The 2025 World’s Strongest Man (WSM) competition occurs in Sacramento, CA, from May 15-18. The contest features some of the strongest athletes on the planet. Among them is Mitchell Hooper, a three-time Arnold Strongman Classic (ASC) champion, 2023 WSM champion, and the reigning Strongest Man on Earth (SMoE).
During his contest prep, Hooper showed his final deadlift session, showcasing a 400-kilogram (885-pound) pull. He incorporated a series of deadlift accessory exercises to fine-tune his performance.
Build some top-end strength, a bit of volume [and] capacity, and that should result in something good.
—Mitchell Hooper
Hooper on the 2025 World’s Strongest Man
This year’s WSM competition features two dedicated deadlift events.
In the heat stage, we have 360 kilograms from the ground for reps.
—Mitchell Hooper
The competition uses a barbell from past events — stiffer than a traditional deadlift bar.
They equate more to a power bar, and we have an 18-inch in the finals.
—Mitchell Hooper
Hooper training aims to strengthen deadlift capacity during the floor heats, noting that the results will be evaluated and compared across all stages of the competition.
I don’t need to just beat people in my heat. I also need to put in a good performance to make sure that I can beat everyone.
Hooper predicts a rep range of 10 to 12 at 360 kilograms will likely secure victory in the deadlift event.
I won’t know what I have to do. I can’t gamify it; a major positive for the contest.
—Mitchell Hooper
Hooper’s Deadlift Pyramid Training
Hooper’s deadlift routine starts with a series of warm-up sets. Gradually loading the bar for multiple reps before progressing to heavier weights.
Up to 360
Hooper began his deadlift sets at 200 kilograms (485 pounds), positioned in a shoulder-width stance and an overhand grip with lifting straps. He controlled the bar at the top of each rep for four seconds before lowering it to the floor.
Taking a deep, steady breath, Hooper planted his feet and lifted 270 kilograms (595 pounds) before upping the weight to 360 kilograms (795 pounds) — the heaviest beltless deadlift he has performed in memory.
Top at 400
Hooper suited in his lifting gear to tackle 400 kilograms (885 pounds) beltless. He chalked his palms before locking out his top set, then dropped to 360 kilograms for six more reps.
Beltless is very hard. That makes a big difference.
—Mitchell Hooper
Deadlift Accessory Work
Rows are Hooper’s go-to for building lat strength. Cable pullovers simulate keeping the bar close during deadlifts. Lat pulldowns enhance the range of motion for overhead movements and prevent muscle stiffness. Hooper trains these to maintain mobility and blood flow.
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Featured image: @mitchellhooper on Instagram
