SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT - THE SHAW CLASSIC | Q&A

Summary

In this insightful video, Brian Shaw discusses various aspects of his career and personal life. He shares updates on his potential arm wrestling matches, thoughts on iconic athletes like Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal, and his ongoing recovery with stem cell treatments. He also opens up about the origins of the World's Strongest Man trophies, the challenges of organizing the Shaw Classic and Strongest Man on Earth events, and his commitment to growing the sport of strongman. With a focus on dedication, family, and perseverance, Shaw provides a behind-the-scenes look at his journey.

Takeaways

• 😀 The next potential super match in arm wrestling may involve John Bersink, but the timing depends on both John’s comfort and recovery after surgery.
• 😀 Growing up in the '90s, Brian Shaw was inspired by athletes like Michael Jordan for his dedication and mindset, and Shaquille O'Neal for his dominance in basketball.
• 😀 Shaw’s leg recovery is progressing thanks to stem cell treatment, though it will take several months to see the full benefits.
• 😀 The original World's Strongest Man trophies were made of styrofoam, used primarily as TV props. The trophies only became more solid and meaningful after 2013.
• 😀 Shaw shared that the 'Strongest Man on Earth' event (SMO 2026) faces numerous challenges, but he remains committed to finding solutions despite the sacrifices it entails.
• 😀 Despite having faced significant financial losses, Shaw has always reinvested any prize money from his competitions back into the sport and the athletes.
• 😀 The organization of Shaw Classic and Strongest Man on Earth takes a tremendous amount of personal sacrifice, both in terms of health and time away from family.
• 😀 Shaw clarified that the arm wrestling event at Shaw Classic helped with production costs for the Strongman event, rather than the other way around as rumored.
• 😀 Shaw’s heaviest plate lifts include flipping and catching a 75 lbs York double-sided plate and a 70 lbs Rogue 26-inch plate, showcasing his impressive grip strength.
• 😀 Shaw’s current workout split involves alternating between A and B weeks with different exercises, which complement each other, and he plans to share his training program on the Shaw Elite app.
• 😀 Shaw is also enjoying the time spent with his chickens in a custom-built coop, which is yielding blue eggs and fostering family bonding.
• 😀 Regarding future collaboration with East vs West in arm wrestling, Shaw does not plan to collaborate again but would be willing to participate as an athlete, not as an organizer.

Q & A

When will Brian Shaw's next super match happen?

Brian Shaw isn't sure when his next super match will take place, but he has discussed the possibility with multiple people. One potential match discussed is with John Brzenk, but it depends on whether both athletes are comfortable with it, considering Brzenk's recent surgery and current form.

Who were Brian Shaw's inspirations growing up?

Brian Shaw's primary inspirations growing up were Michael Jordan, who he admired for his dedication and mindset, and Shaquille O'Neal, who he related to because of his size and dominance in basketball.

How is Brian Shaw's leg recovery going?

Brian Shaw is undergoing stem cell treatment to help with his leg recovery. While the effects aren't immediate, he remains optimistic about the progress over the next few months. He's also receiving additional treatments and is determined to find a solution.

What was the story behind the old styrofoam World's Strongest Man trophies?

Brian Shaw shared that the early World's Strongest Man trophies were made out of styrofoam and were primarily TV props. He mentioned that Mariusz Pudzianowski kept his 2008 trophy because it was not meant to be taken back. Shaw also advocated for better trophies after joining the sport, which led to improvements after 2013.

What are Brian Shaw's thoughts on the Strongest Man on Earth event in 2026?

Brian Shaw expressed gratitude for the support of his documentary and shared that he and Carrie are currently having discussions about the future of the Shaw Classic and Strongest Man on Earth events. He didn't confirm whether the event will continue, as they are still evaluating the situation.

Did Brian Shaw take $50,000 from the strongmen to pay the arm wrestlers?

No, this claim is false. The arm wrestling event actually helped cover some of the production costs for the Strongest Man event. This collaboration saved the strongman event in many ways, as the arm wrestling took on some of the venue expenses.

What is the heaviest plate Brian Shaw has flipped with one hand?

Brian Shaw has flipped and caught a 75-pound York double-sided plate with one hand. He has also flipped a 70-pound Rogue 26-inch wagon wheel plate, although he had to use both hands to flip it before catching it with one hand.

How does Brian Shaw structure his workout split?

Brian Shaw follows an A/B week workout split, where he does one set of exercises on A week and a different set on B week. These two weeks complement each other. His workout plan is available on the Shaw Elite app, which also features training programs from Joe Ken and his wife Carrie.

How many eggs does Brian Shaw's chicken coop produce, and how many does he eat?

Brian Shaw's chicken coop produces around 10 eggs, as only one chicken is currently laying. He is excited for the other chickens to start laying and for the coop to produce a full variety of eggs. The first eggs that have been laid are blue.

Would Brian Shaw collaborate with East vs. West for arm wrestling in the future?

No, Brian Shaw does not plan to collaborate with East vs. West in the future for an arm wrestling event. However, he would be open to participating as an athlete in such events without being involved in the organization.