The Rogue Invitational 2023 Results 

I don't care about any controversy, I just want to say that Tom's performance on the log for reps was one of the best I've ever seen. Absolutely flawless

My biggest issue with the show was how it just practically cut off strongman after the last event. On the stream they never announced the final results just the winner. They also didn't cover the award ceremony. It was super small in the background with no audio.

One thing i felt was a bit of a high point was Luke getting a rep on the deadlift, between Shaw, Cardiff, and Rogue his deadlift really is looking better than ever

The most important thing is better communication to the fans on everything. Also show the strongman awards on stream please.

This weekend provided a reminder for old fans and a slap in the face for very new ones how damn good Mateusz is when he's in shape and has good events. He zeroed on the first event and still ended up on the podium. How often does that happen, seriously? For my money, forget Brian and Zydrunas and Thor--You want an impressive feat of strongman, you look at peak performance Mateusz. The Bull sled, the Stone to Shoulder at the Arnold, the Rogue-a-Coaster, all of it. He didn't earn the nickname the Terminator on a whim. When he's on his A-game, he absolutely A N N I H I L A T E S the competition.

Sincere best wishes to Trey. Such a badly dealt hand.

I think the rogueacoaster should be combined with the loading event, have the athlete's load up the sandbags then pull it up. I think that would make for a fun final event. Also have fireworks go off when the bags hit the crash pad at the bottom.

Love the deadlift idea (add on the CrossFit weight). That would be awesome. Mateusz should go live with Rauno for a couple of months, what a difference a few reps could make.

Who plans major events like this without a plan to postpone due to weather or have a weather contingency plan for the original days scheduled? A child’s birthday party gets more planning than this event apparently.

Absolute garbage reffing on Hoopers reps on log. Im tired of his soft/questionable lockouts on log, deadlifts and monster dumbbell. It's time this gets addressed and the refs take this seriously. We dont get this garbage at the Shaw Classic for the most part.

But SERIOUS, why take out BOTH the fingers to Log AND the Axle? Why not just keep the Axle? What was the logic behind that? Like, what difference is there between an indoor log and axle?

As a volunteer this year, having to move all those bags, It was very clear how impressive the Strongmen really are! it took 4 of us to move 1...7 to pull the Coaster up. I would LOVE to see Strongwomen added in the future!

Mateusz confirmed in a comment on Instagram that he didn’t know the rule, he missed the rule meeting for the event. I assume because it’s log for reps he didn’t look at the event rules because he may have assumed it was going to be business as usual.

Big Z needs to be the ref/judge For every overhead event going forward

Best thing about this show was Loz's commentary and Mateusz going beast mode!

The main issue people had with Mitch's log rep performance is the lack of head through towards the top of the rep, with the log in front of his face several times. Especially after textbook technique from Tom.

The real problem with having different rules at every comp is that they need to make sure they are translating these rules into whatever other languages the guys speak. I feel for any of the guys that don't speak/read english super well trying to understand the specific intricacies of novel events.

I love all the ideas from Big Loz at the end. Would be a way to make the strongman events feel more of a part of the Invitational. On the feedback, it comes with many comps but it's the issue with consistency in refereeing that is the most valid complaint. Like you said, there needs to be standard rules and training for refs so that these issues don't crop up.

These post comp breakdown in detail videos are my favorite. Thank you guys for this video! Marine Mike 🇺🇸 💪

Mitch pushed the rules to the limit especially the last loading race

With those ideas of yours, I vote you for event planner! I missed the Conan's wheel as well. That one is just visually awesome and a nostalgic strength implement for me from watching Arnold grow the movie. I know everyone does stones but I didn't realize how much I'd miss them until they were replaced with sand bags. Honestly stone to shoulder at the Arnold's that year was fun to watch. I'd like to see an all stone event! Flintstone press, pull a stack of stones, stone throw, etc. 🔥

Thomas Evans is GREAT GUY!!! I enjoy watching & cheering him on. I have known him for many years.

