Trey Mitchell, The Big Thicket’s Quest for World’s Strongest Man Glory

In the gritty, awe-inspiring world of strongman, where athletes push the boundaries of human strength, Charles “Trey” Mitchell III, known as “Big Tex” or “The Big Thicket,” stands as a towering figure. Born on July 16, 1993, in Lumberton, Texas, Mitchell has risen from a small-town football player to a professional strongman of global renown, celebrated for his back-to-back Shaw Classic victories (2021, 2022) and his 2018 America’s Strongest Man title. As of April 17, 2025, Mitchell’s journey is marked by world records, consistent international podium finishes, and an unrelenting ambition to claim the coveted World’s Strongest Man (WSM) title. This biography delves into his life, from his humble beginnings to his meteoric rise in the strongman arena, capturing the essence of a man driven by purpose and power.

Early Life: Roots in the Lone Star State

Trey Mitchell was born and raised in Lumberton, Texas, a small town in the heart of the Big Thicket region, known for its dense forests and rugged terrain. Growing up on his family’s homestead, Mitchell was no stranger to hard labor. As he shared on Brian Shaw’s podcast, his childhood involved manual tasks like loading hay bales, mowing knee-high grass, and tending to animals, including a horse. These early experiences built not only physical strength but also a work ethic that would define his future.

Mitchell’s athletic journey began in elementary school, where he briefly played baseball before transitioning to American football. His size large even as a child made him a standout, but also led to challenges, as he was barred from competing against peers in his grade due to his physical dominance. Bullying for being the “fat kid” fueled his determination to transform his body and mindset. By high school, Mitchell returned to football, playing for Lumberton High School, but his coaches’ disregard for his injuries led him to seek new outlets for his competitive drive. Inspired by watching World’s Strongest Man on ESPN, he set his sights on strength sports, a decision that would change his life.

Discovering Strongman: A Natural Fit

Mitchell’s foray into strongman began in 2012 at the age of 18, when he entered an amateur competition in Houston, Texas, organized by veterans Travis Ortmayer and Josh Thigpen. Competing in the teen division, he clinched his first victory, a moment that ignited his passion for the sport. As he told Athlon Outdoors in 2024 .

His early years in the amateur circuit were marked by rapid progress. By 2017, Mitchell turned professional after winning the Official Strongman Games, a victory that showcased his potential. The following year, 2018, was a breakout moment: he secured the America’s Strongest Man title in Long Beach, California, defeating Jacob Fincher by 9 points, and placed second at the Giants Live North American Open, earning a spot at the 2019 World’s Strongest Man.

Major Achievements: A Powerhouse on the Global Stage

Mitchell’s career is a tapestry of triumphs, world records, and near-misses at the sport’s pinnacle. His key accomplishments include:

2017: Won the Official Strongman Games, turning professional and qualifying for World’s Strongest Man.
2018: Claimed America’s Strongest Man in Long Beach, California, a defining moment in his career.
2019: Placed 8th at World’s Strongest Man in Bradenton, Florida, defeating Oleksii Novikov in a dramatic Atlas Stone-off despite trailing by 7 points.
2021:
Won the Shaw Classic (later rebranded as Strongest Man on Earth) in Colorado, beating four-time WSM champion Brian Shaw by 3 points, a highlight he described as his career’s peak .
Finished 4th at World’s Strongest Man in Sacramento, California, just 1.5 points behind third-place Maxime Boudreault.
Won the inaugural Texas Strongest Man contest in Pasadena, Texas, excelling in events like the Log Press and Atlas Stones.
2022:
Defended his Shaw Classic title, solidifying his dominance in the event.
Placed 2nd at the Rogue Invitational, a high-profile strongman competition.
Logged a 183.7 kg (405 lb) behind-the-neck press for three reps, a feat highlighted .
2023:
Won North America’s Strongest Man in Victoriaville, Canada, dominating five of eight events, including the Max Log Lift (200 kg) and Atlas Stones .
Placed 4th at both the Arnold Strongman Classic and World’s Strongest Man, and 6th at the Strongman Classic.
Set a Viking Press world record .
2024:
Set a world record at the Giants Live World Deadlift Championships with a 470 kg (1,036 lb) raw deadlift (using only straps and a belt), breaking the standard bar strongman raw world record and establishing a new American deadlift record .
Won America’s Strongest Man again, reinforcing his dominance in the U.S. circuit.

In 2025, Mitchell continued to compete at the elite level, though specific results from early 2025 events are limited. His consistent top-five finishes in major competitions, including four WSM finals appearances (2019, 2021, 2022, 2023), underscore his status as a top contender .

