.

[@FBI--OPEN--UP---]

Nah then you can make it more Professional like Olympia or in untestet Olymp​@@jameschristy9966

[@carlh296]

Congrats Mitch, your consistency from comp to comp is truly amazing. I wish Tom was similarly consistent, would make things much more interesting.

[@jasonaune6889]

Awesome job Thank you for the autograph and spending a couple minutes talking to me after the show it meant a lot.

[@jam08060]

Not taking away from your accomplishments, I'm a huge fan, but there were two others who won both titles of "Strongest Man on Earth" and "World's Strongest Man" before you. Big Z won the title of "Strongest Man on Earth" in 2009 from the Fortissimus competition (they sold the trademark to the shaw classic) and Brian won SMOE last year and both of them are 4x WSM winners. With that said, being #3 on a list that only contains Big Z and Brian is pretty insane.

[@AndrewConnolly-c9k]

Teeeeechnically speaking it was the Shaw Classic last year. Didn't know about the Fortissimus thing though, that's really cool!

[@rorybooth2400]

@@AndrewConnolly-c9kit was the smoe last year too

[@mustang8206]

Mitchell likes to "bend" the truth

[@mustang8206]

​@@AndrewConnolly-c9kTechnically it was the Strongest Man on Earth last year. Technically it was the Shaw Classic 2 years ago

[@Adam-links]

@mustang8206 best comment in this post! Forget bending, he flat out disregards truth!

[@wompastompa3692]

Joel Seedman LOVED those squats. Congrats on another win.

[@BryantAvant]

Mitch out here playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers.

[@tazernuts5930]

Pity he plays draughts at WSM whilst big Tom stoltman laughs at him 😂😂

[@ichamberland]

Your explanation of your thought process and reasoning for how you approach each event shows your intelligence as an athlete rather then just trying to brute force your way through an event. Its one thing to be the strongest at any in given event but your performance across all events which includes how you manage fatigue and maintain peformance across the competition. Knowing the rules and parameters of a event is just part of being competitive.

[@thinkforyourself2109]

These contests are as much about strategy as brute power. We saw that so clearly with Magnús Ver Magnússon.

[@brandonbaldwin6845]

First person to ever with SMOE and WSM? It's Brian's contest, how do you forget about him!? 😂

[@Mr.Ciobanu]

No rogues invitational for Brian

[@brandonbaldwin6845]

​@@Mr.Ciobanu that's not what he said. He said the first person ever to win SMOE and WSM, then he went on to talk about the grand slam

[@brandonbaldwin6845]

@@lukethemusselman last year was the first year of Strongest Man on Earth, the first three years (Brian, Trey, Trey) were the Shaw Classic

[@IHateYouTube-sr1wj]

The only one to ever grand slam was Thor in 2018 with Europe's, Arnold, WSM and WUS.

[@Adam-bw6dj]

​@brandonbaldwin6845 and even with that being true it wouldn't be a correct statement. Fortissimus is the show SMOE title was originally trademarked for. And Z won that and was a 4xWSM. So Mitch isn't the first.

[@patrickpoulin8554]

Thankyou for explaining exactly what happened. I was under the impression that they accidentally changed your setup from where your measurements were taken and that’s why it upset me that there wasn’t a course correction for something I believed could’ve been course corrected. Congratulations on your win champ keep em coming!

[@reallymysterious4520]

You said that on the power stairs it is not a test of strength makin sure that the entire block is placed completely on each step. I think there is an even a bigger argument to be made that selection & application of tacky HAS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH STRENGTH.I think that if Stones are going to be used in competition everyone should be given identical arm sleeves to wear which provide sufficient grip

[@tankeater]

I was at the contest and have a forward view on film of Thor on his 3rd dumbell and he DEFINITELY locked out... He was locked for almost 3 full seconds!!!!!!!

[@TheSLK66]

Being strictly fair, three things: 1) most athletes, you among them, did 3/4 reps. 2) the set-up was supervised not only Brian but by the other strongmen who watched as everyone was measured and set into position. 3) Everyone who achieved a rep, regardless of depth, had to move the same distance, because you had to tap the bottom of the frame before being allowed to squat back up. Distance was calibrated for each one based on their height/stance. So I fail to see why a particular athlete should be accused of anything when the conditions for the implement were met. Edit: One of the first things I asked in Brian's reveal of the machine was if athletes had to wait for the tap at the bottom or could squat back up immediately, because it very well could have turned into a standing leg-press, currently the machine feels something like a squat/standing leg-press, which makes sense after seeing the range of motion it allowed once calibrated for each one.

