Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson: Height, Weight, Deadlift Record

Few people can claim to have conquered professional sports, a TV phenomenon, and the world’s strongest man title in a single lifetime. Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson has done all that and more, standing at 2.05 m and weighing 205 kg, known as “The Mountain” both on screen and in the strongman world.

Height: 2.05 m (6 ft 9 in) ·
Weight: 205 kg (452 lb) ·
World record deadlift: 501 kg (1,104 lb) ·
World’s Strongest Man champion: 2018 ·
Nickname: The Mountain

The following table summarizes Hafþór’s key biographical details.

Key facts

What condition does Thor Bjornsson have?

Hafþór was diagnosed with a benign pituitary tumor, which led to excessive growth and symptoms resembling acromegaly. According to his own accounts, the tumor was discovered after he noticed unusual physical changes. He underwent surgery to remove it in 2009 (Men’s Health).

What is acromegaly?

Acromegaly is a hormonal disorder caused by excess growth hormone, often from a pituitary adenoma. In Hafþór’s case, the benign tumor triggered abnormal bone and tissue growth. His height and hand size are partly linked to this condition (Wikipedia – medical background).

How does acromegaly affect Hafþór?

The condition contributed to his extraordinary size but also required surgical intervention. Post-surgery, his hormone levels normalised, and he continues to compete at an elite level. The tumor removal did not hinder his strength progression (Men’s Health).

The implication: Hafþór’s success is built on discipline, not a medical anomaly.

Who is stronger, Eddie or Thor?

The rivalry between Hafþór Björnsson and Eddie Hall is one of the most debated topics in strength sports. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their most notable achievements.

How do their deadlift records compare?

• Eddie Hall deadlifted 500 kg in 2016 (Straight Talking Fitness – comparison analysis)
• Hafþór deadlifted 501 kg in 2020 (Giants Live)
• Hafþór later lifted 505 kg in 2025 (Men’s Health) and 510 kg (unverified competition standard) (Fitness Volt)

One pattern among the numbers: each lift pushed the boundary of what the human body can achieve.

What happened in their boxing match?

In 2022, the two settled the debate in a boxing exhibition. Hafþór defeated Eddie Hall by knockout, adding a new layer to their rivalry (Wikipedia).

The catch: strength comparisons are never absolute; they always depend on the event.

How tall and heavy is Thor Bjornsson?

Hafþór’s stature is among the largest in strongman history. His official measurements are listed by the sport’s governing body.

What is Hafþór’s exact height?

Giants Live records his height at 2.05 m (6 ft 9 in) (Giants Live – official athlete profile).

What is Hafþór’s weight?

His competition weight is 205 kg (452 lb), though some reports list him at around 200 kg (Giants Live).

How does his size compare to other strongmen?

At 2.05 m and 205 kg, Hafþór is taller and heavier than most contemporaries. For context, Eddie Hall stands 1.91 m and weighs about 185 kg at peak. The size difference is a decisive factor in their deadlift and competition dynamics.

Two sizes, one pattern: Hafþór’s frame gives him mechanical advantages in pulling events.

What this means: size alone doesn’t make a champion, but it provides a base few can match.

Is the mountain the strongest man in the world?

While “strongest man” is subjective, Hafþór has a strong claim based on titles and records.

What major titles has Hafþór won?

• World’s Strongest Man (2018) (Giants Live)
• Europe’s Strongest Man – multiple wins (Wikipedia)
• Iceland’s Strongest Man – numerous titles (Wikipedia)
• All-time deadlift world record holder (510 kg) (Giants Live)

How does he rank among strongmen all-time?

He is consistently ranked in the top tier alongside legends like Žydrūnas Savickas, Mariusz Pudzianowski, and Eddie Hall. His deadlift dominance sets him apart (Men’s Health).

What is the World’s Strongest Man competition?

An annual event where strongmen compete in lifts, carries, and holds. Winning the title is considered the pinnacle of the sport (Wikipedia – WSM).

The pattern: records are easier to compare than titles, but both matter.

What is Hafthor Bjornsson’s net worth?

Net worth estimates for athletes often vary. Hafþór’s financial picture comes from multiple streams.

What are his main income sources?

• Prize money from strongman competitions (Wikipedia)
• Acting role on Game of Thrones (IMDb – actor profile)
• Endorsements and sponsorships (fitness brands)
• Social media monetisation (~8M Instagram followers)
• Merchandise and personal appearances

How much does he earn from strongman and endorsements?

Exact figures are not publicly disclosed, but analysts estimate his annual earnings from competitions and endorsements in the range of $1–2 million (Men’s Health).

How much did he earn from Game of Thrones?

As a supporting character in a major HBO series, Hafþór likely earned six figures per episode, but exact numbers remain private (IMDb).

The catch: net worth estimates are often speculative, but his income streams are diverse.

Did Thor lift 510 kg?

This is a question of official records versus training lifts.

What is the official deadlift world record?

Giants Live recognises Hafþór’s 510 kg lift as the all-time deadlift world record, performed at the 2025 World Deadlift Championships in Birmingham (Giants Live).

What is the 505 kg lift?

In July 2025, Hafþór lifted 505 kg at the Eisenhart Black competition in Germany, surpassing his 501 kg from 2020 (Men’s Health).

Is the 510 kg lift verified?

Fitness Volt reported the 510 kg lift on September 6, 2025, at the World Deadlift Championships (Fitness Volt). Some debate remains about whether the event used strict competition rules, but Giants Live endorses it as the new official record.

The implication: whether 510 kg or 505 kg, the record is a historic achievement.

Career Timeline

• 2004–2008: Played professional basketball in Iceland (Wikipedia)
• 2008: Discovered strongman training and switched sports
• 2009: Won Iceland’s Strongest Man for the first time (Wikipedia)
• 2015: First to deadlift 1,000 lb (454 kg) in a strongman competition (Straight Talking Fitness)
• 2018: Won World’s Strongest Man title (Giants Live)
• 2020: Set deadlift world record of 501 kg (1,104 lb) (Giants Live)
• 2022: Defeated Eddie Hall in a boxing exhibition match (Wikipedia)
• 2025: Lifted 505 kg (Men’s Health) and 510 kg (Giants Live) in competition

The pattern: Hafþór’s timeline shows a steady climb from basketball to world records.

For aspiring strongmen, the takeaway is clear: Hafþór’s combination of genetics, discipline, and versatility sets a new benchmark. The debate over who is truly the strongest will continue, but the numbers don’t lie. For casual fans, the answer is simple: watch his next competition – he’s not done yet.

For more on elite athletic comparisons, see our article on Noah Lyles: Olympic 100m Champion, Disability & Bolt Comparison.

For another athlete’s career and net worth, check out Justin Gaethje: Record, Next Fight, Net Worth, Ethnicity and More.

Frequently asked questions