Multiple all-time world record-holder John Haack is the top-ranked male powerlifter in the world on any formula. His career best-ever performance came at the 2022 WRPF American Pro, where he hit a 1,022.5-kilogram total in the 90KG class, scoring a colossal 661.52 DOTS. Haack hit this in knee sleeves and scored higher than anyone else ever has in knee wraps.
Haack is preparing for the 2024 WRPF Ghost Clash 3 meet in Miami, FL, on April 6-7, 2024. He shared the heaviest deadlift of the prep on his YouTube channel: a 420-kilogram raw PR. The lift was performed on March 18. Check it out below:
Haack begins by giving a glimpse into his warm-up routine, which includes foam rolling and a brutal massage ball to the glutes. He then gets into his warm-up sets, which go like this:
John Haack’s Deadlift Warm-Up Sets
- 75 kilograms x many reps
- 175 kilograms x two reps
- 275 kilograms x one rep
- 325 kilograms x one rep
- 375 kilograms x one rep
Haack added wrist wraps and a lifting belt on his third warm up set and took a good hit of ammonia before attempting a PR of 420 kilograms. He uses a conventional stance and has an efficient deadlift. He took the barbell in a mixed grip, and although it was heavy and close to his limit, the lockout was clean and convincing.
Haack shared that he had intended to take another warm-up at 395 kilograms, but his training partners convinced him not to waste any energy and go straight for the top lift instead.
The video documented a back-off set at 300 kilograms and Haack’s bench press training from the following day. Haack shared his plans for the lifts he will attempt at the 2024 WRPF Ghost Pro 3:
- Squat — 365.5 kilograms
- Bench Press — 268 kilograms
- Deadlift — 410 kilograms
- Total — 1,043.5 kilograms (2,400 pounds)
Haack’s main objective is to hit a 2,400-pound total. He said that the bench press may be a stretch, but he could probably make the difference up on deadlift if needed.
The 365.5-kilogram squat would give Haack the all-time world record in knee sleeves in the 90KG class. His competition-best squat is 362.5 kilograms from the 2023 WRPF American Pro, so this seems within reach.
The 268-kilogram bench press would also be an all-time world record in class. The current record belongs to Haack, set at the 2022 WRPF American Pro. Haack has done as much as 272.5 kilograms in competition before, but only while competing at 100KG.
The all-time deadlift and total world records belong to Haack at 410 kilograms and 1,022.5 kilograms, respectively. It’s a rare achievement to be at the top of the rankings in all three lifts, but that’s what Haack will attempt in Miami.
Haack will lift on April 7, 2024, as part of a star-studded roster competing for a share of the $50,000 prize pool. In addition to prize money for podium positions, there are bonuses awarded for successful all-time world record attempts and the biggest lifts of the competition.
Featured image: @bilbo_swaggins181 on Instagram
