In the world of extreme sports and physical prowess, few names command as much respect as Eddie Hall, known as "The Beast." A force to be reckoned with, Eddie’s journey from a small-town upbringing to the international stage is nothing short of inspiring. As a former mechanic and security guard, Eddie went from humble beginnings in Stoke-on-Trent to becoming the World’s Strongest Man, a title only a handful have earned. His story sheds light on the grit, perseverance, and sheer determination needed to achieve greatness.
Early Years: From Small Town to Big Dreams
Eddie Hall grew up in Stoke-on-Trent, a town known for its down-to-earth people and a rich industrial past. Despite the challenges and limited opportunities around him, Eddie found a passion for swimming at a young age and even joined the Great Britain Junior Olympic team. However, as he entered his teenage years, he went down a darker path, turning to drinking and finding himself in trouble.
It was his parents who steered him back on track, urging him to try weightlifting to channel his energy positively. At 14, Eddie walked into a gym for the first time and, to his surprise, managed to bench press 100 kilograms on his first try—an incredible feat for someone his age. From then on, lifting weights became his new passion and a path to the greatness he would eventually achieve.
Entering the Strongman Scene
Initially interested in bodybuilding and idolizing figures like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Eddie quickly realized that his strength was in lifting, not just looking strong. At 18, he transitioned to strongman competitions, a decision that would change his life. His early days were spent competing in local events, often in pub car parks and small venues. Despite the modest beginnings, Eddie’s commitment to the sport grew, and he became known for his natural power and intense work ethic.
In 2008, at the age of 22, Eddie won England’s Strongest Man—a huge accomplishment for the young lifter. The following year, he progressed to the UK Strongest Man competition and took first place. With each victory, Eddie’s reputation grew, and he found himself competing against the world’s best.
The Grueling Training Regimen of a Strongman
Training to be the World’s Strongest Man is no easy feat. Eddie maintained a grueling schedule, often working 80 hours a week between his job as a mechanic and his door security gigs. Despite the long hours, he managed to dedicate four hours a day to training, focusing on both general strength and strongman-specific exercises.
His diet was as demanding as his workouts, with a daily intake of around 12,000 calories. This included full English breakfasts, multiple snacks, and enormous meals with red meat and high-carb foods to fuel his intensive training. This extreme dedication was necessary for Eddie to compete at the top level, as he often had to lift weights equivalent to the size of a small car or run with massive yokes and stones.
World’s Strongest Man: A Long-Awaited Victory
Eddie’s journey to becoming the World’s Strongest Man wasn’t a quick one. Year after year, he climbed the ranks, finishing 20th in 2012 and gradually working his way up until he finished third in 2016. For Eddie, every competition was a learning experience, and each year he grew stronger and more determined. Finally, in 2017, he achieved his ultimate goal, winning the title of World’s Strongest Man.
Reflecting on the win, Eddie described the moment as one of pure elation, a culmination of years of hard work, discipline, and sacrifice. He felt invincible and, at a body weight of 200 kilograms (32 stone), he genuinely embodied the title of the strongest man on the planet.
Transitioning from Strongman to Media Personality
After winning the World’s Strongest Man, Eddie made the tough decision to step away from the sport. The years of intense training and massive weight gain had taken a toll on his body, and he knew that maintaining that lifestyle could pose serious health risks. Rather than continue competing, Eddie shifted his focus to other ventures, such as starting a YouTube channel, landing endorsement deals, and even entering the world of acting.
His transition has been a successful one. Eddie’s YouTube channel, where he shares his insights on fitness, strongman training, and behind-the-scenes content, quickly gained popularity, amassing millions of subscribers. He has also made appearances in films like The Expendables 4, which allowed him to share the screen with stars like Sylvester Stallone and Jason Statham.
Sticking to His Roots: Embracing Stoke-on-Trent
Despite his global fame, Eddie remains connected to his hometown of Stoke-on-Trent. He describes the community as close-knit, with friendly and supportive people. For Eddie, Stoke is more than just where he grew up; it’s a part of his identity. The people, the culture, and the down-to-earth values of Stoke-on-Trent have shaped him into the person he is today, and he proudly represents his hometown on the global stage.
Navigating Online Fame and Facing Trolls
With fame comes scrutiny, and Eddie is no stranger to online trolls. In an era where social media exposes public figures to relentless criticism, Eddie maintains a lighthearted approach to handling negative comments. He often turns to humor, joking about using a “burner” account to deal with trolls and even offering advice on how to handle online criticism.
This resilience is a testament to his thick skin and positive attitude, qualities that have served him well in both the strongman world and his media career.
Looking to the Future: New Ventures and Business Endeavors
Eddie’s passion for entrepreneurship has led him to explore various business ventures. From launching his own merchandise line to partnering with health and wellness brands, Eddie has effectively built “The Beast” into a brand. His latest venture is in the cannabis industry, where he plans to launch Beast Buds, a line of premium products tailored for pain relief, anxiety reduction, and overall well-being.
Eddie’s commitment to innovation and helping others demonstrates his dedication to creating something bigger than himself. He sees the cannabis industry as a promising field, with the potential to provide safe, natural alternatives for people dealing with pain and mental health issues.
Final Thoughts: The Legacy of a True Champion
Eddie Hall’s journey is a story of resilience, strength, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. His life offers a valuable lesson for anyone aspiring to achieve their dreams. From his teenage struggles and humble beginnings to his World’s Strongest Man victory and media success, Eddie has proven that dedication and hard work are the keys to overcoming obstacles.
Through his new ventures, Eddie aims to continue inspiring others while building on the legacy he has created. Whether in the gym, on YouTube, or on the big screen, Eddie Hall remains an indomitable force, reminding us all of the power of perseverance and the rewards of never giving up.