The Story of Strength, Longevity, and Legacy

Nick Best — born November 3, 1968, in Las Vegas, Nevada — is a name that stands tall in the world of strength sports. Known as a 10-Time World’s Strongest Man Competitor, he’s one of the few athletes to bridge elite careers in both powerlifting and strongman competition.

For over three decades, Nick has proven that true power isn’t just about muscle — it’s about mindset, consistency, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.

From Powerlifting Roots to Global Strongman Fame

Nick Best started his journey in powerlifting, a discipline that shaped his foundation of raw strength and technique.

Throughout the 1990s, he competed in national and international meets, capturing the USAPL National Powerlifting Championship in both 1996 and 1997. Over 26 years, Nick totaled more than 2,000 lb across squat, bench, and deadlift — a testament to his lifetime dedication to strength training.

But Best didn’t stop there. His curiosity, competitive drive, and desire to push limits led him to strongman — a sport that demanded not just static power, but endurance, speed, and mental toughness.

Rising in the Ranks of the World’s Strongest

Nick’s strongman career began around 2006, and he quickly earned a reputation for his work ethic and resilience. Over the next 15 years, he competed in more than 35 international contests, facing off against legends like Brian Shaw, Hafthor Björnsson, and Zydrunas Savickas.

Major Strongman Achievements

• World’s Strongest Man (WSM) Finalist multiple times
• Best WSM Finish: 6th place (2010)
• All-American Strongman Challenge Champion (2010)
• Jesse Marunde Memorial Invitational Winner (2009)
• Masters World’s Strongest Man Champion (2016)
• Giants Live North American Open Champion (2016)
• Competed internationally across Europe, Asia, and the U.S. for over a decade

His performances consistently earned respect across the field — not only for the lifts, but for the determination he brought to every event.

Records and Signature Events

Throughout his strongman career, Nick Best held and challenged world records in events that tested every dimension of strength:

• Shield Carry Record: Known for carrying massive stone or shield weights farther than nearly anyone in the world.
• Car Deadlift & Frame Carry: Famous for raw grip strength and unbreakable posture under load.
• Atlas Stones & Power Stairs: Demonstrated speed, precision, and explosive power even past age 50.

Nick’s performances were often described as “defying time” — proving that longevity in strength sports comes from intelligent training and indomitable will.

The Mindset Behind the Muscle

Nick’s competitive philosophy can be summed up in one word: discipline.

He often says strength is built “one rep, one decision at a time.” Unlike many athletes who burn out, Nick learned to adapt — balancing recovery, nutrition, and intensity so he could compete for decades.

“You can’t cheat experience. You earn it through years under the bar.”
— Nick Best

His mindset made him a mentor figure in the strongman community — guiding younger athletes while still dominating events himself.

The Strongest Man in History — On and Off Screen

In 2019, Nick joined Brian Shaw, Robert Oberst, and Eddie Hall on the History Channel series “The Strongest Man in History.”
The show sent the four athletes around the world to recreate legendary feats of strength, blending competition with storytelling.

Nick brought balance and insight to the team — often serving as the veteran voice, historian, and motivator. Viewers quickly came to see him as both a powerhouse and a teacher.

His presence on the show expanded his legacy beyond competition — inspiring millions to chase strength, no matter their age or background.

Longevity in Strength: Competing Into His 50s

Competing at the elite level into his fifties is nearly unheard of in strength sports. Yet Nick Best did it — and did it well.

In 2020, after decades of lifting, he still pulled 700 lb for reps, carried massive frames, and participated in televised competitions. His longevity stems from decades of consistency, smart adaptation, and a deep understanding of recovery.

In 2022, after a short health setback, he announced his retirement from full-time competition, but continued to train, coach, and participate in Masters events. Even in retirement, Nick’s training videos and advice continue to inspire athletes around the world.

Foundation in Powerlifting — The Roots of Strength

Before “strongman” became his signature, powerlifting built Nick’s base. His form, precision, and technique came from years of structured training and technical mastery.

Powerlifting Stats and Highlights:

• USAPL National Powerlifting Champion (1996, 1997)
• 26 years totaling over 2,000 lb across the three lifts
• Consistent top performer in national and Masters divisions
• Known for a technically perfect deadlift and explosive squat form

Powerlifting gave him the fundamentals that made him a world-class strongman — and remains central to how he trains and teaches today.

The Best Philosophy: Train Hard, Live Strong

Nick Best’s philosophy can be felt in every product, program, and post he shares:

• Work ethic: There’s no shortcut — every rep counts.
• Resilience: Strength isn’t about never falling; it’s about getting back up.
• Community: Sharing knowledge keeps the sport alive.
• Balance: Training, recovery, and life must work together for true longevity.

These values are the heart of the Nick Best Strongman Store — a hub for those who want to live strong inside and outside the gym.

Beyond Competition: Building a Brand of Strength

As Nick transitioned from full-time competition, he built his next chapter around helping others build strength — physically and mentally.

At the Nick Best Strongman Store, fans and athletes can find:

• Strongman apparel inspired by Nick’s career and legacy
• Stickers & collectibles celebrating iconic moments
• Digital training programs created by Nick himself
• Autographed photos & memorabilia for collectors and fans

Each item represents more than a product — it’s a piece of Nick’s philosophy: Strength. Legacy. Dedication.

Key Career Highlights (Quick Timeline)

YearAchievement1996 – 1997Wins USAPL National Powerlifting Championships2009Wins Jesse Marunde Memorial Invitational2010Wins All-American Strongman Challenge & finishes 6th at WSM2014Finalist at World’s Strongest Man2016Wins Masters World’s Strongest Man (40+) and Giants Live North American Open2019Appears onThe Strongest Man in History(History Channel)2022Retires from full-time competition, continues as coach and mentor

A Voice for the Strength Community

Nick’s impact goes beyond lifting — he’s a leader in educating, encouraging, and mentoring athletes around the globe.
Through podcasts, coaching, and social media, he continues to share training methods, recovery tips, and motivational insights.

His message is simple yet powerful:

“Don’t chase numbers — chase consistency.”

Whether you’re a beginner or elite athlete, his words resonate. The key is to stay disciplined, focused, and humble — the pillars that built his 30-year career.

What We Can Learn from Nick Best

1. Longevity is built, not given.
   Smart training and recovery beat reckless intensity.
2. Age is not a limit.
   You can keep growing stronger if you evolve your approach.
3. Strength is more than physical.
   It’s about persistence, patience, and mental toughness.
4. Legacy is earned daily.
   Every rep, every lift, and every moment defines who you become.

The Legacy Continues

Nick Best may have stepped away from full-time competition, but his legacy continues to grow — not just through his records, but through every athlete he’s inspired.
From the powerlifting platform to the world’s strongest stages, his name stands for integrity, perseverance, and true strength.

“Train Hard. Train Smart. Be The Best You”
— Nick Best