Hafthor Bjornsson is preparing to attempt a new deadlift record attempt.
2018 Worlds Strongest Man (WSM) Hafthor Bjornsson has already reached deadlift levels that no one has before. Now, he wants to leave absolutely no doubt that the world record is his. Bjornsson is preparing to attempt to reset his own record during the 2026 Enhanced Games in May at the Resorts World in Las Vegas. It is unknown how much weight he will load onto the bar but Thor recently shared that he believes he can reach 550kg (1,212.5lbs).
“I truly believe that I am capable of pulling, if I want to, if my desire really wants to, I can pull this record to like 550 kilograms.”
The Enhanced Games is an Olympic-style event that will take place at Resorts World Las Vegas from May 21-24. This is a three-event competition but Bjornsson will compete in an exhibition event as he attempts to break his own world record.
Hafthor Bjornsson reset his own deadlift world record in July with a 505kg (1,113.3lb) lift during the 2025 Eisenhart Black Competition in Germany. Thor used a deadlift suit and lifting straps to complete the lift. This was the reason he made his return to powerlifting and has accomplished goals of taking his performance to the next level. Thor has gone from Strongman to boxing and back into Strongman. Bjornsson has expressed interest in competing in big-name competitions while also taking his deadlift to the next level.
Hafthor Bjornsson Aiming For 550kg?
Thor discussed his other attempts and how many viewed his aspirations before breaking the record twice. He claims that many believed that 510kg was not possible and he has defied all negative comments and beliefs.
“When I pulled 510, people thought that that could not be possible because just six weeks earlier, I pulled 505. And people thought there was not enough time in between.”
Bjornsson was training for another show at the time and has decided not to put himself in the same situation. Thor recently announced that he would not take part in the 2026 Arnold Strongman Classic as he recovers from a rotator cuff injury.
This new focus on deadlifting could take Thor where he wants to go. There has been no official word on what he will load up in May but he believes he can shatter his previous mark.
“I’m not saying that I will pull 550 kilograms on May 24th. I’m saying, if I wanted to pull it to the absolute limits, I am capable of that. On May 24th, I’m going to be smart, and I’m going to think long term, and I most likely will only go for 515 kilograms.”
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