Brian Shaw wins final Shaw Classic in Colorado and beats Eddie Hall in arm wrestling debut

Brian Shaw, the American strongman from Colorado, ended his strongman career with a win. On August 19–20, 2023, at the Shaw Classic in Loveland, Colorado, he took first place in his last contest.

The event was held at the Budweiser Events Center and had eight tough rounds, including Atlas Stones and heavy deadlifts. Shaw beat Mitchell Hooper of Canada and Tom Stoltman of Scotland. With this win, he was crowned “Strongest Man on Earth.” In December 2024, Shaw returned to competition in a new sport. He fought Eddie Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and won his first professional arm wrestling match by 4-2.

Brian Shaw wins Shaw Classic title in Loveland before retiring

The 2023 Shaw Classic was unique because not only was it Brian Shaw's own event, but it was also Brian Shaw's last event.

The event took place over a two day contest on August 19 and August 20, 2023.

Participants included Mitchell Hooper, the 2023 World's Strongest Man earlier in the year, and Tom Stoltman, a two-time World's Strongest Man. Events included the Car Leg Press, Bench Press for reps, Deadlift, and Atlas Stones. Shaw, six-foot-eight and over 400 pounds, demonstrated power and control.By the end, Brian Shaw finished first. Mitchell Hooper took second place, and Tom Stoltman finished third.

Standing on the stage in Loveland, Shaw said it was the perfect way to finish his strongman journey. “This crowd, this stage, and this win mean everything,” Shaw told fans after the show. His title as “Strongest Man on Earth” made his farewell even more historic.

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Brian Shaw defeats Eddie Hall in first arm wrestling match

Retirement from strongman did not stop Brian Shaw from testing himself again. On December 14, 2024, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Shaw entered King of the Table 13, a professional arm wrestling event. His first match was against fellow strongman and rival Eddie Hall from England. The match was best of seven rounds.Eddie Hall took some early points, but Shaw adjusted his grip and power. After a close fight, Shaw won the match 4-2. Eddie Hall later said that Shaw’s size and strength were very hard to stop. Shaw himself said after the match, “I wanted to try something new, and this was the right challenge.” Fans cheered as two of the world’s strongest men faced each other in a new arena.