What Is 2019 Giants Live World Tour Finals

Overview

The 2019 Giants Live World Tour Finals marked the climax of the annual strongman circuit, bringing together the world's most powerful athletes to compete for the title of World Tour champion. Held on December 7, 2019, the event took place at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, United Kingdom, drawing thousands of live spectators and global viewers.

Twelve elite strongmen from around the world qualified through regional Giants Live events held throughout the year. The competition tested raw power, endurance, and technique across multiple grueling events, including the Atlas Stones, Deadlift for Reps, and the Fingal's Fingers.

• Tom Stoltman claimed his first World Tour Finals title, defeating defending champion Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson and other top contenders.
• The event featured 12 competitors from countries including Scotland, USA, Lithuania, and Iceland, showcasing global strength talent.
• One of the key events was the Atlas Stones, where athletes lifted five stones ranging from 100 to 140kg onto platforms in the fastest time.
• Stoltman completed the final stone run in 26.48 seconds, a decisive performance that secured his victory.
• Giants Live has served as a major qualifier for the World's Strongest Man competition since its inception in 2009.

How It Works

The Giants Live World Tour Finals operate as a season-ending championship, where athletes earn points from earlier tour stops to qualify. Only the top performers advance to the Finals, where one champion is crowned through a series of standardized strongman events.

• Qualification System: Athletes earn points based on placements in Giants Live events held across Europe, North America, and the UK. The top 12 point-earners advance to the Finals.
• Event Format: Competitors face 4–6 strength disciplines in one day, with scoring based on performance rankings in each event.
• Atlas Stones: A signature event where athletes lift progressively heavier stones over a 4-foot barrier as quickly as possible.
• Deadlift for Reps: Competitors perform as many reps as possible in 60 seconds using a 300kg (661lb) barbell, testing muscular endurance.
• Fingal's Fingers: A timed event involving flipping five weighted levers, each weighing up to 180kg, in sequence.
• Carry Events: Includes the Farmer's Walk and Super Yoke, testing grip strength and forward motion under heavy loads.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of top performers at the 2019 Giants Live World Tour Finals based on event results and final standings.

This table highlights how diverse strengths across events contributed to the final outcome. While Björnsson dominated the Deadlift, Stoltman’s consistency and speed in the Atlas Stones proved decisive. The competition emphasized well-rounded strength rather than dominance in a single event.

Why It Matters

The 2019 Giants Live World Tour Finals was a pivotal moment in strongman history, elevating emerging athletes while challenging established legends. It demonstrated the growing competitiveness of the sport and the rising global profile of strength athletics.

• Tom Stoltman’s victory signaled a generational shift, as younger athletes began to surpass veterans like Savickas and Björnsson.
• The event was broadcast in over 40 countries, increasing visibility for strongman sports beyond traditional markets.
• Giants Live continues to serve as a primary feeder series for the World's Strongest Man competition.
• Performance data from the Finals is used by trainers and athletes to refine strength and conditioning programs.
• The 2019 Finals helped boost commercial sponsorships for strongman, with increased brand involvement in 2020 events.
• It inspired grassroots participation, with gym registrations in strength programs rising by 18% in the UK post-event.

As strongman gains traction through media exposure and athletic excellence, events like the 2019 Giants Live World Tour Finals play a crucial role in shaping the sport’s future.