The 2018 World’s Strongest Man (WSM) champion Hafthor Björnsson returned to the pro strongman circuit at the 2024 Arnold Strongman Classic (ASC) Ohio, placing fourth after a four-year hiatus. Two weeks later, he finished second behind Mitchell Hooper at the 2024 ASC UK.
“I want to [deadlift 505 kilograms] in a competition outside Iceland,” he says, “[and] prove I’m the best deadlifter in the world.”
Hafthor Björnsson
On April 12, 2024, Björnsson published a video on his YouTube channel unveiling his competitive strongman schedule for the rest of the 2024 season. The three comps include:
- 2024 Iceland’s Strongest Man
- 2024 Strongest Man On Earth
- 2024 Rogue Strongman Invitational
Björnsson initially planned to compete in three strongman competitions in 2024. However, driven by his successful performances at the ASC US and ASC UK, Björnsson added two more shows to his calendar. Check out his thoughts below:
Björnsson dominated the Iceland Strongest Man (ISM) competition for a decade, securing 10 consecutive victories. He aims to extend his lead at the 40th edition of the ISM, scheduled for the second week of August 2024.
Following the 2024 ISM, Björnsson will compete at the 2024 Strongest Man On Earth (2024 Shaw Classic) in Loveland, CO, from Aug. 16-18. He’ll then cap off his 2024 pro strongman season at the 2024 Rogue Strongman Invitational, set for Nov. 8-10 in Aberdeen, Scotland — the debut of that contest outside the United States.
At the time of writing, the complete rosters for all three contests have not been revealed.
Training for the 505-kilogram Deadlift
After the 2024 ASC US and 2024 ASC UK, Björnsson prioritizes recovery with a lighter training phase. Once fully rested, Björnsson will transition to a high-volume, high-repetition phase to maximize strength gains.
Björnsson struggled in the pressing events at the 2024 ASC US and ASC UK. The 35-year-old recognizes the significant challenge awaiting him at the 2024 Strongest Man On Earth contest.
“[The 2024 Strongest Man On Earth] is a heavy show with eight events,” said Björnsson. “There are two pressing events, so I definitely need to get my pressing power up.”
Björnsson plans to deadlift 505 kilograms (1,113.3 pounds) in a contest in 2024. He locked out a 501-kilogram deadlift in May 2020. “I want to do it in a competition outside Iceland,” he says, “[and] prove I’m the best deadlifter in the world.”
[Related: Luke Stoltman Wins 2024 Europe’s Strongest Man]
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Featured image: @thorbjornsson on Instagram
