The final event, the Atlas Stones, was crucial for Nel, who needed to finish in the top three to clinch the championship; he completed four stones in 30.17 seconds.

American Trey Mitchell was the only competitor to successfully lift all five stones in the Atlas Stones event, finishing second overall.

Despite a slow start on the final day, Nel's performance in the Atlas Stones allowed him to surpass Stoltman on the leaderboard.

A pivotal moment occurred when Mitchell Hooper slipped during his stone lift, which allowed Nel to gain the necessary points to take the lead.

The World’s Strongest Man competition, held annually since 1977, showcases athletes from around the globe in various strength challenges.

After transitioning from rugby to strongman competitions, Nel's competitive spirit shone through, culminating in this remarkable championship win.

The atmosphere at the event was electric, with spectators fully engaged as athletes showcased their incredible strength and determination.

Nel achieved this impressive feat on his debut, narrowly defeating defending champion Tom Stoltman by just half a point after a series of strong performances.

Throughout the competition, Nel demonstrated his strength by winning the Carry & Hoist event and finishing second in both the deadlift and Hercules holds, accumulating enough points to secure the title.

Nel expressed his excitement about representing South Africa, highlighting the significance of his victory for a country facing many struggles.

Rayno Nel from South Africa won the 2025 World's Strongest Man title, marking his first championship victory and making history as the first rookie to win since 1997.

The event took place over four days in Old Sacramento, concluding on May 18, 2025, and featured an enthusiastic crowd cheering for the competitors.