[@Pepesilvia267]

I totally agree that the conditions set were met. I think many agree that depth is the main thing that matters so not making that a condition was a mistake. However, no one can blame Mitch since he did what they asked him to do. Same thing with Evan’s thumb opening up. Some rules are dumb lol

[@nathangerrard9792]

2 things can both be true that Mitchell did nothing wrong but that Thor was also robbed

[@SuperMontsta]

Still: Some people had to squat deeper than others. That's not fair, no matter how you spin it. "Within the rules" doesn't mean it's fair. Just like billionaires not pay taxes while the common man does...within rules, not fair.

[@pierrechampagne5687]

​@SuperMontsta billionaires don't pay taxes lol tell me how that works my great economist

[@VAFFANFEDE18]

Store money in a country with low taxes, and whenever you need money don't sell stocks but use them as collateral asking the money to a bank, borrowed money are not taxed

[@allrightsreserved3237]

You’ve definitely made an entire nation proud!!!!! Way to bring it home this year after last year being man enough to let Shaw have it in his year of retirement.

[@coldpond]

Big congratulations! A marvelous achievement. Walk tall, life is short. Again, congrats. 👍

[@chrismouton1985]

Congrats on the win, Mitch! You really are in a rich vein of form and it's clear that you are a smart athlete. I wasn't very happy with the whole squat event and yes, it did seem that you didn't go as low as the rest. Be that as it may, your consistent performance throughout the competition is what makes you a great strongman. You don't have any real weaknesses! That being said, Thor is picking up strength very rapidly and I'm really looking forward to future contests between you two!

[@hulkthedane7542]

Congratulations on the title, the win. No matter what people say, you followed the rules and won fair and square. In the squat you lifted 800 lbs/363 kg 10 times - that is a feat of strength, no matter what. I think, that if Brian Shaw wants to avoid those controversies in the future, it would be beneficial (both for the contest and for the athletes) if he would either • stop making new apparatuses and use more well known ways to test the strength of the athletes, or • make those apparatuses in much better time before the contest, thus having time to have a much more extensive testing of them in due time. Have 6 -10 strongmen come try them out multiple times, with high load (not necessarily competition high, but higher than warmup) - that would give him the opportunity to realize the effect that you described; testing/setting the depth of the squat with too light a weight meant testing/setting it with the athlete in a different position than the actual lifting would happen under. I understand, that Brian wants to go big, be spectacular, and I love it, but I think he takes a bit too far too fast sometimes. Again, Congratulations to you Mitch. You are a phenomenon in the sport. Train hard, stay safe 👍💪👍.

[@mustang8206]

Pathetic watching Mitchell glazers defend this

[@wanderer_oti]

​@mustang8206 he didn't break any rules. If Thor had used this method yall probably wouldn't be calling him a cheater

[@Mo-kl4fb]

no he fuckling didn't squat 363kg 10 times, he half squatted 800lbs for 10 times with wraps too

[@callum1971]

​@mustang8206 you have spammed this comment with braindead mutterings. Mitchs lowest placing was 4th in 8 events. Thor came 9th in an event, and finished 9 points below Mitch.

[@mustang8206]

@@callum1971 What does Thor have to do with 1/4 squatting? Keep glazing lil bro

[@nielsdorhout058]

Congratulations mister strongest man on earth, you got me back in training after i broke my hip. Lost 60 pounds and getting ripped again. Not bad for an old guy if i say so myself 💪🏼 look forward for another LittleT collab 👊🏼

[@haeihaeihaei]

People are just looking for things to hate on... There were referees the day before and didn't say anything then that's not Mooses fault. Well explained brother. You smashed this comp insane lifts💪🏼🏆

[@MC-ep8cu]

The fans want their strongmen to be strong and stupid. They don't like when one of them is intelligent like Mitch lol. What does that say about the fans

[@drewbrown9460]

At first I questioned the squat as well. But after watching your explanation which made sense, it was obviously a good life. Great job dude!

[@douglasnisbet1189]

Mitch deserved the win but for whatever reason those squats were half reps. Fact. Needs to be sorted by all involved for the next time. It was painful to watch those 10 half reps.

[@Vanlifecrisis]

Its not a powerlift meet. The bar just has to travel the distance in strongman, which it did. They aren't judged on form.

[@larrytate1657]

Maybe they should have a marker of some kind to go down to.

