Ronnie Coleman vs. Mariusz Pudzianowski: A Fantasy Strongman Showdown

2023 World’s Strongest Man Mitchell Hooper unravels this hypothetical matchup.

Bodybuilding and strongman training methodologies vary significantly. The former focuses on constructing muscle for aesthetics, while the latter focuses on the efficiency of movement patterns and max lifts. Some elite athletes have the potential to cross between these strength sports and excel in each arenas.

One such athlete is Ronnie Coleman, an eight-time Mr. Olympia champion (1998-2005). His undeniable genetic advantage and chiseled physique earned him eight consecutive Sandow trophies, while his remarkable strength in his prime stays legendary.

On the opposite end, five-time World’s Strongest Man (WSM) champion Marius Pudzianowski carried an aesthetic physique that might likely have contended in elite Men’s Open bodybuilding contests if given full focus.

Reigning WSM Mitchell Hooper published a deep dive on his YouTube channel, exploring the hypothetical of a strongman battle between Coleman and Pudzianowski. Check it out below:

Physical Attributes

Pudzianowski boasts a slight height and weight advantage over Coleman. “Even though Ronnie is under six feet, and we don’t have many WSM winners under six feet, it is feasible for him to win the WSM title,” said Hooper.

Accolades

Coleman and Pudzianowksi competed in 69 skilled contests, but their win ratios differ significantly. Coleman emerged victorious in 26 pro shows, whereas Pudzianowski seized gold in 50 contests.

The Big Three: Comparison

Coleman’s personal best (PB) deadlift is 800 kilos (363 kilograms) double. Pudzianowski’s surpasses Coleman with a 915-pound (415-kilogram) single.

Coleman squatted 800 kilos (363 kilograms) for a double. Pudzianowski’s outlifts that via his 840-pound (380-kilogram) one-rep max. Hooper admitted:

I couldn’t try this. I could do three or 4 at 800 kilos without knee wraps and 6 or seven with knee wraps.

Coleman boasts a 500-pound (227-kilogram) bench press for five reps. Pudzianowski’s claimed 640-pound (290-kilogram) PB left Hooper astounded and skeptical.

That is insane and would destroy anyone on the professional circuit straight away.

Shoulder Strength Comparison

Coleman’s military press PB is 315 kilos (143 kilograms) for 12 reps. Pudzianowski’s best log lift is 380 kilos (172 kilograms). Hooper opined that Coleman could potentially match this with a single rep and have an overhead pressing advantage.

WSM Event-by-Event Comparison

Hooper’s evaluation hinges on comparing Coleman’s best gym lifts and Pudzianowski’s WSM performances in 2002 and 2005. Hooper assumes that Coleman isn’t training specifically for strongman and turns as much as the WSM contests in his Mr. Olympia shape.

2002 WSM Events:

• Flip & Drag: Pudzianowski won this event. Hooper assumes Coleman could place in the highest three based on his brute force and work capability.
• Farmer’s Walk: Pudzianowski was victorious in a time of 34 seconds. Hooper predicts Coleman could have ranked second based on his deadlift strength and the belief that arm strength is more necessary than leg strength on this event.
• Squat & Lift: Coleman is estimated to complete in the highest three with eight to 10 reps based on his squatting ability.
• Truck Pull: Coleman’s upper body strength makes him a top contender on this event. Pudzianowski finished second, and Hooper assumes Coleman could take third.
• Shield Carry: Coleman is estimated to get six points based on his lunging ability.
• Deadlift: Coleman is projected to get 10 reps based on his deadlift strength, earning him a runner-up finish within the event.
• Atlas Stones: Coleman is unlikely to win the event but is assumed to find a way to complete.

Hooper posits that in 2002, Pudzianowski would have likely retained his WSM title, with Coleman trailing behind in a good second place.

2005 WSM Events:

• Fingal’s Fingers: Coleman is predicted to beat Pudzianowski based on his arm and triceps strength.
• Hercules Hold: Coleman is estimated to complete the event at around 55 seconds, earning eight points.
• Fridge Carry: Coleman is predicted to be second behind Pudzianowski.
• Log Lift: Coleman is predicted to win this event.
• Squat Lift: Hooper expects Coleman to be third on this event.
• Ding Carry: Coleman is predicted to be second on this event based on his work capability and conditioning.
• Atlas Stones: Coleman is predicted to complete the event but won’t be the fastest.

Hooper opined that Coleman could have won the 2005 WSM title if he had competed with moderate directed strongman training.