While the marquee title of the 48th World’s Strongest Man went to South Africa’s Rayno Nel, another historic milestone was set on the same stage this past weekend—an American strongman etched his name into the record books. Lucas Hatton, competing as a guest with unanimous support from the finalists, shattered the World’s Strongest Man overhead press world record by hoisting an incredible 556 pounds, eclipsing the previous mark of 542 pounds held by 2020 champion Oleksii Novikov of Ukraine.
Hatton, a 6-foot, 370-pound powerhouse from Washington, completed the lift during the Flintstone Barbell event at this weekend’s competition, held May 15–18 in Sacramento. He made his lift, which shattered the record. by 14 pounds look effortless.
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Who is Lucas Hatton?
Sacramento erupted with cheers as American strongman Lucas Hatton stunned the crowd with a record-breaking performance in the Flintstone Barbell press at the 48th World’s Strongest Man competition. The event challenges athletes to lift an increasingly heavy barbell—from a set of massive barrels—from either the front or back of the neck, pressing it overhead to full lockout using any pressing style. Weights started at 415 pounds and climbed to 531 pounds. But Hatton didn’t stop there; he effortlessly crushed the previous record with a jaw-dropping lift of 556 pounds, electrifying fans and fellow competitors alike.
Before his record-breaking performance, Hatton was eliminated from the WSM qualifying round, however he competed in the Flintstone event as a guest lifter, receiving unanimous support from the contestants, but receiving no official points for his lift.
Hatton’s rise in the strongman world has been as rapid as it has been deliberate. The Washington native began as a multi-sport collegiate athlete at Pacific Lutheran University, competing in football, track and field events like shot put, discus, and hammer throw, as well as weightlifting and powerlifting. It wasn’t until 2018 that he seriously pursued strongman competitions, quickly making waves locally before ascending to the international stage.
His breakthrough moment came in 2022 when he placed fifth at the Official Strongman Games, firmly establishing himself among the world’s elite. This year, Hatton further cemented his status during the Arnold Strongman Classic in Columbus, Ohio, delivering standout performances that prepared him for his dominant showing in Sacramento.
Who Won This Year’s World’s Strongest Man?
Nel’s victory capped off the thrilling four-day competition. A rookie on the World’s Strongest Man stage, Nel dominated from the start, building a seven-point lead that proved insurmountable. His calm precision in the grueling final Atlas Stones event—finishing just one second ahead of Canadian contender Mitchell Hooper—sealed his historic title. Nel is now the first South African to claim the World’s Strongest Man crown and only the third rookie ever to win this prestigious event. Three-time champion Tom Stoltman of Great Britain finished just behind in second place, with Hooper rounding out the podium in third.
Nel shared his emotions following the victory: “I knew I had to get the first stone and have luck on my side—and today, luck was on my side. Coming in, I had only competed against one athlete (Evans Nana), but once I started, I focused only on what’s in front of me,” he said. “I was a bit starstruck by everything at World’s Strongest Man. This moment is beyond my wildest dreams. I thought something like this would be in three or four years, so to bring this win home to South Africa this year is incredible. I love my country—we’ve faced so many struggles, but we always find a way to smile and push through. This means so much to my people, and I’m honored to represent them. It all feels surreal. I’m over the moon.”