Sounds like your team mich. His reps look like he's gonna break his back every time. Looks painful.

It felt like the Strongman was an afterthought on the production team. They didn't do barely any interviews, didn't show the podiums and trophy awarding, and the final event was a giant nothing burger that left me saying "Is that it?!"

That idea for the deadlift would be amazing. And yeah rogue didn’t have the best time. But they are pushing the sport and I am happy with it. Things can only go up and they are improving.

I like the idea of having the guys pull the sled using a horizontal ladder because I think the surface was dangerously slippery. It caused Trey's injury and Tom's shoe coming off.

Another great video from Liz and Loz! Very measured and fair, as always.

It was a mess to watch as a fan with all of the last minute changes. I really hope that strongman won’t appear to be an afterthought next year.

I think the racking issue with the iron bull can be eliminated by adding a few wheels (maybe spring loaded to ensure tension) on each side that pinch inward on the sides of the rails. That way the sled still sits full weight on top of the rails to keep the constant resistance peice of the implement. I think 4 or 5 on each side would fix it right up.

The log for reps was the most competitive and thus exciting event of this comp.hands down.

Congratulations to the athletes for surviving what was the worst competition of the year! Rogue is a great company, and their involvement in Strongman is quite significant and appreciated. However, poor planning, and no contingency for the bad weather, terrible refereeing,( soft lockouts and false starting) The iron Bull Pull, etc.…

Having the overall leader go last on every event instead of the previous event winner, I didn't like. Makes it too hard to climb out of a hole, and gives the same athletes an advantage on every event.

Being too soft on Mitch’s lockouts imo, yes if the ref gives the down signal then he’s going to put it down, but there needs to be a higher standard at the top level and making excuses for poor reps is just going to hurt the integrity of sport, it needs to get more serious. Big z has already called him out on his log technique. All the other guys did beautiful, clean reps. Im sure if Bobby, the 2 Tom’s and Luke etc just flapped the weight up and barely held it like Mitch they could have done about 12 reps

Just goes to show why the Shaw Classic is the best run and ref competition 25:52 LOZ GETS IT! Strong man is about the show of the strength. Make it extravagant.

i love you guys❤❤❤

The Dual has to be one of the worst events I’ve ever watched. So much potential with such poor execution.

That sandbag load was so incredibly udnerwhelming.

Toms log was so clean for 10 compared to Hoopers contentious 9 (that maybe was 5 or 6 for real and helped hoopy win a comp he shouldn't have), the real controversy was the refs and officials decision making messed up the whole show.

The refereeing on the log was atrocious; how you going to judge Mitchell “The Loose (reps)” Hooper different from everybody else🤦‍♂️ Horrible to watch unfairness as a strongman fan, when you want to see the STRONGEST actually win💯!

When did putting the head through the log not be part of strongman competition rules? That's the phrase I always used to hear.

Loz, I LOVE your ideas for events. Make it so!

the Elephant bar deadlift too the eyes is amazing. Simplicity is best

I liked the sled. I think if you're gonna do a pull it should be heavy enough that most don't finish.

I love your ideas to improve the events . Hope they will take them in.

By far the worst Rogue Invitational to date, sad to say. The sled pull was a mess, obviously something off with the construction seeing how it got stuck at certain points and possibly the friction changing with time. There is no reason they couldnt have put the axle lift "inside" where they had the log lift, in fact they should have done that on the Friday evening in order to still have time for all the events and possibly being able to do the fingals fingers on the Saturday. The "duel" as it turned out was a very underwhelming strongman event. That being said, I think Rogue overall are doing a great job and have a very positive impact on strongman.

I loved the first 2 Rogue Invitationals but sadly, as many have said, this year didn't quite work, not just from an event standpoint, but also from a visual standpoint on some of the events. Also, the final event just felt wrong for strongmen. All that being said though. I think this could be a good thing for Rogue in the long run, and it may make them think about events slightly differently and be able to plan for something like the weather causing issues much better in the future.

