Back by popular demand, competitors will test their strength at The Beach. Global sports marketing agency IMG is thrilled to announce the 49th World’s Strongest Man (WSM) competition will return to Myrtle Beach from April 23-26, 2026. This will mark the third time WSM organizers have chosen the Grand Strand to host their beloved event, which has a has a world-wide fan following.
Fans came out in droves in years past, and this year offers even more excitement with four full days of competition in the quest for the title of SBD World’s Strongest Man. Once again taking place in the heart of downtown Myrtle Beach at Burroughs & Chapin Pavilion Place, the event will begin with qualifying rounds on Thursday and Friday, and with final competitions on Saturday and Sunday.
In partnership with Visit Myrtle Beach, this year’s competition will offer reserved general admission seating around center stage for the four-day, action-packed competition along with open areas to get a peek of the action, food trucks, vendors and more.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the World’s Strongest Man competition back to downtown Myrtle Beach for another exciting showcase of live sports action,” said Stuart Butler, President of Visit Myrtle Beach. “This world-class competition has exceeded our expectations each year we’ve hosted it, bringing in competitors and fans from across the globe and putting Myrtle Beach on the world stage. Our community has wholeheartedly embraced this event and we’re looking forward to the economic and recreational impact that it brings to our entire region.”
For nearly half a century, competitors have been pushed to their physical and mental limits throughout a powerful series of events like:
- the Hercules Hold (a fan favorite where athletes use chains to keep two 160kgs pillars either side of them upright),
- the Keg Toss,
- Axe Hold,
- Atlas Stones and many more.
Past competitors include defending World’s Strongest Man champion Rayno Nel (RSA), who was the first rookie to win the competition since 1997, three-time champion Tom Stoltman (GBR) and his older brother Luke Stoltman (GBR), 2023 champion Mitchell Hooper (CAN), and more.
Ticket information, the competing athlete roster, event schedule and a link to apply for media credentials will be announced at a later date.
For more information and the latest updates on SBD World’s Strongest Man, follow @theworldsstrongestman on Instagram, @theworldsstrongestman on TikTok, @WorldsStrongest on X, @theworldsstrongestman on Facebook, @theworldsstrongestman on Threads or visit http://www.theworldsstrongestman.com.
