American powerlifting phenom John Haack delivered another masterclass performance at the 2026 PLU (Powerlifting United) American Pro, which was held at the Henrico Sports & Events Center in Richmond, Virginia, on August 7–8. Competing in the 100-kilogram weight class, Haack put on a show and cemented his status as one of the best lifters on the planet. He capped off an unforgettable meet by setting a new 1044-kilogram (2,301.6-pound) Raw Total All-Time World Record.
John Haack’s Performance Breakdown
John Haack successfully completed seven out of eight attempts at the 2026 American Pro, having missed his final deadlift attempt, while also opting not to go for his final squat. However, he still managed to take away the win and set a new All-Time World Record.
Squat
John Haack kicked off his day with a smooth 340-kilogram (749.6-pound) opener on the squat. On his second attempt, he bumped the bar up to 380 kilograms (837.8 pounds) and nailed it clean, securing a new national record in the U100KG division and getting off to a perfect start. Haack decided that he had already accomplished his goal and wanted to conserve energy for the remaining events, which is why he passed on his third attempt.
- 340 kilograms (749.6 pounds)
- 380 kilograms (837.8 pounds) — U100KG PLU National Record
- Did Not Attempt
*Tyler Williamson held the previous U100KG PLU National Raw Squat Record of 365-kg (804.7-lb), which he set at the 2024 PLU Power Surge Pro/Am VIII.
Bench Press
Moving onto the bench press, John Haack executed a flawless session on the platform by going three-for-three. He started with a relatively light 232.5-kilogram (512.6-pound) lift before making a comfortable jump to 250 kilograms (551.2 pounds) on his second attempt. For his final press, he called for 265 kilograms (584.2 pounds) and locked it out with ease. This kept him on track to set a new Total World Record.
- 232.5 kilograms (512.6 pounds)
- 250 kilograms (551.2 pounds)
- 265 kilograms (584.2 pounds)
Deadlift
John Haack opened his deadlift session with a solid 365-kilogram (804.7-pound) pull. He then moved to 399 kilograms (879.6 pounds) on his second attempt, locking it out with a conventional stance and a mixed grip. That pull secured him the U100KG Total World Record, giving him the freedom to go for a massive jump on his final attempt. So, he tried to complete a huge 420-kilogram (925.9-pound) deadlift, coming inches away from locking it out before falling just short.
- 365 kilograms (804.7 pounds)
- 399 kilograms (879.6 pounds)
- Unsuccessful — 420 kilograms (925.9 pounds)
Total — 1,044 kilograms (2,301.6 pounds) — U100KG Raw Total All-Time World Record
*John Haack held the previous U100KG Raw Total All-Time World Record of 1,043.5-kg (2,300.5-lb), which he set at the 2024 WRPF The Ghost Clash 3.
Related: John Haack Hits Massive 420-kg (925.9-lb) Raw Deadlift PR in Training
John Haack has been competing in powerlifting for over 13 years, during which he took part in 35 sanctioned powerlifting competitions. He won 29 competitions, which includes some of the most prestigious powerlifting meets like the American Pro, Ghost Clash, and more.
