The 2022 Europe's Strongest Man has finally arrived! The ESM is a one-day competition and will take place tomorrow, April 2nd, 2022, from inside the First Direct Arena in Leeds, England. With many years under its belt, this competition has become the birthplace of some of the world's strongest men.
This year the stakes are high as everyone will be competing to take the title away from last year's winner, Luke Stoltman. To dethrone him, they will need to be able to best him in five events.
2022 Europe's Strongest Man Events
This year's Europe's Strongest Man competition sees some of the classic strongman events plus a few that aren't seen so frequently. The five strongman events listed below will test the giants in a multitude of ways and we can't wait to see how they play out.
Log Lift
The aim of the first event will be to press as much weight as possible over their heads. The athletes that can press the heaviest weight over their head wins. The event also sees the World Log Lift Challenge take place where other strongmen from around the world like Bobby Thompson and "Iron Biby" Sanou will get a chance to set new records in the event.
Deadlift Ladder
The deadlift ladder will have athletes trying to attempt to complete all 5 implements in the shortest time possible. The barbell is loaded with 300kg (660lbs) on the first deadlift, and it gets 25kg (55lbs) heavier with each following lift in the sequence. The final weight comes out to 400kg (881 lbs).
Carry & Drag
The athletes will carry a 120kg (265lbs) anchor for 20 meters. After finishing the first part of the event, they will then have to drag the heavy chain for another 20 meters. This is an exciting event as it is more focused on the speed and agility of the athletes compared to just brute strength.
Power Stairs
This is a killer strongman classic event that hasn't been around for a while but finally has returned to the rotation. Athletes will have to go up 15 stairs total, with weight getting progressively heavier every three steps they take. It will be interesting to see how the athletes react to this movement and if they were able to train properly for it.
Atlas Stones
You can't seem to have a strongman competition without having this classic strongman event. This event will feature 5 atlas stone implements ranging from 120 kg (265lbs) to 200 kg (440lbs).
2022 Europe's Strongest Man Lineup
The 2022 Europe's Strongest Man lineup was supposed to be even larger with more competitors. However, Mateusz Kieliszkowski, Graham Hicks, and Luke Richardson all withdrew from the competition due to injuries.
- Luke Stoltman (Scotland)
- Marius Lalas (Lithuania)
- Eythór Melsted (Iceland)
- Gavin Bilton (Wales)
- Kelvin De Ruiter (Holland)
- Shane Flowers (England)
- Rauno Heinla (Estonia)
- Oleksii Novikov (Ukraine)
- Pa O'Dwyer (Ireland)
- Aivars Smaukstelis (Latvia)
- Konstantine Janashia (Georgia)
- Pavlo Kordiyaka (Ukraine)
HOW TO WATCH 2022 EUROPE'S STRONGEST MAN
Despite these unfortunate setbacks in some athletes bowing out, this year's Europe's Strongest Man is sure to be a thrilling one. Anyone who wishes to watch the action can do so via Facebook PPV for $7.99.
Comment down below who you think will take home the trophy.
Will Luke protect his crown, or will someone else replace him?
Andrew Lenau
Author