When you look at the big picture and consider all the achievements Zydrunas compiled, it isn't even close. Mitch needs to repeat this year 5 or 6 times back to back to get close.
I recall a RUclips video in which the host entered a room and the first impression was that it must be the storage warehouse of a company that manufactures trophies. But in reality the host was Big Z and the room was the trophy room in his house. Amazing!
The 2010s when Brian, Thor, and Big Z were competing for the titles along with tough competition (albeit at different times) from Poundstone, Eddie, Lalas, Uncle Loz, Hollands, Licis, Matheus, and co. was more competitive for the top position than the comps today, in my opinion. Currently, Mitch does not have that level of competition. Most of his top competitors haven't been injury free or performing at their peak for some time now. I do agree that the overall competition is higher but not for the top position by a long shot.
@@wanderer_oti WSM wasn't the only competition , he won Arnolds 3 times in a row and Europe's strongest man 5 times and whatever competition he showed up at in 2018.
Gonna take a lot of years for anyone to beat Zydrunas as the GOAT, but Hooper is a top contender for "greatest of the 2020's". Seems best to go by greatest of a certain time period, because who knows how well anyone would fare in a different era against different opponents, especially with how much the strongman scene has evolved over time.
I realize you can only compete against those at that time, but it's also fair to point out the level of competition across the board is insane now. Yes as time goes on numbers keep going up, but the talent gap between 1st & 10th is much closer than it was in years past.
2010s when Brian, Thor, and Z were competing for the titles along with tough competition (albeit at different times) from Poundstone, Eddie, Lalas, Uncle Loz, Hollands, Licis, Matheus, and co. was more competitive for the top position than the comps today, in my opinion. Currently, Mitch does not have that level of competition. Most of his top competitors haven't been injury free or performing at their peak for some time now.
Current GOAT. That probably won't ever change, but it's always possible that someone (like Mitch) could eventually take that title from him. Nothing is ever set in stone. 🤷
@@ora6925That depends. I think it's fair that we mostly consider Major Internationals like WSM, Arnold's, ROI, SMOE, Fortissimus and IFSA. It'll be incredibly hard to catch Z because he was so good for such a long time. But it's not entirely impossible.
A comparison like this, focusing on their official lift PBs instead of wins and podium finishes, would also be really interesting. I know there are a ton of different events in strongman, but perhaps we could look at the more standard ones, like deadlifts, log presses, etc.
That's VERY very interesting on the podiums and the history. But, I really believe that this is more a matter of the times making the man in some of the instances. Zavickas is incredible!! Still have to put him in the top few guys of all time. But, I do believe that if the amount of contests, money, and quality of organizing were available to guys like Bill Kazmaier, Magnus Ver Magnusson, and Jouko Ahola, they would be right there too, on podium finishes, etc. As you mentioned during the end of the video :) These were guys that were VERY dominant in their era, and very rarely finished outside the top 3. In fact, if one looks up the contests these 3 men competed in, you wouldn't find many, if any contests where they were out of the top 3. Kazmaier was uninvited after winning WSM 3 years in a row. So who knows what may have happened with his stats. And In the 7-10 years that Magnus competed, I believe he finished outside the top 10, maybe only once or twice - like in WSM 97, where an injury prevented him from getting out of the group stage. And in his first WSM contest, he WON it. The same could be said for Jouko Ahola. Did Shaw, Zavickas, Pudzianowski, or Mitch do this? NOPE. Ahola only competed for 3-4 years, but if do the research, I don't believe he finished off the podium in any contest at all. Unbelievably impressive are Ahola and Magnus Ver Magnusson. Magnus is mostly thought of as a ref these days and organizer, but too many forget that he may have been THE best of all time, if presented the right opportunities as the guys of today. Mitch though, in many ways is sort of like Magnus. Very athletic, very fast. Certainly not the biggest guy, but in the top 3 always in ALL the big lifts. Sadly, these guys are somewhat forgotten in strongman history. The modern guys are given too much credit I believe, and have a different environment completely.
I asked Mitch a question when he was on live once about whether he will ever compete in Canada's Strongest man. He said that he might at least once before his career is over. He also went on to say in a round about way that it just doesn't pay enough to risk injury because the comps are usually really heavy. It is my belief that if he only competes in the big money events, he may not catch big Z in terms of the podium streak.
I believe Mitch has said that if he was living in Canada when he started competing, he would have naturally done Canada's Strongest Man. However, he was still in Australia for his MS degree when he got invited to the 2022 WSM and 2022 World Deadlift Championship. He made such a splash, that he started getting invites to all the international comps without having that stepping stone of winning a national title.
When it comes to people like Mitch it’s extremely hard to compare them to the old without making certain individuals look bad, make no mistake, Mitch is among the best of the sport but he has a long time left in his career if he chooses to do so.
I look forward to seeing Mitch's longevity. How far up the GOAT ladder can he go in terms of big comp wins? He's got a long way to go, but understandably as he's so new. He's insane!
If he competes at a high level for five more years and maybe two of them are similar to this year, he’d have a pretty strong argument for third all time I think. He’s already got a be 5th-7th depending on how you regard different eras and weight WSM vs other major competitions.
As someone who works in analytics, I really appreciate the work you put in these analysis videos! As for the topic at hand, I think Thor is probably the strongest person to walk this earth yet, however there are some better Strong Man competitors out there, such as Mitch. By being consistent in every event, Mitch is better at scoring points and winning strategically, although it's impressive how quickly Mitch is closing the gap and starting to go after some of the major world records himself.
What I think we’re missing as an audience is just how much of a role Mitch’s mental game plays in this Physical Sport. You can argue Thor is much more well equipped to thrive in the sport due to his natural size but Mitch is showing us that’s not all that matters, his adaptability, willingness to win & dedication, together with a comprehensive mental game is what’s separates him from other individuals, he will not take no for an answer 👌👊💯
Thor had a lot more competition, no disrespect for the new guys but having to face a top form Novikov, Licis, Tom, Mateusz, Brian, Eddie in every competition is incredibly hard
@@eladrio2311 you do realise that you named people who weren’t even relevant in Thor’s career? Novikov and Tom weren’t even competing until Thor was leaving the sport, I get where you’re coming from about his level of competition but you clearly don’t, what you meant was Brian, Big Z & for a few years Eddie Hall, you could include Mateus in there I suppose and Licis but they never started doing well until Thor left, they weren’t really relevant.
