Oleksii Novikov, Ukraine’s Titan of Strength and Resilience

In the world of strongman, where giants clash and records shatter, Oleksii Novikov stands as a colossus of both physical might and indomitable spirit. Born on February 11, 1996, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Novikov rose from humble beginnings to claim the 2020 World’s Strongest Man title at the age of 24, becoming the second-youngest champion in the competition’s history. As of April 17, 2025, his career is a tapestry of world records, international victories, and a profound commitment to his war-torn homeland, where he serves in the Kyiv Police Special Forces. This biography traces Novikov’s journey from a young dreamer in Kyiv to a global strongman icon, highlighting his achievements, challenges, and unwavering resolve.

Early Life: Roots of Resilience

Oleksii Novikov was born and raised in Kyiv, Ukraine, a city rich in history but often tested by adversity. Little is known about his family, as Novikov has kept his personal life private, but his early years were shaped by a passion for strength sports. At the age of seven, he attended Odessa’s Strongest Man competition, where he met veteran strongman Mark Felix. A photograph from that day, capturing Novikov with his grandfather who doubled as his first coach and Felix, became a cherished memento. That moment ignited a dream to one day compete among the world’s strongest.

Novikov’s athletic journey began in earnest during his teenage years. He balanced academics at the Kyiv National University of Trade and Economics (KNUTE) with rigorous training, laying the foundation for his future in strongman. His early exposure to strength sports, combined with a disciplined upbringing, forged a competitor who thrived under pressure.

The Rise to Strongman Stardom

Novikov’s strongman career began in 2016, when he claimed the first of four consecutive Ukraine’s Strongest Man titles (2016–2019). These victories showcased his raw power and set the stage for his international debut. In 2018, at just 22, he won the Arnold Amateur Strongman World Championships, earning a coveted spot in the 2019 Arnold Strongman Classic, where he placed 7th a respectable finish for a newcomer competing against seasoned veterans.

The following year, 2019, marked Novikov’s breakout. He won the Arnold Strongman Classic South America, edging out Mateusz Kieliszkowski by a mere 0.5 points in one of the closest finishes since the 2014 World’s Strongest Man. He followed this with a victory at the Arnold Strongman Classic Africa and a 2nd-place finish at the Arnold Strongman Classic Europe. His first World’s Strongest Man appearance in June 2019 saw him reach the heats, where he placed second in his group but lost to Trey Mitchell in the stone-off, narrowly missing the finals.

2020: A Historic Triumph

The year 2020 was a defining moment for Novikov. Competing at the Arnold Strongman Classic in March, he placed 5th and set a world record in the Cyr Dumbbell press, lifting 136 kg (300 lb). In May, he dominated the World’s Ultimate Strongman Feats of Strength series, setting a world record for the Giant Dumbbell for Reps (100 kg, 11 repetitions). These performances foreshadowed his greatest achievement yet.

In November 2020, amidst a hurricane in Bradenton, Florida, Novikov competed in the World’s Strongest Man. With favorites Mateusz Kieliszkowski and defending champion Martins Licis sidelined by injuries, the field was open, but Novikov was not a widely predicted winner. Defying expectations, he dominated, winning three events and never finishing below fifth in the finals. His standout moment came in the Max 18-inch Deadlift, where he lifted 537.5 kg (1,185 lb), setting a world record that surpassed Tom Magee’s 1983 mark and Eddie Hall’s unofficial 536 kg pull. At 24 years and 278 days, Novikov became the second-youngest World’s Strongest Man champion, trailing only Jón Páll Sigmarsson (1984) by seven days. He closed the year with a 3rd-place finish at the inaugural Shaw Classic, cementing his status as a global force.

2021–2022: Triumphs Amid Turmoil

The years 2021 and 2022 were a blend of brilliance and adversity. Novikov won both World’s Ultimate Strongman events in 2021 (Bahrain and Dubai) and the Giants Live Strongman Classic at London’s Royal Albert Hall. However, at the 2021 World’s Strongest Man, he finished fourth in his heat, failing to qualify for the finals a rare setback for the defending champion, joining Magnús Ver Magnússon (1997) as one of the only titleholders to miss the final.

In 2022, Novikov’s homeland was thrust into chaos with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Drafted into the Armed Forces and serving with the Kyiv Police Special Forces, he faced inconsistent training conditions and the emotional toll of war. Yet, his resolve remained unbroken. Granted leave to compete, he won the 2022 Europe’s Strongest Man title in Leeds, England, and set a world record in the Flintstone Barbell split jerk (246 kg, 542 lb) at the 2022 World’s Strongest Man, where he placed 3rd overall. He also clinched the 2022 Rogue Invitational and set a world record in the Hummer Tire Deadlift (549 kg, 1,210 lb) at the Shaw Classic. These achievements, accomplished under the shadow of war, underscored his extraordinary resilience.

