CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- For eight days, the weight of the world will be on the city of Charleston's shoulders as the city takes the national spotlight.

But let's not forget who will be carrying the real weight.

The competitors will have to pull more than their fair share, especially if they want to be named the World's Strongest Man.

Brian Siders is one of those hopefuls. The Charleston native can brench press 800 pounds. No wonder he's not nervous at all about showing his might in front of a hometown crowd starting this Saturday.

"I haven't really had time to think about it. I got invited three weeks ago and it's not of lot of time to get ready for the event," Brian Siders said.

Siders is one of thirty competitors from around the world -- all after the title of the World's Strongest Man.

Governor Joe Manchin will be cheering him on.

"I'm hoping that all people will take advantage and come and see at least one event. There are so many that you're not going to believe what you see," Governor Joe Manchin said.

The athletes will not be the only ones showing their strength. The city of Charleston will also have a chance to flex its muscle as it plays host to the world. The competition will be broadcast worldwide.

"I would say over the long term this will be the biggest deal in my lifetime," said Charleston Mayor Danny Jones. "Not what's going to go on but the crowds it might attract. But for the lasting impression --the lasting continuous exposure it would give to the city of Charleston."

Governor Manchin says he hopes the competition will encourage West Virginians to get in better shape. The state will foot the bill for the prize money. $175,000 will come from the governor's contingency fund.