The 2025 Strongman Champions League World Finals in Upington, South Africa delivered one of the most emotional and explosive conclusions to a season in SCL history. With a record-breaking $100,000 prize pool, a massive live crowd, and historic performances, this event cemented its legacy as one of the greatest strongman finales ever held.
๐ฅ Rayno Nel โ World Champion Again
South Africaโs own Rayno Nel proved once again why he is the dominant force in the sport. Already crowned the 2025 Worldโs Strongest Man, Rayno entered the Finals as the defending SCL Champion and left no doubt, claiming the title once more to become a 2x Strongman Champions League World Champion.
He opened Day 1 with a perfect score – 100% points across the first 4 events – electrifying theย crowd, including students and teachers from local schools. Rayno was a true hometown hero, ending Day 1 in first with 52 points and never letting go.
๐ฅ Final Podium
๐ฅ Rayno Nel โ South Africa โ 85 pts
๐ฅ Kevin Hazeleger โ Netherlands โ 70.5 pts
๐ฅ Adam Roszkowski โ Poland โ 69 pts
๐ Notable Highlights
-
๐ฌ๐ญ Evans Nana fought bravely through an injury during the Cerberus Sandbag Loading but still finished the event like a warrior.
-
๐บ๐ธ Brian Kichton lit up Day 2 with a dominant win on the Atlas Stones.
-
๐ฎ๐น Andrea Invernizzi and ๐ฑ๐ป Aivars ล maukstelis gave emotional farewells, announcing their retirements from the sport. Two true legends โ their presence will be deeply missed in SCL.
๐ Historic Support & Organization
This event would not have been possible without the incredible support of many key figures:
-
๐ David Mogashoa and Upington City Football Club โ lead sponsor and partner
-
๐ฟ๐ฆ Gayton McKenzie, Minister of Sport โ for supporting the championship and strength sports in South Africa
-
๐ Monja Nel, Bredine Vorster, and family โ the heart of SCL South Africa
-
๐ฏ Gawie van den Berg and organizing team โ for world-class logistics and execution
As Rayno himself said:
โTo win on home soil with my family and country behind me is the greatest honor of my life. Thank you to everyone who made this dream a reality.โ
๐ The End of an Era, the Start of a New Chapter
Season 2025 closes with massive memories, new records, and emotional farewells. But the fire continues to burn.
We’ll see you in 2026 โ faster, higher, stronger.
Victory of Strength lives on.
๐ธ Follow Us for Photos & Replays
๐ท Instagram โ @strongmanchampionsleague
๐ Facebook โ @strongmancl
๐บ YouTube โ Strongman Champions League
