Three-time Arnold Strongman Classic (ASC) champion and 2018 World’s Strongest Man Hafthor Björnsson is preparing to compete for his fourth ASC championship at the 2025 Arnold Strongman Classic in Columbus, OH, from Feb. 28 through March 1.
Aside from his potential fourth title, Björnsson has his sights set on another target: the Elephant Bar Deadlift world record, which he currently holds at 472 kilograms. Björnsson wants to lift 501 kilograms (1,104.5 pounds) when he takes the platform.
Björnsson has been training in Iceland and performed a massive 470-kilogram deadlift without a suit in early February 2025. Check out the video of the lift:
After applying chalk to his hands and smelling salt before his lift, Björnsson pulled the barbell and stood straight to lockout. He wore a lifting belt, compression belt, and lifting straps but not a deadlift suit, which would help him lift more weight.
Björnsson used a special barbell comparable to the custom bar traditionally used for the Elephant Bar Deadlift. Elephant Bars are longer and offer more whip, making the lift feel different from a traditional barbell.
Björnsson lifted 501 kilograms on a standard barbell while wearing a deadlift suit at his gym during a televised CoreSports event in May 2020. Lifting 470 kilograms without a suit indicates that Björnsson may be at his all-time strongest entering the contest in Columbus.
Björnsson expressed joy following the lift. Despite traveling the day before, he did not feel he had pushed himself to the limits.
Definitely more in the tank.
The Elephant Bar Deadlift will kick off the two-day contest in Ohio. Björnsson will face two-time defending ASC winner Mitchell Hooper, three-time World’s Strongest Man Tom Stoltman, and seven other world-class strongmen seeking to secure their first ASC title.
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Featured Image: @thorbjornsson on Instagram
