Hafthor Bjornsson’s deadlift journey has attracted attention from millions around the world, as the Icelandic Strongman has been pulling weights that were once considered humanly impossible. However, ‘The Mountain’ believes he is still far from reaching his limits, as he revealed in an interview with TMZ Sports. Hafthor believes that he is capable of deadlifting 550 kilograms (1,212.5 pounds).
Hafthor Bjornsson has cleared out his schedule for the first half of 2026, having withdrawn from the Arnold Strongman Classic and turned his focus toward the deadlift world record. So, his next appearance is set to take place on May 24th in Las Vegas as a part of the 2026 Enhanced Games. If Hafthor is successful in setting the World Record, he will receive $250,000.
Related: Exercise Scientist Critiques Training of 2018 World’s Strongest Man Hafthor Bjornsson, Offers Tips
Hafthor Bjornsson’s World Record Charge
Hafthor Bjornsson first reflected on his 2025 season, where he broke the Deadlift World Record on two occasions. He touched on the opinion of others, as many believed that it would be impossible to do it. However, he ignored the negative comments and proceeded to push the record to 510 kilograms (1,124.4 pounds), doing so much easier than anyone expected. As if that wasn’t enough, after setting the record, Hafthor competed in the remainder of the competition and ended up claiming the victory.
“When I pulled 510, people thought that that could not be possible because just 6 weeks earlier I pulled 505, and people thought there was not enough time in between. ‘He’s not going to recover. He can’t physically pull 510.’ And then if you put other things on top as well, I was training for a full show as well. Not only did I pull 505 six weeks prior, but I also pulled 510 easier than any human on earth expected.”
Considering that Hafthor Bjornsson was also preparing for many other competitions in 2025, he believes that, with an increased focus on the deadlift, he is capable of pulling even more weight. As for how much more, Hafthor’s answer shocked many. Namely, Hafthor revealed that he might set his sights on a 550-kilogram (1,212.5-pound) deadlift in the future, since he thinks it is an attainable goal for him.
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“I truly believe that I am capable of pulling, if I want to, if my desire really wants to, I can pull this record to like 550 kilograms (1,212.5 pounds). I believe that I can. I’m not saying that I will pull 550 kilograms on May 24th. I’m saying, if I wanted to pull it to the absolute limits, I am capable of that. But on May 24th, I’m going to be smart, and I’m going to think long term, and I most likely will only go for 515 kilograms.”
However, for now, Hafthor Bjornsson is sticking to his plan of setting a 515-kilogram (1,135.4-pound) Deadlift World Record at the 2026 Enhanced Games. What will come after that is unclear, but Hafthor revealed that he is waiting for someone to put some pressure on him in order to go for the massive 550-kilogram (1,212.5-pound) deadlift.
“I’m waiting for the next person to push me more. I’m waiting for the second person, you know.
They’ve been trying for years. I broke the 500-kilogram record in 2020. I pulled 501. And for years, guys have been trying to break it. They couldn’t break it. So, I came out of retirement and broke it again twice in the same year.”
Lastly, Hafthor Bjornsson talked about the Enhanced Games, praising the treatment that he has received so far. He has had some health scans done in order to make sure that everything is okay. So, with around 20 weeks to go, Hafthor is on a great path to achieve another historic lift.
“What I love about the Enhanced Games is everything is fair, everything’s on the table and the Enhanced Games care for the athletes. They are making sure our health is number one. They have doctors, health care. They make sure everything is correct, everything is right.
I’ve already done many blood works. I’ve flown to Los Angeles to have a heart monitor for three whole days just to master my heart and so much more that I’m doing behind the scenes that people might not really know, just to make sure that I am healthy and that I am safe. I have so much respect for Enhanced Games for doing that, for caring for us and making sure that we are safe and everything is monitored and making sure that we are okay and safe, and, you know, I’m super stoked and excited to be a part of Enhanced Games.”
Watch the interview here:
Hafthor Bjornsson’s deadlift journey started with his 501-kilogram (1,104.5-pound) deadlift in 2020, with which he broke Eddie Hall’s record and became the second man in history to pull half a ton or more. He retired from the sport shortly after but decided to come out of retirement just years later. Ultimately, Hafthor set a 505-kilogram (1,113.3-pound) record in 2025 but advanced it to 510 kilograms (1,124.4 pounds) just weeks later.
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