@@eladrio2311 no disrespect to the new guys while disrespecting the new guys…the numbers of the new guys makes all the points that’s needed, Mitch is competing pound for bound with the very best overhead pressers, deadlifters, squatters and yokes, Mitch is aiming to be the GOAT & there are 3 main competitors in his way, Brian Shaw, Big Z & Thor, when Tom comes back to the game that’ll be another Competitor for GOAT if he can level his demons, it’s clear you’re a Thor fan but if you only judge based on who you like you’ll always be speaking half truths or complete nonsense.
If 2018 Thor comes back, Mitch will not see the top of the podium for a while. I like Mitch and know he is a phenomenal athlete, but like Mitch, Thor is from another planet with stronger genes. Yep, got to throw Thor in this, I want a DNA test on both of them.
@@wanderer_oti Thor can still beat Mitch comfortably in most events, we seen this at SMOE. Had Thor not torn his pec, he had better pressing power than Mitch has currently...keep in mind Thor was 3 cumulative reps from winning SMOE (I'd argue he got 1, but Terry was judging weird on Thor), while being at 85%. If Thor can get his pressing back to approx 75/80% that would be enough to get him over the line I would imagine
Compare Arnold Strongmen winners between 2015-2019 and WSM 2016-2018 where you had 700 kg yokes, log press for reps 205 kg and frame 500 kg. Many athletes were pulling also more than 450 kg in the deadlift (no suit).
Mitch is defiantly phenomenal, if his fitness and motivation hold, he possibly could be in the discussion for best ever? However, Ive always felt that had Z dedicated more time to pushing records rather than competitions (similar to Iron Biby) I think he would still hold records on Axel and log lifts. And feasibly, had he focused on it a 500kg plus dead lift?
Mitch isn’t in GOAT conversation yet but he’s certainly on his way there. If he keeps things up for many years like how Big Z did, he can absolutely potentially become the new GOAT
Pretty much the best of them all, I'd say! He's unstoppable. I think the only man who could stop him is a full-strength, peak form Thor. Or a Mateusz without a deadlift event.
@@JackHagar I know that a prime Big Z was unstoppable and he did it against probably in the best era of strongman and was on top of the sport for over 20 years
It’s amazing to think about Z’s stats when he was up against some of the best of all time. Pudz, shaw and Thor. Plus the likes of Eddie and Mateusz in his prime. Simply Incredible. Mitch is defo heading towards one being one the greats. Be good to see some stiffer competition for him. Tom on his day can do damage but too inconsistent and Thor’s pressing holding him back. The likes of Mateusz and novi aren’t at their best either.
Different eras of Strongman counts for A LOT. They are opening with weights that were World Records years ago. All of the major sports in the US have had to make adjustments to their stats due to changes in laws, rules and what was going on in the sport at the time. NFL and NBA have made several changes that affect the records and of course nothing set during segregation counts at all.
About the 18' Thor vs 24' Mitch. You gotta go with Thor, he was just so dominant, but also look at the field at the time Thor was doing so, Brian Shaw still in top form, peak Caron, peak Pritchett, Mateusz running hell on everybody and Martins making "been so consistent" a thing. And Specially Shaw mate, that year they went head to head and Brian's numbers where through the roof!, well, most atlethes were. Guys like Belsak where so imoressive they could give Mitch a Run for his money today. That's not a slap on ghe face to the current field, but Mitch has no true challengue, only Thor still coming from injury and until his OHP is not fixed is very hard to defeat him. Has Thor shown he is o another strenght level even still? Yes, yes he has, but still the ohp. On the other hand, i love the rest of the guys, i truly do, but even though there is progress, a point can be made not even Tom Stoltman in shape would be top 5 in 2018. TBF after 2018 Thor benefitted from something similar, Hall retired in 18' after the log challengue, Zydrunas finally slowed down and in ghe same event Brian, Caron and Pritchett injured themselves hunting Thor and the elephant bar at the Arnold's thus making the comp easier for Thor. Only injury stoped him at WSM 19' and then he kept winning having a challengue only on Mateusz and Martins... Sometimes.
WSM and Arnold's were lighter that year too - favored Thor's combination of strength and athleticism over Brian's static strength. By 2018 he had slowed down considerably
Arnold's lighter how?. Had the tombstone, deadlift for max, frame carry and apollon's wheels (400 pounds), only event was bag over bar, but that's the hardest throw in strongman too. WSM was standard WSM, only WSM to go really heavy was 2017
@@antoniocenteno1483 The Arnold's was lighter compared to 2017, 2016, 2015, and 2014, and WSM was lighter compared to 2017, 2016, and 2015. Arguably 2013 too since there was a max deadlift that year and an overhead medley involving both 170 kg and 180 kg barbell.
@@thatguyfrommars3732Other than the Yoke I don't see how, different implements , yes, but didn't make it any easier. Logt for example, can't compare to Appolon's wheel's cause the wheels at a lighter weight hit the Atlethe harder. The frame was Raw as opposed as other editions and the field barely handle it, is the heaviest Raw deadlift of all time too. Makes no sense. And about WSM, I agree on 17', not the rest, the rest were on par with 18'. Other thing, if anything, IF and only IF, those comps where indeed lighter, then that doesn't help Thor anyway cause lifting the heaviest things and been able to finished the event was his thing, making them lighter don't help him, but helped the rest. Only event I recall been lighter was the bus pull, maybe and, as said, it helped Mateusz, not Thor Also the OHP at 2018 was for max, so heavier than 2013... Maybe thinking 2016?. 2013 OHP was heavier than that
That's exactly right, can't believe it wasn't mentioned here. Tom only does well at WSM and the other guys are nowhere near the level of the guys you listed. After Thor, Mitch and Tom there's a big drop off to the next level athletes. Look at 2012 WSM final, Thor, Brian, Big Z, prime Lalas, Mike Jenkins, Hollands, JF, Radzikowski, Arsjo. That's a stacked line up, much more impressive than now and more fun to watch
Bro, at that time guys like Mateusz Belsak, Wich was consider a underdog, where doing numbers and feats of strength that put in jeopardy today's field.
