In the electrifying world of strongman competitions, where brute strength meets unrelenting determination, Mathew “Matt” Ragg has carved out a formidable legacy. Born on September 21, 1991, in New Zealand, Ragg has risen from a small-town athlete to a six-time winner of New Zealand’s Strongest Man and a top contender on the international stage. As of April 17, 2025, his journey is marked by a 4th-place finish at the 2024 World’s Strongest Man, a world record in the Conan’s Wheel, and a relentless pursuit of the sport’s ultimate prize. This biography delves into Ragg’s remarkable path, from his sprinting days to his emergence as a global strongman powerhouse, offering a comprehensive look at his life, achievements, and ambitions.
Early Life: A Competitive Spirit Forged in Adversity
Mathew Ragg grew up in New Zealand, where his early years were defined by a passion for athletics. As a teenager, he excelled as a sprinter, competing in 100m, 200m, and 400m races, as well as cross-country events. His competitive mindset and natural athleticism made him a standout, but a recurring shin injury abruptly halted his track career. Undeterred, Ragg turned to weight training to maintain his physical edge, a decision that would alter the course of his life.
This transition from the track to the gym was a pivotal moment. As he told Tagata Pasifika, weightlifting became a passion, and his discovery of strongman competitions in 2013 ignited a new fire. “The variations of different events attracted me,” Ragg explained. “You need to be strong but also move quickly and adapt to different implements.” His Samoan heritage, which he proudly embraces, instilled a sense of resilience and cultural pride that continues to drive his competitive spirit.
The Strongman Journey Begins: Breaking Records and Going Pro
Ragg entered his first strongman competition in 2013, drawn to the sport’s unique blend of strength, speed, and strategy. Competing in local shows, he quickly made waves, breaking national records and establishing himself as a prodigy. By 2016, his talent earned him a spot at the Arnold Amateur World Championships, where he secured an impressive 3rd place behind Zach Hadge and Evgeny Markov. This podium finish marked his professional debut, propelling him onto the international stage.
Over the next few years, Ragg dominated New Zealand’s strongman scene, claiming the New Zealand’s Strongest Man title six times. His performances at events like the Arnold Australia further showcased his potential, though the COVID-19 pandemic forced a two-year hiatus, delaying his global ascent. Despite this setback, Ragg’s determination never wavered, and his return in 2022 was nothing short of spectacular.
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Breakthrough on the Global Stage: 2022–2023
The year 2022 marked a turning point for Ragg. At the Official Strongman Games in Daytona Beach, Florida, he clinched 3rd place behind Jaco Schoonwinkel and Spenser Remick, earning a coveted qualification for the 2023 World’s Strongest Man (WSM). This achievement was a testament to his growing prowess and set the stage for his WSM debut.
In April 2023, Ragg competed at the World’s Strongest Man in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, becoming the first New Zealander to reach the finals since 1983. Facing a formidable group that included 2023 champion Mitchell Hooper, Ragg finished 2nd in his heat and went on to place 9th overall in the finals. His standout performance in the Knaack Deadlift, where he secured 2nd place, highlighted his strength and consistency.
Later that year, Ragg elevated his status further at the Giants Live World Tour Finals in Glasgow. Placing 2nd behind Tom Stoltman and ahead of reigning WSM champion Mitchell Hooper, he demonstrated his ability to challenge the best.
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2024: A Year of Triumph and Records
The 2024 season was Ragg’s most successful yet, marked by consistent podium finishes and a historic world record. Key highlights include:
- Beasts of Burden (January 2024): Ragg dominated this competition in Molendinar, scoring 41 out of 45 possible points to claim victory.
- World’s Strongest Man (May 2024): Competing in Myrtle Beach, Ragg finished 4th overall, a significant improvement from his 2023 debut. His performance in the Conan’s Wheel set a world record, lifting 460 kg (1,014 lb) for an unprecedented duration.
- Giants Live Strongman Classic (2024): Ragg secured 4th place, further proving his consistency against top competitors.
