In the world of strongman, where giants clash in tests of strength and endurance, Austin Andrade has emerged as a formidable force. Born on January 20, 1994, in Tucson, Arizona, Andrade’s journey from a high school athlete to one of the world’s strongest men is a testament to dedication, perseverance, and an unyielding spirit. As of April 2025, Andrade stands as a top contender in the strongman circuit, having achieved remarkable feats that have placed him among the elite, including setting a world record at the 2025 Arnold Strongman Classic.
Early Life and Athletic Foundations
Austin Andrade’s early years were marked by a passion for sports. Growing up in Tucson, he attended Amphitheater High School, where he excelled in football, wrestling, and track. His prowess on the wrestling mat was particularly noteworthy, as he became a state champion in 2012 with an undefeated record of 54-0, with 52 of those wins by fall. This early success hinted at the strength and determination that would later define his strongman career.
After high school, Andrade pursued his athletic ambitions at Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado, where he played football and continued wrestling. Although he didn’t receive offers from larger universities, his time at Adams State was crucial in building his physical and mental resilience. It was here that he laid the groundwork for his future endeavors, learning the value of hard work and perseverance.
Transition to Strongman
Following his college years, Andrade returned to San Antonio, Texas, where he began working for the Bexar County Appraiser’s Office. However, his athletic drive remained strong, and he sought new ways to challenge himself physically. It was during this period that he discovered strongman training at Heavy Metal Fitness. Initially, his goal was to lose weight and stay active, but he soon found a new passion in the world of strength sports.
Andrade’s entry into strongman competitions came in 2022 when he participated in the Beerstone competition in Mission, Texas. Despite being a newcomer, he finished as the runner-up, a remarkable achievement that showcased his natural talent and potential. Later that year, he competed in America’s Strongest Man, where he placed fifth, further solidifying his status as a rising star.
Major Achievements and Rise to Prominence
Andrade’s breakthrough came in 2023 when he won the Strongman Champions League World’s Strongest Latino title. This victory not only highlighted his exceptional strength but also earned him a spot in the prestigious 2024 World’s Strongest Man competition. At the event held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Andrade impressed the world by placing seventh among the top strongmen globally.
In addition to his World’s Strongest Man performance, Andrade also won the 2023 Shaw Classic Open, a highly competitive event that features some of the best strongmen in the world. His victory here further cemented his reputation as a force to be reckoned with. He also participated in the 2024 Strongest Man on Earth competition, where he finished fifth, demonstrating his consistency and skill.
2025: A Year of Records and Recognition
The year 2025 has been pivotal for Andrade, as he continued to push the boundaries of strength. At the 2025 Arnold Strongman Classic, held in Columbus, Ohio, Andrade set a world record in the Atlas stone to shoulder event by lifting 183.5 kg (405 lb) for four repetitions . This feat not only showcased his incredible power but also solidified his place among the elite in the sport.
In the Big Jerk event at the same competition, Andrade lifted 215 kg successfully but missed his attempt at 222 kg. Despite this, his performance was commendable, especially considering the caliber of competitors he was up against, including two-time defending champion Mitchell Hooper and three-time World’s Strongest Man Tom Stoltman .
Andrade’s participation in the 2025 Arnold Strongman Classic alongside his training partner Nick Guardione, who also made his debut at the event, highlights the rising prominence of the “Texas Boys” in the strongman world.
Impressive Feats and Personal Bests
Andrade’s physical capabilities are nothing short of extraordinary. Below is a table summarizing his notable achievements:
| Event | Achievement | Competition | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deadlift (Equipped with straps) | 454 kg (1,001 lb) | World Deadlift Championships | 2024 |
| Deadlift (Raw with straps) | 436 kg (961 lb) | Strongest Man on Earth | 2024 |
| Log Press | 191 kg (421 lb) | America’s Strongest Man | 2022 |
| Axle Press | 190 kg (419 lb) | World’s Strongest Man | 2024 |
| Manhood Stone (Max Atlas Stone) | 250 kg (551 lb) over 4 ft bar | Strongest Man on Earth | 2024 |
| Atlas Stone to Shoulder | 183.5 kg (405 lb) x 4 reps (World Record) | Arnold Strongman Classic | 2025 |
| Keg Toss | 15 kg (33 lb) over 6.71 meters (22 ft 0 in) | Strongest Man on Earth | 2024 |
Motivations and Personal Life
Behind Andrade’s success lies a deep-seated motivation to prove himself. Having not received football scholarships from larger schools, he carries a chip on his shoulder, driven to demonstrate his worth on the world stage. “I have always had a chip on my shoulder going to junior college, and not getting an invite or offers to the big schools,” Andrade has said. “So, this sport really leveled the playing ground. So I was able to show my strength, and now, I’ve proven to everyone that I’m one of the best when it comes to the sport.”
Family plays a significant role in Andrade’s life and career. He takes great pride in his last name and the legacy of the Andrade family. “I come from a great line of Andrades,” he has stated, emphasizing the importance of family in his journey. His wife and support system have been instrumental in his success, providing the encouragement and stability needed to pursue his ambitions.
Current Status and Future Aspirations
As of April 2025, Austin Andrade continues to compete at the highest levels of strongman, with his sights set on becoming the World’s Strongest Man. His recent performances, including setting a world record at the Arnold Strongman Classic, indicate that he is well on his way to achieving this goal. With each competition, he refines his skills and pushes the boundaries of what is possible, inspiring others with his dedication and strength.
Andrade’s journey is far from over, and the strongman community eagerly anticipates his future endeavors. Whether he’s lifting massive stones, pressing enormous weights, or carrying heavy loads, Austin Andrade embodies the spirit of a true strongman: powerful, resilient, and unyielding.
Conclusion
Austin Andrade’s journey from a high school athlete in Tucson to a world-class strongman is a story of determination, hard work, and passion. His rapid rise in the strongman world, marked by significant achievements and record-breaking performances, has established him as one of the sport’s most exciting talents. As he continues to compete and set new benchmarks, Andrade not only inspires fellow athletes but also showcases the power of perseverance and self-belief. With his eyes set on the ultimate title of World’s Strongest Man, Austin Andrade’s story is far from over, and the strongman community eagerly awaits his next feat of strength.