[@PeteQuad]

Ugh thank god this is not powerlifting. Let's not do 2 inch sumo squats and fold our bodies in half to do 1 inch bench presses.

[@andrewgraupmann9055]

You were so impressive at this show. Your ability to push to another level to get the points you need is something that is wondrous to behold. You truly are the Strongest Man on Earth.

[@cristeto96]

Congrats Man, So F***ing proud of you

[@mcfarvo]

29:03 wasn't Brian both the first Shaw Classic Pro Strongman winner and last year the first Shaw Classic SMOE winner while also being a 4xWSM winner, so...Mitch is the 2nd to be both WSM+SMOE? Edit: not to mention Big Z with SMOE back in the IFSA days!!!

[@chatta6013]

Mitch is actually the 3rd. Zydrunas won both in 09.. then Brian bought the rights 2 smoe name last year. And he won, and now mitch is the 3rd

[@hulkslayer626]

Came to say this lol

[@notoriousgeg]

Mitch said he's first to win WSM, SMOE/shaw, Arnold, and Rogue Invitational. Which he is. Brian hasn't won the rogue and big z hasn't won that or the shaw classic

[@hulkslayer626]

@@notoriousgeg and right before he said that, he said he thinks he is the first to win SMOE and WSM.

[@onslaughtofterrorJW]

@@notoriousgegz won SMOE when it was IFSA

[@timariaans1710]

I think Mitchell is one of the few that is really going on strategy rather then just pulling or pushing to the max. He knows where he is strong and knows what to do and how many points to score. So why max out on all events when you can also win just doing enough staying in top 3. He is a very smart competitor and thinks alot about equipment and movement. So awesome to see. And he is also overall strong not many weakness on events. Not always nr 1 but on average he scores so well in all events.

[@magnuslund2545]

Great meeting you and your family. Awesome to see the support from your family too. Good showing. Keep it up.

[@vimesagainsthumanity]

You can say "even if I only did 7" Th issue is what if every other guy didn't hit 90°s at their knee? They each could have done more. The issue isn't how many you may or may not have done. It's how many the other 15 guys could have done if they were able to do the lift the same as you. 90°s is 90°s. Brian needs to axe this event. I'm a fan bro, but when you get 10 and Thor doesn't come close, there's an issue. You have strong trunks, but there were at least 3 other guys that should have been able to hit 10. The squat was a total disaster in our eyes. These issues impact the entire sport. Sadly some people are going to hold you at fault, when it's clearly Brian's. Congratulations man, you worked your ass off for it!

[@iceman2721]

This was the first strongman event I have ever been too, and it was absolutely amazing seeing everyone compete, it was a 10 year anniversary for me and wife and she absolutely loved seeing the effort you all put in to everything and the support among the athletes and how much the fun's wanted everyone to succeed, big thanks for such an showing champ

[@Claudfoz]

The concern on squat was valid but he followed the rules. This isn’t powerlifting or weightlifting competition. To those saying he is a cheater, read the rules and state exactly which one he broke. Strong man has different rules. Work smart, not hard. Great work, Mitchell!

[@letsdoolinthis2533]

Mitch, we were glad to support your booth and fundraiser. You’re making a great movement and it was ecstatic to see you compete. I look forward to more competitions with Thor and Tom as you push each other to be the absolute best. Amazing performance!

[@TobyLifely]

People need to get a grip - this isn't powerlifting, that wasn't even a squat, it was machine squat and all that can be asked of the athlete is get the weight from A to B within the parameters of the rules. Everyone moves differently under load and this apparatus suited those, like yourself, who tend to hinge further under heavy weight. Still moved the weight the required distance and I mean you had Brian Shaw as referee and I don't know whose better for the job than that. People getting angry are just those that either do not understand the rules that were given or (more likely) looking for a reason to hate. I have no doubt when we see a more standadised squat with enforced depth from both a knee and hip standpoint - you will still be in the argument for top spot. And hopefully we do see it to shut these guys up. Congratulations on your win and conistency over many comps, it is truly an impressive feat.

[@mitchellhooperstrongman]

Thanks Toby! Some people are always going to find a reason to minimize achievements, and I’m okay with that. Thank you for your support ❤️

[@jackiebuttnor8410]

Exactly! 👍

[@eladrio2311]

there's also a lot of people who actually want to see a squat in an event that has squat in its name and the machine didn't provide it

[@jfro5867]

Well said Toby, that’s exactly how I see it. You work the event in front of you, it’s as simple as that. A to B. Up down, down up. Rinse and repeat. There’s no marks for style or presentation, it’s not gymnastics.

