The 2023 Arnold Strongman Classic is taking place in Columbus, Ohio, from March 3-4, attracting 10 of the strongest and most talented athletes from around the world. The competition consists of five events that challenge the competitors’ strength, endurance, and agility. Despite the absence of the defending champion, Martins Licis, the event was highly anticipated, with fans eager to see who would come out on top. So, starting off strong, the 2023 Arnold Strongman Classic day one features the Wheel Of Pain and the Austrian Log events. So, Trey Mitchell finished day one in first place.
After enduring the grueling Wheel of Pain, Mateusz Kieliszkowski won the first event and is now eager to excel in today’s second event. Despite narrowly winning the first event, he was able to open his performance with the maximum number of points possible. Mateusz has been suffering from numerous injuries during the last two years, but gave us a moment to remember, winning his first event back.
However, Mateusz Kieliszkowski could not hold on to his lead in the second event, as Trey Mitchell excelled in the Austrian Oak. His win, alongside the second-place finish from event one, were enough to give him the overall lead at the end of day one. While everything is still possible, Trey has placed himself into a really comfortable position going into the second day.
2023 Arnold Strongman Classic Results (Day-1)
- Trey Mitchell — 19 points
- Mitchell Hooper — 16.5 points
- Mateusz Kieliszkowski — 14.5 points
- Pavlo Nakonechnyy — 11.5 points
- Tom Stoltman — 10.5 points
- Bobby Thompson — 9.5 points
- Rob Kearney — 9 points
- Tom Evans — 8.5 points
- Luke Stoltman — 7 points
- Kevin Faires — 4 points
Day One, March 3rd
Wheel of Pain
The first event of the 2023 Arnold Strongman Classic was the Wheel of Pain, which had a 60-second time limit. The Wheel of Pain is notorious for being one of the most painful and difficult events in the sport of Strongman. The athletes had to lift and carry the wheel’s beam for as far as they could within the time limit. The event required incredible leg and core strength and was a true test of endurance.
The man whose comeback everyone was waiting for, Mateusz Kieliszkowski, came out victorious in the first event of the 2023 Arnold Strongman Classic. Mateusz has not competed for the past 17 months, but still came out as the only man to push the wheel for a distance over 30 meters long.
The 2x Shaw Classic champion, Trey Mitchell, also proved that he came to battle for the title, as he narrowly lost to Mateusz and finished in second. Trailing Trey by one meter was Mitchell Hooper, who placed third
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- Mateusz Kieliszkowski — 30.68 meters
- Trey Mitchell — 29.57 meters
- Mitchell Hooper — 28.65 meters
- Pavlo Nakonechnyy — 28.02 meters
- Tom Stoltman — 27.94 meters
- Luke Stoltman —25.07 meters
- Tom Evans — 24.61 meters
- Kevin Faires — 23.44 meters
- Rob Kearney — 21.31 meters
- Bobby Thompson — 18.11 meters
Austrian Oak
The second event was the Austrian Oak, which had a 90-second time limit and a weight of 195 or 175 kilograms. The Austrian Oak is a thick wooden log that was used for an overhead press for reps. One rep on the heavier log was counted as 100 points. On the other hand, one rep on the lighter log came out to 10 points.
Although everyone thought either Bobby Thompson or Luke Stoltman would win the second event of the day, Trey Mitchell came out and surprised everyone. He was the only athlete to perform four reps with the heavier log, not showing any signs of struggle at all.
Bobby Thompson and Mitchell Hooper both performed three reps with the heavier log. So, they had to settle with a third place tie. Although they shared points, both men still jumped up the leaderboard.
- Trey Mitchell — 400 points
- Mitchell Hooper — 300 points
- Bobby Thompson — 300 points
- Rob Kearney — 200 points
- Mateusz Kieliszkowski — 100 points
- Pavlo Nakonechnyy — 100 points
- Tom Evans — 100 points
- Tom Stoltman — 100 points
- Luke Stoltman — 60 points
- Kevin Faires — 10 points
Watch the Day 1 video below:
Related: How To Watch 2023 Arnold Strongman & Strongwoman Classic
March 4th Events
- Max Deadlift — 11:30 a.m. ET.
- Unspunnen Stone Throw — 3:30 p.m. ET.
- Timber Carry — 6:30 pm ET.
Prize Money
The total prize pool for the competition is $182,000, with the winner receiving a substantially larger amount compared to the other participants. The breakdown of the prizes awarded to the competitors is as follows:
- 1st Place: $80,000
- 2nd Place: $25,000
- 3rd Place: $20,000
- 4th Place: $15,000
- 5th Place: $13,000
- 6th Place: $8,000
- 7th Place: $7,000
- 8th Place: $6,000
- 9th Place: $5,000
- 10th Place: $3,000
In total, the prize money awarded amounts to $182,000.
After the completion of the first day’s events, it’s becoming evident that the 2023 Arnold Strongman Classic is shaping up to be an incredibly captivating and exciting competition. The performances showcased on day one have already left audiences on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating what will happen on the final day. The level of athleticism, skill, and sheer strength demonstrated by the competitors is nothing short of awe-inspiring, and it’s clear that this year’s competition will be one for the books. Trey Mitchell is leading the pack heading into day two, having had the best day out of everyone so far.
Related: 2023 Arnold Strongwoman Classic Results – Day 1
Past Arnold Strongman Classic Champions
- 2022: Martins Licis
- 2020: Hafthor Bjornsson
- 2019: Hafthor Bjornsson
- 2018: Hafthor Bjornsson
- 2017: Brian Shaw
- 2016: Zydrunas Savickas
- 2015: Brian Shaw
- 2014: Zydrunas Savickas
- 2013: Vytautas Lalas
- 2012: Michael Jenkins
- 2011: Brian Shaw
- 2010: Derek Poundstone
- 2009: Derek Poundstone
- 2008: Zydrunas Savickas
- 2007: Zydrunas Savickas
- 2006: Zydrunas Savickas
- 2005: Zydrunas Savickas
- 2004: Zydrunas Savickas
- 2003: Zydrunas Savickas
- 2002: Mark Henry
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