- Bryce Johnson, born December 20, 1992, in Spokane, Washington, is a professional strongman competing at the elite level, recognized for his performances in major competitions.
- He transitioned from powerlifting and bodybuilding to strongman in 2019, achieving significant success, including a 2nd-place finish at the 2024 Official Strongman Games and 4th at the 2024 North America’s Strongest Man.
- Johnson has not won America’s Strongest Man or World’s Strongest Man but is a rising star with potential for future titles, as noted by strongman veteran Laurence Shahlaei.
- His 2025 season includes a planned appearance at the Arnold Strongman Classic, aiming to build on his 2024 achievements.
Background and Early Life:
Raised in Spokane, Washington, Johnson excelled in football and wrestling at Mead High School, later playing football at Eastern Washington University. His athletic foundation in powerlifting and bodybuilding, with notable lifts like a 900-lb deadlift, set the stage for his strongman career.
Career Highlights:
Since turning professional in 2020, Johnson has competed in high-profile events, earning 2nd at the 2024 Official Strongman Games, 4th at the 2024 North America’s Strongest Man, and 8th at the 2024 America’s Strongest Man. His personal bests include a 465-lb log press and a 900-lb deadlift.
Current Status:
As of April 17, 2025, Johnson is preparing for the 2025 strongman season, with expectations of podium finishes at major events like the Arnold Strongman Classic and Giants Live, positioning him as a contender for World’s Strongest Man qualification.
Bryce Johnson: The Spokane Titan Rising in the World of Strongman
In the electrifying world of strongman, where giants clash and records shatter, Bryce Johnson stands as a formidable contender, embodying raw power and relentless ambition. Born on December 20, 1992, in Spokane, Washington, Johnson has transitioned from a multi-sport athlete to a professional strongman, earning accolades for his performances in elite competitions. Though he has yet to claim the titles of America’s Strongest Man or World’s Strongest Man, his 2nd-place finish at the 2024 Official Strongman Games and recognition by strongman legend Laurence Shahlaei as a top athlete to watch in 2025 signal his ascent. As of April 17, 2025, Johnson is poised for a breakout year, with his sights set on global dominance in the sport. This biography delves into his journey, achievements, and the promise of a titan in the making.
Early Life: Forging a Champion’s Foundation
Bryce Johnson’s roots lie in Spokane, Washington, a city known for its rugged landscapes and resilient spirit. Growing up, he displayed an innate athleticism, excelling in football and wrestling at Mead High School. His prowess on the gridiron earned him a spot at Eastern Washington University, where he played football and continued to hone his physical abilities. Standing at 6’3” and weighing approximately 340 pounds in competition form, Johnson’s imposing physique was evident early, but it was his dedication to strength training that set him apart.
During his college years, Johnson discovered powerlifting, a discipline that became his gateway to strength sports. He quickly established himself as a force, achieving remarkable lifts such as a 900-lb deadlift, 600-lb bench press, and 800-lb squat. His foray into bodybuilding further showcased his versatility, as he sculpted his physique while maintaining extraordinary strength. These early experiences in powerlifting and bodybuilding, laid a robust foundation for his transition to strongman.
Entering the Strongman Arena: A New Frontier
Johnson’s introduction to strongman came in 2019, at the age of 26, when he competed in his first local competition in Washington. The sport’s unique blend of static strength, dynamic movements, and mental endurance captivated him. Unlike powerlifting’s structured lifts, strongman demanded versatility lifting atlas stones, carrying yokes, and pressing logs all while battling fatigue and competitors. Johnson’s natural strength and competitive drive propelled him to the professional ranks by 2020, marking the start of a promising career.
His early competitions were a proving ground, where he refined his technique and adapted to the sport’s demands. By 2021, Johnson was competing in national-level events, catching the eye of promoters and fans alike. His rapid progression, fueled by a disciplined training regimen and mentorship from seasoned strongmen, positioned him as a rising star in the American strongman scene.
Major Achievements: Climbing the Ranks
Since turning professional, Bryce Johnson has made significant strides in the strongman world, competing in some of the sport’s most prestigious events. His key achievements include:
- 2021–2022: Competed in regional and national qualifiers, establishing himself as a professional strongman with consistent top-10 finishes in events like the Strongman Corporation Nationals.
- 2023: Placed in the top 10 at the Official Strongman Games, a major international competition, signaling his readiness for elite-level contests.
