The World's STRONGEST Men Then and Now

Where are they now? Today we're looking at the WSM careers and lives of the 23 Strongmen who won The World's Strongest Man.
Big Loz Official, in association with www.mirafit.co.uk
Chapters:
0:00 Bruce Wilhelm
1:06 Don Reinhoudt
1:54 Bill Kazmaier
3:01 Geoff Capes
4:24 Jon Pall Sigmarsson
5:39 Jamie Reeves
7:04 Magnus Ver Magnusson
8:48 Ted Van Der Parre
10:04 Gary Taylor
11:28 Jouko Ahola
12:57 Magnus Samuelsson
14:46 Janne Virtanen
16:03 Svend Karlsen
17:04 Mariusz Pudzianowski
19:03 Vasyl Virastyuk
20:51 Phil Pfister
22:11 Zydrunas Savickas
24:05 Brian Shaw
25:54 Eddie Hall
28:01 Hafthor Bjornsson
30:01 Martin Licis
31:32 Oleksii Novikov
33:43 Tom Stoltman
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🏆 Official channel of professional strongman, Laurence Shahlaei.
11 X World's Strongest Man competitor
2016 Europe's Strongest Man
2016 Ultimate Strongman World Champion
2 X Britain's Strongest Man
2 X Winner of Strongman Champions League
2017 UK's Strongest Man,
British RAW Powerlifting record holder.
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[@ChadSextoid1]

This video was about 300% better than I thought it would have been. Excellent quality content!

[@gyurmethlodroe1774]

ok i take your word

[@Killertomato84]

never doubt uncle loz

[@johnreidy2804]

I think it was 400% better

[@danroberts9050]

More like 250% for me.

[@giteausuperstar]

I used to love Magnus Samuelsson. He was the best at the time I started watching strongman in the 90s before the Pudzianowski era. I remember thinking he was like a real life Viking.

[@HkFinn83]

He’s one of my first memories of strongman as well. And Youko Ahola. When they said in tv that Ahola was leaving strongman to become an actor I remember thinking, ‘why would he do that? Being the worlds strongest man is much cooler than being an actor’😂

[@blackerpanther3329]

That’s crazy man, I could’ve written the same exact thing.

[@justaguyfromreddit]

@@HkFinn83 but being paid is even cooler 🤣

[@vineethonkan]

same here...as a teenager during the 90s, I'd stay up real late to catch the WSM when it aired, usually at 12/1am during the Christmas holidays...Samuelsson was my fav

[@yggdrasild755]

@@vineethonkan ikr

[@lt2348]

I do think something has been lost in the arena shows. There's just something so aesthetic and cool about the old shows. Always on awesome locations and doing insane events etc

[@a-a-rondavis9438]

Strongman and outside in the elements shouldn't be separated. It's just the spirit of Strongman.

[@dominich2263]

Gary Taylor really nice fella. He helped me so much particularly with my mental health at university. Last saw him at his wedding. He also helped me with personal training. Thanks Gary. Best. Dominic

[@patrickmurphy5842]

incredible bodybuilder as well- believe he won super heavies at the EFBB Britain the year that Dorian Yates took the overall , possibly 1988?

[@xminusone1]

These guys were usually gentlemen and very nice people.

[@williesnyder2899]

@xmin: Dave Ostlund, 3rd place in WSM, year uncertain, is from around my area. He put on a few strongman shows around St. Paul, Minnesota along with a buddy of his. He was incredibly humble and as a referee was willing to instruct competitors to use proper technique to begin the “shield carry” with a steel slab in the shape of our state. He put on a talk at the Minnesota State Fair one year; his buddy impressively pulling a very heavy demonstration deadlift for reps. My experience as both an audience member and as a volunteer a few times in post-meet tear down and haul out of platform and equipment is that strongmen, powerlifters and Highlands Games competitors are usually really decent people. Meets and competitions are for being on their game; and otherwise people are mostly just people.

