Strongman is a sport that tests overall strength, endurance, and sometimes speed. Unlike powerlifting, which focuses on specific lifts, strongman competitions involve a variety of challenges. These can include lifting heavy weights, pulling trucks, carrying objects like sandbags or stones (often called "Atlas stones"), and flipping large tires. Competitors, known as strongmen or strongwomen, are scored based on their performance in these events, such as the weight lifted, the speed of completion, or the number of repetitions achieved within a time limit. The sport requires immense physical strength, endurance, versatility, and technique.

Strongman competitions are held worldwide, with notable popularity in the United States, the United Kingdom, and countries in Scandinavia. Major competitions include the World's Strongest Man, Arnold Strongman Classic, and various national championships. The sport attracts a diverse range of athletes, from professional strongmen to amateur enthusiasts.

Strongman competitions can be traced back to ancient times, with feats of strength being a key component of many cultures' folklore and festivals. In more recent history, the late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the rise of circus and vaudeville strongmen, who performed acts of strength for entertainment. The modern format of the strongman competition, however, began in the late 20th century.

The first official "World's Strongest Man" contest was held in 1977, marking the beginning of strongman as a competitive sport. Since then, the events and challenges in strongman competitions have evolved, growing from simple tests of brute strength to a variety of dynamic and creative strength challenges, often inspired by traditional lifting tasks and historical feats of strength.

The strongman sport is expanding in both scope and popularity. There's a growing focus on inclusivity, with more categories emerging, such as divisions for different weight classes and age groups, and increasing participation of women. The types of events and challenges are becoming more diverse and creative, often incorporating unconventional lifting tasks and endurance tests. The rise of social media and online streaming platforms is also boosting the sport's visibility, attracting a wider audience. This increased interest is leading to more sponsorship opportunities and professional pathways for athletes.

Additionally, there's a growing emphasis on athlete health and training science, improving performance and safety. These trends indicate a vibrant future for strongman, evolving beyond traditional displays of brute strength to a multifaceted sport with broad appeal.