For the first time, the World's Strongest Man hails from Africa.
Rayno Nel, a South African rugby player turned strongman, held on to win Sunday in his World's Strongest Man debut — becoming the first man from outside Europe or Noth America to take the title in the competition's 48-year history. He is also the first rookie to win since 1997.
"I'm just over the moon," he told USA TODAY Sports shortly after securing the title at the 2025 competition, held in Sacramento, California.
"To represent (South Africa) in any way whatsoever, it feels surreal. I mean, we're a small country with a lot of struggles.