The greatest deadlifter of this era is undoubtedly the Icelandic Strongman, Hafthor Bjornsson. He has set multiple records, won high-profile events, and impressed the community on countless occasions. However, Hafthor still strives for improvement, which is why he has announced one of the greatest deadlift attempts in history. Specifically, he accepted a $101,000 challenge, which requires him to lock out a 501-kilogram (1,104.5-pound) Elephant Bar Raw Deadlift.
Hafthor Bjornsson will attempt to complete the challenge at the 2025 Arnold Strongman Classic, which is scheduled to take place on February 28 – March 1 in Columbus, Ohio. The competition will feature six events, but the Elephant Bar Deadlift will be the first one. So, Hafthor will be fresh and ready to deadlift 501 kilograms (1,104.5 pounds). On the other hand, it remains to be seen how much such a difficult lift will affect the remainder of his performance over the other five events.
One detail that is easy to miss is that Hafthor Bjornsson will have to complete the 501-kilogram (1,104.5-pound) Elephant Bar Deadlift in a raw format. In turn, he will not be able to use a deadlift suit or briefs. However, he will be allowed to put on lifting straps, as per the standard regulations of Strongman.
“First man in history to deadlift more than 500kg raw? Challenge accepted,” wrote Hafthor Bjornsson on Instagram.
Check out Hafthor Bjornsson’s post here:
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The difference between the standard deadlift and the one that Hafthor Bjornsson will have to perform is the barbell. Namely, the Elephant Bar is usually wider than the standard barbell, which increases its flexibility and whip. This does make the initial phase of the lift slightly easier but also presents more challenges when it comes to stabilization and maintaining the speed of the lift. In conclusion, the Elephant Bar Deadlift is a variation of the lift that brings in its own challenges and requires a high level of technique adjustment.
The Elephant Bar Deadlift World Record has become one of the most coveted achievements in Strongman over the years. Consequently, it has been featured in the many editions of the Arnold Strongman Classic, becoming a staple event in one of the most elite competitions in the world. The record currently belongs to Hafthor Bjornsson, who locked out 1,045 pounds (474 kilograms) back in 2019. He retired from the sport just a year later but is now back, ready to break the record once again.
Hafthor Bjornsson has already deadlifted 501 kilograms (1,104.5 pounds) but performed it on a standard barbell with a deadlift suit. This stands as the All-Time Deadlift World Record, having broken Eddie Hall’s 500-kilogram (1,102.3-pound) mark from 2016. Hafthor Bjornsson is also interested in breaking the standard deadlift record but has not revealed when or where the attempt is planned to take place.
Hafthor Bjornsson’s Strongman career is separated into two parts, as he retired in 2020 and then came back in 2024. Prior to his retirement, Hafthor Bjornsson won three Arnold Strongman Classics, 5x Europe’s Strongest Man competitions, and, most notably, the 2018 World’s Strongest Man. Since coming out of retirement, Hafthor won two competitions and claimed silver medals in both the 2024 Rogue Invitational and Strongest Man on Earth competitions.
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Hafthor Bjornsson’s return to Strongman started off rough, as he first had to overcome a severe pec tear. This injury has followed him throughout 2024, often hindering his abilities on the overhead press events and costing him multiple titles. On the other hand, all other aspects of Hafthor’s strength look incredible, especially the deadlift. So, it seems very likely that Bjornsson will secure the 501-kilogram (1,104.5-pound) Elephant Bar Raw Deadlift and take home $101,000.
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