Hafthor Björnsson, a three-time Arnold Strongman Classic (ASC) champion and 2018 World’s Strongest Man, is preparing to compete for his fourth ASC title at the 2025 Arnold Strongman Classic. This event will take place in Columbus, Ohio, from February 28 to March 1. Given his track record, Björnsson’s preparation has generated significant attention from the strongman community.

In addition to aiming for another ASC victory, Björnsson has set his sights on the Elephant Bar Deadlift world record. Currently, he holds the record with a 472-kilogram lift. However, Björnsson’s target is even higher—501 kilograms, or 1,104.5 pounds, which he plans to lift during the competition.

Recently, Björnsson has been focusing his training efforts in Iceland. Earlier in February 2025, he achieved an impressive 470-kilogram deadlift, notably without the assistance of a deadlift suit. This lift is a testament to his strength and determination as he prepares for the upcoming event.

Before performing the lift, Björnsson applied chalk to his hands and used smelling salts to energize himself. Then, with a steady grip, he pulled the barbell and completed the lockout. For the lift, he wore a lifting belt, compression belt, and lifting straps, but notably did not use a deadlift suit, which would normally help increase the weight lifted.

 

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A post shared by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (@thorbjornsson)

Hafthor Björnsson Hits 470 Kilograms, Targets 501 Kilograms in 2025 Arnold Strongman Classic Training

Björnsson used a specialized barbell, similar to the custom bars typically used for the Elephant Bar Deadlift. These bars are longer than standard ones, offering more whip and making the lift feel different. Consequently, this adds an additional challenge for any strongman attempting to lift heavy weights.

 

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A post shared by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (@thorbjornsson)

In contrast, Björnsson previously lifted 501 kilograms on a standard barbell while wearing a deadlift suit during a televised CoreSports event in May 2020. Despite this, his 470-kilogram lift without the suit signals that he is currently at the peak of his strength as he enters the 2025 competition.

Following the lift, Björnsson expressed his satisfaction with the performance. Despite traveling the day before, he didn’t feel that he had pushed himself to the absolute limit. As a result, he remains confident that he can achieve even greater feats in the near future.

“Definitely more in the tank,” Björnsson remarked after the lift, signaling that there is still untapped potential in his performance. This statement reflects his optimism heading into the 2025 ASC, where he is expected to put on an impressive display of strength.

The Elephant Bar Deadlift will kick off the two-day event in Ohio. With Björnsson’s world record within reach, the excitement surrounding his performance is building. However, he will face stiff competition from other top strongmen in the field.

Among the challengers is Mitchell Hooper, a two-time reigning ASC champion. Hooper has proven himself as a strong contender in previous competitions and will be eager to defend his title. As a result, the battle between Hooper and Björnsson is expected to be a highlight of the event.

What’s Ahead?

Tom Stoltman, a three-time World’s Strongest Man, will challenge Hooper for the title. His experience makes him a top contender. Other elite strongmen will also compete, making the event intense and unpredictable. Meanwhile, Björnsson aims for both the ASC title and the Elephant Bar Deadlift world record. His pursuit adds extra excitement to an already stacked competition.

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Overview

Hafthor Björnsson, a three-time Arnold Strongman Classic champion, is now gearing up for his fourth title at the 2025 event in Columbus, Ohio. In addition to his goal of winning, he is also targeting the Elephant Bar Deadlift world record, which he currently holds at 472 kilograms. Earlier in February 2025, Björnsson successfully lifted 470 kilograms without a suit, demonstrating his strength. As a result, he plans to attempt 501 kilograms during the contest. Moreover, he will face tough competition, including two-time defending champion Mitchell Hooper and three-time World’s Strongest Man Tom Stoltman. Therefore, the 2025 ASC promises to be an exciting showdown. Björnsson’s pursuit of both the title and the deadlift record will be the event’s highlight.

Featured Image – Hafthor Björnsson Deadlifts 470 Kilograms in Preparation for 2025 Arnold Strongman Classic – Credit: @thorbjornsson (Instagram)