Powerlifter Phillip Herndon (125KG) Sets 420-kg (925.9-lb) Raw Squat All-Time World Record at 2025 WPPL Pro Invitational

Phillip Herndon dropped down to the 125-kilogram (275-pound) weight class and set a new All-Time World Record.

Vedad Tabakovic
By
Vedad Tabakovic
Vedad is a journalist specializing in strength sports, with three years of experience covering powerlifting, Olympic weightlifting, strongman, armwrestling and bodybuilding. He is a lifelong fitness...
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4 Min Read
Phillip Herndon Sets Raw All Time Squat World Record
Phillip Herndon Sets Raw All-Time Squat World Record - Image credit @phillip_herndon Instagram

Phillip Herndon has spent over a decade in powerlifting already, during which he built a reputation as one of the most exceptional squatters in the world. In turn, his performances are always highly anticipated, and it was no different with his most recent appearance at the 2025 WPPL Pro Invitational. The competition took place on March 1st in Columbus, Ohio, and Herndon took part in the raw 125-kilogram weight class. He ended up performing one of the most impressive lifts ever, locking out a 420-kilogram (925.9-pound) Raw Squat All-Time World Record.

In order to set a new All-Time World Record, Phillip Herndon had to exceed 412.5 kilograms (909.4 pounds). However, he went a step further, loading 420 kilograms (925.9 pounds) onto the barbell. Having competed in the raw division, Herndon was only allowed to use a lifting belt, knee sleeves, and a pair of wrist wraps.

After loading the incredible weight, Phillip Herndon walked out on the competition floor, determined to claim a new record. He got under the bar, took a deep breath, and started his lift. After unracking the weight, Phillip started slowly descending with the bar on his back, dropping down to the required depth. He then started pushing forcefully, which resulted in a very comfortable-looking squat. In turn, Herndon received all three white lights from the judges.

*Reece Fullwood held the previous U125KG All-Time Raw Squat World Record of 412.5-kg (909.4-lb). He achieved that lift at the 2023 GPC-GB Welsh Championships.

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Watch Phillip Herndon’s squat here:

Related: Phillip Herndon (125KG) Sets Squat & Total All-Time World Record in His First Equipped Appearance

Phillip Herndon had an exceptional performance in the remainder of the competition as well, which is an amazing feat considering how much energy he expended on the squat. His heaviest bench press came out to 240 kilograms (529.1 pounds), which was just 2.5 kilograms (5.5 pounds) short of his previous competition PR. Herndon also locked out an impressive 365-kilogram (804.6-pound) deadlift using a conventional stance. He tried out a sumo stance on his final attempt but was unfortunately unsuccessful.

Phillip Herndon’s Full Performance

  • Squat: 420-kg (925.9-lb) — U125KG All-Time World Record
  • Bench Press: 240-kg (529.1-lb)
  • Deadlift: 365-kg (804.6-lb)
  • Total: 1,025-kg (2,259.7-lb) — Competition PR

Phillip Herndon is easily one of the most complete powerlifters in the world, having competed and set records in the raw, raw/w wraps, and the equipped powerlifting divisions. He has also competed in multiple age classes, never failing to reach the top, especially when it comes to the squat. So, it is clear that Phillip has one of the most impressive resumes in the powerlifting community.

Phillip Herndon made his debut in powerlifting in 2013. He has been extremely active in the sport ever since, making appearances in each of the following years. So, he has taken part in a total of 48 sanctioned powerlifting competitions over the course of his career, winning over 30 of them.

Related: Phillip Herndon Becomes The Lightest Person To Squat 1,000-lb With Knee Wraps In a Competition

Phillip Herndon’s Powerlifting History

Phillip Herndon's Powerlifting History

Personal Bests

Equip Squat Bench Deadlift Total Dots
Raw 934.8 556.7 848.8 2,303.8 594.15
Wraps 1,008.6 534.6 843.3 2,336.9 600.10
Multi-ply 1,220.0 405.0 825.0 2,450.0 631.79
Single-ply 1,020.0 760.0 800.0 2,580.0 670.08

