Hafthor Bjornsson has spent years competing in Strongman, conquering a number of challenges to solidify his legacy. However, the Icelandic giant retired from the sport a few years ago and decided to come back in early 2024. In turn, he recently decided to post a YouTube video talking about his future in the sport. Hafthor touched on many topics, including his potential return to the World’s Strongest Man competition.
Hafthor Bjornsson has previously talked about some disagreements with certain people involved with the organization of the World’s Strongest Man competition. The issues generally stem from the time of his boxing match against Eddie Hall, as the two men argued about the judging and results of one event in the competition. In turn, Hafthor did not want to come back to the WSM again. Luckily, as per his statement, he is in talks to make a comeback at the biggest show of the year.
Related: Hafthor Bjornsson Narrowly Avoids Injury After Dropping Over 200-kg (440.9-lb) on His Back
Hafthor Bjornsson Talks About His Future in Strongman
Hafthor Bjornsson opened up with the question that he has encountered often in the past period, revealing if he will appear in the World’s Strongest Man competition again. While he was unable to reveal many details, Hafthor did mention that he has given the organizers his list of demands, after which he would accept the invite. Hafthor also points out that even he thought that there he would never consider competing at the WSM again, but that it is a possibility now.
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“I have been in talks right now with IMG, the ones running World’s Strongest Man… I have told them what needs to happen for me to return. They are trying to make that happen… There is a possibility, which is huge.
Not so long ago, in my head, there was just no way (of Hafthor competing at the WSM). Maybe I am maturing; maybe I am able to forgive, since I am thinking about it.”
Hafthor Bjornsson also touched on his goal of improving his own 501-kilogram (1,104.5-pound) All-Time Deadlift World Record. He is still in talks with promoters to organize the attempt but is waiting for everything to align, such as the date, finances, and more. However, he is willing to perform the attempt anywhere, regardless of how far he needs to travel.
“I want to break it (All-Time Deadlift World Record), if I get the right opportunity and the right setup. I have been in talks with promoters. Things just have to line up right… To be honest, I have to be paid as well. I am not going to do it just for nothing… I don’t care if I need to travel; I am willing to fly.”
Adding on to the previous topic, Hafthor Bjornsson was also asked about his interest in the Raw deadlift world record. This differs in the way that the use of a deadlift suit is not allowed. Hafthor reveals that he is already capable of breaking the raw record and will do so if an adequate opportunity is placed in front of him.
Regarding the deadlift Raw world record, same thing… That record, in my opinion, is slightly easier for me. I don’t really get a whole lot from a suit. The Raw record right now is 470 kilograms (1,036.2 pounds), held by Trey Mitchell. I could pull that today; I could break that today if I wanted to.”
Hafthor Bjornsson also has plans outside of Strongman. Namely, he is also going back to acting, which he has also been recognized for in the past, playing the role of ‘The Mountain’ in Game of Thrones. However, he will now play a character called ‘Goat Man’ in a movie called ‘Masters of the Universe’.
“A lot of you guys are probably wondering why I am shaving my beard all the time… I am actually in preparation to start filming in March and April for He-Man and the Masters of the Universe… I’ll be a character named ‘Goat Man’… As far as I know, it is going to come out next year.”
Hafthor Bjornsson is looking massive at the moment, being just days out from the 2025 Arnold Strongman Classic. So, he revealed that his current bodyweight is 200 kilograms (440.9 pounds), which is just slightly lighter than his bodyweight at the time of his record-breaking deadlift.
“My body weight right now is 200 kilograms (440.9 pounds). I was 205-208 kilograms (452-458 pounds) when I pulled 501-kg (1,104.5-lb).”
Watch the full video here:
Hafthor Bjornsson is now fully focused on the 2025 Arnold Strongman Classic, which will take place on February 28 – March 1st in Columbus, Ohio. Not only will he look to claim his fourth title, Hafthor will also try to pull 501 kilograms (1,104.5 pounds) to break the Elephant Bar Deadlift World Record. If successful, Hafthor will come out with $101,000 as a reward.
While Hafthor Bjornsson has many plans for the remainder of the season, there is now optimism that he will also be a part of the lineup for the 2025 World’s Strongest Man competition. He would definitely be an incredible addition to the roster and one of the favorites for the title.
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