Ashton Rouska is one of the most accomplished powerlifters in the IPF (International Powerlifting Federation), having won multiple coveted titles and set some truly mind-blowing records. So, many enjoyed watching him compete at the 2026 IPF World Classic Open Powerlifting Championships on June 20th in Druskininkai, Lithuania. He competed as a U120KG athlete, as opposed to his usual U105KG weight class. That being said, Ashton still managed to set a brand new 393-kilogram (866.4-pound) Raw Squat IPF World Record.
The past few months have been rough for Ashton Rouska, since he had to battle two injuries in preparation for the 2026 IPF World Championships. However, Rouska displayed his greatness once again and managed to perform exceptionally well despite moving up a weight class. The squat was the highlight of his day, and it kicked off with a 362.5-kilogram (799.2-pound) lift.
Ashton Rouska’s second squat attempt came out to 388 kilograms (855.4 pounds), which already exceeded the previous U120KG IPF World Record. However, he had plenty more left in the tank, which is why he decided to load 393 kilograms (866.4 pounds) for his final lift. This seemed to be very close to his limit, as he did struggle a bit to reach lockout but ended up completing the lift successfully.
*Dennis Cornelius held the previous U120KG Raw Squat IPF World Record of 386 kilograms (851 pounds), which he set at the 2017 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships.
Watch the squat here:
Ashton Rouska’s Full Performance Overview
Although he did move up to the U120KG weight class, Ashton Rouska weighed in at 109.05 kilograms (240.4 pounds) at the start of the competition. As such, he was the second-lightest among 25 competitors in the division, which was certainly a disadvantage for him. However, he still managed to place 5th in the division with seven out of nine successful lifts. Both of his missed attempts came on the deadlift.
Squat
- 362.5 kilograms (799.2 pounds)
- 388 kilograms (855.4 pounds)
- 393 kilograms (866.4 pounds) — U120KG IPF World Record
Bench Press
- 187.5 kilograms (413.4 pounds)
- 195 kilograms (429.9 pounds)
- 200 kilograms (440.9 pounds)
Deadlift
- 342.5 kilograms (755.1 pounds)
- Unsuccessful — 362.5 kilograms (799.2 pounds)
- Unsuccessful — 367.5 kilograms (810.2 pounds)
Total — 935.5 kilograms (2,062.4 pounds)
Ashton Rouska has revealed that this might have been his last appearance at the IPF World Championships, but he has still left the door open for a return depending on his situation in the future. Despite being just 29 years old, Ashton is a true veteran of the sport, having taken part in over 60 sanctioned powerlifting competitions over the course of 13 years. Moreover, he walked away victorious from a large majority of his appearances.
