Devin Williams has waited patiently for his chance to compete internationally. Furthermore, that opportunity came at the 2024 NAPF North American Regional Powerlifting Championships, held from August 4-10 in Scottsdale, Arizona. During this event, Devin Williams made the most of his chance and set a new IPF World Record with a 261-kilogram (575.4-pound) Raw Bench Press.
Additionally, Williams began his performance with a successful 240.5-kilogram (530.2-pound) lift. Moreover, this success boosted his confidence. Consequently, he attempted a more challenging lift on his second try. Furthermore, he pressed 253.5 kilograms (558.9 pounds) with ease, breaking the existing World Record.
With one attempt remaining, Williams decided to push his limits even further. Moreover, he loaded 261 kilograms (575.4 pounds) onto the bar and approached the bench, wearing only a lifting belt and wrist wraps. Although he executed the lift with precision, he struggled slightly with the lockout on his right arm.
Previously, Dennis Cotnelius held the U120KG Raw Bench Press IPF World Record. Furthermore, Cotnelius set it at 253 kilograms (557.8 pounds) during the 2016 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships. Now, Williams has exceeded this record by 8 kilograms (17.6 pounds), showcasing his remarkable strength and leading the field.
View the Bench Press lift below:
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Devin Williams Raw Bench Press World Record
Devin Williams had seven successful attempts at the 2024 NAPF North American Championships. However, despite this impressive performance, he chose to skip his final squat and deadlift attempts. Consequently, it is evident that Williams still has potential to increase his Total.
Devin Williams’ Powerlifting Achievements
Lifts:
- Squat:
- 300 kg (661.4 lbs)
- 320 kg (705.5 lbs)
- Did Not Attempt
- Bench Press:
- 240.5 kg (530.2 lbs)
- 253.5 kg (558.9 lbs)
- 261 kg (575.4 lbs) — U120KG IPF World Record
- Deadlift:
- 332.5 kg (711 lbs)
- 345 kg (760.6 lbs)
- Did Not Attempt
- Total:
- 926 kg (2,041.5 lbs)
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Personal Bests:
- Raw:
- Squat: 694.5 lbs (315.2 kg)
- Bench Press: 694.5 lbs (315.2 kg)
- Deadlift: 694.5 lbs (315.2 kg)
- Total: 1,989.7 lbs (902.6 kg)
- Dots: 532.66
Competition Results:
- 11th | USAPL | March 4, 2023 | Arnold Pro-Am – Amateur | MR-O | Total: 1,989.7 lbs (902.6 kg) | Dots: 522.18
- 1st | USPA | August 7, 2022 | Drug Tested Pioneer Classic | Juniors 20-23 | Total: 1,978.6 lbs (897.5 kg) | Dots: 532.66
- 1st | USPA | August 7, 2022 | Drug Tested Pioneer Classic | Open | Total: 1,978.6 lbs (897.5 kg) | Dots: 532.66
- 1st | USAPL | March 6, 2022 | Arnold A7 Raw Challenge | MR-O | Total: 1,923.5 lbs (872.8 kg) | Dots: 517.88
- 1st | USPA | September 11, 2021 | Drug Tested Never Forget | Juniors 20-23 | Total: 1,890.5 lbs (858.2 kg) | Dots: 508.39
- 1st | USPA | September 11, 2021 | Drug Tested Never Forget | Open | Total: 1,890.5 lbs (858.2 kg) | Dots: 508.39
- 1st | USPA | May 22, 2021 | Drug Tested Ghost Strong Hoosier Cup | Open | Total: 1,862.9 lbs (845.7 kg) | Dots: 502.91
- 6th | USAPL | April 8, 2021 | Collegiate and Junior Nationals | MR-Jr | Total: 1,758.2 lbs (798.8 kg) | Dots: 482.46
- 1st | USAPL | October 17, 2020 | Rage Against the Barbell | MR-Jr | Total: 1,780.2 lbs (808.8 kg) | Dots: 487.56
- 1st | USPA | February 15, 2020 | Drug Tested Ohio State Championship | Juniors 20-23 | Total: 1,687.6 lbs (764.9 kg) | Dots: 458.05
- 1st | USPA | September 7, 2019 | Cold Feet Classic | Open | Total: 1,592.8 lbs (722.7 kg) | Dots: 435.4
Data Source: Open Powerlifting. Last Updated: August 17, 2023
Additionally, Devin Williams had just 13 days of rest before the 2024 NAPF North American Championships, having previously competed at the 2024 SBD Raleigh. At that event, he set an Unofficial World Record with a bench press of 255 kilograms (562.2 pounds). However, at the North American Championships, he surpassed his own record, setting a new World Record.
Before the North American Championships, Williams had accumulated 15 sanctioned powerlifting appearances, including 11 victories. Looking ahead, he plans to compete in the AMP Nationals in about eight months. His ultimate goal is to secure a spot at the 2025 IPF World Championships and represent the US at the highest level.
Overview
At the 2024 NAPF North American Regional Powerlifting Championships, Devin Williams set a new IPF World Record with a 261-kilogram (575.4-pound) Raw Bench Press. This event, held from August 4-10 in Scottsdale, Arizona, enabled Williams to exceed Dennis Cotnelius’s previous record of 253 kilograms (557.8 pounds) by 8 kilograms (17.6 pounds). Furthermore, Williams had only 13 days of rest since setting an Unofficial World Record at the 2024 SBD Raleigh. However, despite this short recovery, his performance was exceptional. He chose to skip his final squat and deadlift attempts, but his lifts were impressive. Moreover, Williams plans to compete in the AMP Nationals in about eight months. Lastly, his ultimate goal is to qualify for the 2025 IPF World Championships.
Featured Image – Devin Williams Sets IPF Bench World Record – credit: @big_dev98, @theipf (Instagram)