[@williesnyder2899]

Oh…and a couple years before John Gamble competed in WSM - and had a sumo match with Kaz… - I was in Chicago(?) to watch the Women’s Senior Nationals PL competition. It was held at a hotel, and there was a vending machine next to a washer and dryer near the room I had. I was eating something from the machine when a very quiet and gentle guy walked up with a yellow Purdue PL Team(?) t-shirt. He tossed it into the dryer, explaining that he was trying to shrink it for a woman he was coaching (name unknown to me now, but she lifted very well!). The dryer didn’t seem very hot, and Gamble used one hand to tilt the dryer forward as effortlessly as I might pull a thumbtack from a wall. The dryer may or not have been as useful as hoped, but I got the impression that appliance repairs must be very different for some people… R.I.P. John Gamble

[@williesnyder2899]

(The competitor’s first name may have been Becky…if that rings a bell for any women’s powerlifting followers.) Gamble competed in 1981 at the Men’s Senior Nationals PL competition in an extremely hot Madison, Wisconsin hall. He was 275 I believe. Fred Hatfield, organized it, if I recall correctly. He had walked past me outside, and I had barely known who he was at the time. He also competed at the meet, at 145(?). Years later he would put a lot of poundage on his frame before he put a lot of poundage on his back. Team sports competitions rarely interest me, but individual personalities and their accomplishments do!

[@nigelcarren]

I met Geoff Capes and his wife quite by chance at Dinard airport here in France in 2015. I over-enthusiastically introduced myself and shook his HUGE hand. I thanked him because I told the bullies at school that he was my dad so they would leave me alone! He laughed and said he has actually been told that before! 😂 He is a total Gent and it made my year. Total Respect to him. 👍🏆🇬🇧

[@espenstoro]

Wow, this was fun to watch. You're always putting out the best strongman content on youtube.

[@ryanwright9229]

This is the kind of content we need. And every new fan of the sport needs, Amazing stuff guys well done. Really enjoyable too. Always good to know history of this wonderful sport! Also couldnt believe that was Magnus Samuelson in Last Kingdom, loved his character! Good actor too! What a man!

[@vineethonkan]

only flaw is that Magnusson won the wsm 4 times, not three...

[@steveunderwood8145]

@@vineethonkan it says 4 times in the video. 1991, 1994, 1995 and 1996

[@johnreidy2804]

Well, we don't really "need" it as much as we "want" it. So, you stand corrected friend

[@MijinLaw]

Great to see almost all of these guys remain in good health

[@sarahstorr]

Loved this video. It’s always interesting to see what strongmen are doing now. Thank you! ❤️

[@thinkforyourself2109]

I watched every WSM competition since it started in the 70s and they're fascinating. The power of these guys is astounding. The ongoing Dominator vs. Big Z competition and then the Big-Z vs. Brian Shaw competition was the best. The early ones are a lot of fun. There was a light-hearted atmosphere.

[@dtiebel9794]

Tragic what happened to kazmire,forgive my spelling. He was basically banned from the sport for being to good

[@DanHammarstrom]

Big Loz should invite Magnus Samuelsson for some armwrestling training 💪🇸🇪🥳

[@wifflebat14]

Probably break his arm off

[@jayclean5653]

Or invite Lalas down.

[@georgepace9797]

@@jayclean5653 yes would love to see lalas and loz arm wrestling

[@jayclean5653]

@Darklord Samoht I thought he was the Lithuanian #1. Pretty sure he won the championship there.

[@leeblowers9783]

This was fantastic Loz & Liz !! Really cheered my day up !! Been following WSM since 78 and was great seeing the different life journeys of the guy's !! Love you two ❤

[@steveunderwood8145]

An absolute masterpiece. I know it’s a team effort but this was a brilliant job by Liz 💪🏻 I enjoyed this immensely. Thank you both

[@thepeckhampoet1909]

Jon pall Sigmarson was the greatest, set the bar for all the rest. What an entertainer that man was. What a sportsman. Those were the days when nearly the whole country would tune in judt to watch Capes, the relationship and respect as well as the competitiveness between the two still melts my heart thinking about it today. The original viking the original man from Iceland. Jon Pall Sigmarson

[@Number69]

Always loved your narrated history vids, great work 👏

[@creedtragedy5564]

Marius Pudzianowski was a huge inspiration for me when I was Freshman in high school during 2002-2003 he was a favorite of mine watching Strongman through out middle school and Highschool even though I gave up aspirations to one day compete myself.

