Joe Brown Claims Title of England's Strongest Man After Grueling Competition

Joe Brown, hailing from Stoke-on-Trent, has achieved a significant milestone by being named England's Strongest Man, a victory that he believes validates his extensive training efforts. Last month, Brown triumphed over 15 other competitors in Doncaster, marking his first win of this prestigious title.

In partnership with Rosie Abercrombie, who is also a formidable athlete having won the title of England's Strongest Woman in both 2023 and 2025, Brown operates a gym in Staffordshire. He initially aimed to secure a top five finish to qualify for next year’s contest, so taking home the championship was a delightful surprise for him. "It was amazing," he remarked.

Brown endured a series of tough challenges during the competition, including pulling a 12-tonne truck, performing a Basque Stone lift, and maneuvering a 400kg "super yolk" on his shoulders. Remarkably, he did not win any individual event but consistently placed well enough to maintain his overall standing. "I didn't actually win a single event, but I didn't come out the top three for a single event either," he explained, emphasizing the importance of balanced performance.

His journey into strength training began as a means to enhance his skills in other sports like judo, but he soon found a passion for strongman events. Currently, Brown dedicates about two hours to training four times a week, with longer sessions on Saturdays as competitions approach. "It means a lot to win. I've trained for a long, long time," he stated.

Abercrombie expressed her pride in Brown's achievement, noting that he had encouraged her to explore the sport at the beginning of their relationship. Reflecting on his growth, she recalled watching him finish 17th in his first competition, while she secured a title in her debut year. "It's our entire life really to some extent," she shared, highlighting the commitment required beyond just gym hours.

Despite their demanding training schedules, the couple, who have a daughter, manage to balance family life with their fitness ambitions. Both athletes are now setting their sights on competing for European titles in Harrogate this October.