Mitchell Hooper, a man known for his love of challenges and documented through his captivating YouTube videos, recently embarked on a daring endeavor. Just a week after successfully completing the “Tom Platz’s 525-pound Squat Challenge,” Hooper wasted no time in raising the stakes. In his latest YouTube video, he took on none other than Eddie Hall’s legendary “Death By Deadlift” set.
Eddie Hall’s Monumental Feat
In 2016, Eddie Hall etched his name in the annals of strength sports by becoming the first man to conquer the momentous 500-kilogram (1,102.3-pound) deadlift. During that remarkable period, Hall devised the grueling “Death By Deadlift” set, a testament to his extraordinary strength and resilience. This renowned challenge involved performing consecutive reps with incremental weight increases, pushing the boundaries of human capability.
The Unrelenting Challenge
The essence of the “Death By Deadlift” set was to begin with a single plate on each side of the barbell, with no rest between reps. With each completed rep, another plate was added to each side, intensifying the physical strain. The demanding process continued until the barbell boasted an astounding ten plates on each side, equating to a formidable total weight of 420 kilograms (926 pounds).
The Climactic Conclusion
As the pinnacle of the set approached, the spotter’s role became crucial. One plate was removed from each side, leaving Hall to complete reps until only a solitary plate remained on the barbell. The weight progression during this remarkable feat unfolded in the following sequence: 60 kg, 100 kg, 140 kg, 180 kg, 220 kg, 260 kg, 300 kg, 340 kg, 380 kg, 420 kg, 380 kg, 340 kg, 300 kg, 260 kg, 220 kg, 180 kg, 140 kg, 100 kg, and finally, 60 kg.
A Test of Physical and Mental Fortitude
Even during the zenith of his prime, Eddie Hall found himself pushed to the brink of exhaustion, his body and spirit tested by the relentless “Death By Deadlift” set. In 2021, Hall hailed it as his most awe-inspiring deadlift session, recognizing the immense physical and mental strength required to conquer such a monumental challenge.
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Mitchell Hooper’s Tribute to Eddie Hall
In his daring pursuit of strength and athleticism, Mitchell Hooper acknowledged the remarkable legacy of Eddie Hall, recognizing him as one of the greatest individuals in the realm of strength sports. Hooper’s deep admiration for Hall’s accomplishments served as a testament to the immense challenge he was about to undertake. Fully aware of the arduous nature of the task at hand, Hooper embarked on his own “Death By Deadlift” endeavor, prepared to push his own limits and pay homage to the greatness that inspired him.
“There is no losing in a way because this is such a ridiculous feat… This is against probably, arguably, the best deadlifter of all time…
Challenging the Standards: Mitchell Hooper’s Weight Selection
In a display of unwavering determination and an appetite for pushing boundaries, Mitchell Hooper embarked on his version of the “Death By Deadlift” challenge. Distinguishing himself from Eddie Hall’s original feat, Hooper chose to stack the bar with 45-pound plates, each weighing 0.4 kilograms more than Hall’s 20-kilogram plates. This deliberate decision elevated the difficulty of Hooper’s set, adding an extra layer of intensity to an already grueling test of strength. By opting for the heavier plates, Hooper willingly embraced a heightened level of challenge, amplifying the feat’s demands and setting himself apart from the established norm.
“I’m not interested in tying records. We are going to be using the pound plates… meaning we are going to be working up to 428 kilograms.”
Aiming for Authenticity: Mitchell Hooper’s Replication of Hall’s Setup
In his pursuit of authenticity, Mitchell Hooper left no stone unturned in his attempt to recreate the conditions of Eddie Hall’s legendary “Death By Deadlift” set. Honoring the spirit of the challenge, Hooper deliberately chose to equip himself with only a lifting belt and lifting straps, mirroring Hall’s minimalist approach. By forgoing additional aids or specialized equipment, Hooper sought to channel the raw essence of the original feat, relying solely on his strength and determination. With a standard barbell in hand, Hooper embraced the challenge head-on, aiming to honor the essence of Hall’s remarkable achievement while carving his own path in the world of deadlifting.
“It looked like Eddie did it on a gym bar, a standard barbell. So, it would be cheating to do it on a deadlift bar… I’m going to do it with figure eights (lifting straps) like he did.”
A Strong Start and an Unexpected End: Mitchell Hooper’s “Death By Deadlift” Journey
Mitchell Hooper embarked on the daunting “Death By Deadlift” challenge with unwavering determination and a display of impressive strength. From the very beginning, his execution showcased his dedication to replicate Eddie Hall’s legendary feat. With each ascending repetition, Hooper demonstrated resilience and tenacity, steadily progressing through the weight increments.
“It’s attempt one. I reckon it is there. I was having some strap issues, but I think it is there… 380-kg was a grinder. It felt better than I anticipated… I’ll definitely go again. I’ll definitely have another crack at some stage.
Mitchell Hooper’s Remarkable Effort: A Test of Strength and Perseverance
While Mitchell Hooper’s “Death By Deadlift” attempt did not reach its intended completion, he does not view it as a failure. On the contrary, he recognizes the immense challenge this set presents and the formidable feat he undertook. Despite not finishing the entire set, Hooper’s performance was undeniably impressive, showcasing his strength, determination, and willingness to push his limits.
“Just to reiterate, this is an attempt at probably the greatest deadlift strength feat, in my opinion, of all time. This is up there with 500 and 501 (kilograms).”
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Overview
Mitchell Hooper: A Strongman Primed for Greatness
Although Mitchell Hooper’s recent attempt at Eddie Hall’s iconic deadlift set fell short of completion, his impressive Strongman career positions him as an ideal candidate for this incredible feat. With just a year of experience in the world of Strongman competitions, Hooper has already made a significant impact, securing victories in five out of the ten international events he has participated in.
Hooper’s triumphs include notable wins at the prestigious 2023 Arnold Strongman Classic and the esteemed 2023 World’s Strongest Man competitions, solidifying his reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the realm of Strongman athletics.
Known for his penchant for breaking records, Hooper approaches challenges with unwavering determination and a hunger for greatness. His relentless pursuit of pushing the boundaries of his physical capabilities is evident in his tenacious pursuit of completing the “Death By Deadlift” set.
While Hooper’s initial attempt did not yield the desired outcome, his indomitable spirit and track record of success make it clear that he will not be deterred. When the time comes for him to take on this formidable challenge once again, there is no doubt that he will leave no stone unturned in his quest for victory.
Mitchell Hooper’s unyielding dedication and commitment to his craft guarantee that his future attempts at the “Death By Deadlift” set will be nothing short of historic. As he continues to etch his name in the annals of Strongman lore, Hooper’s pursuit of greatness promises to captivate audiences and inspire a new generation of Strongman athletes.
Featured Image @MitchellHooper @Eddiehallwsm (Youtube) & (Instagram)
