Powerlifting reflects dedication, strength, and the drive to achieve greatness.
Each lifter demonstrated unmatched discipline and focus to set these milestones in squats, bench presses, deadlifts, and total lifts.
These records inspire athletes worldwide to push boundaries and redefine what is possible in raw powerlifting.
Squat (no Wraps)
| Class | Lift | Lifter | Year | Fed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 123 | 551 | Mike Booker | 2002 | AAU |
| 132 | 551 | Mike Booker | 2002 | AAU |
| 148 | 579 | Charles Okopoko | 06/12/19 | IPF |
| 165 | 633 | Michael Seay | 10/16/19 | USAPL |
| 181 | 716 | Maliek Derstine | 01/23/16 | USPA |
| 198 | 766 | Jesse Norris | 11/07/15 | SPF |
| 220 | 822 | Joe Sullivan | 09/26/20 | WRPF |
| 242 | 837 | Kevin Oak Okolie | 08/04/19 | USPA |
| 275 | 903 | Dennis Cornelius | 12/09/17 | USPA |
| 308 | 922 | Robb Philippus | 08/25/17 | WRPF |
| SHW | 1080 | Ray Williams | 03/02/19 | NAPF |
All Squats (with & without Wraps)
| Class | Lift | Lifter | Year | Fed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 132 | 567 | Brandon Smitley | 11/07/16 | WPC |
| 148 | 600 | David Raymond | 01/21/17 | UPA |
| 165 | 710 | Tom Kallas | 05/16/15 | UPA |
| 181 | 782 | Dallas Norris | 08/12/17 | 365 Strong |
| 198 | 815 | Tom Kallas | 03/25/18 | APF |
| 220 | 915 | Sam Byrd | 03/21/15 | SPF |
| 242 | 909 | Jason LeGrand | 04/21/2018 | 365 Strong |
| 275 | 964 | Eric Lilliebridge | 07/19/14 | UPA |
| 308 | 1058 | James Searcy Jr | 05/19/18 | RPS |
| SHW | 1080 | Ray Williams | 03/02/19 | NAPF |
Bench Press (full Meet)
| Class | Lift | Lifter | Year | Fed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 123 | 380 | Mike Booker | 2005 | AAU |
| 132 | 424 | Eric Head | 06/26/15 | APC |
| 148 | 424 | Joe Bradley | 1981 | USPF |
| 165 | 486 | Phillip Brewer | 11/19/17 | USPA |
| 181 | 556 | Rick Weil | 1986 | APF |
| 198 | 565 | Larry Danaher | 1986 | USPF/APF |
| 220 | 582 | Mike MacDonald | 1979 | AAU |
| 242 | 650 | Jeremy Hoornstra | 08/26/2018 | IPL |
| 275 | 650 | Ted Arcidi | 1983 | USPF |
| 308 | 666 | Ted Arcidi | 1984 | USPF/APF |
| SHW | 710 | James Henderson | 1997 | USPF |
Deadlift
| Class | Lift | Lifter | Year | Fed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 123 | 634 | Lamar Gant | 1980 | USPF |
| 132 | 628 | Lamar Gant | 1981 | USPF |
| 148 | 705 | Dan Austin | 08/01/92 | USPF |
| 165 | 728 | Micah Marino | 01/23/16 | USPA |
| 181 | 791 | Ed Coan | 1984 | USPF |
| 198 | 881 | Cailer Woolam | 02/11/17 | USPA |
| 220 | 953 | Cailer Woolam | 11/09/19 | SPF |
| 242 | 887 | Ed Coan | 1998 | USPF |
| 275 | 948 | Danny Grigsby | 02/22/20 | USPA |
| 308 | 915 | Chris Weist | 04/21/18 | RPS |
| SHW | 909 | George Leeman | 03/15/15 | USPA |
Total (without Wraps)
| Class | Lift | Lifter | Year | Fed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 123 | 1278 | Mike Booker | 2002 | AAU |
| 132 | 1361 | Joe Morrow | 08/20/11 | APF |
| 148 | 1570 | Gerald Dionio | 11/11/17 | SPF |
| 165 | 1743 | Blake Lehew | 12/07/19 | USPA |
| 181 | 1929 | John Haack | 12/15/18 | USPA |
| 198 | 2033 | Jesse Norris | 11/07/15 | SPF |
| 220 | 2121 | Cailer Woolam | 11/09/19 | SPF |
| 242 | 2177 | Kevin Oak Okolie | 08/04/19 | USPA |
| 275 | 2275 | Larry Williams | 11/19/17 | RPS |
| 308 | 2369 | Eric Lilliebridge | 04/17/16 | UPA |
| SHW | 2452 | Ray Williams | 03/02/19 | NAPF |
All Totals (with & without Wraps)
| Class | Lift | Lifter | Year | Fed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 123 | 1278 | Mike Booker | 2002 | AAU |
| 132 | 1471 | Richard Hawthorne | 08/11/13 | APC/GPA |
| 148 | 1592 | Gerald Dionio | 04/16/17 | USPA |
| 165 | 1730 | Rostislav Petkov | 06/13/15 | USPA |
| 181 | 2000 | Kody Blazek | 08/03/19 | USPA |
| 198 | 2039 | Ben Pollack | 11/12/17 | SPF |
| 220 | 2127 | Keven Okolie | 01/23/16 | USPA |
| 242 | 2210 | Dan Green | 11/16/13 | ProRaw |
| 275 | 2380 | Eric Lilliebridge | 07/19/14 | UPA |
| 308 | 2458 | Eric Lilliebridge | 07/16/16 | UPA |
| SHW | 2518 | Daniel Bell | 11/23/19 | WRPF |
Raw vs. Equipped Comparison
Raw lifting emphasizes pure strength without relying on specialized equipment. Equipped lifting allows tools like bench shirts and squat suits to enhance performance.
| Aspect | Raw Lifting | Equipped Lifting |
|---|---|---|
| Gear Used | Belt, sleeves, wraps (optional) | Bench shirt, squat suit, wraps |
| Strength Requirements | Focuses on pure, unassisted strength | Utilizes assistance from gear |
| Injury Risk | Higher, due to lack of supportive gear | Lower, as gear provides stability |
| Popularity | Increasing due to accessibility | Limited to niche federations |
Unique Challenges of Raw Lifting
- Raw lifters face greater demands on their joints and tendons due to the lack of supportive gear.
- Training for raw records requires a focus on functional strength, mobility, and consistency.
FAQs
What is considered a “raw” lift in powerlifting?
A raw lift is performed with minimal equipment, typically including a lifting belt and optionally knee sleeves or wrist wraps. It excludes supportive gear like bench shirts or squat suits, which enhance the lifter’s performance.
How are records verified and recognized?
Powerlifting records are verified by the federation overseeing the competition. Judges assess the lift for proper form and adherence to rules, and records are only recognized if performed on certified or calibrated equipment under official conditions.
Why do different federations have varying records?
Each federation has unique rules, standards, and testing policies, which can influence how records are achieved and recorded. Some federations emphasize drug testing, while others may allow a wider range of equipment or have different judging criteria.