Adam Bishop has long been one of the most respected figures in modern strongman, representing England on the world’s biggest strength stages for over a decade. He recently stepped out onto the platform at the 2026 Giants Live Strongman Open and World Deadlift Championships. Shortly after the event wrapped up, Bishop confirmed that it would be the final contest of his professional career, officially announcing his retirement from the sport.
He pushed through all events on the schedule and even locked out a massive 470-kilogram (1,036.2-pound) deadlift that gave fans one last look at his legendary pulling strength. While he ended up placing ninth overall in a stacked field, that huge lift easily stood out as one of the evening’s main highlights. He then reflected on his time in the sport and shared a final message with the strength community.
“I just want to thank every single one of you for coming out to support me. This is my last show as a professional Strongman. I’m retiring after this. The body has done too many miles and it’s picked up quite a few injuries along the way, but 16 years competing in Strongman. I did my first Giants Live back in 2014, so I very much appreciate everyone who has come out and competed. Without you guys, a lot of could not do this. The fans make the sport what it is, so a massive thank you to all of you for the last 14 to 16 years of my life and career.”
Check out Adam Bishop’s announcement here:
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Bishop first entered the strongman scene back in 2010 in the U105KG weight class before moving up to the open division in 2012. Over the next decade and a half, he became a staple on the professional scene, appearing at World’s Strongest Man ten times and making the finals on three separate occasions. His best WSM performance came in 2020, where he secured a 6th-place finish, the same year he claimed his first Britain’s Strongest Man title, a trophy he would go on to win again in 2023.
Despite frequently going up against heavier competitors, Bishop earned a reputation as one of the best static pullers in the world. His career is packed with impressive power feats, including a 470-kilogram (1,036.2-pound) conventional deadlift, a 524-kilogram (1,155.2-pound) Hummer Tire Deadlift at the 2021 Shaw Classic, and a 181-kilogram (399-pound) Log Press.
Maintaining that level of performance over fifteen years took a serious physical toll, and his career was heavily marked by major injuries. He fought his way back from severe setbacks over the years, including triceps and Achilles tendon ruptures, as well as a mid-competition injury that forced him out of the 2024 World’s Strongest Man qualifiers. His ability to repeatedly rebound from career-threatening injuries proved just how determined he was.
Related: 2023 Britain’s Strongest Man Results — Adam Bishop Victorious
Adam Bishop’s career is a testament to his hard work and will forever remain a story that inspires athletes all across the globe. He has contributed a lot to the sport of Strongman and went head-to-head with the strongest men in the world, which is truly a legacy that is beyond impressive.
