This was a very competitive event with powerlifters from all over the world vying to be the best in each exercise and overall. It took place from August 7th to the 17th. This extended timeframe was due to the nature of the events, which have separate sections for men and women.
We’ll be taking a deep dive into the men’s division of the games, which is split into classic and equipped sections. Both sections feature the same exercises and movements but are set up and scored differently.
When looking at the top contenders, the top three in the classic heavyweight category were Novopysmennyi Anatolii, Gustav Hedlund, and Norling Emil. These three, all from either Sweden or Ukraine, are roughly 28 or 29 years old.
In this half of the competition, they performed the three core powerlifting exercises: the squat, the bench press, and the deadlift. These movements are a true test of both skill and strength.
Starting with the squat, it’s not an easy task, but it is an impressive one to watch. Among our top three, Novopysmennyi was first, managing to squat from 362 kg. This was a very impressive victory for him and definitely set him up for the rest of the events. It made him someone to watch, given the high amount of weight he was able to squat successfully. The other two came in second and third, both lifting significantly less weight. The classic squat is a favorable movement for powerlifting athletes; it’s a formidable sight, and at higher weights, more safety precautions are needed.
The next exercise is the bench press, a fan favorite that tests the upper body and chest. For this event, Hedlund Gustav took first place, bench pressing around 225kg. This is a very substantial weight and was fascinating to watch. The range of motion required for this exercise demands a lot of preparation, and spotters are essential as it remains a very risky movement where injuries can occur.
The rest of the top three were able to bench press a similar weight but for a different number of reps. When you compare the classic and equipped versions, the presence of more competitors in the latter adds even more pressure.
Finally, in a surprise turn in the deadlift event, Ayandokun Christian took first place with a very impressive 360 kg deadlift. Hedlund Gustav, who lifted from 330 and 340 kg, secured third place. It was interesting to see how this final exercise played out, adding a dramatic flare to the event, as the deadlift is often the loudest exercise in the gym when weights are dropped. Overall, the competition was a true test of skill and strength, and the results showed a good mixture of talent.
