Oleksii Novikov leads the 2020 WSM finals after two events

The first day of the 2020 World Strongest Man (WSM) Finals is here. After a grueling day one and two, which included a delay and saw two more athletes retire, 10 competitors stepped up for the occasion. The athletes’ points will reset to zero and they will complete six events over the next two days, November 14-15, 2020. Additionally, Mark Felix will attempt the Hercules Hold world record on Sunday November 15, 2020, despite not qualifying for the finals. Finally, Graham Hicks retired on the first day of the finals due to a tear in his bicep. Here is the overall ranking at the time this article was written:

Ranking of the strongest men in the world 2020 after two events

1. Oleksii Novikov – 19 points
2. Adam Bishop – 18 points
3. Jerry Pritchett – 16 points
4. JF Caron – 13 points
5. Tom Stoltman – 11.5 points
6. Kevin Faires – 11 points
7. Brian Shaw – 9.5 points
8. Aivars Smaukstelis – 5.5 points
9. Luke Richardson – 4.5 points

Withdrawn: Graham Hicks * – 1 point

* Out due to broken biceps. No other competitor is taking his place, WSM told BarBend.

[Related: 2020 World’s Strongest Man Official Roster]

Results of the first day of the 2020 WSM finals

Live footage of the competition isn’t available, but WSM releases daily summaries on a Facebook live stream (which costs $ 1.99 for the full week of coverage). Here is a breakdown of each event that competitors completed today.

Giant Medley

Athletes had to walk 10 meters with a 275-pound anvil, load it onto a tire, and then carry a 1000-pound yolk, weighted by motorcycles, 15 meters. The time limit for the event was 75 seconds. He won the best overall time.

1. Adam Bishop – 22.55 seconds
2. Oleksii Novikov – 23.79 seconds
3. Jerry Pritchett – 24.71 seconds
4. Kevin Faires – 26.22 seconds
5. Tom Stoltman – 26.61 seconds
6. JF Caron – 26.92 seconds
7. Brian Shaw – 27.03 seconds
8. Luke Richardson – 36.70 seconds
9. Aivars Smaukstelis – 34.97 seconds
10. Graham Hicks * – 16.19 seconds (did not finish the medley)

* Hicks did not finish this event as it was during the yolk walk that he sustained his bicep injury.

Partial deadlift

This is the first time this event has appeared at the WSM since 1983, when Tom Magee pulled 535 kilograms (1.1795 lbs). Novikov set a WSM record in the partial deadlift with 537.5 kilograms (1,185 lbs). In the WSM live streaming, an all-time world record has been set. However, this is currently held by Anthony Pernice, who lifted 550 kilograms (1,212 lbs) on July 25, 2020, at the United States Strongman’s (USS) Farm Strong Record Breaker event.

Here are the results of the partial deadlift event:

1. Oleksii Novikov – 537.5 kg (1,185 lbs)
2. JF Caron – 509 kg (1,122 lbs)
3. Jerry Pritchett – 509 kg (1,122 lbs)
4. Adam Bishop – 509 kg (1,122 lbs)
5. Brian Shaw – 478.5 kilograms (1,055 lbs)
6. Tom Stoltman – 478.5 kilograms (1,055 lbs)
7. Kevin Faires – 437.7 kilograms (965 lbs)
8. Luke Richardson – 397 kg (875 lbs)
9. Aivars Smaukstelis – 397 kg (875 lbs)

Keg Toss

A set of six drums will be lined up, each of which will increase in weight from 35lbs to 55lbs. Athletes will rush to the barrels and throw them on a 16-foot bar. The fastest time wins.

At the time of this article’s publication, the barrel toss is yet to come. Stay tuned, as we will update this page with more event results as WSM reports them.

Featured image courtesy of World’s Strongest Man