Hafthor Bjornsson Pulls 485-kg (1,069.2-lb) During His Heaviest Deadlift Session Ever in Prep for 2026 Enhanced Games

Icelandic Strongman legend Hafthor Bjornsson continues to push the boundaries of strength sports ahead of the 2026 Enhanced Games. In a training video shared on May 14, Hafthor Bjornsson completed a colossal 485-kg (1,069.2-pound) deadlift, marking what he described as the heaviest pull of his life in the gym.

Ever since returning from retirement, Bjornsson has reestablished himself as one of Strongman’s biggest attractions. Although he has competed in several high-profile contests, most of the attention surrounding his comeback has centered on his incredible deadlift performances and pursuit of heavier records.

Meanwhile, Bjornsson is now less than two weeks away from competing at the Enhanced Games in Las Vegas on May 24. The event has generated controversy and attention because it allows athletes to use substances that are traditionally banned in most sports competitions.

Now, with a 485-kilogram training lift completed successfully, many fans believe Bjornsson could soon become the first man in history to officially deadlift 515 kilograms on stage.

Hafthor Bjornsson Pulls 485-kg (1,069.2-lb) During His Heaviest Deadlift Session

In the video, Bjornsson revealed that the 485-kilogram deadlift represented the heaviest lift he has ever completed during training. Consequently, the session instantly became one of the most talked-about Strongman moments of the year.

Moreover, the pull looked remarkably controlled despite the enormous weight on the bar. Throughout the lift, Bjornsson maintained a smooth lockout and steady pace without showing major signs of struggle.

Importantly, the lift followed Strongman deadlift standards, as Bjornsson wore a deadlift suit and utilized lifting straps during the attempt. Even with supportive equipment, however, the weight remains one of the heaviest deadlifts ever captured in training.

Bjornsson’s primary goal at the Enhanced Games will be to deadlift 515 kilograms (1,135.4 pounds). If successful, the mark would surpass his current world record of 510 kilograms (1,124.4 pounds), which he established at the 2025 World Deadlift Championships.

Additionally, Bjornsson would earn a massive $250,000 prize for breaking the record at the Enhanced Games. Because of his recent training performances, many fans believe he has a legitimate chance to achieve the historic feat.

At the same time, Bjornsson appears to be peaking perfectly for the event. As a result, his latest 485-kilogram training lift served as a major confidence boost heading into competition week.

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A post shared by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (@thorbjornsson)

Mitchell Hooper Also Eyes the Deadlift Record

While Bjornsson enters the contest as a favorite, he will still face pressure from reigning World’s Strongest Man champion Mitchell Hooper. Hooper has openly discussed his own ambitions of challenging the deadlift world record.

However, Hooper’s situation differs significantly from Bjornsson’s preparation. Unlike the Icelandic giant, Hooper recently battled through the physically exhausting 2026 World’s Strongest Man competition just weeks before the Enhanced Games.

Meanwhile, Bjornsson structured his entire season around the deadlift record attempt. Consequently, he skipped major contests such as the Arnold Strongman Classic to focus entirely on peaking for May 24.

Because of that focused preparation, many observers believe Bjornsson may currently be the strongest deadlifter in the world heading into the contest.

Bjornsson Cleared His Schedule to Focus on the Enhanced Games

Unlike many elite Strongman athletes balancing multiple competitions throughout the year, Bjornsson dedicated nearly his entire 2026 schedule to preparing for the Enhanced Games. Therefore, his training has centered almost exclusively on maximizing deadlift performance.

As a result, Bjornsson avoided the wear and tear associated with a busy Strongman calendar earlier this season. Instead, he focused on recovery, technique refinement, and heavy pulling sessions designed specifically for world record progression.

Meanwhile, many Strongman fans still hope Bjornsson returns to full competition later in the year. If that happens, he could potentially face stacked lineups featuring Tom Stoltman, Rayno Nel, and Mitchell Hooper.

Over the course of his career, Bjornsson has established himself as one of the most accomplished Strongmen in history. Throughout multiple eras of competition, he captured victories at nearly every major event in the sport.

Among his biggest achievements are titles at the World’s Strongest Man, Arnold Strongman Classic, and Europe’s Strongest Man. Consequently, many fans already consider him one of the greatest strength athletes of all time.

Even after stepping away from competition for a period, Bjornsson returned stronger than ever and reignited excitement throughout the Strongman world. Therefore, his latest pursuit of another deadlift world record only adds further to his legacy.

Hafthor Bjornsson Career Highlights

Year	Career Highlight
2011	Won Iceland’s Strongest Man title
2014	Won Europe’s Strongest Man
2018	Captured World’s Strongest Man title
2018	Won Arnold Strongman Classic
2020	Deadlifted 501 kilograms for a world record
2025	Set 510-kilogram deadlift world record
2026	Pulled 485 kilograms in his heaviest-ever gym deadlift session
2026	Preparing for 515-kilogram deadlift attempt at Enhanced Games

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Overview

Hafthor Bjornsson’s latest 485-kilogram deadlift reinforced the idea that he may currently be stronger than ever before. With less than two weeks remaining before the 2026 Enhanced Games, the Icelandic Strongman appears fully locked in on his goal of becoming the first athlete to deadlift 515 kilograms officially. After dedicating his entire season to preparation, Bjornsson now heads into Las Vegas carrying enormous momentum, growing confidence, and a realistic opportunity to deliver one of the greatest feats of strength in Strongman history.

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Featured Image – Hafthor Bjornsson Pulls 485-kg (1,069.2-lb) During His Heaviest Deadlift Session Ever in Prep for 2026 Enhanced Games – Credit: @ (Instagram)