Competition Results

Details Place Fed Date Competition Division Total Dots
1 PLU Mar 13, 2026 The Bar Showdown Open 2,287.3 588.61
DQ WPO Nov 8, 2025 Pro Open - -
1 USPC Oct 17, 2025 Old Line Hoist Open 2,261.9 585.26
DQ USPC Jun 6, 2025 Sonny Comly 3rd Annual Memorial Meet Open - -
1 PLU Apr 12, 2025 Ghost Clash 4 - Pro Day Open 2,303.8 594.15
1 WPPL Feb 28, 2025 Pro Invitational Open 2,259.7 582.41
1 UPA Jan 10, 2025 Walcott Wreckers MOR 2,336.9 599.71
1 IPA Jun 7, 2024 2nd Annual Sonny Comly Memorial Meet Pro Open 2,450.0 631.79
DQ IPA May 24, 2024 Showdown at the Storm Equipped Invitational Pro Open - -
1 WRPF Apr 5, 2024 The Ghost Clash 3 Pro MR-O 2,226.7 574.25
1 IPA Nov 17, 2023 PA States Pro Open 2,580.0 670.08
1 WRPF Oct 27, 2023 The American Pro 2 Open 2,281.8 595.24
1 IPA Jun 24, 2023 Strength Spectacular Pro Open 2,300.0 600.10
1 USPC Mar 17, 2023 Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship Open 2,257.5 593.10
2 WRPF Feb 17, 2023 The Ghost Clash 2 Pro Open 2,155.0 564.41
1 WRPF Nov 4, 2022 The Freaks Come Out At Night Open 2,155.0 580.14
1 RPS Sep 23, 2022 Raw Dawg Pro Open 2,100.0 566.21
1 RPS Sep 21, 2022 Raw Dawg Pro Open 2,100.0 566.21
DQ WRPF Jul 28, 2022 American Pro Open - -
1 USPC Apr 8, 2022 Mid-Atlantic Classic Open 2,224.5 598.21
1 USPA Jul 23, 2021 Pennsylvania State Championship Open 2,072.3 557.88
1 WRPF Apr 23, 2021 Kern US Open Open 2,166.0 585.36
1 RPS Jan 30, 2021 NJ and North American Championships Pro Open 2,190.0 593.54
1 USPC Nov 6, 2020 Virginia State Championship Open 2,061.3 555.30
1 MM Aug 7, 2020 National Championships Pro Open 2,165.0 585.04
1 USPA Jul 10, 2020 Pioneer Open Open 2,044.8 554.99
1 IPA Nov 22, 2019 National Powerlifting & Bench Press Championships Pro Open 2,075.0 557.44
1 RPS Aug 9, 2019 Raw Dawg Nationals 8 Pro Open 1,925.0 527.42
2 USPA Aug 2, 2019 The Tribute Open 1,785.7 522.01
3 WRPF Apr 26, 2019 Kern US Open Open 1,934.6 544.44
1 USPA Dec 7, 2018 Yuletide Slay Full-Power Classic Juniors 20-23 1,978.6 535.68
1 USPA Sep 21, 2018 Iron City Pro/Am Juniors 20-23 1,951.1 545.68
1 IPL Apr 27, 2018 Philadelphia Fit Expo Juniors 20-23 1,890.5 528.26
6 USAPL Oct 9, 2017 Raw National Championships MR-Jr 1,609.4 456.37
2 USAPL Jul 14, 2017 DC Barbell Club PRO Invitational MR-O 1,488.1 435.97
DQ USAPL Apr 7, 2017 Pennsylvania State Championship MR-Jr - -
1 USAPL Nov 18, 2016 Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Regionals MR-Jr 1,405.4 433.33
1 USAPL Aug 5, 2016 Summer Classic MR-Jr 1,394.4 428.45
3 USAPL May 20, 2016 Philadelphia Freedom Championship MR-Jr 1,339.3 411.52
1 USAPL Mar 18, 2016 Pennsylvania States Championships MR-Jr 1,416.5 413.83
1 USAPL Dec 3, 2015 American Open MR-Jr 1,411.0 411.32
18 USAPL Oct 14, 2015 Raw Nationals MR-Jr 1,372.4 404.33
1 USAPL Apr 17, 2015 PA State Championships MR-T3 1,344.8 414.93
1 USAPL Dec 11, 2014 American Open MR-T3 1,295.2 388.96
2 USAPL Dec 6, 2013 12th Annual American Open Championships MR-T3 1,157.4 359.39

Data source: OpenPowerlifting. Data through July 11, 2026.

Phillip Herndon has some more appearances planned in the near future, as he is on the roster to compete at the elite 2025 Ghost Clash 4. The competition will take place on April 12-13 in Miami, Florida, with Herndon taking part in the Raw/W Wraps division. So, he might add yet another All-Time World Record to his list of achievements.


If you have questions or need clarifications, please leave a comment below, and Vedad will respond promptly.

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Vedad is a journalist specializing in strength sports, with three years of experience covering powerlifting, Olympic weightlifting, strongman, armwrestling and bodybuilding. He is a lifelong fitness enthusiast, passionate about all aspects of strength training. Vedad's in-depth knowledge of training methodologies and dedication to constant research fuel his insightful and engaging reporting. He works hard to deliver accurate content while continuously seeking to improve his craft.
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