Competitors for the Rudridge Ultimate Strongman Giant Weekend came together in Belfast over the bank holiday weekend, aiming to claim the coveted title of the UK’s Strongest Man.

Athletes went head to head in a test of power and endurance, tackling some of the most challenging trials, including truck pulling and tyre flipping, as they battled through heats, semi-finals and finals on their way towards lifting the X11 CNP Trophy.

Tenacity and brawn were working overtime throughout the weekend as competitors wowed the crowd with their feats of strength and stamina.

27-year-old Eddie Hall, from Newcastle-under-Lyme in Staffordshire, took the title of the UK’s Strongest Man for the fifth consecutive year, beating Chris Gearing from England and Tom Stoltman from Scotland, who placed second and third respectively.

In addition to the UK’s Strongest Man, the winners of the Master World’s Strongest Man and Junior UK Strongest Man were announced as Mark Felix from Grenada and Paul Smith from England respectively.

Five-time European Strongest Man title holder, and creator of the weekend event, Glenn Ross, said: “This year’s Rudridge Ultimate Strongman Giant Weekend has been one of the best yet. We’ve had some of the hardest fought battles between contestants that I have witnessed in a long time. It has made for spectacular viewing.”

Alan Betteridge, Rudridge director, said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to be involved for a second consecutive year. The contestants have all worked so hard and we would like to congratulate Eddie Hall, Mark Felix and Paul Smith on their amazing victories.”