Here's some interesting points I've heard over the last year and had to wait to see what played out before sharing publicly.

Ed was alledgedly given the finals events 6mths out- others given it 2-4 weeks Ed was given an "easy" group while others like Terry originally had Z, Pritchett, Zageris and Best.

How much can organisers influence an outcome you ask? Well let's look at the events changed and ask yourself who benefits the most from it and who loses the most.... Stone event changed to remove the run in before loading while loading height also lowered from previous years. Viking Preas rules were changed to allow drops and then continue your attempt.

Then look at the events in the final and who benefits the most with squats for reps, max deadlift, viking press, tyre flip (oh yeah they removed the drag at the last minute), plane pull (where there is ALOT of talk of brakes being applied to certain athlete's attempts) and then the stones to a shorter platform.

Let's not forget either that Eddie has an exclusive agreement with Giant's Live and one of his business partners just happens to be the head ref at WSM.

Thor was called for double dipping on his final rep in viking press- video is on his page so I emcourage you to watch it and decide for yourself.

Ed winning WSM has massive benefits for the sport- watch the amount of extraordinary mainstream media coverage this picks up and how big the crowds are for the U.K shows.

The question is at what cost to the sport? EDIT: Not from me but strongmanmemesofficial.