[@stephenhagen8976]

The comment he made in Loz's BTS about foot placement really panned out in the Squat event. Great video and well explained. Was an awesome battle to watch.

[@leathalkizzle935]

Why is the squat equipment even calibrated to thier height anyway? The power stairs aren't , the keg toss bar isnt , the stones suit the longer armed competitor as they are a fixed diameter, the stone platforms aren't changed for each competitor

[@LordFred69]

exactly. Unless they put these guys in a machine that controls every aspect of how they move there will always be slight advantages and disadvantages to events because humans are shaped different and have different strengths

[@thinkforyourself2109]

Probably because it's easy to change the squat rack and not the other items?

[@CarmaineCotham]

Amazing accomplishment, Mr. Hooper. Congratulations. I promise not to bother you for so many autographs next year. Thank you for being so generous with your time and your signature.

[@brandoncinpubadj]

Congrats Champ!! SMOE!!!

[@HarleyVassMusic]

With you all the way brother, one of the things I like the most about you is the respect and integrity you have for the sport!

[@Pope_Bourbon_II]

It’s a machine that should NOT ever be used again. You wanna squat competition, do it normal. No bs machines.

[@abellabarbie]

I agree. It didn't even look cool since the camera was zoomed in the whole time.

[@brian6speed]

Brian wants to use gimmicks because he said it attracts more casual fans.

[@johnbarnhart4618]

@@brian6speed It also makes it safer for the athletes. Brain mentioned in a bunch of his video that yes he wants everything to look cool but also be extremely safe for the athletes.

[@Danimal77]

@@johnbarnhart4618 Brain? His name is Brian.

[@BigPark51]

You remember what happened the last time they did a max normal squat in a big show? Not worth it for sure.

[@GYMBADGER9816]

Moooooose!!!!! That was an amazing show! I'm so glad I could be there in person to see your big win! My wife and I have been huge fans of you for years and while Thor coming back was super exiting!!! We will always be team moose!!!

[@TC-iz5hr]

Some of the events were botched, but that wasn't the fault of the competitors (including Mitch). Brian needs to make some fixes, including the absurd squat event and uneven judging (Terry). Regardless, none of that changed the outcome. I'm not a fan of Mitch, but one has to respect his excellence. The best strongman (for this set of events) won.

[@BitMatt1]

I became a strongman fan 5+ years ago and to see this be in my hometown is unbelievable! We fans may have a favorite but we root for everyone! We'll done Mooooooose!!!

[@HenDiesel]

Mitchell “bend the rules” Hooper. Congrats

[@ANoss13]

I respect you so much! I really enjoy hearing your analytical side of strategy and what your thinking and strategy!

[@stevenfair8970]

With so much inconsistency being possible from a machine lift, with vs without a load, I believe the machine lifts should be gotten rid of. This was a Strongman competition, not an exercise. People want to see Strongmen lift weird archaic objects, not move a stupid machine awkwardly or just fail to move it. I have been a long time fan and supporter of Brian, but until he addresses the utter failure the squat event was and removes all future plans from his competitions I will no longer watch or follow him. This is his 3rd year with a machine lift, last year was almost just as horrible.

[@curoimacdaire3630]

This show was incredible to watch--it certainly looked like the heaviest show I've attended. So brutal. It was awesome getting to meet you, Mitch!

[@DeadFrozeKorro]

Mitch says in this video that he and Thor would be very close in a squat 1RM. Also, he suggests that the technique in the squat event "might have helped him a little". He squatted twice as much in the event as in training. It was not adrenaline but you using the rules to your advantage. Drop the arrogance Mitch, Thor is a 1000lbs squatter.

[@jaylongton]

100% spot on!

[@MrSnatch81]

800lbs good morning is a feat by itself and perhaps a world record 😅 congratulations on the win!

[@bdawg2513]

What a great show it was. I was there with one of my sons and we both enjoyed the hell out of it. We'll be back next year :) But as far as the mix up with the axle presses... I was wondering why they didn't take a marker or something and write the weight on them so they didn't screw them up like that.

[@crazy10bears]

Yeah, it seems like a no brainer to have the weights marked. It was bizarre that they were actually weighing it in the middle of a show.

