This is the most powerful person in the world from Africa.

South African rugby player Rayno Nel won Sunday's victory in the world's strongest debut - becoming the first person from outside Europe or Noth America's 48-year-old title in the competition. He is also the first rookie to win since 1997.

"I'm on the moon," he told USA Today Sports shortly after winning the 2025 tournament in Sacramento, California.

"To represent (South Africa) in any way, it feels surreal. I mean, we are a small country with a lot of struggles. To have something like that, I know it means a lot to my people."

This is an amazing result, especially given the situation - and the crazy situation.

After establishing a considerable lead on Saturday’s first day of the final, Nell woke up Sunday morning to know his two worst events, including those popular Atlas Stones, were in front of him. He also knew that the two men who won the most powerful men's competition in the first four words were behind him.

"I think your two worst events are coming soon. But knowing that Mitch Hooper and Tom Stoltman are chasing you and the worst happens is different," Nell said.

“I just tried to stay focused and to compromise as much as possible.”

Nel, 30, ended up winning half of Stoltman.

It's not bad for someone who only played rugby at least three years ago.

“Rugby is what I think my sports career will do. I don’t think I’m doing any more,” he said. “But I always have a competitive side to myself, so when I stop playing rugby, I know I need to be competitive. That’s me.”

Nel, who is 6-foot-3 and weighs 326 pounds, said he realized once that he always had more muscle in football. So he decided to try a strong man. He said he was lucky because his coach, Terence Bosman, has a world-class facility just a few miles from his house.

"Although in South Africa, the South African community in the entire country is small, I live in the best place for training," Nell said.

Although he won the Continental Strongman game before this week, Nell admits that the world's most powerful man marks a huge improvement. Of the 25 strong men in the field, he used to compete with only one of them. He said this led to some nerves in the opening ceremony - mistakes.

He said: "Come in, I won't say I'm shocked by everything, but the strongest people in the world are such a big scene and competition."

"Luckily, in this sport, I know what other people's numbers are. I know, almost what they can do. Deep down, I know there's a chance."

Nell smiled when asked how he would celebrate his victory and the history he made for the mainland. His only plan is to have beer with his family, even though his favorite South African brand, Black Label, may not be found.

"I'll try some American beer tonight," he said.

Please contact Tom Schad at tschad@usatoday.com or on social media at @tomschad.bsky.social.