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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Ray Williams - Image Credit @optimusprime_334 Instagram
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Ray Williams is a powerlifting legend known for his incredible strength and remarkable feats in the sport. He is best known for setting the heaviest raw squat record in history, which still stands to this day. Ray also competed at the 2023 Powerlifting America (AMP) Classic Open Nationals on February 24th, where he won his seventh national title, and cemented himself as a living icon of strength sports.
Ray Williams has been in the powerlifting scene for quite some time now, and his journey to the top has been remarkable. He started lifting weights at a young age and gradually progressed to powerlifting. His first major achievement came in 2013 when he won the USAPL Raw Nationals. Since then, he has won several national and international titles, including the IPF World Championship five times.
Ray Williams’ dedication to the sport is admirable, considering he has faced several setbacks, including injuries and other challenges. However, he has never given up and has always come back stronger. In the past few years, Ray has not been competing seriously due to his injuries, which has affected his performance. However, he has been working tirelessly to recover and regain his strength, and his recent win at the 2023 Powerlifting America Classic Open Nationals is a clear indication that he is back and ready to compete at the highest level.
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At the 2023 Powerlifting America Classic Open Nationals, Ray competed in the +120-kilogram weight class and won with ease. Despite the absence of last year’s champion, Jesus Olivares, Ray put up an incredible show, demonstrating his immense strength and power. His performance was not as good as he would have liked, but he still won comfortably, which shows the extent of his dominance. Unfortunately, Ray did not manage to set any new competition PRs, as he is still not recovered fully.
Ray Williams’ lifts at the competition were impressive, with his squat being the standout performance once again. He managed to lift an incredible 435 kilograms (959 pounds), which is an astonishing feat considering that he is still recovering from injuries. His bench press was not as successful as he missed his third attempt at 230 kilograms (507 pounds). Nevertheless, he managed to lift an impressive 225 kilograms (496 pounds) on his second attempt. Moving on to the deadlift, Ray lifted 340 kilograms (749.5 pounds) on his second attempt, but failed to lift 355 kilograms (782.6 pounds) on his third attempt.
Squat
395 kilograms (870.8 pounds)
415 kilograms (914.9 pounds)
435 kilograms (959 pounds)
Competition PR: 490 kilograms (1,080.2 pounds) — 2019 USAPL Arnold SBD Pro American
Bench Press
215 kilograms (474 pounds)
225 kilograms (496 pounds)
(Unsuccessful) 230 kilograms (507 pounds)
Competition PR: 247.5 kilograms (545.6 pounds) — 2019 USAPL Arnold SBD Pro American
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The 2023 AMP Classic Open Nationals were the 26th sanctioned powerlifting appearance for Ray Williams, and his 22nd victory. In light of Ray’s stats, it seems obvious that once he builds momentum, he is unbeatable. Therefore, it will be interesting to see what happens next.
21st Annual North American Powerlifting Championships
Open
2,259.7
512.78
Competition
21st Annual North American Powerlifting Championships
Division
Open
Location
USA-AZ
Age
37
Equipment
Raw
Class
264.6+
Weight
440.9
Squat
953.5
1,008.6
-1,058.2
1,008.6
Bench
479.5
501.6
-518.1
501.6
Deadlift
705.5
749.6
-771.6
749.6
1
AMP
Mar 13, 2024
Classic Raw Open Nationals
MR-O
2,287.3
519.17
Competition
Classic Raw Open Nationals
Division
MR-O
Location
USA-NV
Age
37
Equipment
Raw
Class
264.6+
Weight
440.4
Squat
925.9
981.1
1,014.1
1,014.1
Bench
479.5
501.6
-523.6
501.6