2023–2024: Battling Injuries

In 2023, Novikov faced significant challenges due to injuries. A lat tear before the Europe’s Strongest Man and an elbow injury during training hampered his performance at the 2023 World’s Strongest Man, where he placed 3rd despite struggling in his signature Circus Dumbbell event. He later revealed that the elbow injury, sustained while pressing 148 kg (326 lb), impaired his lockout, costing him a chance at the title. Taking time to recover, he competed sparingly, placing 6th at two Giants Live shows and 16th at the Strongest Man on Earth.

In 2024, injuries continued to plague Novikov. A suspected biceps injury, evident during the Arnold Strongman Classic (6th place) and Europe’s Strongest Man (3rd place), forced him to withdraw from the 2024 World’s Strongest Man just weeks before the event. This marked a rare absence from the competition he had once conquered.

2025: A Resurgent Champion

As of April 17, 2025, Novikov has roared back into form. On March 18, 2025, at the Ultimate Strongman Barcelona Grand Prix, he set a world record in the Elevated Wheel Deadlift (18 inches), lifting 550 kg (1,210 lb), surpassing his previous Hummer Tire Deadlift record. This victory, celebrated by Ukrainian media and shared on X by @United24media and @EuromaidanPress, highlighted his return to peak performance. As an ambassador for Ukraine’s 46th Separate Airmobile Brigade, Novikov’s triumph carried symbolic weight, showcasing Ukrainian strength amidst ongoing conflict.

Personal Records: A Testament to Power

Novikov’s personal bests are a showcase of his versatility and strength:

Max Deadlift: 453.5 kg (1,000 lb) – 2021 World Deadlift Championships
Max 18-inch Deadlift: 537.5 kg (1,185 lb) – 2020 World’s Strongest Man (World Record)
Hummer Tire Deadlift (15 inches): 549 kg (1,210 lb) – 2022 Shaw Classic (World Record)
Elevated Wheel Deadlift (18 inches): 550 kg (1,210 lb) – 2025 Ultimate Strongman Barcelona (World Record)
Log Press: 191 kg (421 lb) – 2022 Arnold Strongman Classic
Axle Press: 190 kg (420 lb) – 2021 Giants Live Strongman Classic
Circus Dumbbell for Reps:
100 kg (220 lb) × 11 – 2020 World’s Ultimate Strongman (World Record)
110 kg (242 lb) × 8 – 2020 Shaw Classic (World Record)
125 kg (275 lb) × 7 – 2022 Arnold Strongman Classic (World Record)
Cyr Dumbbell Press: 136 kg (300 lb) – 2020 Arnold Strongman Classic
Flintstone Barbell Split Jerk: 246 kg (542 lb) – 2022 World’s Strongest Man (Former World Record, surpassed by Lucas Hatton in 2025)
Double T Squat (Equipped): 411 kg (906 lb) – 2022 Arnold Strongman Classic

Training and Diet: Fueling a Titan

Novikov’s training regimen is tailored to strongman’s unique demands, emphasizing heavy dumbbell presses, medley events, and partial deadlifts. His workouts often include log presses, Fingal’s Fingers, and sandbag carries, balancing strength, speed, and endurance. Despite disruptions from military duties, he maintains a disciplined schedule, often training in makeshift conditions.

His diet, detailed in a 2020 Inside Hook interview, consists of 5,000–7,000 calories daily, comprising lean meats, eggs, porridge, and vegetables. Novikov avoids sugary drinks and processed foods, though he indulges in crackers and ice cream on cheat days. A casein protein shake before bed aids recovery, ensuring his body is primed for competition.

Personal Life and Advocacy

Beyond the arena, Novikov is a member of the Kyiv Police Special Forces and was drafted into the Ukrainian Armed Forces in 2022. His military service, including training drills with assault rifles, has been documented on his YouTube channel, offering a glimpse into his dual life as a soldier and athlete. He has been vocal about the Russo-Ukrainian War’s impact, using his platform to highlight Ukraine’s resilience. With 157k Instagram followers (@novikov_strong_wsm) and nearly 30k YouTube subscribers, he inspires fans globally.

Novikov’s net worth, estimated between $1 million and $5 million, reflects his earnings from competitions and sponsorships. Standing at 6’1” and weighing approximately 135 kg (298 lb), his physique is formidable yet modest compared to taller strongmen, proving that technique and heart can outweigh sheer size.

Legacy and Future Aspirations

Oleksii Novikov’s career is a saga of triumph over adversity. His 2020 World’s Strongest Man victory, achieved at a young age, places him among legends like Jón Páll Sigmarsson. His world records in deadlifts, dumbbell presses, and overhead lifts showcase his versatility, while his performances amidst war highlight his unbreakable spirit.

Looking ahead, Novikov aims to reclaim the World’s Strongest Man title and continue setting records. His recent 2025 world record suggests he is back at his best, and fans eagerly await his return to the World’s Strongest Man stage. As a Ukrainian icon and global strongman star, Novikov’s legacy is one of strength, patriotism, and perseverance a titan not only in body but in soul.