Max Searby Benched 285 KG (628.3 pounds) at the 2026 BPU Bench Bash to Record Heaviest Raw Bench Press in British History.
Max Searby has officially established himself as the strongest raw bench presser in British history.
Searby locked out a massive 285-kilogram (628.3-pound) raw bench press at the 2026 BPU Bench Bash, held as part of the AWPC World Championships on Sept. 12 in Manchester, England.
The performance surpassed the previous British record of 283 kilograms (623.9 pounds), set by Luke Tolman in 2025.
Searby came into the competition with one clear objective: take the British record. After making quick work of his opener, he didn’t waste any time going after it.
Max Searby Sets British Raw Bench Press Record With 628-Pound Lift
Searby opened his day with 270 kilograms (595.2 pounds) and made the nearly 600-pound press look comfortable.
Rather than taking a smaller jump for his second attempt, Searby loaded the record-breaking 285 kilograms.
Competing raw with only wrist wraps for support, Searby lowered the bar to his chest before driving it upward. The bar briefly slowed during the press, but Searby continued pushing without any downward movement and eventually reached lockout.
The judges gave him the lift, officially establishing the heaviest raw bench press ever performed by a British lifter.
Searby elected not to take a third attempt.
Max Searby’s 2026 BPU Bench Bash Performance
- First Attempt: 270 kg (595.2 lbs)
- Second Attempt: 285 kg (628.3 lbs), British Record
- Third Attempt: Did Not Attempt
The record adds Searby’s name to a British bench press battle that has moved rapidly over the past two years.
Joshua Baker previously held the mark after pressing 282.5 kilograms (622.8 pounds). Tolman then moved the record to 283 kilograms at the 2025 BPU Bench Anarchy before Searby added another two kilograms in Manchester.
Both former record holders congratulated Searby following his performance. Baker also suggested he could return to competition, potentially setting up another attempt at the record.
Searby Has His Sights Set on a 661-Pound Bench
Searby isn’t planning to stop at 285 kilograms.
His next major goal is the coveted 300-kilogram (661.4-pound) bench press in sanctioned competition.
The British powerhouse has already successfully pressed 300 kilograms in training. However, getting the lift on an official platform under competition commands and judging standards would represent another major milestone.
His rapid progress becomes even more impressive considering Searby only began competing in sanctioned powerlifting events in 2026.
All four of his appearances have been bench-only competitions. Searby has collected three victories and one runner-up finish during his first year in the sport.
He has also demonstrated that his strength extends well beyond the bench press.
Searby previously pulled a 421-kilogram (928.1-pound) deadlift as a junior during a strongman competition. He later finished third at the 2023 England’s Strongest Man, behind Paddy Haynes and Andrew Flynn, before competing at the 2025 Kaos Strongest Man.
Now, however, his biggest accomplishment has come on the powerlifting platform.
After breaking a British record with a 628.3-pound bench press, Searby’s next target is clear: become one of the select strength athletes capable of pressing 300 kilograms in sanctioned competition.
Image embed via Instagram @max_searby