[@pedrobraga3654]

OMG! This video was awesome! And the greatest thing about it, to me, was that, because I've been watching this channel in the last months, I was aware of most of the pieces of this Jigsaw... So, seeing the whole history of the WSM in a timeline, like that, with Loz' narration, was one of the most epic videos of strongman I've ever watched! Thank you, Loz and Liz for everything you've been doin' for the sport. I'm very thankful, 'cause your videos are helping me to find my own strenght. 👋

[@randall197]

So many memories! thank you for this! Still can't believe how freaky Pudz looked then and still looks today, a once in a lifetime physique.

[@BigLozOfficial]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jakobecklonjakobsen1784]

🤫

[@johnlafleur9251]

Way back in the summer of 1984 I was a young man backpacking through Scotland. I was on the Southern tip of Loch Lomond in a gym when I struck up a conversation with a gentleman who was organizing a Highland Games in nearby Balloch. When I expressed my enthusiasm he asked if I would like to help out. I said yes, gladly, and ended up helping raise the caber for the competitors to toss. There was a special guest for the competition: Jon Pall Sigmarsson. He said he had never tossed a caber before. We raised it into position, then stepped away. He picked it up and it immediately started tilting towards his head. With this huge caber pressing against the side of his head and holding onto the bottom of it, with neck and trap strength alone, he straightened it out and was able to make his toss. Unbelievable feat of strength! I got to meet him afterwards and he was very nice. He won WSM that year and subsequently. Sadly he died very young while working out in his gym. RIP, Jon Pall... (I always enjoy your and your lovely wife's commentary, Big Loz!)

[@BigLozOfficial]

Thats such a cool story. I would have loved to have met him. Thank you :)

[@richwhite63]

Doug Furnas 1984 WSM 😅

[@cmybeard6889]

Great video! I’m really digging these strongman history style videos. Keep them coming.

[@jelleberg5875]

Thank you guys for taking the time for this great video Loz & Liz!

[@shocdoc64]

This was great, Big L. Thanks for putting it together!

[@scottmartin3308]

This video is absolutely fantastic. I enjoyed watching the entire video with brilliant commentary and coverage from Big Loz. The 1st WSM I watched as a child was 1991 with Magnus. I have watched every competition since and wouldn’t dream of missing one.

[@monicabega3072]

Such an awesome video! Very well put together and love the narration. Definitely would love to see a video about IFSA

[@Patrick_H.]

What a GREAT idea Loz! Thanks a lot for this one

[@guanjun1178]

Brilliant video.

[@0725038]

I started following the competition since Hugo Girard came in. He was so popular in Quebec, he was a superstar. He was always competing with the best, but could never make it against the top guys because of injuries. Today, I'm happy a Canadian finally won the trophy. GO MITCHELL HOOPER. Making Canada proud!

[@XpSavage]

Really enjoy these types of videos and the explaining of what goes into it. Excited for more videos to come!

[@JerkVegas86]

Excellent Video!! Rip to all those that have passed.

[@RennieNightcart]

Why was Bill Kazmeier denied competing in 1983-87? He was just too dominant? A complete travesty.

[@aduncc4578]

A simple, brilliant and comprehensive video, thanks Loz.

[@KootBear]

great video!

[@chrismouton1985]

What an awesome video! Great content, Loz & Liz. By far my favourite strongman channel!

[@sbsb4995]

Excellent video.

[@TheRmm1976]

Fantastic video!! And I'm happy to see that so many of these *heroes* are still in good health. These men are all legends!

[@Commander_Dante]

Slight correction on Martins there, he returned to the comp on 2022. Love the video though! Lots of info I didn't know about these legends. Definitely my go to channel for strongman news.

