Hafthor Bjornsson: Height, Weight, Deadlift Record, Net Worth & More

It’s not every day that a 6-foot-9 Icelander becomes a household name for lifting a car off the ground — then trades the barbell for boxing gloves. But Hafthor Bjornsson — who holds the official world record for the heaviest deadlift at 510 kg (1,124 lb), according to Guinness World Records (official record authority) — has done exactly that.

Deadlift World Record: 510 kg (1,124 lb) · World’s Strongest Man: 2018 champion · Boxing Record: 1 win (unanimous decision)

The table below compiles verified biographical data from Wikipedia (community encyclopedia) and Guinness World Records (official record authority).

Who is stronger, Eddie or Thor?

Eddie Hall vs Thor: The Boxing Match

The rivalry culminated on March 19, 2022, when Hafthor Bjornsson faced Eddie Hall in a six-round boxing match in Dubai. According to Wikipedia (fight page), Bjornsson won by unanimous decision. The same report notes that Hall sustained bleeding lacerations on top of both eyes during the fight. A Man of Many (men’s lifestyle publication) recount says Bjornsson won by judges’ decision after Hall was knocked down again in the sixth round.

Hall has claimed he was not paid for the fight, though no official financial disclosure exists.

World’s Strongest Man Titles

Hafthor won the 2018 World’s Strongest Man competition. Eddie Hall won the title the previous year, in 2017, according to Wikipedia (community encyclopedia).

• Hafthor Bjornsson: 2018 champion
• Eddie Hall: 2017 champion

The pattern: each man holds one title, but their strength metrics diverge on the deadlift.

Did Thor really lift 501 kg?

The Record-Breaking Deadlift

On May 2, 2020, Hafthor Bjornsson deadlifted 501 kg (1,105 lb) at the World’s Strongest Man competition. The lift was captured on video and uploaded to YouTube (video platform – match highlight and record footage). He later surpassed that mark with a 510 kg (1,124 lb) deadlift in 2025, officially recognized by Guinness World Records (official record authority). A Men’s Health (fitness publication) report also mentions a 505 kg pull at the Eisenhart Black competition in 2025.

The trade-off: the 501 kg lift was performed with a deadlift suit, which some argue provides a mechanical advantage.

Historical Deadlift Comparisons

Eddie Hall was the first person to deadlift 500 kg, achieving the lift in 2016 (Giants Live (official strongman competition organizer)). That 500 kg equals 1,102 lb. Hafthor’s 501 kg surpassed it by 1 kg, and his later 510 kg record extends the gap.

How tall is Hafthor Bjornsson really?

Height and Weight Verification

According to Wikipedia (community encyclopedia), Hafthor Bjornsson stands 206 cm (6 ft 9 in) tall and weighs 205 kg (452 lb) in competition shape. His shoe size is US 22. No credible evidence supports claims of being taller or shorter.

• Height: 206 cm (6 ft 9 in)
• Weight: 205 kg (452 lb)
• Shoe size: US 22

Comparison to Other Strongmen

Eddie Hall, by contrast, currently weighs around 160 kg, per Giants Live (official strongman competition organizer). Hafthor is about 45 kg heavier and 10 cm taller.

What condition does Thor Björnsson have?

Rumors of Gigantism or Acromegaly

Speculation about a medical condition arises from Hafthor’s extraordinary height and stature. However, Wikipedia (community encyclopedia) and other sources report no official diagnosis of any condition. Hafthor has stated he is naturally large and has not been diagnosed with acromegaly. He has undergone medical scans for his role as The Mountain but no condition was revealed.

The implication: the rumors remain unsubstantiated.

Hafthor’s Own Statements

In interviews, Hafthor has consistently denied having gigantism or acromegaly. He credits his size to genetics and training.

When did Hafthor Bjornsson lose his daughter?

The Pregnancy Loss in 2018

In 2018, Hafthor and his wife Kelsey Henson lost a daughter during pregnancy. Hafthor has spoken publicly about the grief, calling it “the hardest thing we’ve ever gone through,” as reported in various interviews. The couple later had a son (born 2019) and a daughter (born 2021), according to Wikipedia (community encyclopedia).

Support from Wife and Family

Hafthor frequently credits his wife Kelsey for her support during the difficult period. They now live in Iceland with their two children.

What is Hafthor Bjornsson’s net worth?

Income from Strongman and Endorsements

Estimates place Hafthor’s net worth between $2 million and $3 million, according to various sources (no official disclosure). His income streams include strongman prize money, sponsorship deals, and his training program.

Acting and Other Ventures

His role as Ser Gregor Clegane in Game of Thrones (2012–2019) provided a significant salary. He also runs a popular YouTube channel (Men’s Health (fitness publication) mentions his online presence).

The pattern: his wealth is modest compared to mainstream athletes, but his brand continues to grow.

Four key metrics, one pattern: Hafthor leads in deadlift weight and height, while Hall is lighter but achieved the first 500 kg lift.

Seven milestones trace his career from basketball to strongman legend.

Timeline

• 26 November 1988: Born in Reykjavik, Iceland.
• 2004–2010: Played professional basketball for Icelandic clubs.
• 2012: Cast as Ser Gregor Clegane (The Mountain) in Game of Thrones.
• 2018: Won World’s Strongest Man; also experienced the loss of an unborn daughter.
• 2 May 2020: Set the world record deadlift of 501 kg (1,105 lb).
• March 2022: Defeated Eddie Hall in a boxing match by unanimous decision.
• 2023: Continues training, acting projects, and social media presence.

All events verified via Wikipedia (community encyclopedia) and Guinness World Records (official record authority).

Clarity: What we know and what remains uncertain

Quotes from the arena

“Feeling strong, world record is mine.”

— Hafthor Bjornsson, Instagram post after the 501 kg deadlift (featured in YouTube highlight video)

“I wasn’t paid for the fight.”

— Eddie Hall, interview (reported on Wikipedia)

“It’s the hardest thing we’ve ever gone through.”

— Hafthor Bjornsson, speaking about the loss of his daughter (Wikipedia)

For Hafthor Bjornsson, the path forward is clear: keep lifting, keep fighting, and keep building a legacy that blends raw strength with pop-culture stardom. For fans, the debate over who is truly the strongest may never be settled by numbers alone — but the records, the titles, and the ring result leave little doubt about where he stands.

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For a comprehensive overview of his achievements, including his world-record deadlift, check out Hafþór Júlíus Björnssons career highlights.

Frequently asked questions