The legendary strongman earned a giant win before retiring.
The 2023 Shaw Classic, which took place August 19-20 in Loveland, CO, was notable not only since it’s grow to be one of the prestigious contests in the professional strongman circuit, nor because this 12 months was its first time delivering the title of “The Strongest Man on Earth” to the winner. It was extra-special to fans of the game since it marked the ultimate competitive appearance of the show’s namesake, organizer, promoter, and eventual winner — Brian Shaw.
In February 2023, Shaw announced that this 12 months’s Shaw Classic would mark his retirement from competing in skilled strongman contests. Shaw won the inaugural Shaw Classic in 2020 and was runner-up to Trey Mitchell within the 2021 and 2022 editions of the competition.
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The 2023 Shaw Classic saw athletes compete in eight events over the two-day contest: Log Medley, Max Hummer Tire Deadlift, Wheelbarrow/Arm-Over-Arm Medley, Bag Toss, Automotive Leg Press, Atlas Stones, Standing Bench Press, and Fingal’s Fingers/Power Stairs Medley.
Shaw claimed victory by winning each the Automotive Leg Press and Standing Bench Press, while placing second within the Atlas Stones and Max Hummer Tire Deadlift. The 2023 Shaw Classic podium was rounded out with runner-up Mitchell Hooper (2023 World’s Strongest Man) and third place contestant Tom Stoltman (2021-2022 World’s Strongest Man).
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Shaw began as a strongman winning his first amateur contest, the 2005 Denver’s Strongest Man. He would go on to have a legendary skilled profession spanning 16 years, from 2007 to 2023, while tallying up a complete of 29 wins and 15 runner-up placings across 68 competitions.
Brian Shaw Strongman Profession Highlights
- World’s Strongest Man — 4-time winner: 2011, 2013, 2015-2016
- Arnold Pro Strongman World Series — 4-time winner: 2015-2018
- Strongman Super Series — 4-time winner: 2009-2010 (two contests per 12 months)
- Arnold Strongman Classic — Three-time winner: 2011, 2015, 2017
- Forca Bruta — Three-time winner: 2013, 2015-2016
- Shaw Classic — Two-time winner: 2020, 2023
- America’s Strongest Man — Two-time winner: 2013, 2016
At 41 years old, Shaw’s competition days could also be over, however it’s clear he’s going to be a mainstay in Strongman. He’s made it clear that he plans to proceed organizing his eponymous contest annually, helping to grow the strength sport by offering a stage for elite athletes. Little doubt he’ll also carry on for instance for strongmen and strongwomen competitors seeking to follow in his massive footprints.
Featured Image: SHAWSTRENGTH / YouTube