The 2021 Europe’s Strongest Man competition suffered a surprise upset when World’s Strongest Man and athlete favored to win, Tom Stoltman, took a leave of absence due to Covid-19 complications

 In a surprise upset, Tom’s brother, Luke Stoltman, won the competition and took the title. 

Some of the world’s best powerlifters assembled in Leeds, England this September 4th to compete. With his first place victory, Luke Stoltman is now eligible to compete in the 2022 World’s Strongest Man competition. 

Coming in second place was Olekskii Novikov, the 2020 World’s Strongest Man, who had already qualified for the 2022 WSM. Finally, in third place came Graham Hicks, who’s achievement also means he will be competing in 2022 WSM. 

While Tom Stoltman’s absence from this year’s competition is disheartening, hopefully he recovers quickly so he can compete against his brothers and other elite powerlifters during next year’s 2022 WSM. If he can defend his title as World’s Strongest Man is anyone’s guess. 

Listed below are the final placings and full event breakdowns. 

2021 Europe’s Strongest Man Results

  1. Luke Stoltman (GBR) — 40.5 points
  2. Oleksii Novikov (UKR) — 39 points
  3. Graham Hicks (GBR) — 30.5 points
  4. Rauno Heinla (EST) — 30 points
  5. Marius Lalas (LTU) — 28 points (T-5)
  6. Pa O’Dwyer (IRL) — 28 points (T-5)
  7. Ervin Toots (EST) — 20 points
  8. Gavin Bilton (GBR) — 12 points
  9. Johnny Hanson (SWE) — 11 points
  10. Adam Bishop (GBR) — 1 point

Max Log Lift

  1. Luke Stoltman — 195 kilograms (429.9 pounds)
  2. Graham Hicks — 195 kilograms (429.9 pounds)
  3. Oleksii Novikov — 180 kilograms (396.8 pounds)

Shield Carry

  1. Marius Lalas — 54.2 meters
  2. Luke Stoltman — 42.2 meters
  3. Ervin Toots — 37.7 meters
  4. Rauno Heinla — 37.05 meters
  5. Pa O’Dwyer — 34.85 meters
  6. Gavin Bolton — 32.1 meters
  7. Oleksii Novikov — 27.85 meters
  8. Graham Hicks — 27.4 meters
  9. Johnny Hanson — 22.3 meters
  10. Adam Bishop — 7.45 meters

Axle Deadlift

  1. Rauno Heinla — 9 reps
  2. Graham Hicks — 8 reps
  3. Marius Lalas — 6 reps
  4. Oleksii Novikov — 6 reps
  5. Pa O’Dwyer — 6 reps
  6. Gavin Bilton — 5 reps
  7. Luke Stoltman — 3 reps
  8. Ervin Toots — 2 reps
  9. Johnny Hansson — 0 reps

Car Walk

  1. Oleksii Novikov – 11.19 seconds
  2. Luke Stoltman – 13.59 seconds
  3. Pa O’Dwyer – 16.07 seconds
  4. Marius Lalas – 16.79 seconds
  5. Johnny Hansson – 20.6 seconds
  6. Rauno Heinla – 22.84 seconds
  7. Ervin Toots – 24.91 seconds
  8. Graham Hicks – 25.76 seconds
  9. Gavin Bilton – 7.73 meters

Castle Stones 

  1. Oleksii Novikov — 6 in 18.74 seconds
  2. Luke Stoltman — 5 in 20.58 seconds
  3. Rauno Heinla — 5 in 21.2 seconds
  4. Pa O’Dwyer — 5 in 22.23 seconds
  5. Graham Hicks — 5 in 22.42 seconds
  6. Ervin Toots — 5 in 23.5 seconds
  7. Marius Lalas — 5 in 24.76 seconds
  8. Johnny Hansson — 5 in 48.01 seconds