Mariusz makes it 5!

Beating the record of 4 World's Strongest Man titles held by Jón Páll Sigmarsson and Magnús Ver Magnússon, Mariusz Pudzianowski won the 2008 World's Strongest Man to get his record breaking 5th title.

As amazing as The Dominator's record was, and it really was, one other story came out of the competition and that is Derek Poundstone, as seen pictured above. The 2008competition was his first World's Strongest Man and he led the competition up until the last event where Pudzianowski beat him in the Atlas Stones. What makes Poundstone's success even more phenomenal is that he only does it part time - his full time job is that of a police officer for the Naugatuck, Connecticut Police Department!

Expect the 2009 competition to be one that Derek Poundstone will not want to lose!

A special mention goes to Magnus Samuelson from Sweden - winner of the 1998 World's Strongest Man and a 13 year veteran of the competition, announced his retirement from World's Strongest Man. Once the best Arm Wrestler in Europe, Samuelson famously broke the arm of professional wrestler and actor Nathan Jones in an arm wrestling match.

World's Strongest Man 2008

For as long as I can remember, watching World's Strongest Man has been a Christmas/New Year viewing tradition. Back in the 80s it was all about Geoff Capes, Bill Kazmaier and the mighty Jón Páll Sigmarsson (God rest his soul).

The 90s saw the rise of Magnús Ver Magnússon and the 2000s saw the meteoric rise of The Dominator, Marius Pudzianowski - the powerhouse from Poland who has won 4 of the last 5 competitions.

I am half Polish by my Grandparents on my Mum's side so I can follow Marius that way. My British nationality has me wanting to support the British guys, especially big Terry Hollands who came an impressive 3rd last year.

Whatever the results, it's bound to be an impressive display of power from the mightiest men on earth - qualifiers start tonight!