**Former Rugby Star Rayno Nel Makes History with Shock Win at World’s Strongest Man**
In a result that has stunned both the rugby and strongman communities, former South African rugby player Rayno Nel has claimed the coveted title of World’s Strongest Man 2025, securing his place in sporting history. The 30-year-old, who tips the scales at more than 23 stone, achieved the remarkable feat at his very first attempt as an amateur competitor, toppling established athletes at the prestigious contest held in California.
Nel’s journey to the world stage has been nothing short of extraordinary. Having spent his early sporting career captaining the Central University of Technology (CUT) rugby team in Bloemfontein for three years, he went on to represent the Free State Cheetahs, earning a solid reputation on the rugby pitch. However, his career trajectory took a turn when his prodigious strength was noticed outside the rugby arena, prompting his foray into the strongman circuit just three years ago.
Despite being a newcomer, Nel’s performance at South Africa’s Strongest Man in 2023 hinted at his immense potential. Within a short period, he found himself on the world stage, facing heavy favourites including reigning champion Tom Stoltman. In a closely contested final, Nel edged out Stoltman by just half a point, becoming not only the first African athlete to secure the World’s Strongest Man title but also the first rookie to lift the trophy since 1997.
“His journey reflects CUT’s commitment to excellence, resilience, and innovation on and off the field. We salute Rayno for his outstanding achievement and for carrying the CUT flag with pride and power,” stated his alma mater, the Central University of Technology, in a tribute to Nel’s historic victory.
Unlike many of his strongman rivals, Nel balances his sporting ambitions with a full-time career. He works as an electrical engineer as his primary occupation, a role he says continues to be his main passion. In the aftermath of his landmark win, Nel was questioned by strongman legend Eddie Hall about potentially turning professional. Nel, however, maintained a measured approach about his future.
“I love what I do,” Nel told Hall in a post-event interview. “I’m an electrical engineer by trade and it’s really something I hold close to my heart. I don’t think I’ll ever go away from it—strongman is just a couple of years. For now, I’m going to enjoy winning the World’s Strongest Man.”
Nel was refreshingly candid about his unexpected success on the global stage. “It’s something you guys work for, for so many years, and for me it’s just something that came in the first year,” he remarked. “I’m amazed by the great result. I’ll just go back to the drawing board, plan and see what’s next.”
His physical prowess was further exhibited during the competition, particularly when he managed an extraordinary 490kg deadlift repetition. For context, the current world record—set by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson—stands at 501kg, cementing Nel’s status as one of the strongest individuals on the planet.
Rayno Nel’s victory has been celebrated both in his native South Africa and across the global strongman community, symbolising an inspiring story of late sporting reinvention and grit. With his humble attitude and clear sense of perspective, he has become an overnight sensation not just for his power, but his grounded approach to life and sport.
As for whether he plans to pursue strongman as a full-time venture, Nel remains non-committal for now, choosing instead to savour his breakthrough and reflect on his future. Observers can only speculate what might come next for the rugby-star-turned-strongman, but whatever his decision, his 2025 triumph is already being hailed as one of the great shock stories in the sport’s history.