Colton Engelbrecht is the strongest raw powerlifter of all time by all standards, including the DOTS scoring system and the Total record. However, the South African athlete is actively pursuing other achievements, which led to a spectacle at the 2025 Nikolay Kagansky Memorial Tournament in Moscow, Russia. He performed multiple incredible feats of strength, but one that stood out was his 500-kilogram (1,102.3-pound) Sumo Deadlift.
After finishing up with the squat and bench press, Colton Engelbrecht moved on to the deadlift to perform three attempts in compliance with the powerlifting rules. His second attempt was his heaviest successful one, coming out to 470 kilograms (1,036.2 pounds).
For his third attempt, Colton Engelbrecht loaded 500 kilograms (1,102.3 pounds) on the bar. He managed to get the barbell off the floor, but it ended up slipping from his hands just as he was nearing the top. So, his lift was deemed unsuccessful.
In order to please the crowd with one more lift, Colton Engelbrecht put on lifting straps and went back out to try to pull 500 kilograms (1,102.3 pounds) once again. With straps being prohibited in the sport of powerlifting, Colton’s lift was purely exhibitional. However, it still proved that he is one of the strongest human beings in history, pulling half a ton with ease.
Watch the video here:
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Related: Powerlifter Jamal Browner Deadlifts Mind-Blowing 500-kg (1,102.3-lb) In Training
Colton Engelbrecht made history in powerlifting as the first person to Total 1,200 kilograms (2,645.5 pounds) in the raw w/wraps division. He achieved the mind-blowing feat at the 2025 Clash of the Titans with a bodyweight of 120.4 kilograms (265.4 pounds), making him significantly lighter than some other notable powerlifting figures. However, the bodyweight was clearly not an obstacle, as he not only put up such a heavy total but also locked out a 500-kilogram (1,102.3-pound) sumo deadlift with straps.
Colton Engelbrecht has been competing in powerlifting since 2019 and has progressed at a remarkable rate since. He has taken part in 16 sanctioned powerlifting competitions so far, taking the win on 15 occasions, boasting an impressive win rate. Colton also holds All-Time World Records in the 110-kilogram and 125-kilogram weight classes.
Colton Engelbrecht’s Competition PRs
- Squat (Wraps): 470 kilograms (1,036.2 pounds) — [2025 WPC-SA Clash Of The Titans]
- Bench Press (Raw): 260 kilograms (573.2 pounds) — [2024 ProRaw Big Dogs 5]
- Deadlift (Wraps): 470 kilograms (1,036.2 pounds) — [2025 WPC-SA Clash Of The Titans]
- Total (Raw W/Wraps): 1,200 kilograms (2,645.5 pounds) — [2025 WPC-SA Clash Of The Titans]
It seems that it is only a matter of time before Colton Engelbrecht achieves a 500-kilogram (1,102.3-pound) deadlift in accordance with the powerlifting regulations. He definitely has the strength needed to do so but just needs to strengthen his grip a bit. So, a lot of exciting moments await Colton in the future.
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Tremendous achievement. Seems a bit foolish that he didn’t arrange his lifts to include an easier attempt at the WR (487.5 kg held by Danny Grigsby) at say 490kg for his second, before shooting for the 500kg milestone on the final (not that 470kg isn’t an impressive lift). But yeah, he’s sure to smash it next time