[@Commander_Dante]

@bronchoped1 He did, but missed out on WSM 2021 and was finally back at World's on 2022.

[@Ali_Leitch]

Awesome video, thanks Loz (and Liz!)

[@PigsXing]

Amazing video Uncle Lozzy! so much valuable info compiled! Thank you!

[@LV2sfo]

Quality content. Thanks guys

[@kwilcox417]

This was awesome Loz! It was only the first few WSM years that I never saw. Fun to look back at all the competitors.

[@gary2632]

Epic recap- thank you so much 👏👏👏

[@intotheworld1961]

Thank you for video 😍😍😍😍 Uncle Loz

[@londoeblack]

Two thumbs up! Great video. Thanks!

[@benscott19841]

Really enjoyed this longer video Big Loz. Sounds like it may be in the works but I'm hoping to see a video on IFSA and WSM. If Big Tom keeps injury free and doesn't decide to retire I don't see anyone beating him and will win more WSM titles than anyone ever.

[@jimllbreakit8537]

Excellent video! Thanks for the time and effort you put in to this

[@adamrawlifting6933]

Look forward to watching 🔥

[@richardgshields]

GREAT VIDEO MAN!!! Thank u so much , very enjoyable

[@egroegartfart]

That was an Impressive video. Alot of time went into putting that together. Thank you.

[@Bobbzorzen]

Amazing video, loved every minute!

[@up-statestrong4451]

Great video!

[@stefanomagaddino6868]

Absolutely a great job Loz. Thank you.

[@ryanthelion656]

Dude's putting out full documentaries now. Great work!

[@chadcoy9896]

Thanks Loz….what a flood of memories!

[@fullerspubcollector]

Fantastic summarisation of WSM since it began. Thanks to Loz and all those who put this togetther.

[@gibsonatorhb6691]

This was awesome 👊🏻

[@Nighthawk2211]

This was great!

[@R08R]

I'll never forget the Viking Sigmarsson🙏

[@ChristofferKeizer]

What an excellent presentation. Well done, and thank you, sir.

[@gerpirk]

Great video Loz!

[@matthewdrake9699]

Great vid!

[@fluphybunny930]

Loved this. The memories of watching the guys from the 80's, 90's and early 2000's ! Some amazing names.

[@LatinoAaron]

Just a truly top quality video. Thank you!

[@MultiDriven]

Great video 👍

[@christopherwinrow3878]

Brilliant video mate respect

[@aaronbeagley2298]

Great video. 👍

[@adrianobernardiprado5033]

Excellent vídeo 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Trully1949]

Well done. Very well produced.

[@lookn0hands9]

Another Great Video Uncle Loz!

[@StevenHughes0]

Great video

[@Marktb363]

Great video 👍👍

[@gooseGoose-et1wl]

Great Vid Loz !!!

[@el.priest6518]

These type of videos on Strongman history are great! Thanks

[@heavyshift1]

Thanks loz, this was brill!!!

[@anti-nephilimgovernmentage5471]

watching Magnus Ver Magnusson winning strong man competitions in replays late at night with my brother on Canadian sports network TSN, is one of my favorite memories I shared with my bro growing up. We were just a couple boys who loved watching strong men pushing and hauling stuff hahahaha.... Great little trip down memory lane this video was. I'm surprised I recognized a lot more faces than I thought I would!

[@RecoveringGenius]

Terrific presentation mi amigo! Cheers mate!

[@olleschspowertv]

Superb Video. Very well done Lodz. 👍

[@balazsbuza7713]

I was very impressed by the quality of the video and at around the 10 minute mark I noticed this is big Loz offical Haven't been following strongman for a year, glad to see your video quality stayed the same if not better 👍

[@ae746890]

This was awesome

[@ezez1378]

When it comes to teaching fighting skills, you are #1. Love your videos. Thank You

[@JarettHerder]

Awesome video! As someone newer to strongman I love seeing more of the history.

