Co-promoter and top competitor Odd Haugen said this weekend's 24-Hour Fitness Beauty and the Beast strongman contest was tough from both perspectives.

The event, which has become a standout on the international strongman circuit, drew many of the world's best competitors, including nearly all of the top Americans.  American competitors and fans were especially interested in this year's contest since the top two U.S. finishers were guaranteed places at this year's World's Strongest Man show.

Haugen, besides putting on a first rate contest, did himself proud as a competitor, tying with Ken Brown for eighth place overall; Haugen also picked up third place in the Apollon's Axle, after being the first person to successfully continental what proved to be the winning weight of 170 kg, only to lose the jerk behind.  Already looking ahead, Haugen said next year's contest might have a little different format and will be scheduled one week later.

Official final places and points were:

1) Magnus Samuelsson 22

2) Phil Pfister 24.5

3) Svend Karlsen 36

4) Karl Gillingham 40.5

5) Brian Schoonveld 48

6) Zydrunas Savickas 56

7) Janne Virtanen 58.5

8) Ken Brown 66.5

9) Odd Haugen 66.5

10) Chad Smith 72.5

11) Chad Coy 80.5

12) Grant McReynolds 92