I don't think it would change things. Brian isnt in his prime and Mateusz has his glaring weakness. Martins isn't quite as strong overall, not even Thor has beat Hooper yet as far as im aware
I will never forget Big Z. Four World's Strongest Man and eight Arnolds. 2003-20016 there 13 Arnolds- he got a podium place in EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM, and won eight of them. And he wasn't just super consistent and good at winning, he was stronger. There were overhead events at the Arnold where other competitors got one rep or struggled, and he was repping it out.
Funny thing I was sort of thinking about this earlier today, eventually we’re gonna stop comparing Mitch to the other Greats and he’s just going to be one of the Greats
Two questions for you Loz and Liz If Mitch did’t have terrible luck in the frame on the 1st event in the finals of this years WSM, which torn his hands up pretty badly for anyone that isn’t aware, do you think he would have won? Personally I think that’s a yes. Hell he still was able to come in 2nd place with torn up, quite painful compromised hands. Not taking a thing away from Tom as he did phenomenal and is well deserving of the win, but I do feel if Mitch’s hands were not so bad badly messed up that he would have taken the win instead. What’s your thoughts on that? And 2nd, if you put Mitch (with healthy hands of course lol) in any of the competitions that Thor won in 2018, or visa versa, taken a 2018 Thor and put him in any of the competitions Mitch has won in 2024, what would you think the results would be? I can’t think of anyone better suited to answer this as you two Could Mitch have taken any wins away from Thor in 2018? Could 2018 Thor take any wins away from Mitch here in 2024? I think that is a VERY interesting question to ponder, and I would love to hear what you and Liz’s thoughts are! Take care!
I belive that it´s a bit early talking about Mitch as a futre GOAT. He is still new to the sport. The record he has at the moment is fantastic. Me myself think that he will be remembered as one of the greatest, aslong he stays injury free. Seems like a lot of athlets gets injured and never comes back to full strength. I think it´s doubtful that Thor will have his old pressing power back at 100% and that will cost him alot of points in certains competations. Thor is also older and dont have so many years left at the top level. Zydrunas have the current record as the oldest WSM winner at 37. Thor is 36 so it´s not getting easier..
Love these videos. I'm recently getting in to powerlifting myself, but following strongman a lot more. This channel is great for me to learn about the sport 👏🏻
Its the lowest regarded of the majors - also the lowest prize money and lightest weights. Its nowhere near the top tournament, hasn't been for about 8 years now.
With the depth we have now I honestly used to think it was impossible, but Mitch might honestly be the guy who could potentially live up to Z's and Brian's competitive history Thor might have if he hadn't dipped out for 3 years
@@muhammadulizshahlaeidullah I feel like counting Europe's is a little unfair given that Brian can't even compete in it Not to mention he was also basically coinciding with Z's career and had to compete with him, no one was really on Thor's level from 2018-2020
@@branominal much the same as Mitch really, I mean aside from Thor who has a glaring weakness and Tom (SPECIFICALLY at worlds) no one is giving him any trouble whatsoever. Brian and Z had to go against each other in practically every major competition that they did
I think what he already did put him up there on the GOAT list, now he needs to more world strongest man at least 4 times in total and he will be the only true goat...
he is already one of the greats. most complete ever: best athleticism between the top ones, and static strength getting closer and closer to eddie/thor at their primes. all of that while weighing about 50 kg less than them. fucking unbelievable
His static strength is considerably behind Thor currently (pec tear aside). Nevermind Prime Eddie/Thor. The most complete ever is either Big Z, Pudzan or Thor.
@@lf67hh28 he almost lifted 505, definitely close to thor strength. and thor current deadlift strength is very close to his prime. btw, mariusz was the only one of those you mentioned that had an athleticism level close to mitch. but his static strength wasnt even close. thats why mitch already is the most complete strongman ever. elite static strength and elite athleticism. no one ever was that good in both areas
@goldtaker95 He got nowhere near the 505, Deadlifts are most challenging beyond the knee... Thors lifted more than 501kg in training, so his prime is completely unknown to you and most people. Would Mitch have defeated a peak Big Z? No, peak Brian? No, peak Thor? No, peak Pudzan? No. He's similar in makeup to Svend Karlsen. Both nowhere near the GOAT conversation, being complete means best at every single aspect. Mitch can't stay with Thor on several events currently, so it's not even a conversation for right now. Young inexperienced folk are way too happy throwing these terms around with no understanding of the sport. Mitch himself classes Thor as the GOAT (for the record) and is directly quoted as saying he's the strongest man alive and in history.
@@lf67hh28 he is the closest to ever try the 505. thor never lifted above 501 in training (he could, but didnt risk It). mitch would be a serious challenge to any of those mentioned, since he is more athletic and close in static strength - even stronger than z and brian at some lifts, and stronger overall than mariusz (saying he wouldnt beat a strongman from another era like mariusz, when the records were much lower, and won most of his competitions when the big names were at arnold classic only, shows how much biased you are against mitch lol)
@goldtaker95 I know Mitch, I work in professional strongman... I also know Thor lifted 510 in training as his target is 515. It's called knowledge, not bias.
Yeah, Mitch must be reminded of this! He needs to keep that fire in his belly because he has the potential to be the GOAT but he's definitely not there yet.
@los1wochos Still impressive with a short prep after sweeping every contest he did that year. Most guys who hit the 1100lbs total prep for a lot longer, Graham Hicks hit the same total and his prep was much longer than Thor, and Hicks is known as a static monster.
For podium finishes i dont see mitch coming out of the top 3 for a long time. Until evan works on his "crazyness" and not hurt himself almost every comp and tom takes it easy and focuses on certain shows. Mitch worse outcome would be third if youre looking at the current strongmen that are competiting atm. So he can beat brians and even get close to Z's streak
Can't compare any of these guys to big Z shaw etc, was golden age of strongman, i rarely watch now same as ufc. I think biby has some star power always check him on the log lift
He's an amazing Strong man, but let's all be honest with ourselves and admit he hasn't really had any competition. Tom shows up once a year and Thor retired just in time for him to dominate,and now Thor is obviously not in top shape and still won 5 events in SMO.
There’ll probably never be a fair way to determine who the goat is, but it’ll provide the internet with something to rage about to each other for a while. Until 90 seconds after they stop raging & get on with their day and discover that they don’t actually care as much as they thought they did when they were on the internet.
