Hafthor Bjornsson &#038; Mitchell Hooper Fall Short of 515-kg (1,135.4-lb) World Record at 2026 Enhanced Games

One of the most anticipated strength battles of the year unfolded at the 2026 Enhanced Games on May 24 in Las Vegas. There, Hafthor Bjornsson and Mitchell Hooper stepped onto the platform with hopes of making history by setting a new deadlift world record at 2026 Enhanced games.

For months, both Strongman stars prepared specifically for the challenge. While Bjornsson entered as the reigning world record holder, Hooper arrived as the current World’s Strongest Man champion and one of the most dominant athletes in the sport.

However, despite their preparation and confidence, the target weight of 515 kilograms (1,135.4 pounds) ultimately proved too heavy. As a result, Bjornsson’s existing 510-kilogram (1,124.4-pound) world record remains untouched.

Nevertheless, the event still delivered one of the most impressive displays of deadlifting strength ever seen, as both athletes successfully handled enormous weights before taking their final shots at history.

Hafthor Bjornsson & Mitchell Hooper Fall Short of 515-kg (1,135.4-lb) World Record at 2026 Enhanced Games

Coming into the competition, Bjornsson appeared to be the athlete most likely to break the record. After all, he had already established the current mark of 510 kilograms at the 2025 World Deadlift Championships.

Moreover, Bjornsson structured his entire first half of 2026 around this goal. Consequently, he skipped major contests and focused exclusively on improving his deadlift performance.

Meanwhile, recent training sessions fueled optimism even further. Most notably, Bjornsson completed a smooth 485-kilogram gym deadlift just weeks before the event, leading many fans to believe a new record was within reach.

Bjornsson Opened Strong With Two Successful Lifts

To begin his campaign, Bjornsson selected 425 kilograms (937 pounds) for his opening attempt. As expected, the weight moved effortlessly and immediately energized the crowd.

Following a rest period, Bjornsson increased the weight significantly to 475 kilograms (1,047.2 pounds). Once again, he completed the lift without major difficulty and appeared well-positioned for the final attempt.

Consequently, there was little doubt about his next move. With two successful lifts completed, Bjornsson loaded the bar to 515 kilograms and prepared for the heaviest conventional deadlift ever attempted in competition.

For the final lift, Bjornsson equipped his deadlift suit, lifting straps, and belt before approaching the bar. Then, using his familiar setup routine, he rolled the bar toward his shins and initiated the pull.

Initially, the lift looked promising. In fact, Bjornsson broke the weight from the floor relatively quickly and generated enough momentum to bring the bar toward knee height.

However, the lift slowed dramatically once it reached that position. Despite fighting to continue the movement, Bjornsson could not generate enough leverage to complete the lockout.

Eventually, he lowered the bar back to the platform, ending his world record attempt.

Watch the Hafthor Bjornsson Lift Below:

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A post shared by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (@thorbjornsson)

Mitchell Hooper Accepted the Challenge

Although much of the attention centered on Bjornsson, Hooper entered the contest determined to challenge the record himself. Furthermore, his rivalry with the Icelandic giant added another layer of excitement to the competition.

As the reigning World’s Strongest Man, Hooper earned his place among the elite deadlifters in the sport. Moreover, victories at both the 2026 Arnold Strongman Classic and World’s Strongest Man demonstrated the incredible form he carried into Las Vegas.

At the same time, Hooper faced a unique challenge. Unlike Bjornsson, who dedicated months exclusively to deadlift training, Hooper arrived after a demanding competitive season that included multiple major contests.

Hooper began his performance with a successful 400-kilogram (881.8-pound) deadlift. Although lighter than Bjornsson’s opener, the lift served its purpose and allowed him to build confidence.

Next, Hooper increased the bar to 440 kilograms (970 pounds). While the second lift moved slower than expected, he still managed to lock it out successfully.

Consequently, Hooper advanced to the same final target weight as Bjornsson. With the crowd fully engaged, he stepped up to attempt 515 kilograms and potentially claim one of the biggest records in strength sports.

Unlike Bjornsson, Hooper struggled immediately when the bar left the platform. Despite a maximal effort, he could not generate enough force to elevate the weight significantly.

As a result, the lift ended before meaningful upward movement occurred. The attempt also appeared to take a heavy toll physically, as Hooper looked unwell afterward and quickly received assistance from individuals nearby.

Nevertheless, the performance highlighted just how demanding a 515-kilogram deadlift truly is. After all, one of the strongest athletes on the planet could barely move the weight despite entering the contest in exceptional condition.

Watch Mitchell Hooper Deadlift Below:

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A post shared by Lou (@donloui99)

What the Failed Attempts Reveal About the Record

Although neither athlete succeeded, the event provided valuable insight into the current state of deadlift performance. Most importantly, it reinforced how extraordinary Bjornsson’s existing 510-kilogram world record remains.

Meanwhile, Bjornsson’s attempt demonstrated that he is still capable of challenging heavier weights. Getting 515 kilograms to knee height suggested that the gap between his current record and a new mark may not be very large.

On the other hand, Hooper’s performance illustrated the difficulty of balancing elite Strongman competition with world-record deadlift preparation. Consequently, some observers believe a dedicated deadlift-focused training cycle could produce a stronger result in the future.

Hafthor Bjornsson vs. Mitchell Hooper Deadlift Results

Athlete	Attempt 1	Attempt 2	Attempt 3
Hafthor Bjornsson	425 kg (937 lb) ✓	475 kg (1,047.2 lb) ✓	515 kg (1,135.4 lb) ✗
Mitchell Hooper	400 kg (881.8 lb) ✓	440 kg (970 lb) ✓	515 kg (1,135.4 lb) ✗

What Could Be Next for Bjornsson and Hooper?

Following the failed attempts, questions immediately emerged regarding whether either athlete will pursue the record again. At this stage, neither Bjornsson nor Hooper has publicly outlined a detailed plan for another world record attempt.

Meanwhile, rumors continue linking Bjornsson to an appearance at the Rogue Invitational later this season. If true, his focus may temporarily shift back toward traditional Strongman competition.

Similarly, Hooper remains heavily involved in the Strongman circuit and could prioritize defending major titles rather than dedicating an entire season to deadlift specialization.

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Overview

Ultimately, the 2026 Enhanced Games did not produce a new deadlift world record, but the event still showcased the extraordinary strength of Hafthor Bjornsson and Mitchell Hooper. Despite months of preparation and enormous expectations, both athletes discovered that 515 kilograms remains one of the most difficult challenges in strength sports. For now, Bjornsson’s 510-kilogram world record survives, and based on what unfolded in Las Vegas, that mark may continue standing for quite some time.

Follow full coverage, breakdowns, and Strongman news at colosseumstrength.com

Featured Image – Hafthor Bjornsson & Mitchell Hooper Fall Short of 515-kg (1,135.4-lb) World Record at 2026 Enhanced Games – Credit: @mitchellhooper, @thorbjornsson, @enhanced_games (Instagram)