The rain ( weather not drink) caused changes. Rouge still did their best for CrossFit and Strongman. Was it a great experience , No.However, it was FREE to watch. Thank you Rouge.

Love your recommendations, Loz!! And glad to know I wasn’t alone in thinking that sandbag medley was an underwhelming finale and not really a Strongman event. Despite a few hiccups, overall Rogue did a good job with the hand they were dealt. So I continue in my loyalty to Rogue because, like you said, it is a wonderful company for growing our sport.

I reslly really agree with the standard of rules is it not only good for making sure everyone understands everything I think it would be good for warding off injuries

Love your ideas Loz!!!

Okay here are my thought: 1. 100% agree it would be amazing to see elite CrossFit max then strongman deadlift for reps. We even as fans can forget the staggering weight they do. 2. Think old carnival squirt gun race. CrossFitters in a previous even have to load 6+x 100 lbs bags into a cart like the rogue-coaster in front of the hill (5 carts). After their event strongman are at the top of the hill and the carts attached to the ropes for an arm over arm race (5 against each other at a time).

In terms of Mitch’s log, I agree with Lalas brothers thoughts. On some reps the ref gave a down signal before he was even fully locked out. On most of them the ref didn’t wait for him to stabilize and catch balance. Mitch did what he had to, i.e. put the log down when he was told he’s good. But the reffing was definitely off with that one. It’s a major show with a huge price money for the first place, the judging should be spot on. Unfortunately, it wasn’t this year. Hopefully it’ll be fixed in ‘24

Unfortunately more lows then highs with this comp. Sad to see Trey hurt but let’s be honest here the bull was a disaster, the axil and fingers were scrapped, the loading event was a head scratcher as well, some of the judging was questionable (not the athletes fault) and there seemed to be no backup if the weather was poor. Congrats to Mitch and Tom for their performances.

I should think with the log press for reps you should lock out arms and legs and be stable with the weight above head before getting a down signal! I think the whole body should be stable and under control basically

Big Loz needs his own competition he got some great ideas.

Top suggestions: 1) if there is rain, redesign Vendor Village with a covered pavilion in the center to hold events like log press or axle press, Dinnie hold, stone to shoulder, etc 2) with 6 events, no two similar events ( two pulls, two overhead, two deadlift, etc) 3) add a pro women's division; even if that means stretching into Sunday or starting Thursday night

How does it happen to where the commentators dont even know all the details such as the weight and height of the deadlift?!?! A show this big with this much money...man simple stuff like that is just unacceptable. Period. Dont want to hear excuses. That is just a communication issue. Marine Mike 🇺🇸 💪

The Record Breakers looked like a bad gym event.

I love a good sand bag for height. It would be really cool to have the strongmen throw a max weight bag over the rope climb pole. Bonus points if the bag they are throwing are used in a cross fit event as well.

The fact that Mitch was getting down signals on the log when his head was PLAINLY not through on a bunch of the reps is pretty insane, especially considering they took reps away from others for way less

To me with the Log, it's not even about the ref, it's about the integrity of the form and lift itself. I would, no matter what, have joints locked and head through on every rep because that's what I train and that's how I want to be in front of a crowd and give no qualms about my legacy due to low ethics when competing. Sure, down signal is down signal, but the audience can see differently and have better judgement than a ref at that time. And using other unnamed Strongmen and their bad reps as a reason to justify Mitch's is actually a lowly thing to do. It's lowering standards to make the standard that's judged look better. That would be a scummy thing to do with literally anything else (people, careers, finances, character of oneself, crimes, etc). Just keep your perspective unbiased and strict when it comes to overall judging and understanding where people are coming from. Even Evan's reps looked better from the side. We were criticizing Iron Biby the day after his 229 kg Log record attempt because of the same thing. His head was behind his arms. Mitch's reps were better than Biby's 229 record attempt, but point still stands. Aside from that, Rogue needs to do better and adapt better if they want to keep fans looking forward to this event again.

