Raivis Vidzis (born 22 March 1976 in Ogre, Latvia) is a leading international strongman competitor, former two-time holder of the World Strongman Cup title and repeat entrant to the World's Strongest Man. Now Raivis competiting in Mixed Martial Arts.
Vidzis won his country's strongest man title when he was just 24 year's old. He went on to dominate in Latvia for four years whilst also making a reputation on the international circuit. In 2004 he won the overall title for the World Strongman Cup having thrown in his lot with them as opposed to the International Federation of Strength Athletes. He won it again in 2005, and made a number of appearances in the Strongman Super Series. He qualified for the prestigious 2005 World's Strongest Man competition but did not make the final. In 2006 he was invited to the 2006 World's Strongest Man where he made the final ten, finishing ninth overall. In 2007 a fourth place showing in Europe's Strongest Man was the highlight although he did make the 2007 World's Strongest Man competition but did not make the final. Vidzis, having been so active in the now defunct World Strongman Cup, reduced his competitive activity in 2008 and 2009. He competed in the 2008 World's Strongest Man competition but again did not make the final. An appearance at the 2009 Europe's Strongest Man was the only major engagement of that year.
