People in Sports | Phil Pfister wins the World's Strongest Man competition

Phil Pfister pulls a bus during the World's Strongest Man event in Sanya, China. Pfister beat 25 other competitors for the title. ( IRONMIND ENTERPRISES, AP)

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Charleston firefighter Phil Pfister has become the first American in 24 years to win the World's Strongest Man competition.

But the title hasn't gone to his head.

A weary Pfister was back at work Tuesday, three days after winning the 10-day competition in Sanya, China.

"I haven't even gotten a good night's sleep yet," Pfister said.

The 6-foot-6, 325-pound Pfister defeated 25 athletes from around the world in events such as bus pulls, car pushes, tire turns and stone lifts.

Wisconsin native Bill Kazmaier was the previous American to earn the title, winning from 1980 to 1982.

Pfister, 35, a firefighter since 1999, was in second place behind defending champion Mariusz Pudzianowski of Poland entering the last day of competition.

Pfister triumphed in the last five events. He overtook Pudzianowski in the final event, in which athletes carry stones — ranging from 220 to 352 pounds — and place them on platforms in a timed competition.