South African athlete Rayno Nel has made history by becoming the first African to win the title of World’s Strongest Man, a remarkable feat that stunned fans and competitors alike. At just 30 years old, Nel’s victory in Sacramento, California, marked the culmination of an incredible journey that began only a year after switching from rugby to strongman competitions.
For Nel, the title carries a special kind of pride. “You can have a UFC belt, which means you can fight well, but being the World’s Strongest Man — there’s something about that title,” he said. It’s an achievement that still feels unreal to him, given how quickly his rise came after stepping into the sport in 2023.
Born and raised in Upington, a quiet town in South Africa’s Northern Cape province, Nel had once dreamed of becoming a professional rugby player. When that dream ended, he turned his focus toward competitive strength sports while working full-time as an electrical engineer. His passion for challenge and endurance found a new home in strongman competitions.
His training regimen is nothing short of brutal. Nel spends three nights a week training for three hours and dedicates Saturdays to grueling six-to-eight-hour sessions. To sustain his 148kg frame, he consumes up to 6,000 calories daily — a diet rich in steak, pasta, and biltong. “All my free time, my wife’s free time, goes into strongman,” he admitted. “It’s a lifestyle.”
Fittingly nicknamed “The Rhino from South Africa,” Nel stormed through the 2025 competition, narrowly defeating three-time British champion Tom Stoltman by just half a point. His performance was nothing short of dominant, placing in the top three in four of the five final events, including an astonishing 490kg deadlift — roughly half the weight of a real rhino.
The final moments of the contest were nerve-wracking. After a difficult round in the Flintstone Press, Nel’s lead dwindled to just two and a half points. But in the deciding Atlas Stones event, he held his nerve, finishing third and sealing victory by less than a second. “It was a flood of emotion,” he recalled. “My wife, my family, my coach — everyone who sacrificed for this moment — we did it together.”
Since that victory, Nel’s life has changed completely. Media appearances, sponsor meetings, and national recognition have turned him into one of South Africa’s most inspiring sports figures. “To have some positive news for Africa means a lot. The support I’ve received is incredible. I’m so humbled and proud to represent my country.”
Now, Nel hopes to bring the World’s Strongest Man competition back to Africa, citing the continent’s deep history with strength sports. Countries like South Africa, Botswana, Mauritius, and Zambia have previously hosted events, and Nel believes it’s time to reignite that legacy.
As he continues to train harder than ever, Nel’s mission is clear — to defend his crown and inspire a new generation of African athletes to aim higher. “The most prestigious title is World’s Strongest Man,” he said. “I’d like to defend that one or two times.”
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