The 2025 AMP (Powerlifting America) Classic Open Nationals took place on April 3-6 in Atlanta, GA. One of the highlights of the show was the return of Jonathan Cayco, who has not competed in over a year. He participated in the 93-kilogram weight class, winning the title and achieving new raw Bench Press and Total American & Unofficial IPF World Records.
Jonathan Cayco is known as ‘Mr. Bench’ and he definitely proved why at the AMP Nationals. He first chose to lift 232.5 kilograms (512.5 pounds), which is a number that he has exceeded on many occasions in the past. However, Jonathan’s second attempt was much more significant for him, as he set a new Competition PR with a 246-kilogram (542.3-pound) bench press.
Jonathan Cayco was not done yet, as he had an even greater goal to achieve on his final attempt. Specifically, he loaded 252 kilograms (555.5 pounds) on the barbell. He pressed it with ease, showing just how much progress, he made during his absence from the competition platform. In turn, he set a new AMP American Record but also unofficially exceeded the IPF World Record.
Note: Jonathan Cayco’s bench press is not an official IPF World Record since it was performed in a national-level competition.
*Jonathan Cayco holds the Official U93KG IPF World Record of 245.5-kg (541.2-lb). He set the record at the 2024 IPF Sheffield Powerlifting Championships.
Watch the lift here:
Jonathan Cayco’s Full Performance
Jonathan Cayco had his best performance ever at the 2025 AMP Classic Open Nationals, successfully completing all nine of his attempts. He set new competition PBs across all four events while also breaking multiple records in the process. In doing so, Jonathan also managed to become a four-time National Champion.
Squat
- 292.5 kilograms (644.8 pounds)
- 305 kilograms (672.4 pounds)
- 310 kilograms (683.4 pounds) — Personal Record
Bench Press
- 232.5 kilograms (512.5 pounds)
- 246 kilograms (542.3 pounds)
- 252 kilograms (555.5 pounds) — U93KG AMP American Record & Unofficial IPF World Record
Deadlift
- 320 kilograms (705.4 pounds)
- 340 kilograms (749.5 pounds)
- 357.5 kilograms (788.1 pounds) — Personal Record
Total — 919.5 kilograms (2,027.1 pounds) — U93KG AMP American Record & Unofficial IPF World Record
*Emil Krastev holds the Official U93KG IPF Total World Record of 917.5-kg (2,022.7-lb), which he set at the 2025 IPF Sheffield Powerlifting Championships.
Watch all the lifts here
This year marks a decade of competing in powerlifting for Jonathan Cayco, and he certainly has a lot to show for it. He has taken part in a total of 20 sanctioned powerlifting shows, taking the win in 13 overall. His most notable victories include the 2021 and 2023 IPF World Championships.
Jonathan Cayco has now also officially secured his spot on Team USA for the 2025 IPF World Championships. So, he will be looking to reclaim his throne once again. He is definitely one of the biggest favorites for the title, considering just how well he performed at the AMP Nationals.
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