This week we head to Columbus Ohio with excitement and anticipation as the 2025 Arnold Strongman Classic draws near—a gladiatorial spectacle where raw power meets indomitable will. Set against the backdrop of the bustling Arnold Sports Festival, this year’s competition promises to be a monumental clash of titans, with world-class athletes like two-time champion Mitchell Hooper, the ever-powerful Hafthor Björnsson, and three-time World’s Strongest Man Tom Stoltman leading the charge. As fans from across the globe converge on Ohio, every press of the elephant bar and every grueling atlas stone lift will be a testament to human strength, perseverance, and the unyielding spirit of competition. The stage is set, the stakes are high, and the promise of history in the making fuels an excitement that can be felt in every roar of the crowd and every bead of sweat in the arena. Welcome to a celebration of might, where legends are born and the boundaries of strength are pushed to their very limits. Let’s take a look at the competition and of course talk odds.

The men's lineup for the 2025 Arnold Strongman Classic in Ohio is as follows:

Mitchell Hooper – Two-Time Reigning ASC Champion
Hafthor Björnsson – Three-Time ASC Champion
Austin Andrade
Bobby Thompson
Evan Singleton
Lucas Hatton
Maxime Boudreault
Nick Guardione – 2024 Official Strongman Games Men’s Open Champion
Tom Stoltman – Three-Time Reigning World's Strongest Man
Trey Mitchell – Two-Time Shaw Classic Champion

Comparative Analysis

Mitchell Hooper
• Two-time reigning ASC Champion, Hooper has consistently demonstrated superior static strength and event-specific consistency.
• His experience—especially in events like the Elephant Bar Deadlift and overhead challenges—makes him the favorite.

Hafthor Björnsson
• A three-time ASC champion, Hafthor brings immense power and raw strength to the contest.
• While his track record is impressive, fluctuations in form or slight injury concerns mean he may be a shade less consistent than Hooper on the day.

Tom Stoltman
• Known globally as a three-time World's Strongest Man, Stoltman’s overall strength is unquestioned.
• His dynamic performance history suggests he can excel in many events; however, his record in static, timed events sometimes trails that of dedicated specialists.

Austin Andrade & Trey Mitchell
• Both rising talents with impressive recent results (Andrade showing versatility and Trey excelling in events like the Shaw Classic) can upset the established order.
• Their performances will be key in determining if they can bridge the gap to the elite group.

Bobby Thompson
• A reliable competitor who often emerges as a dark horse, Thompson’s consistency could see him capitalize on any slip-up by the favorites.

Evan Singleton
• Known for his raw power, Singleton has the ability to post standout numbers but may lack the overall event experience compared to the top three.

Lucas Hatton, Maxime Boudreault & Nick Guardione
• These athletes have shown potential and have had noteworthy performances on the international stage.
• However, they are generally considered underdogs against the proven consistency and star power of Hooper, Björnsson, and Stoltman.

Predicted Odds (Speculative)

Based on historical data and event-specific skills, here are some rough fractional odds along with their implied win probabilities:

Mitchell Hooper: 3/1 (≈25% chance)
The clear favorite given his championship pedigree and event expertise.
Hafthor Björnsson: 4/1 (≈20% chance)
A powerhouse with strong credentials, though with slightly more variability in performance.
Tom Stoltman: 5/1 (≈16% chance)
A formidable contender whose overall strength and competitive experience keep him in the mix.
Austin Andrade: 8/1 (≈11% chance)
A rising star with potential to upset the established order if he peaks on competition day.
Trey Mitchell: 8/1 (≈11% chance)
Similarly, a talented up-and-comer who could leverage his strong performance at events like the Shaw Classic.
Bobby Thompson: 10/1 (≈9% chance)
A consistent performer who might capitalize on an off-day from the favorites.
Evan Singleton: 12/1 (≈8% chance)
Offers explosive power but might struggle against the experience of the top tier.
Lucas Hatton: 15/1 (≈6% chance)
An underdog with potential who faces an uphill battle in a deep field.
Maxime Boudreault: 20/1 (≈5% chance)
A talented competitor but with odds that reflect the stiff competition in the elite group.
Nick Guardione: 25/1 (≈4% chance)
Fresh off a strong performance at the 2024 Official Strongman Games, he is seen as a longshot among the established names.

While Hooper, Björnsson, and Stoltman emerge as the top favorites due to their proven track records, the dynamic nature of strongman competitions means upsets are always possible. The mid-tier competitors (Andrade, Trey Mitchell, and Thompson) have the potential to capitalize on any inconsistency among the leaders, whereas the underdogs (Singleton, Hatton, Boudreault, and Guardione) will be aiming to make a breakthrough performance.

Steve Dee