The 2025 Giants Live Strongman Open and World Deadlift Championships delivered one of the most thrilling weekends in strength sports. The event took place on September 7, 2025, at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham, UK, and brought together many of the world’s most powerful athletes. Fans packed the arena to witness jaw-dropping deadlifts, brutal medleys, and heavyweight battles across two elite competitions.
This year’s World Deadlift Championships once again tested the absolute limits of human pulling power. With a stacked lineup of record chasers, the event set the tone for an electric night. From experienced champions to fresh contenders, the barbell was loaded with history-making potential.
The Giants Live Strongman Open followed immediately after, where athletes clashed in multiple events demanding raw power, endurance, and strategy. Each discipline showcased a different facet of strength, from overhead lifts to carrying events and grip-destroying holds.
Together, the dual contests highlighted the evolution of modern strongman. With both veterans and rising stars pushing themselves to the brink, the Birmingham crowd got exactly what they came for: unforgettable displays of strength.
2025 Giants Live Strongman Open and World Deadlift Championships
Overall Standings — Final Scores
| Rank | Athlete | Country | Points | Medal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 | Hafthor Bjornsson | 🇮🇸 Iceland | 58.5 | 🥇 |
| 🥈 | Bryce Johnson | 🇺🇸 USA | 50.5 | 🥈 |
| 🥉 | Mathew Ragg | 🇳🇿 New Zealand | 49.5 | 🥉 |
| 4 | Paddy Haynes | 🇬🇧 UK | 49.0 | |
| 5 | Eddie Williams | 🇬🇧 UK | 48.0 | |
| 6 | Luke Stoltman | 🇬🇧 UK | 46.5 | |
| 7 | Gavin Bilton | 🇬🇧 UK | 38.5 | |
| 8 | Tristain Hoath | 🇬🇧 UK | 37.5 | |
| 9 | Austin Andrade | 🇺🇸 USA | 33.0 | |
| 10 | Adam Bishop | 🇬🇧 UK | 31.0 | |
| 11 | Evan Singleton | 🇺🇸 USA | 4.0 |
The overall standings made it clear that Bjornsson was in a league of his own. He built a strong lead early with his record-breaking deadlift and managed the rest of the events strategically.
Bryce Johnson and Mathew Ragg fought hard for the podium, proving themselves consistent across the day. The depth of talent was impressive, as nearly every event had a different standout performer.
Fans were treated to a contest that highlighted both raw power and versatility. Each athlete had moments to shine, making the competition engaging from start to finish.
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Events Results
Event 1 — Max Deadlift / World Deadlift Championships
| Place | Athlete | Result | Medal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 | Hafthor Bjornsson | 510 kg | 🥇 |
| T-🥈 | Austin Andrade | 470 kg | 🥈 |
| T-🥈 | Adam Bishop | 470 kg | 🥈 |
| 4 | Mathew Ragg | 453.5 kg | |
| 4 | Paddy Haynes | 453.5 kg | |
| 4 | Raul Flores (WDC) | 453.5 kg | |
| 7 | Bryce Johnson | 440 kg | |
| 7 | Gavin Bilton | 440 kg | |
| 7 | Rauno Heinla (WDC) | 440 kg | |
| 10 | Eddie Williams | 420 kg | |
| 10 | Tristain Hoath | 420 kg | |
| 10 | Evan Singleton | 420 kg | |
| 13 | Luke Stoltman | 400 kg |
The Max Deadlift was the centerpiece of the night. Hafthor Bjornsson shocked the arena with a staggering 510-kilogram pull, rewriting the history books and extending his reputation as the greatest deadlifter of all time.
Adam Bishop and Austin Andrade both locked out 470 kilograms, proving the field’s depth. Several competitors reached 440 kilograms, but no one could match Bjornsson’s record-breaking feat.
The intensity and energy of the crowd amplified every lift. Each attempt was met with roaring applause, emphasizing the drama of elite-level strongman competition.
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Event 2 — Farmer’s Walk (150 kg implements)
| Place | Athlete | Result | Medal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 | Eddie Williams | 11.57 s | 🥇 |
| 🥈 | Luke Stoltman | 14.04 s | 🥈 |
| 🥉 | Mathew Ragg | 14.30 s | 🥉 |
| 4 | Tristain Hoath | 14.84 s | |
| 5 | Bryce Johnson | 14.87 s | |
| 6 | Hafthor Bjornsson | 15.58 s | |
| 7 | Austin Andrade | 18.21 s | |
| 8 | Paddy Haynes | 18.27 s | |
| 9 | Adam Bishop | 19.97 s | |
| 10 | Gavin Bilton | 34.58 s | |
| — | Evan Singleton | Withdrew |
The Farmer’s Walk tested both speed and stability. Eddie Williams dominated the event with an 11.57-second sprint, while Stoltman and Ragg also impressed.
Bjornsson finished mid-pack, highlighting his strategy to preserve energy for later events. His consistency would ultimately secure overall victory.
Spectators were thrilled by the agility and power on display. Every athlete’s technique, from grip to stride, contributed to the dramatic finishes in this moving event.
