Hafthor Björnsson Will Return to Giants Live at 2025 World Deadlift Championships

Giants Live has confirmed that Hafthor Björnsson will compete at the 2025 World Deadlift Championships. Furthermore, the news broke on July 25, 2025, through an official Instagram post. Previously, 2023 World’s Strongest Man Mitchell Hooper shared the information in a YouTube video.

Now, Björnsson prepares to return to the Giants Live stage for the first time since 2017. Moreover, the 2025 WDC will take place during the Giants Live Strongman Open. However, that event is set for September 6 in Birmingham, England.

Notably, this marks a dramatic comeback. For years, Björnsson avoided Giants Live due to controversy at the 2017 World’s Strongest Man. However, during the Viking Press event, referee Colin Bryce did not count several of Björnsson’s reps. Because of that, Eddie Hall secured the win and later the WSM title.

In addition, in 2018, Björnsson claimed the WSM crown himself. Still, he expressed lasting frustration with the way the 2017 contest unfolded. Furthermore, he did return to compete—and win—at the 2019 Europe’s Strongest Man. However, he refused further Giants Live appearances for years.

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Hafthor Björnsson Will Return to Giants Live at 2025 World Deadlift Championships

Over time, Bryce attempted to repair the relationship. He offered Björnsson opportunities to return. Yet, Björnsson declined every invitation until now.

The reason behind his change of heart remains unclear. However, the result is undeniable. Björnsson will once again take the stage—and may attempt to break the all-time world record deadlift.

“There is no doubt that Hafthor Björnsson is one of the greatest strength athletes in history.”
— Colin Bryce

“On Sept. 6 in Birmingham, I believe we will witness Björnsson cement his legacy as quite possibly the strongest man of all time. You cannot overstate how important those lifts would be for the world of strength. This is a one-off chance for the world to witness the strength of history.”
— Colin Bryce

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A post shared by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (@thorbjornsson)

Björnsson’s return is not just symbolic. It’s also strategic. In 2024, he announced plans to break the all-time deadlift record—this time in official competition.

Back in 2020, he pulled 501 kilograms on camera. That lift beat Eddie Hall’s famous 500-kilogram record from 2016. However, Hall’s lift was done in competition. Björnsson’s was not. At the time, pandemic restrictions prevented any organized meets.

Since re-entering the sport, Björnsson has remained focused. He attempted a 501-kilogram lift earlier this year at the 2025 Arnold Strongman Classic in Ohio. However, the attempt was unsuccessful.

Now, he will try again. On July 26, 2025, he plans to pull 505 kilograms at the Eisenhart Black Competition in Bavaria, Germany. That attempt could set the tone for his showdown in Birmingham.

For fans, the message is clear. “The Mountain” is back—and he’s chasing something bigger than redemption.

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Overview

Hafthor Björnsson will return to Giants Live for the 2025 World Deadlift Championships on September 6 in Birmingham, England. Previously, he had distanced himself from the event after a dispute during the 2017 World’s Strongest Man. Notably, missed Viking Press reps led to Eddie Hall’s controversial win. Eventually, Björnsson won WSM in 2018 but stayed away from Giants Live. However, he is now aiming to break the all-time deadlift world record on an official stage. In 2020, he pulled 501 kilograms off-camera. Recently, he failed a similar attempt at the 2025 Arnold Strongman Classic. Now, he plans to try a 505-kilogram deadlift in Germany on July 26. Then, all eyes will turn to Birmingham.

Featured Image – Hafthor Björnsson Will Return to Giants Live at 2025 World Deadlift Championships – Credit: @thorbjornsson (Instagram)