COVID-19 postpones World’s Strongest Man finals. Here’s when it will be back in Bradenton

Fans of the World’s Strongest Man competition will have to wait a few months to see their favorite athlete vie for the 2020 world championship.

The organization announced on its Facebook page late Tuesday that the event, scheduled for May 20-24, has been been postponed due to the global coronavirus pandemic. The event has been rescheduled to return to Bradenton in November.

“Due to global health concerns regarding COVID-19 (the disease caused by the coronavirus) and restrictions and advice from local, state and federal government authorities, this year’s World’s Strongest Man competition in Bradenton ... has been postponed,” the statement reads.

Qualifying rounds scheduled for Bradenton and Anna Maria Island are now scheduled for Nov. 11-12. The finals will be Nov. 14-15.

“The health and safety of our competitors, fans, partners, volunteers and staff remains our top priority. We thank you for your support and patience and hope that you will be able to join us in Bradenton this November,” the organization said.

Social media reaction has been mixed, but most understand the decision and expressed optimism for cooler weather and an expanded length of time for the competitors to train for the big event.

Some fans commented that the dates won’t work for them to visit, while others say the new dates makes it possible for them to come.

The organization announced to return its finals to Bradenton in January after holding the finals last summer.

The event drew fans to Bradenton area from around the globe despite a rather late announcement of where the WSM finals were to be held. Organizers made a much earlier announcement for the 2020 finals.

“We can certainly expect a much bigger economic impact than last year,” said Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, following the announcement.

Last year, the event opened up in downtown Bradenton with the athletes competing in the qualifying round of truck pulling. Fans lined Old Main Street and were rewarded with a big scare when fan favorite Hafbor “Thor” Julius Bjornsson suffered an early injury.

The defending world champ and best known for playing The Mountain on HBO’s popular series, “Game of Thrones,” was able to return to competition, but surrendered the title to Martins Licis, representing the United States, by the time the competition concluded on the beaches of Anna Maria Island.

Bjornnson, representing Iceland, managed a third place finish despite the lingering injury. Poland’s Mateusz Kieliszowski came in second place.

There are changes to the planned 2020 world championship and despite the postponement in dates, the event is still expected to move from downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island to the Premier Sports Complex off State Road 70 in Lakewood Ranch.

The arena is more accommodating to fans to be able to see the event clearly, which was an issue on the island with fans circling the competition a dozen deep, making it difficult for most to see. While the event will be at the sports complex, it will remain free to attend.

This story was originally published April 8, 2020 at 7:29 AM.