Deadlift
694.5
738.5
771.6
771.6
1
NAPF
Aug 7, 2023
North American Regional Powerlifting Championships
Open
2,193.6
499.12
Competition
North American Regional Powerlifting Championships
Division
Open
Location
Cayman Islands
Age
36
Equipment
Raw
Class
264.6+
Weight
435.4
Squat
914.9
970.0
-1,003.1
970.0
Bench
474.0
496.0
518.1
518.1
Deadlift
705.5
-727.5
-727.5
705.5
1
AMP
Feb 23, 2023
Classic National Championship
MR-O
2,204.6
503.15
Competition
Classic National Championship
Division
MR-O
Location
USA-TX
Age
36
Equipment
Raw
Class
264.6+
Weight
429.6
Squat
870.8
914.9
959.0
959.0
Bench
474.0
496.0
-507.1
496.0
Deadlift
705.5
749.6
-782.6
749.6
1
AMP
Dec 9, 2022
Mississippi Open
MR-O
2,226.7
508.27
Competition
Mississippi Open
Division
MR-O
Location
USA-MS
Age
36
Equipment
Raw
Class
264.6+
Weight
429.2
Squat
870.8
925.9
970.0
970.0
Bench
451.9
474.0
496.0
496.0
Deadlift
683.4
727.5
760.6
760.6
19
USAPL
Dec 3, 2021
Virginia Pro
MR-O
2,254.2
514.98
Competition
Virginia Pro
Division
MR-O
Location
USA-VA
Age
35
Equipment
Raw
Weight
427.7
Squat
903.9
959.0
1,003.1
1,003.1
Bench
468.5
490.5
-501.6
490.5
Deadlift
672.4
727.5
760.6
760.6
1
USAPL
Oct 15, 2019
Raw Nationals
MR-O
2,066.8
482.75
Competition
Raw Nationals
Division
MR-O
Location
USA-IL
Age
33
Equipment
Raw
Class
264.6+
Weight
390.6
Squat
832.2
881.8
-925.9
881.8
Bench
418.9
440.9
-463.0
440.9
Deadlift
694.5
738.5
744.1
744.1
DQ
IPF
Jun 3, 2019
World Classic Powerlifting Championships
Open
-
-
Competition
World Classic Powerlifting Championships
Division
Open
Location
Sweden
Age
32
Equipment
Raw
Class
264.6+
Weight
388.3
Squat
-970.0
-970.0
-970.0
-
Bench
275.6
-385.8
-385.8
275.6
1
USAPL
Mar 1, 2019
Arnold SBD Pro American
MR-O
2,452.6
562.77
Competition
Arnold SBD Pro American
Division
MR-O
Location
USA-OH
Age
32
Equipment
Raw
Class
264.6+
Weight
419.8
Squat
992.1
-1,052.7
1,080.3
1,080.3
Bench
501.6
523.6
545.6
545.6
Deadlift
782.6
826.7
-876.3
826.7
1
USAPL
Oct 10, 2018
Raw Nationals
MR-O
2,364.5
544.89
Competition
Raw Nationals
Division
MR-O
Location
USA-WA
Age
32
Equipment
Raw
Class
264.6+
Weight
412.3
Squat
-975.5
986.6
-1,014.1
986.6
Bench
485.0
507.1
529.1
529.1
Deadlift
799.2
848.8
-881.8
848.8
1
IPF
Jun 5, 2018
World Classic Powerlifting Championships
Open
2,388.7
548.93
Competition
World Classic Powerlifting Championships
Division
Open
Location
Canada
Age
31
Equipment
Raw
Class
264.6+
Weight
417.1
Squat
-975.5
975.5
-1,053.8
975.5
Bench
490.5
512.6
534.6
534.6
Deadlift
782.6
832.2
878.5
878.5
1
USAPL
Mar 2, 2018
The Arnold SBD Pro American
MR-O
2,408.5
554.75
Competition
The Arnold SBD Pro American
Division
MR-O
Location
USA-OH
Age
31
Equipment
Raw
Class
264.6+
Weight
413.2
Squat
975.5
1,030.7
1,069.2
1,069.2
Bench
-479.5
501.6
518.1
518.1
Deadlift
788.2
821.2
-837.8
821.2
1
USAPL
Oct 9, 2017
Raw National Championships
MR-O
2,386.5
553.04
Competition
Raw National Championships
Division
MR-O
Location
USA-FL
Age
31
Equipment
Raw
Class
264.6+
Weight
403.0
Squat
975.5
1,030.7
-1,080.3
1,030.7
Bench
-501.6
501.6
523.6
523.6
Deadlift
788.2
832.2
-870.8
832.2
1
IPF
Jun 13, 2017
World Classic Powerlifting Championships
Open
2,403.0
558.09
Competition
World Classic Powerlifting Championships
Division
Open
Location
Belarus
Age
30
Equipment
Raw
Class
264.6+
Weight
399.5
Squat
992.1
1,036.2
-
1,036.2
Bench
496.0
518.1
534.6
534.6
Deadlift
788.2
832.2
-866.4
832.2
1
NAPF
Mar 3, 2017
Arnold Slingshot Pro American
Open
2,436.1
564.96
Competition
Arnold Slingshot Pro American
Division
Open
Location
USA-OH
Age
30
Equipment
Raw
Class
264.6+
Weight
401.8
Squat
970.0
1,026.3
1,052.7
1,052.7
Bench
496.0
-518.1
518.1
518.1
Deadlift
766.1
815.7
865.3
865.3
1
USAPL
Oct 12, 2016
Raw Nationals
MR-O
2,378.8
554.95
Competition
Raw Nationals
Division
MR-O
Location
USA-GA
Age
30
Equipment
Raw
Class
264.6+
Weight
392.4
Squat
903.9
959.0
1,005.3
1,005.3
Bench
496.0
518.1
529.1
529.1
Deadlift
749.6
793.7
844.4
844.4
1
IPF
Jun 18, 2016
World Classic Powerlifting Championships
Open
2,299.4