[@bdawg2513]

@@crazy10bears exactly. But with all of the details to stay on top of I guess that may have been an easy one to overlook since you don't normally need to do that. Just one of the kinks to work out for next time. Great show overall though.

[@crazy10bears]

@@bdawg2513 For sure, it was a great comp. I'm glad i bought the pay per view.

[@foggx1975]

Congratulation on the win, you are making us Canadians proud 🇨🇦 You are inspiring the next generation of strength athletes! Keep up the informative videos.

[@misterc5783]

Anything the internet can comment on will be victim of attack. Simple as that. Doesn’t matter what you do. What you say. If you make one lot happy, the other lot will tear into you. Example: “We want stricter refereeing” Gets stricter refereeing “This is a fkng disgrace” We have to start ignoring the online whining. But, it’s conducive to creating content so it’ll not be ignored. The toxic loop.

[@mustang8206]

Pathetic watching Mitchell glazers defend this

[@Mo-kl4fb]

He fucking knew what he was doing when he was getting measured stop glazing

[@Jeepster777]

@@mustang8206facts are facts buddy 😁

[@Jeepster777]

@@Mo-kl4fbfacts are facts buddy 😁

[@konyecstrength4life]

Perfect explanation regarding the squat depth controversy. No one can dispute the facts regarding the set up & how the variation in individuals squat techniques could make that event either easier or harder whilst still adhering to the rules.

[@qfina]

Well done!

[@robins3352]

When failing a 90kg dumbell is a disaster!!! Love your openness and Honesty regarding all this... The fact your not making excuses about anything is as impressive as your strength - well done you deserve the win! I think you can happily call yourself strongest man! I know its all so close at that level and any one on that stage could be classed in the strongest humans ever!

[@salownsu123]

To be fair, Thor has 6 inches on you, but he's only pushing the weight for height as much as a competition requires. I think he has far more than 6 inches on everyone when it comes to throwing. He has basically every throwing world record there is in strongman at this point.

[@Skoopyghost]

Is it cheating if a boxer has a long reach.

[@guti9898]

Who said anything about cheating?

[@DutchDread]

While I agree you're argument doesn't work. It's not about the number of inches he has on other competitors, but the amount of % taller he is, and whether his throwing distance is the same % higher.

[@evanfabio8253]

@@DutchDreadhonestly in that WR throw he cleared that by ~1 feet. I agree that his height is an advantage but in this case I think Thor is just GOAT level puller.

[@mdjak3686]

Mitch, a huge congratulations. You came on the scene guns a blazing. Keep up the amazing work. Great videos too.

[@brentbarrus9754]

You're a phenom Mitch! I think the squat event was disappointing primarily because of how 'measured' it was advertised to be. It made the viewers, myself included, go in looking for identical ROM and technique. The reality is, squat is going to look a little different for each athlete and the sport needs to embrace that.

[@eladrio2311]

we don't need to embrace different levels of depth to be accepted, did mitch cheat? no. Did mitch perform the movement as the judges allowed him? yes. Do we need to accept an event were not everyone goes to same depth? NO

[@intuitivehomebrew3199]

It was a real pleasure watching you in the crowd at the stadium. My son's first strongman show. You absolutely smashed it bro. Congratulations, you earned it!

[@steelcurtain3746]

Who gives a shit what people are saying. You did awesome, man. You're definitely going to go down as one of the greatest of all time.

[@mitchellhooperstrongman]

Thank you, I appreciate it!

[@diggypooper]

A lot of people care. And care about the integrity of the sport. If this continues, strongman will die as a sport.

[@gsftbeast9761]

@@mitchellhooperstrongmanmate u lack integrity gtfo stop playing me nice guy hoop

[@steelcurtain3746]

@user-od9mj3cx2e don't hate the athlete, hate the implement. Hooper did what he could with the implement given. I don't think anyone expected or wanted it to appear as it did. Some things aren't so black and white.

[@gsftbeast9761]

@@mitchellhooperstrongmanwhy are u deleting comments 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 shows how fake of a sociopath u are

[@stuart5350]

Congratulations mate! Fuck the people hating on you. Thor looked more than happy with the competition

[@yuliu4973]

brother no ones hating this guy he just lacks integrity and he will do anything to win. how can people not see this hooper is a straight sociopath. acting like cares about the person who died from swimming and always talking about integrity of sports yet hes willing to cheat his competitor to win that why no one like him. if you cant see through bs u are just very naive study some phychology

[@BenjaminHuarez]

Congratulations! I will always root for Hafthor, but you got my respect for sure. Very good event. Also great to see contestants look way more healthy and clean than back in the day.