I think the simplest idea to improve things would be do hold it at a dome field where the roof can be closed if weather is going to be a threat.

I think a big issue with the bull pull was a lack of testing, they had Brian doing testing a day before when he hasn't been training for strongman and not prepared for it(pulling in regular shoes). Feel something like that should have been dialed in weeks ahead of time.

100% agree constructive ideas are necessary to help them improve while mindless hate will just put Rogue off

missed you all's travel vlog for your trip

That sled pull event was terrible. Relying on friction to provide the resistance is just stupid. The surfaces will scratch, heat will increase and decrease, as will moisture levels. All of these things significantly affect the friction and thus the resistance, not only between pulls, but also different parts of the track. An awful event that screwed everyone over.

Yes continuity on rules such as the log lift, like what a correct lockout should be

Thanks, good thoughts. Contingency planning - it came across that the organisers were making it up as they go along, rather than implementing plans!

Compare 6th rep that they took from Novikov with...basically all lifts made by Pooper.

The anticlimactic end was disappointing 😞 your suggestions are great Loz! Get well soon Auntie Liz x

The sound for your commentary at the Rogue was great- Giants Live could take some notes from Rogue on that.

Agree on the Bull... You could use the apparatus for 2 different events.. Hand over Hand Coaster.. Replace basket with bull..keep wheels.. Then incorporate leg pull... At top special effects..

Also love Loz idea for the sled pull. Would look visually incredible and the weight moving up into the air is always impressive to the fans

Dont get the Ref Situation really..why not 2 Or more and the sideline rief calls at the end …maybe

fully agreed! we need to keep Rogue in Strongman dont antagonize them. work with them to make each year better than last

I liked Luke's almost standing hip thrust method to pull the bull.

I love the idea of the visual demonstration of how strong these guys are. I've always wanted to see some average guy in flip flops running along side the 100m final just to see how fast the best actually are. To see this in Strongman would be awesome

The bull could be used as a dead lift like they do with cars or the grip test. The last even the dual was just over too soon and it should have been the end of a medley. It does show how hard it is to do a live event and Rogue did a good job to keep it going with the weather as it was. I just like to see Luke and Tom doing so well together and Tom is after the 3rd WSM title with spice and fire.

They definitely need to have a back up plan for each event. The bull needs improvement, wood, metal & humidity are not a good combination.

Do you think the other strongmen are worried about the day (if ever) Mateus improves his deadlift? It's so hard to see how talented he is at everything else then see how subpar (compared to other elite strongmen) he is at deadlift. He might have won the Arnolds and Rogue otherwise.

Mitch is such a freak, a real strongman phenom. You're right Loz, his Strongman IQ is through the roof.

I'm still gutted over them pulling the axles out of the comp. We've been needing to see that event again for so long.

They should do 2 rogueacoatster machines & put the athletes to compete side by side & still keep time.That would be eye candy for the fans.

Could it have been a better event? Yes. Will Rogue make it a better event next year? Yes. The weather can’t be controlled. The Bull, well, everyone got to endure the same suck. The devil’s in the details (log lift rule change). Rogue did an excellent job keeping safety in mind for all who competed and adjusted as in a manner that kept the competition fair. Looking forward to next year. Congrats to all who competed! And your commentary helped to elevate the entire event. Thank you.

It goes without saying that the rogue invitational is usually one of the years strongman highlights. That being said, this year felt a bit like "strongmen do crossfit". Most likely because of the last event like you say With the space and resources that they have the rogue could be one of the only competitions that could legitimately pull off a strong man obstacle course of sorts. Example : load stones onto a platform which as its loaded is raising another obstacle into position

I think the rain really scuppered rogues plan and they had to do the best with the time they had. Let's hope next year things all go to plan well done team liz and loz

💪💪💪

Poor Trey.

