Devin Williams has been waiting patiently for a chance to perform at an international level, always keeping his goals in sight and striving to attain them. Well, that day arrived recently, as Devin appeared at the 2024 NAPF North American Regional Powerlifting Championships, which took place on August 4-10 in Scottsdale, Arizona. He utilized his opportunity to the fullest, setting a new 261-kilogram (575.4-pound) Raw Bench Press IPF World Record.
Devin Williams’ first attempt came out to 240.5 kilograms (530.2 pounds), which he completed with ease. Consequently, he was confident enough to go for a record-breaking 253.5-kilogram (558.9-pound) bench press on his second attempt. This was hardly any more difficult for Devin, who managed to break the World Record with ease.
With one attempt left and nothing to lose, Devin Willams decided to load 261 kilograms (575.4 pounds) on the bar. Then, wearing nothing apart from a lifting belt and wrist wraps, Devin got down onto the bench. He performed the lift with perfect technique, but had to grind out the lockout with his right arm.
Dennis Cotnelius held the previous U120KG Raw Bench Press IPF World Record of 253-kg (557.8-lb), which he set at the 2016 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships. However, Devin Williams has now exceeded it by a whopping 8 kilograms (17.6 pounds), proving just how far ahead of everyone else he is.
Watch the lift here:
Related: Gavin Adin (93KG) Sets Raw Squat & Total IPF World Record at 2024 NAPF North American Championships
Devin Williams’ Full Performance
Devin Williams had seven successful attempts at the 2024 NAPF North American Championships. However, he willingly decided to miss out on the final squat and deadlift attempts. So, it is clear that there is still more room for Devin to add pounds to his Total.
Squat
- 300 kilograms (661.4 pounds)
- 320 kilograms (705.5 pounds)
- Did Not Attempt
Bench Press
- 240.5 kilograms (530.2 pounds)
- 253.5 kilograms (558.9 pounds)
- 261 kilograms (575.4 pounds) — U120KG IPF World Record
Deadlift
- 332.5 kilograms (711 pounds)
- 345 kilograms (760.6 pounds)
- Did Not Attempt
Total — 926 kilograms (2,041.5 pounds)
Related: Zuzanna Kula (57KG) Sets 169-kg (372.6-lb) Equipped Bench Press IPF World Record
Devin Williams’ Powerlifting History
Devin Williams had just 13 days to rest prior to the 2024 NAPF North American Championships, since he previously competed at the 2024 SBD Raleigh. There Devin also set an Unofficial World Record with a bench press of 255 kilograms (562.2 pounds). However, he now performed even better, demolishing the previous World Record.
Coming into the North American Championships, Devin Williams had 15 sanctioned powerlifting appearances to his name, including 11 victories. His next endeavor will take place in approximately eight months, when he plans to take part in the AMP Nationals. His ultimate goal is to secure a qualifying spot for the 2025 IPF World Championships and represent the US at the highest level.
