SANTA MONICA, Calif. – The second annual Arnold Strongman USA Championship returns to the Santa Monica Pier on Saturday, January 18.

The competition will show off the incredible power of 10 of the strongest men in the world, lifting everything from log presses to 400 pound stones.

Plus, 10 firefighters from around the world will also be competing for the title of "World's Strongest Firefighter."

MORE FITNESS STORIES:

The event was started by former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and it’s all for a great cause. Part of the proceeds go to three California firefighter funds: the Ventura County Fire Widows & Orphans Fund, the Santa Monica Firefighters Relief Fund, and the CalFire Benevolent Foundation.

In the days leading up to the big competition, a morning with the winner of 2019's World's Strongest Man, Martins Licis, means riding a bike and taking a stroll on the Santa Monica Pier.

“I'm just resting, eating, sleeping a lot," Licis said. "I think two-time, or three-time World’s Strongest Man has a better ring to it than 2019 World’s Strongest Man.”

Licis lives in Venice, but is originally from Latvia, where he always dreamed of competing as this type of athlete.

“When I was a kid, I wanted to find out what the human body was capable of," Licis said. "It's just surreal, this whole year has been like living a dream.”

Another dream come true for Licis, has been getting to meet his idol: Arnold Schwarzenegger.

 

"I would got to the gym when I was little to pump weights and just think of Arnold. He was on my mind every day when I was lifting," Licis said.

“I know the power of idols so if I can be an idol to somebody, or to millions of people, I love it," Schwarzenegger said.

What inspires Arnold is one of the main reasons for this weekend’s event, honoring the brave firefighters of California and beyond.

“I play action heroes in the movies, but when it comes to real action heroes, it’s firefighters. I love them," Schwarzenegger said.

Licis says the cause gives him extra motivation for the competition.

“It’s important that we give to those that save our lives, the firefighters," Licis said.

As he rides into full competition mode, Licis hopes a day of lifting weights can lift up our first responders, and showcase the strength of world-class athletes and California's hard-working heroes.  

For more information and tickets visit the website here.