My main positive suggestion would be picking a different location where there's practically zero chance of rain.

Yeah, certainly agree the last event was underwhelming, as a last event it should be exciting and inspiring for the crowd.

Your Iron Bull / Roguer Coaster hybrid idea is awesome!

I love Loz suggestion for Bull on the Rogueacoaster. I think the biggest disappointment was just simply loosing out on events we looked forward too, the actual duel the axel and even the fingers into the log, however if the weather says otherwise, strongmen of all know that shit does happen. I know its not everybody’s favourite but id love for them to do a squat for reps were it looks like the bulls head/mouth open and closes or ever looks like it swallows the weight as it gets added. Another option for a loading race would be having to load massive letters that need placed up to spell out Rogue if they are looking for cool advertising opportunities.

I think it was hust a case of insufficient risk planning for thr weather - like they didn't take the risk of rain that seriously, and didn't go in with sufficient mitigations ("if it rains we'll just move it inside"). They'll learn from that.

The Bull could be set up with rollers between the sides of the bull and the rails, like a rollercoaster car, and with a ptfe type of plastic skid under the sled to allow it to glide better on the steel. The pulling strap needs to be coming from a central attachment point.

I'm still wondering why making a log for max. rep (knowing the athletes trained for 3 reps) instead of just maintaining the Axle Press as it was so there is nothing new for the athletes ??

I attended rogue this weekend and it's always worth attending to see the athletes up close in person. Their performances are absolutely incredible. My only complaint for the comp is lack of communication with the changes to fans. I got to get a great view even with the changed events, but specifically the rogue record breakers deserved a bigger stage and felt like an afterthought. Favorite performances of the weekend are Tom's log, Kieliskowski coaster, and Kevin Faires setting a new Dinnie stone record in bad conditions

All the logs looked good

Come on loz lol I'm Canadian and a huge hooper fan but those were not clean lockouts. Honesty will keep ur subscribers

They do not have weather forcast in Texas?? How can that crap weather be a total surprise?

Major things to improve: 1) The last event was too anticlimactic and I think all the fans were expecting multiple rounds so it brought a lot of confusion in reddit when the Duel wasn't actually duel. Heavy sandbag carry / loading could be cool last event but make it last longer or head to head. If 5 guys are loading at the same time and it's over like in 20 seconds, you can't really follow how's everyone doing and it's harder to get excited for the final battle. Heavy sandbag for max distance kind of tests how bad do you want it (they used this before) and if it's loading, make distances longer and athletes could go head to head. 2) Make the Iron bull work. Loz's idea is good and the event itself is cool but it just needs little bit tweaking and fixing. 3) Make plan B for the weather and follow the forecast! I understand that sometimes you just need to adjust for the weather conditions but it really takes some excitement away when suddenly 6 event competition turns into 5 event competition and then one of those 5 events changes drastically. On paper we had many new and interesting events and fans were hyped for them; Apollo's axle (not new but long time with no axle in comps), Fingers + Log, The Iron Bull and The Duel. And now we only got The Iron Bull which had it's own problems. Fingers + log changed into pretty basic log for reps. The Duel turned out to be normal sandbag loading but with much shorter distances and Axle was dropped off. So of course fans feel disappointed when the hype doesn't match with the outcome and some fans are little bit too harsh / too black and white with their comments. 4) I don't personally like The Tower of Power that much or let's say that I preferred the Elephant bar over this one. At least on live stream you didn't see actual weights moving so you basically saw athletes trying to pull very unstable bar off the blocks. So it's not visually very good event although the actual machine is massive. And in my opinion the set up for the performance takes too long because every athlete slowly walks up the stairs and then they lock the door in its place and then athlete starts to prepare for the lift before the actual performance starts. So maybe changing deadlift event for the next year and have a little break for the Tower