Mitchell Hooper’s success in Strongman has been unparalleled since his rise to the top took an abnormally short amount of time. While his skillset is very well rounded, one of the biggest talents that he possesses is his static strength. So, Hooper decided to join the 2026 Enhanced Games, where he will try to set a new Deadlift World Record on May 24th in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Mitchell Hooper has talked about his desire to set a Deadlift World Record for some time now, as he believes that it would solidify his status as one of the greatest Strongmen in history. He has also displayed a number of incredible deadlifts throughout his career, including a 475-kilogram (1,047.2-pound) pull that he achieved a couple of years back. So, with a specialized training program, Hooper is definitely an athlete that could pull over half a ton.
The current World Record is held by Hafthor Bjornsson and stands at 510 kilograms (1,124.4 pounds). However, Hooper will not be the only one going for the record, as Bjornsson will also take part in the 2026 Enhanced Games. The reward for breaking the record is set at $250,000.
View the official announcement here:
Mitchell Hooper was actually the first one to break the news of his participation in the 2026 Enhanced Games. However, his method surprised many, as it ignited a competitive spirit between him and Hafthor. Namely, Hooper shared five clips of him beating Bjornsson in competition. He followed it up by saying that he is ready to make it “6-0” by beating him once again and breaking the World Record.
“Hooper 5. Thor 0.
Time to make it 6-0 at the Enhanced Games
To become the king, I’ll have to take down the mountain… and I’ll have to do it in his domain.
Deadlift world record loading…
05.24.26,” stated Hooper on Instagram.
Check out Hooper’s post here:
Hafthor Bjornsson responded to Hooper’s claims, revealing that Hooper has never beaten him in a deadlift event. So, it is clear that both men are confident that they will come out on top. However, Hafthor has also talked about the possibility of deadlifting 550 kilograms (1,212.5 pounds) at some point, when another athlete becomes good enough to put some pressure on him. So, Hooper’s involvement might just force Hafthor to push to his limits.
“I definitely don’t hate the guy (Hooper), let’s put that out there. But, he is a strong guy. He is definitely a strong guy.
He has proven again and again that he is capable of a lot of things, but to make one thing clear, since me coming back from retirement… he has never won against me in a deadlift event, ever, in his life. So, it would be a first if he would beat me at the Enhanced Games. We will see,” said Hafthor Bjornsson.
Check out Hafthor’s response here:
Related: Hafthor Bjornsson Withdraws From 2026 Arnold Strongman Classic
Mitchell Hooper has won one World’s Strongest Man competition, three Arnold Strongman Classics, and three Rogue Invitationals. He is now getting ready to go for another title defense at the Arnold Strongman Classic, but it is unclear what he plans to do after that. The 2026 WSM is scheduled to take place a month before the Enhanced Games. So, it remains to be seen if Hooper decides to take on both challenges or if he will focus solely on the Deadlift World Record.
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