Thor was competing against Brian Shaw and Eddie hall. Arguably, top strongmen of all time. Mitch has competed against…….. who? Is Tom considered one of the best of all time? All time ???? Evan singleton? I don’t even Mitch’s current rivals as…. “Best of all time” competition. I’m a Canadian and will always appreciate Mitch. But. Lack of true competition hurts his credentials for that title.
I don't think Mitch will be in strongman long enough to be in the GOAT conversation. He seems like he has a lot of other plans after strongman. That being said, if he does leave the sport early he definitely will leave a lot of question marks and what if's. As a fan of the sport I selfishly would like to see him continue to try and break big z's streak, but I understand him not doing it. He has won everything in strongman so why not walk away still healthy to pursue something bigger.
Looking at stats alone is all fine and well and Mitch is certainly starting to measure up with the best of them. But, I dont think anyone out on the street has a clue who Mitch is, and that's where true "greatness" starts to become determined, in my opinion. Thor, Big Z, Pudz, Hall, Shaw, even Kaz, Magnusson etc are still faces that people recognise and remember for their feats of strength. They've inspired generations and continue to do so. Mitch lacks a certain personability and charisma that keeps him away from the top of the list of true greats, for me. Again, just my opinion.
I think that Mitch definitely has the physical capability and intelligence regarding his health to eventually become a GOAT. I'm just not sure he has the desire to have that length of a career.
Mitch is to strongman what Usain Bolt was to sprinting and Cassius Clay was to boxing. But they all get bettered eventually, that's natural human development.
This really demonstrates why Zydrunas, as freakin awesome as he was, is NOT the goat, but Brian is. Two thirds of Big Z's comps, while "international", were backwater European events where basically anybody and their grandma competed... Brian in the second half of his career and now Mitch exclusively compete at top level shows. That is in no comparison to the vast majority of Z's wins... talk about comparing apples and oranges!
Hahahahahahahah 😂😂😂 I broke into laughter when you gave us Z's podium streak. That's soooo insane
Wow, that really put in perspective how incredible Big Z was! 🤯🤯🤯
Brian is my favorite strong man still, but I do wince when people try and put him on equal footing with big z in terms of career/GOAT status.
When you look at the big picture and consider all the achievements Zydrunas compiled, it isn't even close. Mitch needs to repeat this year 5 or 6 times back to back to get close.
@@wifflebat14 Or, break a world record or two would be good, but Zydrunas is going to be #1 for a long time,apparently.
I'm not a huge fan of Mitch but should he win the Rogue - it would be the most impressive Strongman year so far
quite the opposite, actually. It demonstrates quality vs quantity.
I’d love a dvd or video compilation of Thor’s 2018 year. Fun weekend viewing.
Might have to sell dvd players as a package with the DVDs.
Including the powerlifting meet please.
I recall a RUclips video in which the host entered a room and the first impression was that it must be the storage warehouse of a company that manufactures trophies. But in reality the host was Big Z and the room was the trophy room in his house. Amazing!
WOW I feel like I know a lot of strongman knowledge. Then you throw me these crazy Big Z stats! 💪🤯🐐
The 2010s when Brian, Thor, and Big Z were competing for the titles along with tough competition (albeit at different times) from Poundstone, Eddie, Lalas, Uncle Loz, Hollands, Licis, Matheus, and co. was more competitive for the top position than the comps today, in my opinion. Currently, Mitch does not have that level of competition. Most of his top competitors haven't been injury free or performing at their peak for some time now. I do agree that the overall competition is higher but not for the top position by a long shot.
Thor was on the WSM podium for 8 straight years, 3 of which were with Z/Brian combo.
He only won once though
@@wanderer_oti WSM wasn't the only competition , he won Arnolds 3 times in a row and Europe's strongest man 5 times and whatever competition he showed up at in 2018.
@@wanderer_oti But it still says something if the same man is standing there all the time
@@wanderer_oti Thor was a child when he was on podiums with Brian and Big Z also.
Loz, you often talk about how 2018 Thor was the greatest strongman ever. It'd be epic to see a video on this!
Great stats on the greats, particularly Big Z.
Mitch is doing incredibly well, but no where near Z, Pudz and Shaw, yet.
No way that Zydrunas streak drop is the craziest thing ever lmao. GOAT 1000%
This is great and crazy! Mitch has still got some work to do!
Gonna take a lot of years for anyone to beat Zydrunas as the GOAT, but Hooper is a top contender for "greatest of the 2020's".
Seems best to go by greatest of a certain time period, because who knows how well anyone would fare in a different era against different opponents, especially with how much the strongman scene has evolved over time.
I realize you can only compete against those at that time, but it's also fair to point out the level of competition across the board is insane now. Yes as time goes on numbers keep going up, but the talent gap between 1st & 10th is much closer than it was in years past.
2010s when Brian, Thor, and Z were competing for the titles along with tough competition (albeit at different times) from Poundstone, Eddie, Lalas, Uncle Loz, Hollands, Licis, Matheus, and co. was more competitive for the top position than the comps today, in my opinion. Currently, Mitch does not have that level of competition. Most of his top competitors haven't been injury free or performing at their peak for some time now.
The Big Z vs Brian Shaw rivalry going back and forth at WSM is the greatest strongman rivalry.
Mitch 2023/2024 vs Thor 2020: Thor faced prime Mateusz and Martins and still won solidly. Huge difference.
Be an interesting video to go thru a quick overview of Big Z's 50 odd wins and what comps they included.
Big Z = The GOAT!!!! 🐐 Period
Current GOAT. That probably won't ever change, but it's always possible that someone (like Mitch) could eventually take that title from him.
Nothing is ever set in stone. 🤷
@@Zihark_he‘d have to win another 100 shows to come close to Z
@@ora6925That depends. I think it's fair that we mostly consider Major Internationals like WSM, Arnold's, ROI, SMOE, Fortissimus and IFSA. It'll be incredibly hard to catch Z because he was so good for such a long time. But it's not entirely impossible.
Yep, The Big Z will never be matched. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Žydrūnas_Savickas
BIG Z is a god in this world.
On RUclips video output? Definitely the GOAT
Content on Thor's 2018 domination would be awesome ❤
I was all in on the sport because of Brian Shaw. Now I get to re-energize with Mitch Hooper. He's such an amazing talent.