Personal Bests: A Testament to Strength

Mitchell’s personal bests reflect his extraordinary capabilities across static and dynamic events:

Deadlift (Raw with straps): 470 kg (1,036 lb) at 2024 Giants Live World Deadlift Championships, a world record.
Double T Squat (Equipped): 388 kg (855 lb) at 2022 Arnold Strongman Classic.
Giant Barbell Squat (Single-ply suit with wraps): 340 kg (750 lb) for 6 reps at 2019 World’s Strongest Man.
Squat (Raw with wraps): 304 kg (670 lb) for 5 reps.
Atlas Stone: 251 kg (553 lb) single lift; lapped a 274 kg (604 lb) stone .
Log Press: 200 kg (441 lb) at 2023 North America’s Strongest Man.
Behind-the-Neck Press: 183.7 kg (405 lb) for 3 reps in 2022 training.

Challenges and Resilience: Overcoming Setbacks

Mitchell’s journey has not been without obstacles. An Achilles injury in October 2023, sidelined him temporarily, yet he bounced back to win North America’s Strongest Man in 2024. His 2023 North America’s Strongest Man campaign saw a setback when he placed 12th in the Wheelbarrow Carry, losing his lead, but his resilience shone through as he won the next two events to reclaim victory.

The competitive nature of strongman, where small margins separate winners from losers, has tested Mitchell’s mental fortitude. His 4th-place finishes at the 2023 WSM and Arnold Strongman Classic, just shy of the podium, fueled his determination to refine his skills, as he shared in a 2021 YouTube interview with World’s Strongest Man.

A Champion’s Mindset and Lifestyle

Mitchell’s success stems from a blend of physical prowess and mental clarity. He views strongman as a challenge to “improve,” a sentiment he expressed to Athlon Outdoors: “When I found that I could do Strongman and was really good at it, I had something I could work for in my life, not just be aimless.” His training regimen, detailed on his Instagram (@berserkerlifter), includes heavy lifting, event-specific drills, and recovery protocols to prevent injuries. He relies on gear like SBD knee sleeves and a lifting belt, which he praised in Muscle & Fitness for supporting his joints during heavy lifts.

Despite his achievements, Mitchell remains grounded. He lives in Lumberton, Texas, and maintains a close connection with his community. His nickname, “Big Tex,” coined during the 2018 Arnold Pro Strongman in Australia, reflects his larger-than-life presence and Texas pride. Sponsorships and competition payouts (up to $50,000 for first-place finishes) have allowed him to compete full-time, a shift from his earlier days juggling retail and gym jobs.

Impact and Community Engagement

Mitchell’s influence extends beyond the competition stage. His 50,000 Instagram followers engage with his training updates and competition highlights, while collaborations with YouTubers like Laurence Shahlaei and Brian Shaw have expanded his reach. In 2023, he took a YouTuber through a “Texas leg day,” showcasing his training philosophy, which includes multiple BBQ dinners for fuel.

His victories, particularly at the Shaw Classic and America’s Strongest Man, have inspired aspiring strongmen, particularly in Texas, where the sport is gaining traction. Mitchell’s humility, as highlighted, endears him to fans, who see him as a relatable figure despite his superhuman feats.

Future Aspirations: The World’s Strongest Man Dream

As of April 17, 2025, Mitchell remains a top contender in strongman, with his sights firmly set on the World’s Strongest Man title. Despite four finals appearances, the WSM crown has eluded him, with his best finish being 4th in 2021 and 2023. His 2024 world-record deadlift and 2024 America’s Strongest Man win signal that he is in peak form, making him a strong candidate for the 2025 WSM, scheduled for later this year.

Mitchell’s immediate goals include competing in the Giants Live Arena Tour and defending his Strongest Man on Earth title (formerly Shaw Classic). His focus on “small margins,” reflects a strategic approach to closing the gap with top competitors like Mitchell Hooper and Tom Stoltman .

Table: Trey Mitchell’s Career Milestones

Year	Competition	Achievement	Notable Performance
2017	Official Strongman Games	1st Place	Turned professional
2018	America’s Strongest Man	1st Place	Defeated Jacob Fincher by 9 points
2019	World’s Strongest Man	8th Place	Defeated Oleksii Novikov in Atlas Stone-off
2021	Shaw Classic	1st Place	Beat Brian Shaw by 3 points
2021	World’s Strongest Man	4th Place	1.5 points behind 3rd place
2021	Texas Strongest Man	1st Place	Won Log Press, Atlas Stones
2022	Shaw Classic	1st Place	Defended title
2022	Rogue Invitational	2nd Place	Behind-the-neck press: 183.7 kg for 3 reps
2023	North America’s Strongest Man	1st Place	Won 5 of 8 events, Viking Press world record
2024	Giants Live World Deadlift Championships	World Record	470 kg (1,036 lb) raw deadlift
2024	America’s Strongest Man	1st Place	Reclaimed title

Conclusion: A Legacy of Strength and Purpose

Trey Mitchell’s journey from a Texas farm to the global strongman stage is a story of resilience, talent, and purpose. His world-record deadlift, multiple America’s Strongest Man titles, and Shaw Classic victories have cemented his place among the sport’s elite. Yet, it’s his humility and relentless drive that truly define him, as he continues to chase the World’s Strongest Man title. As Big Tex prepares for the next chapter, his legacy is already one of inspiration, proving that strength is not just physical but a way of life forged through perseverance and passion.