Mitchell Hooper is currently preparing for what many consider to be the biggest Strongman competition of the season — the 2025 World’s Strongest Man. To the surprise of many, with less than a month left until the competition, Mitchell Hooper turned to YouTube to criticize some aspects of the WSM. However, it resulted in some positive change, as Hooper revealed in a follow-up video.
Mitchell Hooper decided to talk about some sensitive topics in his initial video, going on a rant about the events, lineups, prize money, and more. His goal was to push for a change and it seems to have worked, as multiple points from his checklist have been amended.
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Mitchell Hooper’s 2025 World’s Strongest Man Controversy
Events and Lineups
At the time of his first video, the event and lineup lists for the 2025 World’s Strongest Man competition were not formed. Due to this, Mitchell Hooper decided to talk about how that might impact both the fan and athlete experience.
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Initial Statement:
“We have no events released. Of course, the athletes know them, but the fans don’t know them and we are one month away.
Not all athletes have been announced.
The promotion side takes a massive hit when we don’t know the events. So, I’m not allowed to talk about the events, neither is any other athlete… Hopefully ticket sales are going well, but it is a ticketed event out in Sacramento, a month away, and I would find it hard to get excited as a fan without even knowing exactly what is going on.”
Update:
Mitchell Hooper did not touch up on the subject of events and lineups in his update video. But, it is important to note that his point was taken into consideration, as the organizers revealed the full events for the competition, as well as the final few competitors.
Payout Delay
Mitchell Hooper addressed the prize money that the 2025 World’s Strongest Man offers, revealing that it is the fourth highest paying show of the year. However, the bigger issue in his opinion is that the payout timeframe increased from 30 to 90 days. Hooper talked about this issue because of the athletes that don’t earn enough to compete professionally and wait for that long in order to receive their money.
Initial Statement:
“For context, the Arnold Strongman Classic pays within 5 days. Rogue Invitational has paid within about eight days in the past and Giants Live has paid within about three days in the past.
The competitor is out of pocket for their miscellaneous expenses for 90 days. Now, you also have to take a week off of work to go to World’s Strongest Man.
The average guy going to the World’s Strongest Man is not a full-time Strongman. He is a guy who has a normal job.”
Update:
Mitchell Hooper and World’s Strongest Man quickly found a solution to the issue of the payout delay. So, they now intend to give every athlete $1,500 straight after the competition, which should help ease the financial burden on the athletes. The remainder of the prize money will be sent at a later date.
“So to rectify this, a suggestion I made was accepted that every competing athlete will be paid $1,500, uh, prior to leaving Sacramento as prepaid prize money. That way, we can have something to dampen the cost of coming out without having to wait three months. So, there will be something in the athletes pocket from the day that they leave Sacramento. Uh, and I am incredibly proud of this. I know the impact that this will make on a lot of guys in a positive way.”
Inclusion of Family and Friends
Mitchell Hooper also talked about the fact that family and friends were forced to pay for tickets if they want to watch the competition. In turn, he called out World’s Strongest Man, but also took matters into his own hands. Hooper started an athlete fund to partially support athletes’ family members attending the event.
Initial Statement:
“I’ve been vocal in saying if family and friends are forced to pay to come to World’s Strongest Man, this will be my last World’s Strongest Man.
I have family members in that position and I would be absolutely crushed if this is my opportunity for them to see me compete in a world championship and vie for a world title and they couldn’t make it because of any sort of financial limitation.”
Update:
World’s Strongest Man responded to Hooper by giving each athlete four free tickets for family and friends. Hooper expressed his gratitude for the solution noting that he would also be happy to see the friends and family area return. However, the swift response by the organizers showed a great level of respect toward the athletes, which Hooper pointed out.
“I didn’t insist ever that they should be given however many seats that they need. Uh in the past they’ve just had an area dedicated to family and friends and it’s never been a problem.
Number two is each athlete would be given four family and friends passes for free. I think that’s great. I really appreciate the willingness to change. And this is where what I think is perfect versus what I think is egregious. Now, perfect I think is just an area for family and friends. But my problem is more about respect and being listened to. And this shows respect and being listened to.”
As for the athlete fund that Mitchell Hooper planned to create, he managed to get a substantial amount of money from sponsors and fans, which he hopes will ultimately exceed $20,000. Now that the family and friends have been given the tickets, Hooper plans to equally distribute all of the money that has been gathered between the other 24 competitors. It is important to note that he won’t be taking anything from the athlete fund.
Watch both videos here:
Related: Mitchell Hooper Addresses Controversy Following His Win at 2024 Strongest Man On Earth
Mitchell Hooper’s actions have encountered mixed reactions from athletes and fans in the community, but it ultimately does seem to have resulted in some benefits for the competitors. Now that the stage is set, Hooper will continue preparing for the competition, hoping to claim his second World’s Strongest Man title. He has already won the 2025 Arnold Strongman Classic earlier this year and is looking to continue his winning streak.
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