Every year some history is created in the World’s Strongest Man competition. Someone may win it for the first time, or a new world record may be set out of nowhere. The 2026 edition of the competition also witnessed history. Michelle Hooper regained the title and now joins a short list of men who have won it multiple times. This is the most obvious highlight of the competition, but it was a first for the WSM rookie.
Who is Levi stronger? Meet Mississippi’s first World’s Strongest Man contestant
Levi Strong (yes, that’s his real name) was the first person from the state of Mississippi to compete in a world championship event. He is also the first powerful person in his kingdom. Standing at 6’8” and weighing over 370 pounds, the career lineman has the perfect physique to compete in a competition of this magnitude.
Strong initially received training thanks to a bodybuilder he employed in New Orleans, but he discovered Eddie Hall’s documentary and decided that Strongman was a better choice for him.
“I thought it felt good. So, I found a competition, entered it, and did well. So, I just kept doing it.”
How Levi Strong qualified for World’s Strongest Man 2026
After joining the sport, Strong went all-in and eventually turned professional. As the first professional in his home state, Strong wanted to help grow the sport. So, he started coaching and wasted no time in helping another athlete from his state, his wife.
“Rebecca Strong is my wife, and I trained her to be a professional. So, she’s the first professional strong woman.”
In addition to being Rebecca’s coach, Strong has a huge advantage as an athlete thanks to having a partner who is familiar with the sport and knows the commitment it takes to succeed. He doesn’t take it lightly.
“She’s definitely aware of it, including the time to prepare and execute events for training, which is sometimes the hardest part,” Strong said. “She’s a strong asset to it, and she takes our two kids while I work out.”
Strong admitted that he still earns most of his income from line work, but he has recently started taking more time to focus on the game. When he is working, it is primarily on storm recovery efforts. Traveling and finding ways to train for a specific sport like Strongman is not as easy as it is for a bodybuilder or powerlifter because many gyms do not have equipment like log press bars, stones, and yokes for carry. Strong was actually preparing for the 2024 America’s Strongest Man competition when he had to travel to Florida for more than two weeks to help that area recover from the frequent hurricanes.
“I went from there to Las Vegas for the competition and lost 25 pounds.”
Strong struggled there but saved himself 2025 Magnus Ver Magnusson Classic by winning both Gimli competitions in Canada and the Magnus Classic in Iceland. That’s what led them to the WSM event in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in April 2026.
Unfortunately for Strong, he was placed in a qualifying group that also included three-time champion Tom Stoltman as well as previous finalists Austin Andrade and Matthew Wragg. Strong did not reach the finals, but his first taste of bigger competition was enough to make him want more. So, he is already preparing to compete again with the hope of qualifying for 2027.
Levi Strong’s Top 3 Strongman Training Tips for Beginners
Strongman is a growing sport, and many athletes are preparing for their first competitions or at least considering participating. Strong is built for the sport, but he offers tips for those who are new to this type of training and are thinking about making the jump to local competition.
be able to adjust
As Strong’s career proves, life can and will get in the way of preparing for a competition or a serious training phase. In addition to an established plan, it’s important to be able to make adjustments with training, nutrition, and recovery so you can get the most out of the work you do toward a goal or competition you plan to enter. He shared an example when he himself had to do this earlier this year.
“I got a late call for a competition in Siberia, and it was five weeks away. I had to gain weight and get ready for max deadlifts, but our visas didn’t get approved. Two days later, I found out I was going to be invited to Worlds. So, I just got into training for it.”
Push yourself physically and mentally to overcome pain
Strong’s work ethic and ability to push himself has been one of his best strengths. He advised that being strong is not for the physically or mentally weak. If you want to excel you have to be able to endure pain and move forward.
“There are events that hurt and make you want to give up, but you have to shut out those thoughts. The only way to do that is to keep doing it and keep pushing yourself.”
Incorporate heavy sled push into your routine
Many gyms may not have Strongman equipment, but weighted sleds are more accessible than ever, and Strong says focusing on very heavy sled pushes will build endurance and help in events like truck pulls.
“In addition to the strength it takes to move it, it will teach you the footwork needed for that kind of pull and help with that mental toughness.”
You can follow Strong on Instagram @levistrong and subscribe His YouTube channel.
