Hafthor Björnsson, the Icelandic strongman and former television actor known to millions as “The Mountain” from Game of Thrones, has once again carved his name into the history books. At the Eisenhart Black invitational competition held in Bavaria, Germany, on July 26, 2025, he achieved what many believed was nearly impossible. By successfully lifting a staggering 505 kilograms in the deadlift, Björnsson set a new official world record, surpassing both his own controversial 501-kilogram lift from 2020 and Eddie Hall’s 500-kilogram mark from 2016.
The Lift That Changed History
The competition was attended by a hand-picked selection of elite strength athletes, referees, and fans. Björnsson took to the platform wearing a full deadlift suit, a tightly secured lifting belt, and figure-eight straps for enhanced grip and safety. As the weight was loaded onto the barbell, the tension in the arena was palpable. The crowd fell into silence as Björnsson approached the bar.
Lifting 505 kilograms requires more than brute strength. It demands technical mastery, perfect timing, and mental fortitude. The most difficult phase of the lift occurred as the bar passed knee level, a point where lifters often lose control due to mechanical disadvantage. But Björnsson powered through the sticking point and locked out the lift with authority. The referees gave the lift a unanimous approval, making the record official.
Immediately following the lift, the crowd erupted. Fireworks exploded above the stage, the audience stood in roaring applause, and Björnsson was surrounded by his support team for a celebration worthy of a world champion.
Putting an End to Years of Debate
In 2020, Björnsson completed a 501-kilogram lift in his private gym in Iceland. Despite being documented and streamed worldwide, that lift was not performed under official competition conditions. The absence of referees, spectators, and standardized judging left many in the strongman community hesitant to accept it as a legitimate world record.
With the 505-kilogram lift executed under formal rules, Björnsson has silenced critics and definitively proven that he is the strongest deadlifter in history. Unlike his previous attempt, this lift was completed in a sanctioned competition with an audience, judges, and standardized equipment. It met every criterion required by global strongman federations, ensuring its validity in the sport’s official record books.
Eddie Hall Congratulates His Rival
Eddie Hall, the British strongman who held the previous official deadlift record of 500 kilograms, responded to the news with class and sportsmanship. In a heartfelt message posted to social media, Hall offered congratulations and admiration for Björnsson’s achievement. He wrote that Thor had gone down in history and expressed great respect and love for the new record holder.
The two men have had a complex relationship over the years, marked by intense rivalry, public disagreements, and even a boxing match in 2022. But Hall’s message demonstrated the respect shared by athletes who understand the sacrifice, pain, and dedication required to reach such heights.
What Makes 505 Kilograms So Monumental
Lifting over 500 kilograms from the floor is not simply a milestone in strongman competition. It borders on the limits of human capability. The strain on the body during such a lift is extraordinary. Blood pressure spikes, the central nervous system is taxed to the extreme, and the risk of injury is immense. Only a handful of individuals on Earth can even attempt such a feat without suffering serious harm.
To succeed, Björnsson followed a meticulous preparation plan that included months of specialized training, strict dietary protocols, and advanced recovery techniques. His training involved everything from deficit deadlifts and block pulls to high-rep conditioning sets, ensuring both power and endurance.
The Role of Equipment and Technique
In modern strongman events, deadlift records are often performed using supportive equipment. The deadlift suit compresses the lifter’s core and hips, offering additional rebound and support. Lifting belts protect the lower back while allowing for greater intra-abdominal pressure. Figure-eight straps eliminate the grip as a limiting factor, allowing the athlete to focus purely on leg and back drive.
Even with such equipment, technique remains crucial. Björnsson’s form on the lift was near flawless. His back remained tight, his shoulders locked into position, and his hips rose in perfect synchronization with the bar. Such execution is the result of years of refinement and coaching.
A New Era in Strength Sports
Björnsson’s lift has broader implications for the world of strength sports. It raises the ceiling on what is considered possible and will likely motivate a new generation of athletes to aim for unprecedented records. It also reinvigorates interest in strongman competitions, bringing attention not only to the sport itself but also to the athletes who dedicate their lives to pushing the boundaries of human performance.
In addition, this record strengthens Björnsson’s legacy as one of the most versatile strength athletes of all time. From powerlifting to strongman to boxing, he has consistently excelled across disciplines, drawing a global fanbase along the way.
Impact on the Strongman Community
Strongman competitions have evolved significantly over the past two decades. Once considered niche or underground, the sport has grown in popularity thanks to televised events, social media, and personalities like Björnsson and Hall. Milestone moments like this 505-kilogram deadlift not only elevate individual athletes but also push the sport into the mainstream.
Many fans and experts believe that this event marks the beginning of a new chapter in the sport’s history. Athletes from across the world will now attempt to reach or exceed the new benchmark, setting the stage for even more dramatic battles of strength in upcoming competitions.
Celebrations and Global Recognition
After completing the lift, the celebration at the Eisenhart Black competition was both emotional and grand. Fireworks lit up the evening sky, and the audience erupted into cheers. Björnsson was visibly moved as he embraced his team and acknowledged the support of the crowd. For him, this was more than just a record. It was a vindication of years of dedication, a response to doubters, and a tribute to the sport that shaped his life.
The moment has since gone viral, with sports media, fitness influencers, and even mainstream news outlets sharing footage of the lift. Commentators have hailed it as one of the most iconic feats of strength in recent memory.
What Comes Next for Hafthor Björnsson
Having now set the undisputed deadlift world record, many wonder what Björnsson will pursue next. Some speculate that he may return to competitive strongman events, while others believe he might focus on mentoring younger athletes or launching new business ventures related to fitness and health.
Whatever his next steps may be, one thing is certain. Hafthor Björnsson has etched his name into the annals of strength sports forever. His 505-kilogram lift is not just a number. It is a symbol of perseverance, discipline, and the human spirit’s relentless pursuit of greatness.
