Hafthor Björnsson’s Epic Comeback: 2025 World Deadlift Championships Await

The Mountain Returns to Giants Live in Birmingham to Chase a Historic Deadlift Record

Hafthor Björnsson, the Icelandic titan known as “The Mountain” from Game of Thrones and a legend in strength sports, is gearing up for a monumental return. On September 6, 2025, Björnsson will compete at the 2025 World Deadlift Championships in Birmingham, England, marking his first appearance at a Giants Live event in six years. This announcement, confirmed by Giants Live, has sent shockwaves through the strongman community, with fans eagerly anticipating whether Björnsson can surpass his iconic 501-kilogram (1,104.5-pound) Deadlift World Record set in 2020. With a star-studded lineup, an electrifying atmosphere, and Björnsson’s sights set on a potential 510kg pull, the stage is set for a historic showdown. Let’s dive into why this event is a must-watch and what it means for the world of strength sports.

A Legacy of Strength: Björnsson’s Journey to 2025

Hafthor Björnsson is no stranger to defying the impossible. The 2018 World’s Strongest Man, three-time Arnold Strongman Classic champion, and five-time Europe’s Strongest Man has cemented his place as one of the greatest strength athletes in history. His 501kg deadlift in 2020, performed at his Thor’s Power Gym in Iceland, remains the pinnacle of conventional deadlifting, outlifting Eddie Hall’s 500kg record from 2016. Despite stepping away from strongman to pursue boxing and acting, Björnsson’s passion for lifting never waned. His return to the 2025 World Deadlift Championships, held alongside the 2025 Giants Live Strongman Open at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena, signals a renewed focus on reclaiming his throne.

The significance of Björnsson’s comeback is amplified by his history with Giants Live. His last appearance was in 2019 at the Europe’s Strongest Man competition, and tensions with the organization—stemming from a fallout before his 2022 boxing match against Eddie Hall—made his return seem unlikely. Yet, Giants Live’s announcement on July 25, 2025, confirmed Björnsson’s participation, sparking excitement and speculation about his goals. Will he focus solely on the deadlift event, or will he tackle the full Strongman Open? Either way, his presence ensures a spectacle.

The 2025 World Deadlift Championships: What to Expect

The World Deadlift Championships is the ultimate stage for strength athletes aiming to push the limits of human power. Known for its electrifying atmosphere, massive crowds, and top-tier production, the event has become the gold standard for deadlift record attempts. Since Björnsson’s 501kg lift, no athlete has surpassed his mark, despite annual attempts by the world’s strongest competitors. The 2025 edition, hosted at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena, promises to be no different, with Björnsson headlining a stacked lineup that includes:

• Evan Singleton: A rising star in strongman with a knack for heavy pulls.

• Tom Stoltman: The 2021-2022 World’s Strongest Man, known for his versatility.

• Trey Mitchell: A consistent strongman contender with explosive strength.

• Paddy Haynes: A newcomer with potential to surprise.

• Luke Stoltman: Tom’s brother and a strongman powerhouse.

• Pavlo Nakonechnyy: A Ukrainian strongman with a fierce competitive streak.

• Adam Bishop, Mathew Ragg, Austin Andrade, Eddie Williams, Bryce Johnson: All elite athletes vying for glory.

While some athletes may compete in both the Strongman Open and the Deadlift Championships, it’s unclear if Björnsson will limit himself to the deadlift event or go all-in. His recent training updates, including a 200kg (440.9lb) physique reveal and a 480kg pull at RPE 7, suggest he’s in peak form, with his eyes on a 510kg (1,124.4lb) deadlift—a weight he’s publicly targeted.

Björnsson’s Recent Feats: A New World Record?