[@callum1971]

Congrats Mitch, you would have won anyway. Thor was brilliant but you can't come 9th in an event and expect to win a competition. I didn't realise how smoothbrained some of the strongman community was but that is clearly the case

[@mrman2415]

Thor seems to have a legion of delusional fanboys

[@callum1971]

@@mrman2415 which is the complete opposite of Thor, you haven't heard Thor complain about the competion at all

[@antoniocenteno1483]

Dude, but is not just Thor fans, That is not fair. Must Thor fans love Mitch too and the respect between this two guys. Thor does have a bit of a toxic fanbase, but we've seen worse and most atlehtes have some, yet the mayority of us knew Thor would probably win the most and yet second due to ohp. People complaining about a guy winning more yet coming second is not new, case in point Arnold Classic 2020. But usually is more about casual fans that want certain Atlethe to not winning or win at all coast

[@diggypooper]

How do you know he would have won? He cheated the squat (a very draining event). He is a cheater.

[@diggypooper]

@@mrman2415 Yet HalfRepHooper did 3/4 reps. Yet we're delusional.

[@LogHewer]

It was so cool to see you guys congratulating one another on good lifts or event wins. Especially you and Thor. Kindness costs nothing, does it? God bless, brother. Stay strong. 👊🏼🔥

[@Katie-jm4yy]

I don't understand the hate. You smashed it!

[@TGfoever]

It's mostly the Thor glazers who believe he can never be legitimately beaten

[@AlejandroSanchez-pl6jw]

@@TGfoeverit’s not just from Thor fans but fans in general

[@Pepe-pq3om]

​​​@@TGfoever I'm not a Thor fan, but the complains totally mak sense. Firstly: the squat event had a big problem, and although is true that Mitch is not to blame for that (that's on the organizers), it's also true that that event didn't prove who was the strongest man (which is the whole point of the competition), but who's the best string man at exploiting the event problem. Secondly: the scoring system is weird: Thor did win more events, and would've won the entire competition if only Mitch and him were competing, because the amount of competitors (competitors that don't even get to the finals) affects the way the points are distributed. With all of this in mind, you do end up thinking that's kinda weird that these competitions which are supposed to be held to reveal who the strongest man is, sometimes may reward someone who isn't the actual strongest person. And just to make it clear, I'm not saying Thor should have been given the winner prize, he didn't won the competition, Mitch did and that's the bottom line. What I think happens a lot is people miss place this discontent about the way the competition works on the athletes (in this case Mitch) who are there only to do their best and don't make the rules, instead of on the organizers and asking for a change.

[@yuliu4973]

brother no ones hating this guy he just lacks integrity and he will do anything to win. how can people not see this hooper is a straight sociopath. acting like cares about the person who died from swimming and always talking about integrity of sports yet hes willing to cheat his competitor to win that why no one like him. if you cant see through bs u are just very naive study some phychology

[@diggypooper]

You don't? You're why this sport is dying.

[@zachwagner4783]

I was there cheering you on both days! Great performance and so fun to see you compete in person.

[@robbo8074]

You and Thor rivalry is going to be epic

[@mitchellhooperstrongman]

We’re always proud of each other’s accomplishments regardless ❤️

[@tannerhutton5888]

Appreciate your take on the squat machine, and i think you're in the right. Huge, consistent performance, and a deserved win. Couple of other thoughts: 1. Thor is crazy good. I hope he sticks around for another year or two, watching you 2 battle is awesome. 2. Hatton is strong strong. 3. Austin Andrade surprised me. Awesome to see. 4. Super proud of Trey for coming back from injury and placing 4th in that lineup. its impressive, and i hope he continues to get better. Not sure how, but he really needs to get his grip/frame carry built up, and he will be a consistent podium finisher in all the heavy shows.

[@him050]

I like Brian's "third" philosophy. That is for events (not all, this can carry over) a third should fail, a third should do okay, and a third should be fighting to come first. I agree with this. I think this is the right approach. Every competitor shouldn't be able to finish a log ladder. I think a farmers carry should have people failing to make the distance. The squat weight should be that some people can barely do two reps. That's what makes proper separation between the "men and the boys". And I think the keg toss is what let the comp down here. Too many people got to the same point.

[@bryanadkins2944]

This isn't Brian's philosophy. People in strongman have been saying this long before brian came along lmao

[@leonardotheuseless4188]

​@@bryanadkins2944but no organiser ever put it in practice, at least not in recent years.

