There’s some type of historical past made yearly on the World’s Strongest Man competitors. Somebody might win it for the primary time, or a brand new world document might be set out of nowhere. 2026’s version of this contest noticed historical past as effectively. Mitchell Hooper reclaimed the title and is now amongst a small record of males which have gained it a number of instances. That is the obvious spotlight of the competition, however there was a primary for a WSM rookie.
Who Is Levi Sturdy? Meet Mississippi’s First World’s Strongest Man Competitor
Levi Sturdy (sure, that’s his actual title) was the primary man from the state of Mississippi to compete on the earth championship contest. He’s additionally the primary professional strongman in his state. At 6’8” and over 370 kilos, the profession lineman has the right construct to compete in a contest of this magnitude.
Sturdy initially acquired into coaching because of a bodybuilder he labored with on a job in New Orleans, however he found Eddie Corridor’s documentary and determined that strongman was a greater possibility for him.
“I assumed that seemed cool. So, I discovered a contest, entered it, and I did effectively. So, I simply saved doing it.”
How Levi Sturdy Certified for the 2026 World’s Strongest Man
After connecting to the game, Sturdy went all in and ended up turning skilled. As the primary professional in his house state, Sturdy needed to assist develop the game. So, he began teaching and wasted no time serving to the second athlete in his state go professional, his spouse.
“Rebecca Sturdy is my spouse, and I coached her to turning professional. So, she’s the primary professional strongwoman.”
Other than being Rebecca’s coach, Sturdy has a fantastic benefit as an athlete because of having a accomplice that’s aware of the game and is aware of the dedication it takes to succeed. He doesn’t take that as a right.
“She positively is aware of about it, together with the time to arrange and take down the occasions for coaching, which is typically the toughest half,” Sturdy mentioned. “She is a robust asset for that, and she or he takes of our two youngsters once I work out.”
Sturdy acknowledged he nonetheless makes nearly all of his revenue from line work, however he lately began to take extra time to give attention to the game. When he’s working, it’s primarily with storm restoration efforts. Touring and discovering methods to coach for a selected sport like strongman isn’t as simple as it’s for a bodybuilder or powerlifter as a result of many gyms don’t have tools like log press bars, stones, and yokes for carries. Sturdy was truly getting ready for the 2024 America’s Strongest Man contest when he needed to journey to Florida for over two weeks to assist that space get better from back-to-back hurricanes.
“I flew from there to Las Vegas for the competition and misplaced 25 kilos.”
Sturdy struggled there however redeemed himself in 2025 by successful each the Magnus Ver Magnusson Basic Gimli contest in Canada and the Magnus Basic in Iceland. That was what led him to the WSM occasion in Myrtle Seaside, South Carolina in April 2026.
Sadly for Sturdy, he was positioned in a qualifying group that included three-time champion Tom Stoltman in addition to previous finalists Austin Andrade and Matthew Ragg. Sturdy didn’t transfer on to the finals, however having his first style of the massive contest was sufficient to make him need extra. So, he’s already getting ready to compete once more with hopes of qualifying for 2027.
Levi Sturdy’s Prime 3 Strongman Coaching Suggestions for Novices
Strongman is a rising sport, and lots of athletes are getting ready for his or her first contests or at the least contemplating getting into one. Sturdy is constructed for the game, however he provides suggestions for these which might be new to this type of coaching and are considering of leaping in an area contest.
Be In a position To Make Changes
As Sturdy’s profession proves, life can and can get in the best way of a prep for a contest or critical coaching section. Other than having a longtime plan, having the ability to make changes with coaching, diet, and restoration is a should so you may make probably the most out of the work you set in for the aim or competitors you intend to enter. He shared an instance of when he had to try this himself earlier this 12 months.
“I acquired a late callup for a contest in Siberia, and it was 5 weeks out. I needed to placed on weight and construct up for a max deadlift, however our visas didn’t get accepted. Two days later, I came upon I used to be going to be invited to Worlds. So, I simply rolled over into coaching for that.”
Push Your self Bodily and Mentally Previous the Ache
Sturdy’s line of labor and skill to push himself has been one in all his greatest strengths. He suggested that strongman will not be for the weak bodily or mentally. You want to have the ability to take ache and maintain going if you wish to excel.
“There are occasions which might be grueling and make you need to hand over, however you should shut these ideas out. The one approach to try this is to maintain doing it and pushing your self.”
Incorporate Heavy Sled Pushes To Your Routine
Many gyms might not have strongman tools, however weighted sleds are extra accessible than ever, and Sturdy says that specializing in very heavy sled pushes will construct stamina and assist with occasions such because the truck pull.
“Other than the energy it takes to maneuver it, it should educate you the footwork you want for a pull like that and assist with that psychological fortitude.”
You may observe Sturdy on Instagram @levistrong and subscribe to his YouTube channel.
