What Is 2010 World's Strongest Man

Overview

The 2010 World's Strongest Man competition marked a pivotal moment in strongman history, as Lithuanian powerhouse Žydrūnas Savickas claimed his first title after years of near-misses. Held in Sun City, South Africa, from September 16 to 19, the event brought together 10 elite athletes from around the globe to compete in six physically demanding events.

Unlike previous years dominated by Mariusz Pudzianowski, the 2010 edition saw a shift in dominance. Savickas’s victory was a culmination of consistent performance and raw strength, finally overcoming past runner-up finishes. The competition tested athletes across a variety of disciplines designed to measure absolute strength, endurance, and mental toughness.

• Event Location: The competition took place at Sun City Resort in North West Province, South Africa, a frequent host of the finals due to its reliable infrastructure and climate.
• Winner:Žydrūnas Savickas from Lithuania won with a total of 55 points, securing first place in three events and second in two others.
• Runner-up: Finland’s Magnus Samuelsson finished second with 47 points, showing strength in the deadlift and loading challenges.
• Notable Competitor:Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, later famous as 'The Mountain' in Game of Thrones, placed fifth and was the youngest competitor at age 21.
• Event Format: The final consisted of six events, including the Atlas Stones, Vehicle Pull, and Overhead Press for reps, each awarding points based on placement.

Competition Events

The 2010 finals tested athletes across a diverse range of strength disciplines, each designed to isolate different physical capabilities. From static lifts to dynamic loading tasks, the events required not only brute force but also pacing, technique, and recovery between rounds.

• Atlas Stones: Competitors lifted 5 uneven stones weighing 100–160 kg onto platforms; Savickas completed the set in 21.6 seconds, the fastest time.
• Vehicle Pull: Athletes pulled a 24,000-pound truck for 25 meters; Savickas won this event in 48.3 seconds, showcasing explosive power.
• Deadlift Hold: A static event where lifters held a 500-kilogram barbell as long as possible; Savickas lasted 62 seconds, second only to Brian Shaw.
• Overhead Medley: Included log lift, keg, and sandbag; Savickas placed second with a time of 59.4 seconds, trailing only Samuelsson.
• Timber Carry: A 20-meter race carrying two 75-kilogram logs; Savickas finished in 14.2 seconds, earning maximum points.
• Fingal's Fingers: Five weighted levers flipped in succession; Savickas completed them in 38.7 seconds, securing crucial points.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the top five finishers highlights the narrow margins that separated the elite competitors in 2010.

The table shows how Savickas’s dominance in key events like the Atlas Stones and Vehicle Pull gave him an insurmountable lead. Samuelsson’s consistency earned him second, while Björnsson’s fifth-place finish signaled the rise of a future champion. The point spread between first and fifth was just 17 points, underscoring the competition’s intensity.

Why It Matters

The 2010 World's Strongest Man was a turning point in the sport’s narrative, symbolizing the passing of the torch and the emergence of new legends. Savickas’s victory was not just personal redemption but also a milestone in the globalization of strength sports.

• Historic Win: Savickas became the first Lithuanian to win WSM, elevating his nation’s profile in strength athletics.
• End of an Era: This marked the first WSM final without Mariusz Pudzianowski, the five-time champion, due to injury.
• Rising Star: Hafþór Björnsson’s participation foreshadowed a new generation, later dominating the sport in the 2010s.
• Event Legacy: The Sun City venue hosted WSM finals 12 times between 1999 and 2010, becoming iconic in strongman culture.
• Global Reach: Competitors represented 8 countries, reflecting the sport’s expanding international footprint.
• Media Impact: Broadcast in over 150 countries, the event boosted visibility for strength sports beyond niche audiences.

The 2010 competition remains a benchmark for athletic excellence, remembered for Savickas’s breakthrough and the sport’s evolving landscape.