[@bryanadkins2944]

@leonardotheuseless4188 OSG Worlds, America's Strongest Man, SC and USS Nationals, SCL circuit, I can go on and on. What are you talking about dude?

[@him050]

@@bryanadkins2944 he doesn’t have to have come up with it to be the one adopting it in his competition.

[@bryanadkins2944]

@him050 I never said he did Brian's royal nut hugger

[@Runner-Boy]

New nickname "Half Squat Mitch" Jk you played the game bro

[@diggypooper]

HalfRepHooper

[@Lonewolf__666]

@@diggypooper😂😂😂

[@PronatorTendon]

Your contributions to the sport are already worthy of most competitors' entire careers. What a time to be a fan, both of you and strongman 💪🏼

[@johanjohansson925]

Lot's of weird things in this show. Different squat depth made the whole competition less exciting to watch, despite most things being okay. And then those "disqualified" deadlifts? Like what is going on there? Guy is literally standing straight up and shrugging the weight, but still not good enough 😅

[@Lion_of_the_Rockies]

Did you even watch the video?

[@johanjohansson925]

@@Lion_of_the_Rockies Yes. Did u actually watch the livestream he's talking about?

[@ghost187x]

You have no idea what you are talking about

[@Lion_of_the_Rockies]

@@johanjohansson925 yes the whole show. If you watched the video why do you not understand why Evan’s deadlift was disqualified? Nothing to do with lockout. He lost his grip on the bar. In the rules meeting it was made very clear the fingers must remain around the bottom of the bar.

[@joe14216]

Congratulations on your accomplishments!! Dedication and hard work certainly paid off. And thank you for making this video. You explained everything about each event so clearly that it is impossible not to understand each of the results. You Sir are most definitely The Strongest Man on Earth, sit back and enjoy your amazing achievements. 😁💪💪💯💯💯

[@littlethuggie]

That squat lift was such a complete shit show from the start that it ruined the entire comp.

[@ryanl8730]

Great job Moose! You believed in it and accomplished it, you’re on your way to earning 6x worlds strongest, for the win! Stay hungry bro!

[@shekargarvey8330]

Let me just start this off by saying I have no issue with most of the controversial stuff, I think bringing the split jerk over to strongmen was pretty awesome. That being said, those squats were so ugly and while you won the event it didn’t settle the strongest squatter in strongman like you said it did, given the massive variation in people’s depth(hatton seemed to have squatted full depth).maybe you would’ve won anyways but who knows.i think they need to just stick to some form of barbell in the future

[@ezforsaken]

i mean, you are brought up to this weird gym machine that has a green and red light, when it goes green you have moved the bar enough inches, go green every time that's all that counts. My issue is with SMOE calling this a Squat when it's clearly not (look at the machine!)

[@rmk8889]

Congratulations! It was a pleasure getting to watch you and Thor competing with each other in person. Me and my boys were team Moose!

[@MarkyB1]

If you win 5 out of 8 events, you're the winner. The current point's system needs an overhaul and should go on event wins.

[@CloudianMH]

Thor came 9th and 10th in 2 cmpetitions. That is why he lost. Mitch was top 3 in 7 of 8. Now stfu or learn simple math.

[@MarkyB1]

@@CloudianMH you absolute clown, you are too thick to understand what I'm saying 🤣🤣🤣

[@charliewalker9443]

@@MarkyB1We understand, but this is a comp to see the overall strongest across various events. Being the best in a few and very much off the pace in others is not as conclusive as being top 3 best across all events.

[@--SPQR--]

I think there's a middle ground where you keep the current system but event winners get an extra point per win (or more). So 17 points, 15 points, etc.

[@MarkyB1]

@--SPQR-- there definitely needs to be a change to the points system either way.

[@BRTango]

Oh, and congratulations!! It was awesome watching you and all the others perform!! Absolutely amazing performance!!

[@RyanJacksonElectrical]

Honestly, Im a little tired of people calling that event a "squat." It isn't a squat. It is a strongman event. A squat is performed with a free bar. The fact is, Mitch did this strongman event better than the others. And if this was an actual squat, I think he would have won that too, although certainly not by that margin. But calling this a squat is like calling Martin Licis' stone pressing a clean and jerk. Yes, that is the technique he uses, but the excersise is not a clean and jerk, it is a stone lift. And the first event of day two wasn't a squat. It was an event that Mitch performed in accordance with rules for the event.

