The 2025 EPF European Classic Powerlifting Championships took place on March 18-23 in Malaga, Spain. The competition gathered the strongest powerlifters that Europe has to offer, resulting in a very exciting throwdown. One man’s performance was particularly interesting, as Nonso Chinye managed to walk away with new Open & Junior IPF World Records under his belt. He set the records in the U120KG weight class by deadlifting 400 kilograms (881.8 pounds) raw.
Nonso Chinye came into the deadlift session full of confidence, having set a new competition PR on the squat and bench press earlier. His faith in setting a new record increased after his incredible deadlift opener of 350 kilograms (771.6 pounds). However, Nonso first decided to secure a better result with 380 kilograms (837.8 pounds) on the second attempt before taking a risk on the final one.
With just one attempt left, Nonso Chinye loaded 400 kilograms (881.8 pounds), which was more than enough to exceed the U120KG IPF Deadlift World Record in both the Open and Junior age classes. He only put on a lifting belt for his endeavor and came out to the competition floor. The lift itself was insanely smooth, with Nonso using a conventional stance and a mixed grip. Nonso’s effortless execution left no doubt that he could have pulled even more weight on the day.
*Etienne El Chaer held the previous U120KG Open IPF Deadlift World Record of 396-kg (873-lb). He set the record at the 2024 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships.
Watch the lift here:
Nonso Chinye’s Full Performance
Nonso Chinye ended up winning the U120KG division at the 2025 EPF European Classic Powerlifting Championships, beating his closest rival by a staggering 35 kilograms (77.2 pounds). Moreover, Nonso set a series of Junior records across the squat, deadlift, and Total events. So, at just 20-years-old, Nonso is already one of the most notable figures in the world of powerlifting.
Squat
- 315 kilograms (694.5 pounds)
- 340 kilograms (749.6 pounds)
- 352.5 kilograms (777 pounds) — U120KG EPF Junior European Record
Bench Press
- 197.5 kilograms (435.4 pounds)
- 207.5 kilograms (457.5 pounds)
- 212.5 kilograms (468.5 pounds)
Deadlift
- 350 kilograms (771.6 pounds)
- 380 kilograms (837.8 pounds)
- 400 kilograms (881.8 pounds) — U120KG IPF Open & Junior World Record
Total — 965 kilograms (2,127.5 pounds) — U120KG IPF Junior World Record & EPF Open European Record
Nonso Chinye made his powerlifting debut in 2022 and has since turned out to be one of the biggest prodigies in the sport. He has made ten sanctioned appearances so far, taking the win in eight of those, which include IPF Junior & Sub-Junior World Championships, as well as the EPF Open & Sub-Junior European Championships.
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