Josh Spurgeon is a name strongman fans should know in 2025. The American athlete, who qualified for the 2025 Strongest Man on Earth (SMoE) contest after winning the 2024 Shaw Classic Men’s Open, is poised for a breakout year. His 2024 season was a mix of highs and lows — bronze at the Shaw Classic, silver at America’s Strongest Man, and bronze at the Official Strongman Games — but his consistency has earned him a spot among the sport’s elite.
Spurgeon’s win at the Shaw Classic was a turning point, beating out tough competition like Italy’s Guardione, who also had a stellar 2024 with golds at the Arnold Amateur Strongman World Championships and OSG. BarBend highlighted Spurgeon as one of seven strongmen to watch in 2025, and for good reason: his raw power in events like the deadlift and yoke walk makes him a threat. At the 2024 USA Strongman Championships in Las Vegas, athletes carried a 450-kilogram yoke across a 20-meter course, and Spurgeon’s speed in similar events suggests he’ll excel at SMoE.
The 2025 SMoE, expected to take place in late summer, will feature a loaded field, including Mitchell Hooper (2024 SMoE champ) and Tom Stoltman (three-time WSM winner). Spurgeon’s training has been laser-focused on versatility — he’s been seen on social media flipping 400-kilogram tires and pressing 150-kilogram logs, preparing for the unpredictable nature of strongman events. His coach has also emphasized recovery, with Spurgeon using ice baths and mobility work to stay injury-free.
For fans, Spurgeon’s rise is a reminder of strongman’s accessibility. He started in a small gym with basic equipment, much like Sussex’s Andrew Flynn, who qualified for WSM 2025 training in his garden. Spurgeon’s tip for beginners: “Master the deadlift — it’s the foundation of strongman.” He recommends starting with lighter weights to perfect form, then gradually adding load while using straps to protect your grip.
As SMoE 2025 approaches, Spurgeon’s goal is clear: a podium finish. With his work ethic and raw talent, he’s got a real shot. Will he upset the veterans, or will experience prevail? The strongman world is watching.
Sources:
BarBend, December 20, 2024
BarBend, September 30, 2024
BBC News, February 3, 2025