[@phosphate66]

so its a smith machine squat

[@ezforsaken]

thank you, people still think this is a squat, but none of the commenters watched the show, that's not a squat machine, its a totally different setup.

[@uoiuo]

Your comparison is invalid , we can clearly see some of the guys bottom position was set much lower than Mitch , not saying he wouldn't have won regardless and its his fault , its 100% the competition setup's fault , but its not a legit fair event all around when someone has to go twice as deep , just use a free bar and have standart PL 90 degree judging , or if you use a squat setup like the event (its really just like a smith machine squat ) , have qualified judges to make people go 90 degrees without having a stop at the bottom , some people use it like a spring while others pause , it just makes it more gimicky .

[@RyanJacksonElectrical]

@@uoiuo So you're saying "make it a squat." That proves my point when I say "this is not a squat." I'm glad you agree with me.

[@ezforsaken]

@@uoiuo dude we are saying the same thing. Mitch did not do a proper squat. The exercise in question is NOT a proper squat, that's not what the machine entails, not what makes the light go green. This SMOE exercise is not a squat and mitch won it by not performing real squats. I WISH the exercise was a squat, doesn't have to do with mitch or the judges

[@syzygycoffee]

to me, by far, the most entertaining strongman show out of all the top ones. Athletes first and it shows. What a great event to watch live!

[@henriqueh.c.magalhaes2633]

You're "Half Squat Hooper" now, better just accept it and move on. Do better next time instead of gaming the system.

[@Mike_Levinson]

Congratulations, Mr. Hooper on all the success you've earned! You're a phenomenal athlete and a legendary STRONGman! 💪🏻🍾

[@HanleiHess]

Your work on this is so clear!

[@jasonshults368]

Your comment is so AI!

[@burnferris]

@@jasonshults368 Is bot. Tons of these on YT.

[@PubGeniusOfficial]

Give this man his flowers! 💯💪 Hooper is a massive inspiration! 18 straight podiums and winning ever major strongman event in 2 years is beyond incredible! 100% deserved, keep it up Hooper!

[@GDEEZY0645]

You would have won regardless ✊

[@Metso-ateco]

Ridiculous comment...........

[@Henderson_A17]

@@Metso-atecowhy is it ridiculous?

[@jukoliste82]

We never know now. Full squats drain you way more than no squat at all. They should stop him during 1 rep and readjust machine.

[@jukoliste82]

Btw there is no doubt my mind that Mitch himself thinks that those were acceptable reps but he did those anyway. I'm very disappointed my favorite strongman

[@diggypooper]

@@jukoliste82 He's a goodball who cheated.

[@ZenithIonyX]

Man we could clear hear the bar hitting the bottom on the squat, what else can they expect from you. Congratulations on the absolutely amazing event!

[@jungleflame6776]

why don't they just measure the length of the leg bones and have some kind of equation that means everyone's required squat depth is proportionate to their leg size?

[@jasonshults368]

Why don't the shorter guys in the NBA get to wear stilt shoes?

[@cammackk]

That sort of equation would be much more complicated than that, you would have to measure leg length, ration between thigh and shin length. Torso length, bar placement, stance, hip back shift etc

[@jungleflame6776]

@@jasonshults368 this would be a good rebuttal if the current squat metrics required all athletes to move the bar the same length (it doesn't)

[@uoiuo]

I don't get why they don't just use normal PL setup and have qualified judges and get the strongmen to go 90 degrees , no offense to Mitch , but those reps look like a half squat and the he took advantage of the bounce . Its not his fault , he is playing by the rules , but the rules make it so we don't see true strength but who can adapt to the gimicky lift better .

[@MaligoLibes]

@@uoiuo This is the one. They don't do this because all these juiced up superheavyweights can't compete with powerlifters, and would throw up much lower numbers.

[@MrStahlberg]

Congrats! Well deserved. You're a complete strongman with no weaknesses. 💪

[@AbsoRuud76]

You got measured in the squat machine, pics were taken, you put yourself in the same position as during testing and you did the thing that the machine lets you do. You won and blew everyone away. It's as simple as that. But if Thor gets his pressing up you're in a whole world of trouble. Congratulations on yet another Strongman win!!

[@TheVanillatech]

Thors a better squatter.

[@kylemacdonell1450]

Holy shit ... I am only new to seeing you in the strongman stuff and thats on ME.. As a fellow canadian I love your attitude and demeaner !.. Keep killing it !