The 2023 Shaw Classic will take place on August 19-20, and will mark the end of Brian Shaw’s professional career. So, it is set to be the most special and emotional competition of the season, which is why Brian is making sure everything is perfect. Also, Brian made sure to choose a perfect 16-man lineup. However, one of his original choices will not be able to attend, as the Polish prodigy, Mateusz Kieliszkowski has withdrawn from the competition.
Brian Shaw initially named 15 athletes for the 2023 Shaw Classic and waited for official confirmation from Mateusz Kieliszkowski who was the 16th man. Unfortunately, despite initially confirming his presence two months ago, Mateusz has now revealed that he won’t compete.
Mateusz Kieliszkowski injured his knee earlier this year and he thinks it will not heal by the time the 2023 Shaw Classic rolls around.
“Unfortunately Mateusz Kieliszkowski doesn’t feel that he will be back in fighting shape by August and has decided to withdraw. We wish him all the best in a full recovery,” stated the caption of Shaw Classic’s Instagram post.
Related: Polish Strongman Mateusz Kielz. Litfs an INSANE 478lbs Stone To Shoulder
Mateusz Kieliszkowski is still young but he has already made a name for himself, having started competing in 2014 at just 21 years old. From then, until 2021, Mateusz took part in 44 International and National competitions, claiming 15 victories in the process.
After suffering multiple injuries in 2021, Mateusz Kieliszkowski did not compete until the 2023 Arnold Strongman Classic. His comeback to the sport was very successful, as Mateusz finished in second, only behind Mitchell Hooper. He then took part in the 2023 WSM, but did not qualify for the finals.
Mateusz Kieliszkowski’s Replacement
Coming in to replace Mateusz Kieliszkowski at the 2023 Shaw Classic is Gavin Bilton, also known as the Welsh Bull. Gavin has never competed in Brian Shaw’s competitions. So he will be making his debut in August.
Gavin Bilton is currently riding a success wave, having recently claimed his first International victory at the 2023 Strongman Champions League Serbia. In addition, he has two National titles to his name as well, having won the 2020 and 2021 UK’s Strongest Man competitions.
In total, Gavin Bilton has taken part in 23 International and National competitions and won three of them. Four appearances came at the World’s Strongest Man competition, but Gavin never made it into the final 10.
2023 Shaw Classic Full Lineup
- Trey Mitchell
- Mitchell Hooper
- Oleksii Novikov
- Maxime Boudreault
- Kevin Faires
- Aivars Šmaukstelis
- Evan Singleton
- Bobby Thompson
- Luke Stoltman
- Tom Stoltman
- Adam Bishop
- Pavlo Kordiyaka
- Pavlo Nakonechnyy
- Thomas Evans
- Brian Shaw
- Gavin Bilton
Brian Shaw recently revealed that the 2023 Shaw Classic will also feature arm wrestling matches, grip events, and more. However, the main attraction of the event is still the Strongman competition, and Gavin Bilton, the newest member of the lineup, will do his best to make it awesome. Mateusz Kieliszkowski will still be missed, but there is no doubt that he will continue competing at the highest level once he is recovered.
Published: 26 June, 2023 | 7:38 PM EDT
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