Game of Thrones star Hafthor Julius Bjornsson was named the World’s Ultimate Strongman on Friday after winning the Beasts in the Middle East championship in Dubai. The Icelandic juggernaut took the top prize of $75,000 (Dh275,445) after beating Brian Shaw, who was runner-up, and third-place finisher Mateusz Kieliszkowski.
As 13 of the world’s strongest men showcased their strength in six gruelling events at the Bab Al Shams arena, Bjornsson (who won the title just months after being crowned The World’s Strongest Man earlier this year), came out on top, making light of weights as heavy as 500kg. He was also one of only two competitors to deadlift 520kg clean on the night. From the 30 tonne Truck Pull to the Overhead Medley, Bjornsson outsmarted and outplayed his competitors throughout the seven-hour competition.
The 6.8 feet, 200kg strong man first found himself outside the top three after the first two events ie Truck Pull and Arm Over Arm Pull, but was in top form over the final four, eventually taking the title by two and a half points from US-rival, and four-time World’s Strongest Man, Shaw.