[@BobCaseyAerial]

My first time watching WSM was with Bill Kazmaier. I have followed WSM every since. This was a good video to look back & to reminisce..Thanks Big Loz

[@matthewcb1970]

Really good video, lots of info I didn't know previously. Well done!

[@RATBURL]

Nice job! Love informative videos 👍🏻😃

[@desirayelawrence9676]

Bill Kazamaier hasn't aged at all I swear the man was huge in his prime and is still massive now just goes to show what taking care of yourself properly can do

[@RonniePickeringMate]

I’ve never seen someone with traps like him before, its unbelievable

[@rochellestanley9532]

Wow, really enjoyed watching 👏

[@theydontexist]

The Polish Powerhouse got me into Strong Man as a teenager . Awesome dude .

[@andymacrae994]

Thanks for that Loz that was very interesting. 👍

[@seyerus]

Terrific vid. Nice one Loz, professional, entertaining and well researched.

[@WarioSaysSo]

Magnus Samuelsson, the former Strongest Man in the World Champion and overall is regarded as one of the best strongmen in history! Samuelsson held the record for reaching the World's Strongest Man finals 10 times, a feat which he achieved over a 13-year span from 1995 to 2007. Samuelsson also achieved a podium place in W.S.M on five separate occasions = Gold 1998, Silver 2001 and 3x Bronze 1997, 2000 & 2004, followed by Top 10 places: 4th place 2003, 2x 5th place 1999 and 2007 with 2x a 10th place in 1995 and 2002. Samuelson also won the Strongman Super Series World Championship in 2001 + Bronze 2004. Also he won 4x Grand Prix Tournament Championships (Sweden 2001, 2004 & 2008), 1 Silver (Holland 2001) and Bronze (Czech 2001). Samuelson also won the World Strongman Challenge Championship in 1998 and 2 Silver medals in 1999 & 2001. Samuelson is a record 9-time Swedish Strongest man champion (1995-1997, 1999-2001 & 2003-2005) where he was only defeated in 1998 by his younger brother Torbjorn Samuelsson and in 2002 his brother won his 2nd title, but Magnus did not participate. 2005 was Magnus last to there on focus on his international competitions. Torbjorn competed in the 2000, 2001 and 2002 World's Strongest Man competitions, but never qualified for the finals. FUN FACT: Magnus Samuelsson was offered a role (Gladiator Tigris of Gaul) in the now classic film "Gladiator" (2000), but declined (!) One of the reasons he declined was that he believed the film was going to be a "B movie". The agent who had phoned him to offer the role had told him that he would "fight with swords and be a bloody Gladiator champion". He also named a couple of actors in the cast; Russel Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Oliver Reed, Richard Harris etc. which Magnus Samuelsson did not recognize any of the actors (!). The role was then given to Sven-Ole Thorsen, a stuntman who was a former Strongman competitioner.

[@DavenportBarbell]

Great job with this channel Big Loz you’re the Fouad Abiad of Strongman

[@christianchapman9420]

Such a cool video guys . These are the kinds of vids that bring new blood to the channel 👌

[@kratoscraken5614]

Bloody hell mate this brought back so many memories I grew up watching this. Whoever made this thanks bloke 💪👍💪

[@patrickmurphy5842]

great vid

[@andrewwebster15]

Excellent research, footage, and narration. Superior documentary quality here, thanks!

[@BigLozOfficial]

Thank you :)

[@torporvasflam8670]

this is awesome! I love the history of the sport, though it's difficult to find info on it so I'm appreciative of you doing this for us.

[@cheezy0893]

I loved watching Mariusz as he also looked like an 80s action star!

[@memawsbirdbath]

great video uncle. great for future reference too. good narration, nice storytelling and context.

[@stalevyy_shchur]

Just brilliant! Strongman sport lacks of such kind of content, not only overview, but also about the history of this sport!

[@goldenace3236]

WoW, amazing video. I missed these types of videos that are not filled with overdramatisations etc.

[@stellerpleb.6530]

Good vid, brotha!