- 2024:
- 2nd Place at the Official Strongman Games: Johnson’s standout performance at this global event, held in late 2024, showcased his ability to compete against the world’s best. He excelled in events like the log press and atlas stones, earning praise from analysts like Laurence Shahlaei, who named him among the top seven strongmen to watch in 2025 .
- 4th Place at North America’s Strongest Man: Narrowly missing the podium, Johnson demonstrated his strength in events like the yoke carry and deadlift, competing against top North American athletes.
- 8th Place at America’s Strongest Man: Held on October 11–12, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada, this competition saw Johnson face off against reigning champion Lucas Hatton and other heavyweights. His performance, while not a podium finish, underscored his growing consistency.
- Competed in additional events, including the Arnold Amateur Strongman World Championships, where he ranked in the top 10.
Notable Performances: Strength in Action
Johnson’s performances in key strongman events showcase his versatility and power. Some highlights include:
- Log Press: Achieved a personal best of 465 lbs (211 kg) at a 2024 competition, demonstrating his overhead strength, a critical component of strongman.
- Deadlift: Pulled 900 lbs (408 kg) in competition, a carryover from his powerlifting days, making him one of the strongest pullers in the sport.
- Yoke Carry: Excelled in moving events, carrying weights up to 1,000 lbs (453 kg) over 15 meters, showcasing his speed and stability.
- Atlas Stones: Lifted stones up to 450 lbs (204 kg) over a 4 ft bar, a testament to his grip and core strength.
Personal Bests: A Measure of Might
Johnson’s personal bests underscore his elite-level strength:
- Squat (Raw with Sleeves): 800 lbs (363 kg)
- Bench Press (Raw): 600 lbs (272 kg)
- Deadlift (Raw with Straps): 900 lbs (408 kg)
- Log Press: 465 lbs (211 kg)
- Atlas Stone: 450 lbs (204 kg) over 4 ft
- Axle Press: 400 lbs (181 kg)
A Champion’s Mindset and Community Impact
Johnson’s success stems from more than physical strength; his mental resilience and strategic approach set him apart. He trains under the guidance of experienced coaches, focusing on event-specific skills and recovery to avoid injuries a common challenge in strongman, as noted in discussions of the 2024 World’s Strongest Man, where several athletes withdrew due to injuries . His dedication is evident in his social media presence (@bryce_johnson_strongman on Instagram), where he shares training insights and engages with fans.
In Spokane, Johnson is a local hero, inspiring young athletes through community events and gym appearances. His journey from a college football player to a professional strongman resonates with those who see him as proof that hard work can transcend small-town origins. Local media have covered his rise, celebrating his contributions to the city’s athletic legacy.
Future Aspirations: Aiming for the Top
As Johnson prepares for the 2025 strongman season, his goals are clear: secure a podium finish at the Arnold Strongman Classic, qualify for the Giants Live Arena Tour, and earn a spot at the World’s Strongest Man. The 2025 World’s Strongest Man, set to take place in Sacramento, California, is described as one of the most competitive in history World’s Strongest Man. Johnson’s recent performances suggest he is on the cusp of breaking through, with analysts like Shahlaei predicting a big year .
His training regimen, which includes heavy lifting, event practice, and recovery protocols, is tailored to peak for major events. Johnson is also exploring opportunities to compete internationally, with potential appearances at the Strongman Champions League or Giants Live events, which serve as qualifiers for World’s Strongest Man .
Table: Bryce Johnson’s Career Milestones
| Year | Competition | Achievement | Notable Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | First Strongman Competition | Local Win | Entry into strongman |
| 2021 | Strongman Corporation Nationals | Top 10 | Established as pro |
| 2023 | Official Strongman Games | Top 10 | International recognition |
| 2024 | Official Strongman Games | 2nd Place | Log press: 465 lbs (211 kg) |
| 2024 | North America’s Strongest Man | 4th Place | Yoke carry: 1,000 lbs (453 kg) |
| 2024 | America’s Strongest Man | 8th Place | Competitive against elite field |
Conclusion: A Titan on the Rise
Bryce Johnson’s journey from Spokane to the global strongman stage is a story of grit, strength, and ambition. His 2024 season, marked by a 2nd-place finish at the Official Strongman Games and strong showings at North America’s Strongest Man, has established him as a rising star. As he prepares for 2025, with events like the Arnold Strongman Classic on the horizon, Johnson is poised to challenge the sport’s elite and pursue the World’s Strongest Man title. His legacy, still in its early chapters, promises to inspire fans and athletes alike, proving that with determination, even the skies are not the limit for this Spokane titan.