Atlas Stones

Atlas Stones (also known as Stones of Strength) is one of the most iconic events in professional strongman competition, particularly featured as the final event of World's Strongest Man (WSM) since 1986. Competitors lift 5 progressively heavier concrete/rubberized spherical stones (typically 100-200+ kg / 220-440+ lb) from ground level onto platforms of decreasing height (140 cm to 120 cm typically). Fastest total time wins; if unable to finish, most stones lifted wins. The technique combines the atlas lift (initial ground-to-lap) followed by the extension press to platform. Derived from traditional Scottish/Basque stone lifting (Manhood Stones tradition). Modern equipment: tacky (pine resin) on forearms for grip, harnessed lifting suits sometimes allowed. WSM records: Brian Shaw (USA), Žydrūnas Savickas (LTU), Eddie Hall (GBR), Tom Stoltman (GBR — current WSM champion 2021-2024) have all set stone records. Considered the ultimate test of raw functional strength + explosive lifting.

Time-based; ranked by finish time (or stones completed if incomplete).

Win condition · Lowest total time to load all 5 stones.

• Atlas Stones (5)

  Concrete/rubber stones ranging 100-200+ kg.

• Loading platforms

  Platforms at descending heights (140→120 cm typical).

• Tacky (pine resin)

  Applied to forearms for grip.

• Strongman athlete

  ×1

  Sole competitor per heat.

• Efficient lap-to-lockout transition

  Fast hip drive out of lap position saves seconds.

• Grip: tacky application + timing

  Correct tacky quantity + placement critical.

• World's Strongest Man Finals

  annual · worldwide (rotating hosts) · since 1977

• Arnold Strongman Classic

  annual · Columbus, Ohio, USA · since 2002

• 🇺🇸🇦USA
• 🇬🇧🇷GBR
• 🇱🇹🇺LTU
• 🇵🇴🇱POL
• 🇮🇸🇱ISL
• 🇺🇰🇷UKR
• 🇬🇪🇷GER
• 🇨🇦🇳CAN

• World's Strongest Man (IMG Media / Rogue Fitness)

  Founded 1977 · USA/UK

• Strongman Champions League

  Founded 2008 · Europe

• Wikipedia — Atlas Stones— Wikipedia