531.58
Competition
World Classic Powerlifting Championships
Division
Open
Location
USA-TX
Age
29
Equipment
Raw
Class
264.6+
Weight
407.0
Squat
865.3
914.9
965.6
965.6
Bench
496.0
518.1
540.1
540.1
Deadlift
749.6
793.7
-827.8
793.7
1
NAPF
Mar 4, 2016
Arnolds Slingshot Pro American
Open
2,232.2
518.73
Competition
Arnolds Slingshot Pro American
Division
Open
Location
USA-OH
Age
29
Equipment
Raw
Class
264.6+
Weight
398.5
Squat
-859.8
-909.4
909.4
909.4
Bench
496.0
518.1
-540.1
518.1
Deadlift
727.5
771.6
804.7
804.7
G
AsianPF
Dec 12, 2015
Asia-Oceania Raw Championships
Open
2,223.4
525.38
Competition
Asia-Oceania Raw Championships
Division
Open
Location
Uzbekistan
Age
29
Equipment
Raw
Class
264.6+
Weight
373.2
Squat
854.3
914.9
939.2
939.2
Bench
485.0
507.1
-523.6
507.1
Deadlift
716.5
766.1
777.1
777.1
1
USAPL
Oct 14, 2015
Raw Nationals
MR-O
2,215.6
520.96
Competition
Raw Nationals
Division
MR-O
Location
USA-PA
Age
29
Equipment
Raw
Class
264.6+
Weight
380.5
Squat
859.8
-903.9
903.9
903.9
Bench
496.0
512.6
-529.1
512.6
Deadlift
683.4
744.1
799.2
799.2
1
USAPL
Jun 25, 2015
Summer Showdown
MR-O
2,171.6
509.69
Competition
Summer Showdown
Division
MR-O
Location
USA-GA
Age
28
Equipment
Raw
Class
264.6+
Weight
383.2
Squat
870.8
914.9
-948.0
914.9
Bench
479.5
501.6
-523.6
501.6
Deadlift
716.5
738.5
755.1
755.1
1
IPF
Jun 4, 2015
World Classic Powerlifting Championships
Open
2,205.7
519.37
Competition
World Classic Powerlifting Championships
Division
Open
Location
Finland
Age
28
Equipment
Raw
Class
264.6+
Weight
378.4
Squat
859.8
916.0
938.1
938.1
Bench
496.0
518.1
-534.6
518.1
Deadlift
672.4
716.5
749.6
749.6
1
USAPL
Dec 11, 2014
American Open
MR-O
2,204.6
523.04
Competition
American Open
Division
MR-O
Location
USA-MA
Age
28
Equipment
Raw
Class
264.6+
Weight
367.5
Squat
-
-
-
931.5
Bench
-
-
-
534.6
Deadlift
-
-
-
738.5
2
USAPL
Jul 16, 2014
Raw Nationals
MR-O
2,028.3
485.57
Competition
Raw Nationals
Division
MR-O
Location
USA-CO
Age
27
Equipment
Raw
Class
264.6+
Weight
354.9
Squat
826.7
-870.8
870.8
870.8
Bench
485.0
-501.6
-501.6
485.0
Deadlift
-672.4
672.4
-705.5
672.4
1
IPF
May 31, 2014
World Classic Powerlifting Championships
Open
2,144.0
512.12
Competition
World Classic Powerlifting Championships
Division
Open
Location
South Africa
Age
27
Equipment
Raw
Class
264.6+
Weight
358.0
Squat
821.2
876.3
909.4
909.4
Bench
485.0
507.1
518.1
518.1
Deadlift
-661.4
661.4
716.5
716.5
1
PA
Apr 4, 2014
Raw Pacific Invitational
Open
2,138.5
506.91
Competition
Raw Pacific Invitational
Division
Open
Location
Australia-VIC
Age
27
Equipment
Raw
Class
264.6+
Weight
368.7
Squat
884.1
-903.9
903.9
903.9
Bench
501.6
529.1
-553.4
529.1
Deadlift
705.5
-749.6
-749.6
705.5
1
USAPL
Dec 14, 2013
Southern Raw Championships
MR-O
2,177.1
514.52
Competition
Southern Raw Championships
Division
MR-O
Location
USA-MS
Age
27
Equipment
Raw
Class
275.6+
Weight
373.0
Squat
-
-
-
903.9
Bench
-
-
-
523.6
Deadlift
-
-
-
749.6
1
USAPL
Jul 18, 2013
Raw Nationals
MR-O
2,134.1
509.58
Competition
Raw Nationals
Division
MR-O
Location
USA-FL
Age
26
Equipment
Raw
Class
264.6+
Weight
358.5
Squat
859.8
883.0
-903.9
883.0
Bench
474.0
490.5
501.6
501.6
Deadlift
700.0
749.6
-804.7
749.6
1
APA
Oct 12, 2012
Big Iron Fall Classic
Open
1,825.0
441.54
Competition
Big Iron Fall Classic
Division
Open
Location
USA-MS
Age
26
Equipment
Wraps
Class
341.7
Weight
341.0
Squat
600.0
700.0
800.0
800.0
Bench
415.0
-450.0
-450.0
415.0
Deadlift
550.0
585.0
610.0
610.0
Data source: OpenPowerlifting. Data through July 11, 2026.
Ray Williams has already achieved the status of a powerlifting legend, but he is still not finished with building his legacy. He is the closest that anyone has ever gotten to squatting 500 kilograms (1,102.3 pounds) raw. So, that might be one of his goals for the future.
If you have any questions or need further clarification about this news, please leave a comment below, and Vedad will get back to you as soon as possible.
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.