You thought this video was about Mitchell Hooper but it was me D̶I̶O̶ Big Z😈😈😈
😂
ZA WARUDO
A comparison like this, focusing on their official lift PBs instead of wins and podium finishes, would also be really interesting. I know there are a ton of different events in strongman, but perhaps we could look at the more standard ones, like deadlifts, log presses, etc.
That's VERY very interesting on the podiums and the history. But, I really believe that this is more a matter of the times making the man in some of the instances. Zavickas is incredible!! Still have to put him in the top few guys of all time. But, I do believe that if the amount of contests, money, and quality of organizing were available to guys like Bill Kazmaier, Magnus Ver Magnusson, and Jouko Ahola, they would be right there too, on podium finishes, etc. As you mentioned during the end of the video :)
These were guys that were VERY dominant in their era, and very rarely finished outside the top 3. In fact, if one looks up the contests these 3 men competed in, you wouldn't find many, if any contests where they were out of the top 3. Kazmaier was uninvited after winning WSM 3 years in a row. So who knows what may have happened with his stats. And In the 7-10 years that Magnus competed, I believe he finished outside the top 10, maybe only once or twice - like in WSM 97, where an injury prevented him from getting out of the group stage. And in his first WSM contest, he WON it. The same could be said for Jouko Ahola. Did Shaw, Zavickas, Pudzianowski, or Mitch do this? NOPE.
Ahola only competed for 3-4 years, but if do the research, I don't believe he finished off the podium in any contest at all. Unbelievably impressive are Ahola and Magnus Ver Magnusson. Magnus is mostly thought of as a ref these days and organizer, but too many forget that he may have been THE best of all time, if presented the right opportunities as the guys of today. Mitch though, in many ways is sort of like Magnus. Very athletic, very fast. Certainly not the biggest guy, but in the top 3 always in ALL the big lifts.
Sadly, these guys are somewhat forgotten in strongman history. The modern guys are given too much credit I believe, and have a different environment completely.
I asked Mitch a question when he was on live once about whether he will ever compete in Canada's Strongest man. He said that he might at least once before his career is over. He also went on to say in a round about way that it just doesn't pay enough to risk injury because the comps are usually really heavy. It is my belief that if he only competes in the big money events, he may not catch big Z in terms of the podium streak.
Him just competing in 57 Shows would be Surprising let alone a Podium streak of 57.
I believe Mitch has said that if he was living in Canada when he started competing, he would have naturally done Canada's Strongest Man. However, he was still in Australia for his MS degree when he got invited to the 2022 WSM and 2022 World Deadlift Championship. He made such a splash, that he started getting invites to all the international comps without having that stepping stone of winning a national title.
I Saw Your Question On Mitchell's Live, Great Question Mate 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻
@@devlin76his 475 deadlift carried him
When it comes to people like Mitch it’s extremely hard to compare them to the old without making certain individuals look bad, make no mistake, Mitch is among the best of the sport but he has a long time left in his career if he chooses to do so.
Thor and Mitch and Tom are going to have a great few yrs batting it out 💪💪. And the legend big z blew my mind with what he achieved
Tom has like a 5 non-podium streak. And that's without injury I believe...
He was really battling it out when he came seventh at SMOE.
I look forward to seeing Mitch's longevity. How far up the GOAT ladder can he go in terms of big comp wins? He's got a long way to go, but understandably as he's so new. He's insane!
Mitch is saying 3-5 years left
@@CrushDontRush could put a huge dent in even with that "short" a career.
If he competes at a high level for five more years and maybe two of them are similar to this year, he’d have a pretty strong argument for third all time I think.
He’s already got a be 5th-7th depending on how you regard different eras and weight WSM vs other major competitions.
@@Gndlf_TheOrange no argument I agree Mitch has all chance In world of being 🐐 I just was lettin him know Mitch said recently 3-5 max
@lukebbuff honestly I would weight SMOE more than WSM.
This is just another Big Z video haha. He's awesome and Mitch will require an awful lot of success to beat him!
As someone who works in analytics, I really appreciate the work you put in these analysis videos! As for the topic at hand, I think Thor is probably the strongest person to walk this earth yet, however there are some better Strong Man competitors out there, such as Mitch. By being consistent in every event, Mitch is better at scoring points and winning strategically, although it's impressive how quickly Mitch is closing the gap and starting to go after some of the major world records himself.
I would love to know the streak numbers with only international comps considered.
I will say 2018 Thor. He was so dominant & probably the strongest strongman ever to walk the planet. 🌍
Best strongman, but I still think Eddie was stronger, especially his pressing.
@@staceygram5555 Peak Thor was stronger than peak Eddie.
@@staceygram5555 I disagree. Thor in 2018-2020 was stronger. I’ll bet my last penny that Thor was static stronger.
@@staceygram5555
Thor never had a true overhead test at his peak. Thor was on par with Eddie’s deadlift at their peaks.
@@John.J_Stud64
With everything except pressing they were about even. With pressing Eddie was miles ahead.
Would be interesting to know how many points between Z’s fourth and third place in the comp that broke his podium streak in the middle.
What I think we’re missing as an audience is just how much of a role Mitch’s mental game plays in this Physical Sport. You can argue Thor is much more well equipped to thrive in the sport due to his natural size but Mitch is showing us that’s not all that matters, his adaptability, willingness to win & dedication, together with a comprehensive mental game is what’s separates him from other individuals, he will not take no for an answer 👌👊💯
Thor had a lot more competition, no disrespect for the new guys but having to face a top form Novikov, Licis, Tom, Mateusz, Brian, Eddie in every competition is incredibly hard
@@eladrio2311 you do realise that you named people who weren’t even relevant in Thor’s career? Novikov and Tom weren’t even competing until Thor was leaving the sport, I get where you’re coming from about his level of competition but you clearly don’t, what you meant was Brian, Big Z & for a few years Eddie Hall, you could include Mateus in there I suppose and Licis but they never started doing well until Thor left, they weren’t really relevant.
@@eladrio2311 no disrespect to the new guys while disrespecting the new guys…the numbers of the new guys makes all the points that’s needed, Mitch is competing pound for bound with the very best overhead pressers, deadlifters, squatters and yokes, Mitch is aiming to be the GOAT & there are 3 main competitors in his way, Brian Shaw, Big Z & Thor, when Tom comes back to the game that’ll be another Competitor for GOAT if he can level his demons, it’s clear you’re a Thor fan but if you only judge based on who you like you’ll always be speaking half truths or complete nonsense.