- Strongest Man on Earth (August 2024): At the Shaw Classic in Loveland, Colorado, he placed 12th out of 16, a respectable finish in a stacked field.
- Rogue Invitational (2024): Ragg finished 7th out of 10, showcasing his resilience in a highly competitive event.
2025: Aiming for the Top
As of April 17, 2025, Ragg remains a top contender in the strongman world, with his sights set on the upcoming SBD World’s Strongest Man in Sacramento, California. His recent performances, including a 4th-place finish at the 2024 WSM and a world record in the Conan’s Wheel, position him as a serious threat for the podium. Fans and analysts, as seen in discussions on Reddit, praise his consistency and potential to challenge veterans like Mitchell Hooper and Tom Stoltman.
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Personal Bests: A Testament to Strength
Ragg’s personal bests, documented on Strongman Archives, highlight his extraordinary capabilities:
- Conan’s Wheel: 460 kg (1,014 lb), world record set at 2024 World’s Strongest Man.
- Deadlift (Knaack Deadlift): 355 kg (782.6 lb) in heavy rain during 2023 WSM finals.
- Log Press: 186 kg (410 lb) at 2023 Giants Live World Tour Finals.
- Atlas Stone: Multiple successful lifts in various competitions, showcasing his proficiency in this iconic event.
These records underscore Ragg’s versatility and strength across static and dynamic lifts, making him a well-rounded competitor.
Life Beyond the Stage: Work, Community, and Inspiration
Despite his global success, Ragg remains grounded, working full-time as a shift supervisor at McDonald’s when not training or competing. This balance, highlighted, reflects his humility and dedication. His social media presence (@raggstrongman on Instagram) and YouTube features, including profiles by Big Loz Official and SBD, connect him with fans worldwide, offering insights into his training and mindset.
Ragg’s advice to aspiring athletes “Stay consistent, prioritize technique, nutrition, and recovery, and enjoy the journey” resonates with his own path. His Samoan heritage and New Zealand roots are sources of pride, inspiring his community and Pacific Islander athletes globally.
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Table: Mathew Ragg’s Career Milestones
| Year | Competition | Achievement | Notable Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Local Strongman Competitions | Broke national records | Marked entry into strongman |
| 2016 | Arnold Amateur World Championships | 3rd Place | Earned pro debut |
| 2022 | Official Strongman Games | 3rd Place | Qualified for 2023 WSM |
| 2023 | World’s Strongest Man | 9th Place | 2nd in Knaack Deadlift |
| 2023 | Giants Live World Tour Finals | 2nd Place | Defeated Mitchell Hooper |
| 2024 | Beasts of Burden | 1st Place | Scored 41/45 points |
| 2024 | World’s Strongest Man | 4th Place | Conan’s Wheel world record: 460 kg |
| 2024 | Giants Live Strongman Classic | 4th Place | Consistent top-tier performance |
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Future Aspirations: The Quest for World’s Strongest Man
Ragg’s ultimate goal is to win the World’s Strongest Man title, a dream he pursues with unwavering focus. His 4th-place finish in 2024 and world-record performance signal that he is closing in on this ambition. The 2025 WSM in Sacramento, expected to be highly competitive, offers a prime opportunity for Ragg to make history as the first New Zealander to claim the crown.
His participation in upcoming events like the 2025 Shaw Classic and Giants Live Arena Tour, as noted on The Strongest Man on Earth, will further test his mettle. With his youth (33 years old) and consistent improvement, Ragg is poised to remain a dominant force in strongman for years to come.
Conclusion: A Champion’s Legacy in the Making
Mathew Ragg’s journey from a shin-injured sprinter to a six-time New Zealand’s Strongest Man and global strongman contender is a story of resilience, adaptability, and sheer willpower. His world record, international podium finishes, and unwavering work ethic have made him a household name in the sport. As he prepares for the 2025 World’s Strongest Man, Ragg stands on the cusp of greatness, carrying the hopes of New Zealand and his Samoan heritage. His legacy, already profound, is set to grow, inspiring athletes and fans alike with every lift, pull, and record-breaking moment.
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