Brian Shaw was born on February 26, 1982, in Fort Lupton, Colorado. From a young age, Shaw showed exceptional athletic abilities. He was a standout basketball player at Fort Lupton High School, where his towering height and strength made him a dominant force on the court. After high school, Shaw continued his basketball career at Black Hills State University on a full scholarship.
While basketball was his first love, Shaw's true passion for strength sports began to emerge during his college years. Encouraged by his natural strength and size, he started competing in strongman competitions and quickly rose through the ranks. In 2011, Shaw made history by becoming the first person ever to win both the Arnold Strongman Classic and the World's Strongest Man competition in the same year, setting the stage for an incredible career in strength sports.
Since his historic victory in 2011, Shaw has established himself as one of the greatest strongmen of all time. He has claimed the title of World's Strongest Man four times, in 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2016. His ability to excel in a wide range of strength events, from squats to deadlifts, has earned him numerous world strength records and solidified his reputation as a dominant force in the sport.
Despite his towering presence on the strongman stage, Shaw remains grounded and focused on his family. His parents, Jay and Bonnie Lifter, have been a source of unwavering support throughout his career. Shaw's dedication to his craft and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of strength make him a true inspiration to aspiring athletes around the world.