@@eladrio2311 just to rub salt into your wounds it doesn’t matter how strong Thor was, that lift never counted as it wasn’t in competition
Tom is nowhere in the goat conversation!@@declanconnelly1047
If 2018 Thor comes back, Mitch will not see the top of the podium for a while. I like Mitch and know he is a phenomenal athlete, but like Mitch, Thor is from another planet with stronger genes. Yep, got to throw Thor in this, I want a DNA test on both of them.
Idk Mitch is so adaptable and constantly getting better. Thor might not be able to catch him
@@wanderer_oti Yes true, but all are beatable.
@@wanderer_oti Thor can still beat Mitch comfortably in most events, we seen this at SMOE. Had Thor not torn his pec, he had better pressing power than Mitch has currently...keep in mind Thor was 3 cumulative reps from winning SMOE (I'd argue he got 1, but Terry was judging weird on Thor), while being at 85%. If Thor can get his pressing back to approx 75/80% that would be enough to get him over the line I would imagine
I don’t think I’ve ever seen somebody rise the top of strong man this fast other than Brian Shaw. That puts him in a elite company
Big Z is the GOAT for a reason
Hell Yeah 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻
Compare Arnold Strongmen winners between 2015-2019 and WSM 2016-2018 where you had 700 kg yokes, log press for reps 205 kg and frame 500 kg. Many athletes were pulling also more than 450 kg in the deadlift (no suit).
Mitch is defiantly phenomenal, if his fitness and motivation hold, he possibly could be in the discussion for best ever? However, Ive always felt that had Z dedicated more time to pushing records rather than competitions (similar to Iron Biby) I think he would still hold records on Axel and log lifts. And feasibly, had he focused on it a 500kg plus dead lift?
Mitch isn’t in GOAT conversation yet but he’s certainly on his way there. If he keeps things up for many years like how Big Z did, he can absolutely potentially become the new GOAT
In My Book Mitchell Is The 7th Greatest Of All Time 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻
Needs to increase his lifts aswell to be near the GOAT convo.
Pretty much the best of them all, I'd say! He's unstoppable. I think the only man who could stop him is a full-strength, peak form Thor. Or a Mateusz without a deadlift event.
@@douglasnisbet1189 Big Z enters the chat
He means currently @@Larry-n4n
@@Larry-n4nI think he means in modern day lol. Prime Big Z would maybe beat Mitch but those days are gone
@@JackHagar I know that a prime Big Z was unstoppable and he did it against probably in the best era of strongman and was on top of the sport for over 20 years
@@Larry-n4n boy, it is obvious he's talking about current athletes......
It’s amazing to think about Z’s stats when he was up against some of the best of all time. Pudz, shaw and Thor. Plus the likes of Eddie and Mateusz in his prime. Simply Incredible.
Mitch is defo heading towards one being one the greats. Be good to see some stiffer competition for him. Tom on his day can do damage but too inconsistent and Thor’s pressing holding him back. The likes of Mateusz and novi aren’t at their best either.
great video :)
🎶Get your stats out, get your stats out, get your stats out for the lads, for the lads. Get our stats out for the lads. 🎵
Different eras of Strongman counts for A LOT. They are opening with weights that were World Records years ago. All of the major sports in the US have had to make adjustments to their stats due to changes in laws, rules and what was going on in the sport at the time. NFL and NBA have made several changes that affect the records and of course nothing set during segregation counts at all.
About the 18' Thor vs 24' Mitch.
You gotta go with Thor, he was just so dominant, but also look at the field at the time Thor was doing so, Brian Shaw still in top form, peak Caron, peak Pritchett, Mateusz running hell on everybody and Martins making "been so consistent" a thing. And Specially Shaw mate, that year they went head to head and Brian's numbers where through the roof!, well, most atlethes were. Guys like Belsak where so imoressive they could give Mitch a Run for his money today. That's not a slap on ghe face to the current field, but Mitch has no true challengue, only Thor still coming from injury and until his OHP is not fixed is very hard to defeat him. Has Thor shown he is o another strenght level even still? Yes, yes he has, but still the ohp. On the other hand, i love the rest of the guys, i truly do, but even though there is progress, a point can be made not even Tom Stoltman in shape would be top 5 in 2018.
TBF after 2018 Thor benefitted from something similar, Hall retired in 18' after the log challengue, Zydrunas finally slowed down and in ghe same event Brian, Caron and Pritchett injured themselves hunting Thor and the elephant bar at the Arnold's thus making the comp easier for Thor. Only injury stoped him at WSM 19' and then he kept winning having a challengue only on Mateusz and Martins... Sometimes.
WSM and Arnold's were lighter that year too - favored Thor's combination of strength and athleticism over Brian's static strength. By 2018 he had slowed down considerably
Arnold's lighter how?. Had the tombstone, deadlift for max, frame carry and apollon's wheels (400 pounds), only event was bag over bar, but that's the hardest throw in strongman too.
WSM was standard WSM, only WSM to go really heavy was 2017
@@antoniocenteno1483 The Arnold's was lighter compared to 2017, 2016, 2015, and 2014, and WSM was lighter compared to 2017, 2016, and 2015. Arguably 2013 too since there was a max deadlift that year and an overhead medley involving both 170 kg and 180 kg barbell.
@@antoniocenteno1483controversy aside 2017 was my favorite wsm
@@thatguyfrommars3732Other than the Yoke I don't see how, different implements , yes, but didn't make it any easier. Logt for example, can't compare to Appolon's wheel's cause the wheels at a lighter weight hit the Atlethe harder. The frame was Raw as opposed as other editions and the field barely handle it, is the heaviest Raw deadlift of all time too. Makes no sense.
And about WSM, I agree on 17', not the rest, the rest were on par with 18'.
Other thing, if anything, IF and only IF, those comps where indeed lighter, then that doesn't help Thor anyway cause lifting the heaviest things and been able to finished the event was his thing, making them lighter don't help him, but helped the rest. Only event I recall been lighter was the bus pull, maybe and, as said, it helped Mateusz, not Thor
Also the OHP at 2018 was for max, so heavier than 2013... Maybe thinking 2016?. 2013 OHP was heavier than that
With Mateusz, Martins, Brian, and slew of others either injured or not present...He is facing shallow comp compared to the likes of 2015-2020.
