The event was originally scheduled to take place May 20 to 24 in Bradenton, Florida, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[3] The actual event itself also experienced scheduling issues because of Hurricane Eta.[4]
There are five competitors per group. After four events, the competitor with the highest score qualifies for the final. The competitors in second and third place take part in the Stone Off, a run of loading 8 Atlas Stones, with the winner progressing.[8][9]
Heat 1
Events: Farmer's Walk, Deadlift for repetitions, Loading Race, Log Lift for repetitions.
As part of the deadlift event, Novikov successfully performed a 537.5 kilograms (1,185 lb) 18-inch deadlift, "which bested the previous world record at a sanctioned event in 1983, according to a news release."[1][2]
Mark Felix, by invitation,[2] attempted to set a World's Strongest Man record in the Hercules Hold, but did not succeed.[10]
Brian Shaw qualified for a record equalling 12th WSM final, tying the record of Zydrunas Savickas. With all of these finals being consecutive, he also broke his own record for consecutive finals. This was also Shaw's 11th top 5 finish, another record.
Mark Felix appeared in his 15th WSM contest, breaking the record of 14 held by himself and Savickas. Terry Hollands also appeared in his 14th contest.
