Hafthor “Thor” Björnsson has set a new strongman deadlift world record by lifting 510 kilograms (1,124 pounds) during the Mutant Deadlift World Championships. The Icelandic strongman completed the lift with a clean lockout, breaking his own previous record from 2020.
The 510 kg deadlift was performed under strongman rules, which allow equipment like deadlift suits and figure-eight straps. These special straps wrap around the bar and wrists to provide maximum grip security during extreme lifts. Hitching—a slight upward bounce of the bar against the thighs—is also permitted in strongman competitions.
Björnsson broke the floor smoothly with the massive weight. The bar bent dramatically under the load as he pulled it up. After a brief hitch near the top, he achieved full hip lockout and held the position before receiving the down command.
This new record surpasses Eddie Hall’s famous 500 kg deadlift from 2016, which stood as the strongman benchmark for four years. It also beats Björnsson’s own 501 kg lift from 2020, which drew criticism because it happened outside a traditional competition setting.
The 2018 World’s Strongest Man champion appeared to have more strength in reserve. Viewers noted how controlled the lift looked, with some speculating he could push 515 or even 520 kilograms in the future.
Björnsson stands 6’9″ tall and is best known outside strength sports for playing Gregor “The Mountain” Clegane in HBO’s Game of Thrones. He has won multiple strongman titles including Europe’s Strongest Man and the Arnold Strongman Classic.
The deadlift record progression shows rapid growth in the sport. Before Hall’s 500 kg in 2016, no one had lifted that weight in any format. Now, just nine years later, the record stands at 510 kg.
Strongman deadlifts differ from powerlifting versions. Strongman athletes can use supportive gear and straps that powerlifters cannot. The judging focuses on achieving lockout at the top rather than strict form throughout the lift.