That's exactly right, can't believe it wasn't mentioned here. Tom only does well at WSM and the other guys are nowhere near the level of the guys you listed. After Thor, Mitch and Tom there's a big drop off to the next level athletes.
Look at 2012 WSM final, Thor, Brian, Big Z, prime Lalas, Mike Jenkins, Hollands, JF, Radzikowski, Arsjo. That's a stacked line up, much more impressive than now and more fun to watch
Spot on! Strongman as never been so boring as this latest years.
Bro, at that time guys like Mateusz Belsak, Wich was consider a underdog, where doing numbers and feats of strength that put in jeopardy today's field.
I don't think it would change things. Brian isnt in his prime and Mateusz has his glaring weakness. Martins isn't quite as strong overall, not even Thor has beat Hooper yet as far as im aware
Naw.
He could beat all of them.
I will never forget Big Z. Four World's Strongest Man and eight Arnolds. 2003-20016 there 13 Arnolds- he got a podium place in EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM, and won eight of them. And he wasn't just super consistent and good at winning, he was stronger. There were overhead events at the Arnold where other competitors got one rep or struggled, and he was repping it out.
Funny thing I was sort of thinking about this earlier today, eventually we’re gonna stop comparing Mitch to the other Greats and he’s just going to be one of the Greats
Get ya stat's out...I want that as a shirt
Two questions for you Loz and Liz
If Mitch did’t have terrible luck in the frame on the 1st event in the finals of this years WSM, which torn his hands up pretty badly for anyone that isn’t aware, do you think he would have won?
Personally I think that’s a yes. Hell he still was able to come in 2nd place with torn up, quite painful compromised hands.
Not taking a thing away from Tom as he did phenomenal and is well deserving of the win, but I do feel if Mitch’s hands were not so bad badly messed up that he would have taken the win instead.
What’s your thoughts on that?
And 2nd, if you put Mitch (with healthy hands of course lol) in any of the competitions that Thor won in 2018, or visa versa, taken a 2018 Thor and put him in any of the competitions Mitch has won in 2024, what would you think the results would be?
I can’t think of anyone better suited to answer this as you two
Could Mitch have taken any wins away from Thor in 2018?
Could 2018 Thor take any wins away from Mitch here in 2024?
I think that is a VERY interesting question to ponder, and I would love to hear what you and Liz’s thoughts are!
Take care!
there is just one thing Mitch have to do to become the goat, put the odd haugen/kieliszkowski stone onto his shoulder and make the picture with Arnold
Zydrunas was my man crush and now even more so❤
I belive that it´s a bit early talking about Mitch as a futre GOAT. He is still new to the sport. The record he has at the moment is fantastic. Me myself think that he will be remembered as one of the greatest, aslong he stays injury free. Seems like a lot of athlets gets injured and never comes back to full strength. I think it´s doubtful that Thor will have his old pressing power back at 100% and that will cost him alot of points in certains competations. Thor is also older and dont have so many years left at the top level. Zydrunas have the current record as the oldest WSM winner at 37. Thor is 36 so it´s not getting easier..
Love these videos. I'm recently getting in to powerlifting myself, but following strongman a lot more. This channel is great for me to learn about the sport 👏🏻
I'm on a 5 podium streak (not international). It'll be 6 at the end of the weekend and hopefully 7 after Static Monsters. 😂
For me the bread and butter is WSM. And Tom does get overlooked 3x winner and multiple podiums
Its the lowest regarded of the majors - also the lowest prize money and lightest weights. Its nowhere near the top tournament, hasn't been for about 8 years now.
With the depth we have now I honestly used to think it was impossible, but Mitch might honestly be the guy who could potentially live up to Z's and Brian's competitive history
Thor might have if he hadn't dipped out for 3 years
Thor has won more than Brian
@@paul_oliver_duggan29 fewer majors though no? Brian has like 4 worlds, 3 Arnold's, and smoe
@@branominal Thor also has World's, 3x Arnolds, Worlds ultimate strongman and 5x Europes
@@muhammadulizshahlaeidullah I feel like counting Europe's is a little unfair given that Brian can't even compete in it
Not to mention he was also basically coinciding with Z's career and had to compete with him, no one was really on Thor's level from 2018-2020
@@branominal much the same as Mitch really, I mean aside from Thor who has a glaring weakness and Tom (SPECIFICALLY at worlds) no one is giving him any trouble whatsoever. Brian and Z had to go against each other in practically every major competition that they did
Mitch also got Axel WR👑🦀
He already is, Mitch has been unstoppable and is insanely good
I think what he already did put him up there on the GOAT list, now he needs to more world strongest man at least 4 times in total and he will be the only true goat...
Not Yet Mitchell Still Need More Arnolds And Rogue Is Great But It's Not a Major Competition IMO
@@DavidVirtanenI mean Big Z has no rouge wins (since it didn't exist when he was competing lol)
I would argue SMOE is the most prestigeous show nowadays.
Big Z’s 57 is unbelievable. 98 out of 99 is even more ridiculous.
he is already one of the greats. most complete ever: best athleticism between the top ones, and static strength getting closer and closer to eddie/thor at their primes. all of that while weighing about 50 kg less than them. fucking unbelievable
His static strength is considerably behind Thor currently (pec tear aside). Nevermind Prime Eddie/Thor. The most complete ever is either Big Z, Pudzan or Thor.
@@lf67hh28 he almost lifted 505, definitely close to thor strength. and thor current deadlift strength is very close to his prime.
btw, mariusz was the only one of those you mentioned that had an athleticism level close to mitch. but his static strength wasnt even close. thats why mitch already is the most complete strongman ever. elite static strength and elite athleticism. no one ever was that good in both areas
@goldtaker95 He got nowhere near the 505, Deadlifts are most challenging beyond the knee...
Thors lifted more than 501kg in training, so his prime is completely unknown to you and most people.
Would Mitch have defeated a peak Big Z? No, peak Brian? No, peak Thor? No, peak Pudzan? No.
He's similar in makeup to Svend Karlsen.
