In the world of strongman, where sheer power meets unrelenting grit, Evans Nana Ekow Aryee known as “Evans the Hulk” has emerged as a beacon of resilience and ambition. Born in Ghana and now based in Belgium, this 26-year-old powerhouse has shattered barriers, making history as the first Ghanaian to compete at the World’s Strongest Man in 2024. From humble beginnings to setting Guinness World Records and earning international acclaim, Evans’ journey is a testament to perseverance, community support, and an unwavering drive to represent his homeland on the global stage. As of April 17, 2025, his meteoric rise in the strongman circuit, coupled with his aspirations to become a political leader in Ghana, paints a vivid portrait of a man destined for greatness.
Early Life: Roots in Ghana and a Path to Strength
Born on April 2, 1998, in Ghana, Evans Nana Ekow Aryee grew up in a nation where soccer reigns supreme, yet he carved a unique path toward strength sports. His early years were spent at Adisadel College in Cape Coast, where he competed in shot put and discus, earning accolades as a school athlete. These experiences ignited a passion for physical challenges, though competitive sports took a backseat during his high school days. Evans’ academic pursuits led him to a bachelor’s degree in Finance and Economics, and he later enrolled in a master’s program in Accountancy at KU Leuven in Belgium, where he has resided since his late teens.
The move to Belgium marked a turning point. In 2016, at age 18, Evans began bodybuilding, transforming his physique over two years. A 2018 Instagram post reflected his philosophy: “When you train the body, the mind follows.” This dedication to strength training laid the foundation for his eventual entry into strongman, a sport he discovered during the COVID-19 pandemic when gyms were closed. Invited by a friend to train for a local competition, Evans placed 3rd in his debut event after just two months of preparation, a moment he described as a “feeling of belonging” that propelled him to pursue strongman professionally.
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The Strongman Journey: From Novice to International Star
Evans’ strongman career began in earnest in 2022, when he competed in European Giants and the Strongman Champions League (SCL) circuit. His rapid progression was remarkable for a newcomer. By June 2022, he clinched 1st runner-up at the East Flanders Strongest Competition in Belgium, earning automatic qualification for Belgium’s Strongest Man. This achievement, reported by The Daily Statesman, showcased his ability to compete against seasoned athletes from the Netherlands, Sweden, and Norway.
In 2023, Evans solidified his reputation with consistent performances:
- August 2023: Won his first SCL event, edging out England’s Kane Francis by half a point. His standout performance was a 400 kg Super Yoke carry completed in 11.38 seconds, demonstrating his prowess in moving events.
- September 2023: Made his Giants Live debut at the Strongman Open & World Deadlift Championships in Cardiff, Wales, placing 8th overall. His 2nd-place finish in the Wrecking Ball Hold (69.79 seconds) behind Evan Singleton highlighted his grit, earning him the nickname “Ghanaian Gladiator.”
- Throughout 2023: Competed extensively in SCL events, often finishing mid-table but excelling in Frame Carry, Farmer’s Walk, and Deadlift variations.
His powerlifting background bolstered his strongman performances. In competition, Evans posted an 833 kg (1,836 lb) total, including a 350 kg squat, 190 kg bench press, and a 338 kg deadlift a Belgian record performed raw under strict rules. These lifts, detailed on Giants Live, underscored his raw strength and technical precision.
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Breaking Records and Making History
Evans’ 2024 season was a landmark year, marked by historic achievements:
- January 2024: Set a Guinness World Record for the fastest 400 kg incline frame carry over 10 meters, completing it in 8.07 seconds on the set of Lo Show Dei Record in Milan, Italy. This feat, reported by GhanaWeb, cemented his status as a global strongman contender.
- May 2024: Became the first Ghanaian to compete at the World’s Strongest Man in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. While he did not advance to the final, his debut was a milestone, as noted by Airwaav, inspiring athletes across Africa.
- Additional Records: X posts from @OleleSalvador claim Evans set two more Guinness World Records, though specifics remain unverified. These claims reflect the growing excitement around his achievements.
His performance at the 2024 World’s Strongest Man, where Tom Stoltman reclaimed the title, placed Evans among 11 newcomers, highlighting his potential despite competing against veterans like Mitchell Hooper and Evan Singleton. His focus on events like the Webster Stones and Loading Medley showcased his versatility, even if he fell short of the top 10, a goal he expressed in a GHOneTV interview.
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2025 and Beyond: Aiming for the Top
As of April 17, 2025, Evans remains a rising star, preparing for the upcoming World’s Strongest Man competition in Sacramento, California, from May 15-18. His goal, articulated in a February 2025 GHOneTV post, is to crack the top 10, a significant leap from his 2024 debut. Training with tools like the Airwaav Performance Mouthpiece, which enhances his breathing and endurance, Evans is optimizing his preparation for events like the Super Yoke, Deadlifting, and Wrecking Ball Hold.
His recent performances, including a rumored victory at an international strongman event in early 2025 (per unverified X post from @WoezorTV), suggest he is on an upward trajectory. While he has not yet won the World’s Strongest Man title contrary to some enthusiastic claims his consistent improvement and record-setting feats position him as a contender for future Giants Live events and potentially the Arnold Strongman Classic.
Personal Traits and Community Impact
Evans’ charisma and positivity have endeared him to fans worldwide. Described by Airwaav as having a “bubbly personality” and “genuine kindness,” he engages followers on Instagram (@evansthehulk) with training footage and motivational messages. His advocacy for fitness in Ghana, where strongman remains niche, is a driving force. He aims to promote the sport, telling AmaGhanaonline, “One of my biggest goals is to help promote the sport of powerlifting and strongman, especially in my home country Ghana.”
His community ties are strong, with support from family, friends, and fans fueling his success. As an Adisadel College alumnus, he remains a pride of his alma mater, with X posts from @_santa15 celebrating his achievements. His long-term aspiration to become Ghana’s Minister of Sport reflects a desire to give back, blending athletic excellence with political ambition.
Table: Evans Nana’s Career Milestones
| Year | Competition | Achievement | Notable Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | East Flanders Strongest | 1st Runner-Up | Qualified for Belgium’s Strongest Man |
| 2022 | European Giants | Competitive Debut | Entered professional strongman |
| 2023 | Strongman Champions League | 1st Place (August) | 400 kg Super Yoke: 11.38 seconds |
| 2023 | Giants Live Strongman Open | 8th Place | Wrecking Ball Hold: 2nd (69.79 seconds) |
| 2024 | Guinness World Record | Record Set | 400 kg incline frame carry: 8.07 seconds |
| 2024 | World’s Strongest Man | Debut | First Ghanaian competitor |
| 2025 | TBD (Rumored Win) | Unverified Claim | Potential international victory |
Conclusion: A Legacy in Motion
Evans Nana Ekow Aryee’s journey from a Ghanaian school athlete to a global strongman sensation is a story of breaking barriers and defying odds. His historic debut at the 2024 World’s Strongest Man, Guinness World Record, and consistent performances in the Strongman Champions League and Giants Live events mark him as a trailblazer. As he prepares for the 2025 season, with dreams of Olympic representation and political leadership, Evans remains a symbol of Ghanaian pride and global potential. The “Ghanaian Gladiator” is not just lifting weights he’s lifting the aspirations of a nation.
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