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Event 3 — Sandbag Steeplechase (4 × 140 kg)
| Place | Athlete | Result | Medal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 | Paddy Haynes | 4 in 38.94 s | 🥇 |
| 🥈 | Mathew Ragg | 4 in 42.56 s | 🥈 |
| 🥉 | Luke Stoltman | 4 in 44.32 s | 🥉 |
| 4 | Hafthor Bjornsson | 4 in 47.25 s | |
| 5 | Gavin Bilton | 4 in 49.81 s | |
| 6 | Tristain Hoath | 4 in 56.81 s | |
| 7 | Bryce Johnson | 4 in 57.76 s | |
| 8 | Eddie Williams | 3 in 33.16 s | |
| 9 | Austin Andrade | 3 in 67.43 s | |
| — | Adam Bishop | Did not attempt | |
| — | Evan Singleton | Withdrew |
The Sandbag Steeplechase tested endurance and grit. Haynes excelled, hauling all four bags in under 40 seconds.
Ragg and Stoltman demonstrated remarkable conditioning and efficient technique. Bjornsson’s fourth-place finish showed his versatility.
The event’s fast pace kept fans on the edge of their seats. Competitors’ strategy and stamina were key factors in the standings.
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Event 4 — Front Hold (30 kg hammer)
| Place | Athlete | Result | Medal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 | Hafthor Bjornsson | 50.78 s | 🥇 |
| 🥈 | Bryce Johnson | 43.70 s | 🥈 |
| 🥉 | Tristain Hoath | 39.56 s | 🥉 |
| 4 | Mathew Ragg | 39.12 s | |
| 5 | Eddie Williams | 38.84 s | |
| 6 | Luke Stoltman | 38.29 s | |
| 7 | Gavin Bilton | 37.78 s | |
| 8 | Austin Andrade | 35.72 s | |
| 9 | Paddy Haynes | 35.69 s | |
| 10 | Adam Bishop | 33.24 s | |
| — | Evan Singleton | Withdrew |
The Front Hold demanded static power. Bjornsson’s 50.78-second hold put him far ahead of the field.
Bryce Johnson secured second place, proving he could handle static strength challenges. The middle pack had fierce competition, with mere seconds separating several athletes.
This event reinforced Bjornsson’s dominance and versatility. It also highlighted the all-around capabilities of the top competitors.
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Event 5 — Viking Press (reps)
| Place | Athlete | Result | Medal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 | Bryce Johnson | 15 | 🥇 |
| 🥈 | Eddie Williams | 13 | 🥈 |
| 🥉 | Gavin Bilton | 12 | 🥉 |
| 4 | Hafthor Bjornsson | 10 | |
| 4 | Luke Stoltman | 10 | |
| 4 | Austin Andrade | 10 | |
| 4 | Paddy Haynes | 10 | |
| 8 | Mathew Ragg | 9 | |
| 9 | Tristain Hoath | 7 | |
| 9 | Adam Bishop | 7 | |
| — | Evan Singleton | Withdrew |
The Viking Press tested explosive shoulder strength. Bryce Johnson impressed with 15 reps for first place.
Eddie Williams and Gavin Bilton followed closely with double-digit reps. Bjornsson’s 10 reps ensured he retained valuable points.
Fans witnessed one of the most dynamic events. Repetition speed, technique, and endurance were critical to the athletes’ performances.
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Event 6 — Power Stairs (200–250 kg implements)
| Place | Athlete | Result | Medal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 | Paddy Haynes | 12 in 30.78 s | 🥇 |
| 🥈 | Hafthor Bjornsson | 12 in 31.03 s | 🥈 |
| 🥉 | Adam Bishop | 12 in 31.53 s | 🥉 |
| 4 | Luke Stoltman | 12 in 32.83 s | |
| 5 | Eddie Williams | 12 in 32.89 s | |
| 6 | Bryce Johnson | 12 in 36.59 s | |
| 7 | Mathew Ragg | 12 in 39.93 s | |
| 8 | Gavin Bilton | 12 in 47.68 s | |
| 9 | Tristain Hoath | 12 in 49.54 s | |
| — | Austin Andrade | Withdrew | |
| — | Evan Singleton | Withdrew |
The Power Stairs closed the contest with an intense battle. Haynes edged out Bjornsson by less than a second.
Adam Bishop finished third, maintaining impressive speed and consistency. The event tested conditioning, strength, and explosiveness.
Bjornsson’s overall victory was sealed despite not winning this single event. His combination of record-breaking strength and strategic consistency proved unstoppable.
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Analysis
The competition flow showed how complete Hafthor Bjornsson remains. He dominated the deadlift, managed weaker events, and picked up another win in the Front Hold.
Bryce Johnson impressed with his Viking Press and consistent placements across all events. His rise to second overall shows he is one of the sport’s most reliable all-around athletes.
Paddy Haynes and Mathew Ragg had standout performances. Haynes excelled in moving events, while Ragg remained consistent, keeping him on the podium until the final event.
Overview
The 2025 Giants Live Strongman Open was more than a competition — it was a statement. Bjornsson’s 510-kilogram deadlift etched his name deeper into history and confirmed he is still a dominant force.
The event showcased depth of talent, with Johnson, Haynes, and Ragg splitting event wins. Birmingham delivered unforgettable moments and highlighted the level of international strongman competition.
Fans witnessed athleticism, strategy, and raw power across six events. Hafthor Bjornsson’s victory proved that he remains at the pinnacle of the sport.
Featured Image – 2025 Giants Live Strongman Open and World Deadlift Championships – Credit: @giantslivestrongman (Instagram)