Both nowhere near the GOAT conversation, being complete means best at every single aspect. Mitch can't stay with Thor on several events currently, so it's not even a conversation for right now.
Young inexperienced folk are way too happy throwing these terms around with no understanding of the sport.
Mitch himself classes Thor as the GOAT (for the record) and is directly quoted as saying he's the strongest man alive and in history.
@@lf67hh28 he is the closest to ever try the 505. thor never lifted above 501 in training (he could, but didnt risk It). mitch would be a serious challenge to any of those mentioned, since he is more athletic and close in static strength - even stronger than z and brian at some lifts, and stronger overall than mariusz (saying he wouldnt beat a strongman from another era like mariusz, when the records were much lower, and won most of his competitions when the big names were at arnold classic only, shows how much biased you are against mitch lol)
@goldtaker95 I know Mitch, I work in professional strongman...
I also know Thor lifted 510 in training as his target is 515.
It's called knowledge, not bias.
The problem with thor and shaw is that they peaked around the same time.
No one human will ever be as strong as Samson the Nazirite
💪🏻
Yeah, Mitch must be reminded of this! He needs to keep that fire in his belly because he has the potential to be the GOAT but he's definitely not there yet.
I do think if Mitch wins Glasgow and rogue he’s the best year over Thor 2018. Mitch also has a wr axle this year
Also z’s podium streak is incredible
I would say he fares very favourably based on his performances so far.
Don't forget Hafthor's 1100 raw total in 2018 with only a 6 week prep.
+ that total was with only a 440 squat, and we all know he got the 460 also
What does that have to do with strongman wins and podiums?
@los1wochos Still impressive with a short prep after sweeping every contest he did that year. Most guys who hit the 1100lbs total prep for a lot longer, Graham Hicks hit the same total and his prep was much longer than Thor, and Hicks is known as a static monster.
@@los1wochos Nothing but thor's fanboys hate being reminded that Hooper is the more impressive and better strongman
@@hannibalb8276 It goes both ways when you face Hooper's fanboys.
Clearly, Hooper is the best right now
For podium finishes i dont see mitch coming out of the top 3 for a long time. Until evan works on his "crazyness" and not hurt himself almost every comp and tom takes it easy and focuses on certain shows. Mitch worse outcome would be third if youre looking at the current strongmen that are competiting atm. So he can beat brians and even get close to Z's streak
Hooper is a phenomenon but that is why, for me, there's no argument over the GOAT. Z
Mitch should go for most WSM wins
Zydrunas the greatest for a reason!!!
💪💪💪
We love the stats.
Can't compare any of these guys to big Z shaw etc, was golden age of strongman, i rarely watch now same as ufc. I think biby has some star power always check him on the log lift
If Mitch Didn't Rip his hand at WSM would he have won?
He's an amazing Strong man, but let's all be honest with ourselves and admit he hasn't really had any competition. Tom shows up once a year and Thor retired just in time for him to dominate,and now Thor is obviously not in top shape and still won 5 events in SMO.
Mitch will get to 99 straight podiums like fellow Canadian Wayne Gretzky number # 🤣🤣🤣
There’ll probably never be a fair way to determine who the goat is, but it’ll provide the internet with something to rage about to each other for a while.
Until 90 seconds after they stop raging & get on with their day and discover that they don’t actually care as much as they thought they did when they were on the internet.
U have it spot on , most don’t 🤣
Thor was competing against Brian Shaw and Eddie hall. Arguably, top strongmen of all time.
Mitch has competed against…….. who?
Is Tom considered one of the best of all time? All time ????
Evan singleton?
I don’t even Mitch’s current rivals as…. “Best of all time” competition.
I’m a Canadian and will always appreciate Mitch. But. Lack of true competition hurts his credentials for that title.
Gotta give hooper credit. Hes about 120-150 lbs lighter than all those guys. 💪
That's an exaggeration. Hooper is 320-330. Hafthor and Brian were 380-450. Eddie was 360-430, Zydrunas was 350-400.
I don't think Mitch will be in strongman long enough to be in the GOAT conversation. He seems like he has a lot of other plans after strongman. That being said, if he does leave the sport early he definitely will leave a lot of question marks and what if's. As a fan of the sport I selfishly would like to see him continue to try and break big z's streak, but I understand him not doing it. He has won everything in strongman so why not walk away still healthy to pursue something bigger.
Mitch is a trophy hunter. Time to move up a class 😅
That's why he wants the 505 kilos, but he'll have to work hard, if it's even enough.
Looking at stats alone is all fine and well and Mitch is certainly starting to measure up with the best of them. But, I dont think anyone out on the street has a clue who Mitch is, and that's where true "greatness" starts to become determined, in my opinion. Thor, Big Z, Pudz, Hall, Shaw, even Kaz, Magnusson etc are still faces that people recognise and remember for their feats of strength. They've inspired generations and continue to do so. Mitch lacks a certain personability and charisma that keeps him away from the top of the list of true greats, for me. Again, just my opinion.
What makes mitch great is he has come in dominating whereas everyone else took years to get to the top
Just wait till Trey is fully recovered. He will give Mitch a run for his money.
The only thing Hooper lacks is time in the sport.
Goat versus gott greatest of all time versus greatest of their time, hooper is the greatest of his time
I genuinely think if Mitch wants to he will be the greatest strongman of all time at the end of his career
I wanted to know how where Eddie is on this list? Anyone who knows? He should be way down
I think that Mitch definitely has the physical capability and intelligence regarding his health to eventually become a GOAT. I'm just not sure he has the desire to have that length of a career.
Mitch is to strongman what Usain Bolt was to sprinting and Cassius Clay was to boxing. But they all get bettered eventually, that's natural human development.
Mitchell Hooper is definitely on track to be the Greatest Strongman of All Time. Absolutely mind blowing
Get yer stats out!
This really demonstrates why Zydrunas, as freakin awesome as he was, is NOT the goat, but Brian is. Two thirds of Big Z's comps, while "international", were backwater European events where basically anybody and their grandma competed... Brian in the second half of his career and now Mitch exclusively compete at top level shows. That is in no comparison to the vast majority of Z's wins... talk about comparing apples and oranges!
I can see Mitch retiring soon on a high, he has plenty going on outside of strongman
This is the problem with giants and worlds i don't think they care about strongman only cash