Devin Williams has had the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) bench press world record on notice for a while. At the 2024 North American Powerlifting Federation (NAPF) North American Powerlifting Championships (NAC), he made it official in the 120KG class.
Williams was widely expected to challenge for the bench press world record and did not disappoint. At the time of the competition, the record was Dennis Cornelius‘ 253-kilogram lift at the 2016 IPF Classic World Championships in Killeen, Texas.
Williams broke the record with 253.5 kilograms on his second attempt and then launched 7.5 kilograms more to 261 kilograms with his third lift.
Using only wrist wraps to assist the lift, Williams handled the weight with ease. It slowed considerably toward the top, but the lockout was solid. Williams claimed his second world record of the day.
Williams has exceeded the IPF bench press world record in the 120KG class three times since his move to Powerlifting America (PA) at the beginning of 2024. He pressed 254.5 kilograms and 260.5 kilograms at the 2024 PA Raw Nationals in March and achieved 255 kilograms at the SBD Raleigh meet on July 27, 2024.
However, in the IPF, world records can only be set at international level competitions, so Williams had to wait for the chance to compete on the international stage to enter his name into the record books.
2024 NAPF North American Powerlifting Championships Results — Devin Williams, 120KG Raw
- Squat
- 300 kilograms
- 320 kilograms
340 kilograms
- Bench Press
- 240.5 kilograms
- 253.5 kilograms
- 261 kilograms
- Deadlift
- 332.5 kilograms
- 345 kilograms
367.5 kilograms
- Total — 926 kilograms
Williams is expected to step to the platform at the 2025 PA Raw Nationals next to compete for a chance to represent his country at the 2025 IPF Classic World Championships and possibly extend his world record.
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Featured image: @theipf on Instagram
