The Mountain Dude: 5 Shocking New Facts About Hafþór Björnsson’s 2025 Strongman Return
Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson: Complete Biography and Profile
Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, often simply called "Thor," is a multi-talented athlete who transitioned from a professional basketball career to becoming one of the most decorated strongmen in history before stepping into the acting and boxing worlds. His sheer size and imposing presence have made him a global icon.
- Full Name: Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson
- Nicknames: Thor, The Mountain, The Icelandic Giant
- Born: November 26, 1988
- Birthplace: Reykjavík, Iceland
- Height: 2.05 m (6 ft 9 in)
- Strongman Weight: Varies, typically around 205 kg (452 lb)
- Wife: Kelsey Henson (married 2018)
- Children: A daughter from a previous relationship and a son (born 2020) with Kelsey Henson.
- Primary Careers: Professional Strongman, Actor, Powerlifter, Former Basketball Player.
- Notable Acting Role: Ser Gregor "The Mountain" Clegane in *Game of Thrones* (Seasons 4–8).
The 2025 Strongman Comeback: New Records and Titles
After achieving one of the most coveted titles in the sport—the World's Strongest Man—Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson announced his retirement from competitive strongman in 2020 to focus on a boxing career. However, the siren call of the heavy weights proved too strong. His return in 2025 has been nothing short of spectacular, immediately re-establishing him as a top contender.
Dominance in Iceland's Strongest Man
In a powerful demonstration of his enduring strength, Björnsson secured his 12th title at the 2025 Iceland's Strongest Man competition. This victory is a testament to his incredible consistency and dedication, especially after undergoing a dramatic body transformation for his boxing matches. The win solidifies his legacy in his home country and serves as a springboard for his international ambitions.
A Massive Deadlift Feat at the 2025 Open
The strongman competitor made global waves at the 2025 Strongman Open and Mutant Deadlift Championships in Birmingham, England. He successfully deadlifted a staggering 1,124 pounds (approximately 510 kg). This lift, while not a new all-time world record (which he already holds), is an astonishing feat of strength and a clear indicator of the immense power he has regained in his strongman training.
Training for the Arnold Strongman Classic
Björnsson is currently deep in training for the 2025 Arnold Strongman Classic, a competition he has previously won three times consecutively (2018-2020). The Arnold Classic is widely considered the most difficult and prestigious strongman contest due to the sheer weight and technical difficulty of its events. His preparation, documented extensively on social media, shows a focused athlete determined to add a fourth title to his collection.
The Strongman Legacy: World Records and Major Titles
To understand the full scope of the Mountain Dude’s career, one must look at the unprecedented list of titles he has collected. His career is marked by a relentless pursuit of the heaviest lifts and the most prestigious championships, making him a true legend of the sport.
The All-Time Deadlift World Record
Hafþór Björnsson holds the all-time world record for the heaviest conventional deadlift. On May 2, 2020, he successfully lifted 501 kg (1,104.5 lb) at Thor's Power Gym in Iceland. This monumental lift surpassed the previous record by 1 kg and settled a long-standing rivalry with fellow strongman Eddie Hall. The record is an iconic moment in strength history, cementing his place in the Guinness World Records.
The Grand Slam of Strongman
Björnsson is one of the few strongmen to complete the "Grand Slam" of the sport, which includes winning the three most important titles: World's Strongest Man, Arnold Strongman Classic, and Europe's Strongest Man. His major international titles include:
- World's Strongest Man: 1x Winner (2018)
- Arnold Strongman Classic: 3x Winner (2018, 2019, 2020)
- Europe's Strongest Man: 5x Winner (2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019)
With 32 international titles and over 60 total wins, his competitive strongman record is one of the most decorated of his generation.
From Westeros to the Boxing Ring: Acting and The Rivalry
Hafþór’s fame exploded globally not because of his strongman titles, but because of his role as the fearsome Ser Gregor "The Mountain" Clegane in the HBO series *Game of Thrones*. He portrayed the character for five seasons, becoming the third and final actor to take on the role. His performance, particularly in the iconic "Trial by Combat" scene, made him instantly recognizable to millions of television viewers.
The Heaviest Boxing Match in History
Following his strongman retirement, Björnsson dedicated two years to a rigorous training regimen that saw him shed over 100 pounds to transition into boxing. This culminated in "The Heaviest Boxing Match in History" in March 2022 against his long-time rival, former World's Strongest Man winner Eddie Hall. Björnsson won the six-round exhibition match by unanimous decision, settling a bitter, years-long feud that began with their strongman rivalry. This victory marked a significant chapter in his athletic career, showcasing his versatility and dedication to new challenges.
The Man Behind the Muscle: Personal Life and Family
Despite his intimidating on-screen and in-competition persona, Hafþór is a devoted family man. He married Canadian fitness blogger Kelsey Henson in 2018 in a stunning ceremony in Iceland. The couple frequently share their lives with fans, often highlighting the humorous contrast in their size—Kelsey is 5 ft 2 in (157 cm) tall, making the Icelandic giant's stature even more pronounced. They welcomed their son in 2020, and the family is a key element of his life outside the spotlight, providing a grounded perspective on the life of a world-class athlete.
From the fields of competitive strength to the fictional world of Westeros, and now back to the top of the strongman podium, Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson—The Mountain Dude—remains one of the most compelling and powerful figures in modern sports. His 2025 return to strongman is not just a comeback; it's a statement that his era of dominance is far from over. His fans are eagerly anticipating his performance at the 2025 Arnold Strongman Classic and a potential return to the World's Strongest Man competition.
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