Champion powerlifter John Haack is in training to return to the platform. The world-record-setter is prepping for the 2025 Clash of Titans III event in Dublin, Ireland, on Saturday, April 19, 2025. Fans paying attention know Haack is primed to post historic numbers when he flies across the Atlantic.
In late February, Haack shared an Instagram post wherein he deadlifts 395 kilograms raw in a conventional stance. Check it out below:
Haack approached the barbell, planted his feet, and took a deep breath to brace before pulling the barbell slowly but consistently to lockout. He wore a lever weight belt and wrist wraps for the lift.
Mentally, I needed this.
—John Haack
The lift is only 15 kilograms off his all-time personal competition best and world record in the 90-kilogram class — he pulled 410 kilograms at the 2022 WRPF American Pro. He’s pulled as heavy as 420 kilograms raw in training.
According to Open Powerlifting, as of February 2025, Haack holds the all-time world records in all three lifts and total for the 90KG category and the bench press and total records in the 100KG class
Haack most recently competed at the 2024 WRPF Power Surge Pro on 28 September 2024, and he left that meet with the all-time squat world record thanks to his final lift of 365.5 kilograms.
Haack will be one of 11 athletes seeking the title “World’s Strongest Powerlifter” in Dublin. It will be Haack’s debut in the ABS-sanctioned event. He will be joined by several of the most accomplished athletes in the sport, including Clash of Titans II winner Dave Richardson.
2025 Clash of Titans III Roster
- Frank Allen
- Fernando Arias
- Dan Bell
- Jake Brennan
- Nicolaas Du Preez
- Colton Engelbrecht
- John Haack
- Shane Haller
- Dave Richardson
- Luke Tolman
- Justin Zottle
Before he competes in Dublin, Haack is scheduled to be one of the guest athletes lifting in the Animal Cage at the 2025 Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, OH.
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