Adding fuel to the anticipation, Björnsson reportedly pulled a staggering 505kg (1,113.3lb) deadlift at the 2025 Eisenhart Black Competition on July 26, 2025, setting a new all-time world record under strongman rules. Posts on X celebrated this achievement, with users like @lthomasnews and @evocybernation hailing Björnsson as a “generational strength athlete” and “king of the world.” While this lift wasn’t part of the World Deadlift Championships, it underscores his readiness to dominate in Birmingham. The 505kg pull, if verified, surpasses his previous 501kg record and sets a new benchmark for competitors. However, these claims remain inconclusive until officially confirmed by Giants Live or other governing bodies.

Björnsson’s preparation for the championships has been relentless. After stepping away from strongman to compete in boxing (notably against Eddie Hall in 2022) and losing significant weight, he’s rebuilt his physique to a leaner but still massive 200kg. His training updates, shared via social media, show a disciplined approach, blending raw power with technical precision. Fans and analysts alike believe he could push for 510kg in Birmingham, a feat that would further solidify his legacy.

The Rivalry: Björnsson vs. Eddie Hall

No discussion of Björnsson’s deadlift prowess is complete without mentioning his rivalry with Eddie Hall, the 2017 World’s Strongest Man. Hall’s 500kg deadlift in 2016 held the world record until Björnsson’s 501kg lift in 2020. The two clashed in a 2022 boxing match dubbed “The Heaviest Boxing Match in History,” with Björnsson emerging victorious. Hall, in a show of sportsmanship, got a tattoo commemorating Björnsson’s win and recently expressed support for his 2025 record attempt, saying, “I truly hope he nails it.” This rivalry, now tinged with mutual respect, adds a compelling narrative to Björnsson’s return.

Hall’s own accomplishments, including a 465kg Elephant Bar deadlift and a 500kg conventional deadlift, set the stage for the modern deadlift era. While Hall has transitioned to MMA and media, his legacy looms large, and fans are eager to see if Björnsson can extend his lead in the record books.

Why the 2025 World Deadlift Championships Matter

The 2025 World Deadlift Championships isn’t just about lifting heavy weights—it’s a cultural phenomenon in strength sports. Hosted by Giants Live, known for its high-energy arena tours, the event draws thousands of fans and millions of viewers online. The Birmingham show, part of the 2025 Giants Live Strongman Open, will feature impossible feats of strength, from atlas stones to log presses, alongside the deadlift spectacle. For Björnsson, it’s a chance to cement his legacy as the greatest deadlifter of all time, as Giants Live’s Colin Bryce predicted: “I believe we will witness Björnsson cement his legacy as quite possibly the strongest man of all time.”

The event also highlights the evolution of strongman. With athletes like Tom Stoltman and Mitchell Hooper pushing the sport’s boundaries, the 2025 championships reflect a new era of accessibility and global appeal. Streaming options on platforms like Channel 5’s My5 and Giants Live’s official channels ensure fans worldwide can witness the action.

How to Watch and Get Involved

The 2025 World Deadlift Championships and Strongman Open will take place on September 6, 2025, at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena. Tickets are available via Giants Live’s official website, and the event will be streamed live for global audiences. For those looking to stay updated, subscribing to newsletters like Fitness Volt’s or following Giants Live on social media (Twitter, Instagram, YouTube) offers exclusive content, training tips, and behind-the-scenes access.

Fans can also join the conversation online. Posts on X show immense excitement, with users predicting Björnsson could hit 505kg or beyond. Whether you’re a strongman enthusiast or a casual viewer, this event promises drama, strength, and history in the making.

Final Thoughts: A Historic Moment Awaits

Hafthor Björnsson’s return to the 2025 World Deadlift Championships is more than a comeback—it’s a chance to redefine what’s possible in strength sports. With a potential 510kg deadlift on the horizon, a fierce lineup of competitors, and a renewed rivalry with Eddie Hall, the event is poised to be a landmark in strongman history. Whether Björnsson adds the championship trophy to his cabinet or shatters his own world record, one thing is certain: The Mountain is ready to roar. Mark your calendars for September 6, 2025, and prepare for an unforgettable display of power at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena.

What are your predictions for Björnsson’s performance? Share your thoughts in the comments below!