The 2025 Rogue Invitational Strongman competition will take place on October 31st – November 2nd in Aberdeen, Scotland. It is the biggest remaining competition of the year, as it is set to gather ten of the strongest men in the world. Hafthor Bjornsson was supposed to make an appearance, but he has unfortunately announced his withdrawal in a recent YouTube video.
Hafthor Bjornsson had an unusual 2025 season, as he started off with full competitions. He claimed bronze at the 2025 Arnold Strongman Classic, followed by a second-place finish at the 2025 Siberian Power Show. His results continued to get better, as he won the 2025 Iceland’s Strongest Man.
Hafthor Bjornsson also focused on the deadlift, managing to set a 505-kilogram (1,113.3-pound) Deadlift World Record at the Eisenhart Black Competition. Not too long after, Hafthor improved the record to 510 kilograms (1,124.4 pounds) at the 2025 Giants Live Strongman Open and proceeded to win the entire competition. His next challenge was supposed to be the 2025 Rogue Invitational, but he has unfortunately decided to withdraw.
Related: Evan Singleton Pulls Out of 2025 Rogue Invitational Following Pec Tear; Bryce Johnson Steps In
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Hafthor Bjornsson Withdraws From 2025 Rogue Invitational
The driving element of Hafthor Bjornsson’s decision to withdraw from the 2025 Rogue Invitational is an injury. Specifically, Hafthor is having some trouble with his shoulder, with early predictions indicating that it might be a nerve issue. So, it is something that requires delicate treatment to heal and allow him to get back to his best.
“Hey guys, I am really sad to announce that I will not be competing at Rogue Invitational — the full show. I had to make a really tough decision this week to withdraw from the competition. I have been dealing with lately, like for one week right now, some shoulder issue on my right shoulder. I think it’s some kind of nerve issue. It’s taking all the power away from my pressing strength.”
Hafthor Bjornsson did not want to just make an appearance at the 2025 Rogue Invitational. Instead, he had a goal of winning the entire show. So, after recognizing that two overhead pressing events would be an unconquerable obstacle in his charge toward the title, Hafthor decided to withdraw and focus on other things.
“I don’t want to go and compete at Rogue Invitational with two pressing events and having my shoulder like this because I don’t want to compete just to participate. I want to compete to win. And obviously with my shoulder not being 100%, the chance of me winning the show is zero.”
What hurt Hafthor Bjornsson the most is the fact that his preparation for the 2025 Rogue Invitational went great. So, he had a legitimate chance to claim the title before the injury got in his way. Moreover, this is the first time ever that he has had to withdraw from a competition, as he has conquered setbacks and competed when he experienced injuries in the earlier days of his career.
“The prep for this show was going really well; I was feeling very strong, very powerful, the best of my life, sadly. So, it’s a big, big hit. It’s a tough thing to swallow to withdraw from this competition. This is my first ever Strongman show that I have to withdraw from, which is actually crazy considering the length of my career…
I’ve had injuries before, but you know, this one is just so bad that I just don’t see a reason for me to compete.”
However, Hafthor Bjornsson also shared some exciting news. He communicated with the organizers at Rogue and decided to make an appearance for just one event — the 18-inch deadlift. Hafthor believes that he might be able to set a new World Record in this event. So, he will still put on a show for the fans.
“I spoke to the organizers of Rogue Invitational, and they have allowed me to participate in the deadlift. I think that’s amazing…
I’m actually hopeful that I’ll be able to potentially break the record in the 18-inch deadlift.”
Watch the full video here:
Related: Mitchell Hooper Cuts His Off-Season Short & Accepts Invitation for 2025 Rogue Invitational
Hafthor Bjornsson is easily one of the most successful Strongmen in history and perhaps the strongest man to ever walk the earth. His list of achievements is seemingly endless, as he has set countless World Records, won competitions such as World’s Strongest Man, Arnold Strongman Classic, and Europe’s Strongest Man.
Moreover, Hafthor is a part of the International Sports Hall of Fame. So, his absence from the 2025 Rogue Invitational will certainly be a major loss for the entire community, but he will at least have the chance to demonstrate his incredible deadlift power once again.
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