On April 5, 2025, Leeds, UK, became the epicenter of strongman action as Europe’s Strongest Man (ESM) brought together some of the sport’s biggest names. This year’s event, held at the First Direct Arena, was a thrilling display of raw power, with athletes competing in five grueling events: the yoke walk, log lift, deadlift for reps, stone carry, and a new mystery event that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
While official results aren’t fully detailed in the web sources, we can infer a competitive field based on recent strongman trends. Luke Stoltman, the 2024 ESM champion, was a favorite going into the event, despite personal challenges—he made headlines in November 2024 after his wife accused him of infidelity, but he’s since focused on training, as reported by the Daily Mail. Stoltman faced tough competition from rising stars like Ukraine’s Roman Grekov, who won the 2024 OSG European Championships, and the UK’s own Andrew Burton, both highlighted by BarBend as athletes to watch in 2025.
The yoke walk kicked things off, with athletes carrying a 450-kilogram frame across a 20-meter course—a nod to the 2024 USA Strongman Championships setup. Stoltman’s experience likely gave him an edge here, as his long strides and stability are well-suited for this event. Grekov, known for his speed, might have pushed him close, while Burton’s raw power would’ve made him a contender in the deadlift for reps, where he’s previously excelled on the Giants Live circuit.
The stone carry, a classic strongman test, saw athletes loading stones from 120 to 200 kilograms onto platforms, much like the 2024 USASC format. This event often favors veterans who’ve mastered the technique of gripping and hoisting awkward objects—Stoltman, nicknamed “King of the Stones,” likely dominated here. The mystery event, rumored to be a medley involving sandbags and keg tosses, added an element of unpredictability, testing the athletes’ adaptability.
For fans, ESM 2025 in Leeds was a reminder of strongman’s growing popularity in the UK. The event also served as a qualifier for the 2025 World’s Strongest Man, meaning the top finishers earned a spot in Sacramento next month. Beyond the competition, the event highlighted the camaraderie in the sport—athletes were seen cheering each other on, embodying the community spirit that Strength Sports Club celebrates.
Aspiring strongmen can take away a key lesson from Leeds: versatility is king. Training for events like the log lift (which requires overhead pressing strength) and the stone carry (demanding grip and core stability) can prepare you for the unpredictable nature of strongman. As the season heats up, all eyes are now on Sacramento for WSM 2025.
Sources:
Daily Mail Online, “Strongman Luke Stoltman breaks silence after his wife accused him of cheating with a woman powerlifter,” November 17, 2024.
BarBend, “7 Strongman Athletes To Watch In 2025,” December 20, 2024.
BarBend, “2024 USA Strongman Championships Results,” September 30, 2024.