James Deffinbaugh has been one of those athletes, and his credentials show that his efforts have not been in vain. He was the Winner America’s Strongest Man 2017 in the 105-kilogram (231-pound) category, the 2014 Strongman Corporation Nationals champion, and he has several more trophies to back up his success. The man who used to work in IT confirmed that the thrill of competing is more exciting than everyday life behind a desk.
“I started it almost twenty years ago and have been a part of it ever since.”
Who is James Deffinbaugh?
As powerful as Deffinbaugh’s muscles are, his brain might be his greatest asset. He’s done a lot more than pick up and put down weights. He has found ways to improve competitions so that athletes are challenged with non-traditional methods. He is perhaps best known for creating the Ukrainian Deadlift and Power Stairs apparatus used in competitions. The handle system allows for quick weight changes and a height-adjustable base. This allows promoters to move from a deep-deficit deadlift (Ukrainian style) to a stair climbing event using the same core piece of hardware. By finding new ways to challenge athletes and introduce new events to entertain fans, he is able to use his IT experience in a unique way.
“It provides so many more opportunities for learning and creativity. Strongman is designed to determine who is the strongest, but it also gives an athlete the opportunity to adapt and become the best at a variety of different things.”
Deffinbaugh is also an owner Spider Strength gym in Raleigh, NCa gym that has produced several successful strong athletes, and is also one of the masterminds behind Spider Tack, which is used for grip support. Spider Tack took off within a year of its introduction to the sport.
“I love the branding, I love the visuals, but it was always an afterthought to support my strongman habit,” Deffinbaugh said. It brought him closer to being a strongman because legends like the former Strongest Man in the World, Zydrunas Savickas, used Spider Tack.
In 2021, sales skyrocketed due to its use by professional baseball players, which sparked a major controversy that year due to pitchers using it. As the man behind the product, Deffinbaugh gained some extra fame that he hadn’t bargained for.
“I got calls from CBS Sports, ESPN, even Dateline called me.”
What is Strongman Training?
Deffinbaugh enjoyed the attention but remains focused on growing the sport. He is the owner and CEO of Strongman Corporation, the original American strongman organization. Strongman Corporation has been around for decades and is one of the first leagues to introduce women’s competitions.
They are also associated with supporting larger events such as the Arnold Strongman World Pro/Am Championships and have a presence in over 40 states and even in other countries such as Mexico, India and Poland. Strongman Corporation also organizes non-Open divisions, such as the 105-kilogram class he was a part of and other weight classes and Masters categories. The inclusion is what Deffinbaugh credits with helping the sport grow. That is also why he does his utmost to maximize the experience.
“For many athletes, this will be the biggest stage they will ever compete on,” he said. “It’s going to be the most important thing for so many people, and that’s why we’re trying to create that environment where they feel like they’re stars.”
2026 The World’s Strongest Firefighter: Power with a Purpose
The 2026 calendar is full of events that will create stars and opportunities for growth. One of the first events Deffinbaugh mentioned is the prestigious World’s Strongest Firefighter (WSFF) competition, a unique competition that pits men and women against each other in the finals, with a modified scoring system to help determine the winner. Most importantly, it serves as a fundraiser to support firefighters in California and Ohio. Deffinbaugh is proud to be associated with that event and not just because of the quality of the competition and the support generated for first responders.
“The community that has emerged from that is second to none.”
Why Strongman will rise in 2026
The 2026 edition of this event will be slightly different as they are now introducing divisional championships on Friday, March 6. This year there will also be Masters classes. This league has experienced astonishing growth in recent years, and Deffinbaugh understands why and is committed to keeping that momentum going.
“Huge growth, and we will continue to add classes as demand grows.”
The top three finishers from the Lightweight Men, Middleweight Men, Lightweight Women and Open Women divisions, and the top six finishers from the Open Men’s division, will advance to the finals of World’s Strongest Firefighter 2026. The finals to determine the overall WSFF will take place on Saturday, March 7 and will kick off for the first time with a real fire truck pulling event.
“We are very excited about that.”
After the action outside the Greater Columbus Convention Center, the action concludes on the Expo stage with the remaining final events to crown a champion.
The events’ unique implements, such as a weighted fire hydrant and axes for clearing, make it as much a spectacle as it is a competition. What stands out most for Deffinbaugh is the commitment these athletes and heroes show. That’s usually why it draws a large crowd every year to see the dramatic conclusion. The energy the athletes show is contagious, which is why Deffinbaugh enjoys being so closely associated with them.
“You see people working so hard and showing real courage. There is passion in it.”
You can learn more about the WSFF here.
For more information about Strongman Corporation and their events for the 2026 season, go to their website.
You can follow Deffinbaugh on Instagram.
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