Pavlo Kordiyaka’s victory at the Europe’s Strongest Man 2023 (ESM-2023) has sent shockwaves throughout the strongman community. The Ukrainian powerhouse dominated the competition, winning three out of the five events and setting a new World Record in the Conan’s Wheel.
Nearly 7,000 fans at the First Direct Arena in Leeds witnessed an electrifying performance as Kordiyaka secured a stunning victory over his compatriot, Oleksii Novikov. Novikov had been leading the competition going into the final event, but a costly mistake saw Kordiyaka overturn his 3-point deficit and clinch the title with a 4-point lead.
Latvia’s Aivars Šmaukstelis completed the podium, finishing just two points behind the Ukrainian duo after placing first in the stones. Iceland’s Eythór Ingólfsson Melsted produced a characteristically consistent performance to finish fourth, while Adam Bishop was the best-placed Brit in what was a disappointing evening for the home countries.
Kordiyaka’s athleticism and explosive power were on full display throughout the competition. He shocked many by being the only competitor to complete the Log Ladder, power-jerked the logs like an accomplished weightlifter, and made the 300kg Conan’s Wheel look like a push bike as he strode effortlessly around the arena.
Many had expected Kordiyaka to perform well after his impressive 4th place finish last year, but few were ready for the stunning display of technical efficiency and explosive power he was able to produce this year. Novikov seemed genuinely happy for his countryman but will reflect with frustration on his mishandling of the final stone just as he appeared to have victory in his hands.
Both Kordiyaka and Novikov have proved their form despite competing under very difficult circumstances, and will now travel to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where the World’s Strongest Man competition begins on 19th April. ESM-2023 display, Kordiyaka, who won the Official Strongman Games back in 2021, will now be seen as a major contender.
The Ukrainian three-man squad of P. Kordiyaka, O. Novikov, and P. Nakonechnyy have between them won four of the last five international Giants Live contests. With all three competitors in their mid-twenties, there could be many more contest victories to come.
The Europe’s Strongest Man 2023 competition showcased the incredible strength and athleticism of the world’s top strongmen. The fans at the First Direct Arena were treated to an unforgettable display of power and determination, and the competition has set the stage for what promises to be an epic battle at the World’s Strongest Man competition later this month on April.
Overall Standings:
- Pavlo Kordiyaka (UKR) – 57.5 pnts
- Oleksii Novikov (UKR) – 53.5 pnts
- Aivars Šmaukstelis (LAT) – 51.5 pnts
- Eythór Melsted (ISL) – 45.5 pnts
- Adam Bishop (GBR) – 41.5 pnts
- Shane Flowers (GBR) – 37 pnts
- Pa O’Dwyer (IRE) – 36.5 pnts
- Konstantine Janashia (GEO) – 30.5 pnts
- Dennis Kohlruss (GER) – 26 pnts
- Paul Smith (GBR) – 25.5 pnts
- Gavin Bilton (GBR) – 17.5 pnts
- Jean-Stephen Coraboeuf (FRA) – 16.5 pnts
- Graham Hicks (GBR) – 8 pnts
Stay tuned for Strongman! Best regards, @Ruslan.Petrunya