Colton Engelbrecht is not only one of the greatest powerlifters in history but is also regarded as arguably the strongest man on earth, pound-for-pound. He solidified his status at the 2026 Nikolai Kagansky Memorial Cup, which took place on July 11-12 in Moscow, Russia. Engelbrecht put up his greatest performance yet, setting multiple records, including the Heaviest Raw Total in Powerlifting History, regardless of weight class.
Colton Engelbrecht’s Performance Breakdown
Colton Engelbrecht weighed in at 125.3 kilograms (276.2 pounds). Although he just barely exceeded the limit for the U125KG weight class, he was categorized as a U140KG powerlifter. He successfully completed seven out of nine attempts, failing just one squat and one deadlift. As per his Instagram statement, Colton achieved the following:
- Broke the ATWR RAW total by 154 lbs / 70 kg at 2700 lbs / 1225 kg
- First person to total 2600lbs & 2700lbs RAW
- Lightest person to squat 1003 lbs / 455 kg
- Highest male DOTS of all time at 693.75
- 308 lbs/140 kg ATWR total
- ATWR deadlift in powerlifting at 1085 lbs / 492.5 kg
“This is by far the most meaningful competition of my life so far. I couldn’t be happier with the results!!!🔥”
Squat
Although he failed his second attempt, Colton Engelbrecht managed to remain focused and achieve his goal of squatting over 1,000 pounds (453.6 kilograms) raw. In doing so, he became the lightest man to achieve this feat in a sanctioned powerlifting competition. It marked the perfect start to the competition for him, allowing him to continue pursuing the records in the remaining two events.
“The only reason I failed my second attempt was because the competition was using the new Eleiko bar, which is probably the most whippy bar on the market.”
- 420 kilograms (925.9 pounds)
- Unsuccessful — 450 kilograms (992.1 pounds)
- 455 kilograms (1,003.1 pounds) — Lightest Man to Squat Over 1,000-lb (453.6-kg)
Bench Press
The bench press passed without any trouble for Colton Engelbrecht, as he successfully completed all three of his attempts. His heaviest lift came out to 277.5 kilograms (611.8 pounds), which was a new Competition PR for him. Colton was satisfied with how he felt but did not have any additional comments about it.
- 240 kilograms (529.1 pounds)
- 272.5 kilograms (600.8 pounds)
- 277.5 kilograms (611.8 pounds)
Deadlift
The deadlift was the final and the most exciting event of the day. Colton Engelbrecht ended up deadlifting 492.5 kilograms (1,085.8 pounds) on his second attempt and set a new All-Time Heaviest Raw Deadlift in powerlifting, regardless of weight class. He then attempted to pull 500 kilograms (1,102.3 pounds) but failed to complete the lift.
“All I needed was the 1085lbs for my 2700lbs total, the 500kg would have just been a bonus. On my 1085lbs I got an instant down command as soon as I locked out but I decided to hold onto it a second longer to be sure.”
- 450 kilograms (992 pounds)
- 492.5 kilograms (1,085.8 pounds) — U140KG All-Time World Record & All-Time Heaviest Raw Deadlift in Powerlifting
- Unsuccessful — 500 kilograms (1,102.3 pounds)
*Danny Grigsby previously held the All-Time Heaviest Raw Deadlift of 487.5 kilograms (1,074.8 pounds). He achieved the pull at the 2022 WRPF American Pro.
Total — 1,225 kilograms (2,700.7 pounds) — U140KG All-Time World Record & All-Time Heaviest Raw Total in Powerlifting
*Colton Engelbrecht also held the previous 1,155-kilogram (2,546.3-pound) U140KG World Record and All-Time Heaviest Raw Total, which he achieved at the 2026 WRPF Start 800 Powerlifting Tournament.
Watch all of Colton’s lifts here:
Colton Engelbrecht’s recent performance is certainly a very convincing one when it comes to the G.O.A.T. debate in powerlifting, as many place him far ahead of other world-class lifters. His resume is another sign of greatness, as he has won 20 of the 21 competitions in which he took part.
