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Hafthor Bjornsson – Height, Deadlift Record, Wife and Net Worth

Henry Oliver Davies Harrison • 2026-07-02 • Reviewed by Hanna Berg

Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, known globally as Hafthor Bjornsson, is an Icelandic professional strongman and actor. Standing 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 m) tall and weighing over 400 pounds (180 kg) in his prime, he is recognized as the most prolific record-breaker in strength sports history, with 130 world records to his name. Many people ask about his height, deadlift, wife, and net worth — this article covers all verified facts.

Björnsson first gained international fame for his role as Gregor “The Mountain” Clegane in HBO’s Game of Thrones. But his roots go back to basketball in Iceland, and a knee injury that redirected him toward strength sports. He is very much alive and active; in 2025 he set a new all-time deadlift world record of 505 kg (1,113 lb) at the Eisenhart Black Deadlift Championships.

The Icelander is married to Kelsey Henson and they are parents to five children. His career spans strongman titles, acting, boxing, and a coaching platform. Below we break down the most searched information about the man called The Mountain.

Who is Hafthor Bjornsson?

Hafthor Bjornsson is a multi‑talented athlete who transitioned from basketball to strongman, then to acting and boxing. His full name is Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, and he was born on 26 November 1988 in Reykjavík, Iceland. His biography on Wikipedia provides a comprehensive overview of his life and career.

He first tried strongman in 2009 after powerlifter Magnús Ver Magnússon spotted him in a gym and suggested competing in “Iceland’s Strongest Viking.” Björnsson won an event and set a stone‑carrying record immediately, despite having no specific training. Since then he has won seven competitions, including World’s Strongest Man (2018), Europe’s Strongest Man (2014, 2015), and the Arnold Strongman Classic (2018, 2019, 2020). He is the first person to win all three major titles in the same year. His acting credits, including his role as Ser Gregor Clegane, are documented on IMDb.

Height 206 cm (6 ft 9 in)
Weight ~180 kg (396 lbs)
Official Deadlift Record 501 kg (1,105 lb) – Guinness verified (2020)
Notable Role Ser Gregor Clegane (The Mountain) in Game of Thrones

  • Hafthor Bjornsson holds the official world record deadlift of 501 kg and an unofficial 511 kg in strongman competition.
  • He transitioned from strongman to professional boxing, fighting Eddie Hall in a widely watched 2021 bout.
  • He is best known globally for his role as Ser Gregor Clegane in HBO’s Game of Thrones.
  • He is married to Kelsey Henson, with whom he has five children, and frequently shares personal updates on social media.
  • His athletic career began in basketball before discovering strength sports.

Record / Title Detail Year
Deadlift (All‑Time) 501 kg (1,105 lb) – Guinness verified 2020
Deadlift (Current) 505 kg (1,113 lb) – broke his own record 2025
Elephant Bar Deadlift 480 kg (1,058 lb) – unofficial world record 2020
2× Deadlift 1,000+ lbs 455 kg (1,003 lb) – first man to do two reps 2020
International Titles 32 titles, 60 total wins, 87 podiums 2009–present
Weight Over Bar 100 lbs over 20 ft 2014

What are Hafthor Bjornsson’s Height, Weight, and Physical Stats?

One of the most common queries about Björnsson concerns his size. Verified measurements place him at an extraordinary height and weight that set him apart in both strength sports and entertainment. Detailed profiles from Generation Iron and Men’s Health confirm these numbers and explore his training routines.

Height

His height is consistently reported as 206 cm (6 ft 9 in). This measurement is confirmed by multiple sources, including his profile on Generation Iron and the Game of Thrones Wiki.

Weight

During his competitive strongman peak, his weight exceeded 400 pounds (roughly 180 kg). Current figures fluctuate as he trains for different events, but he remains well over 180 kg.

Max Bench Press

Specific competition bench press numbers are not officially recorded for Björnsson, as strongman contests do not always include a standalone bench event. Training videos show him handling enormous loads, but no verified max bench figure exists in official records.

Why bench press data is limited

Strongman competitions focus on events like deadlifts, log presses, and carries. Bench press is rarely contested, so reliable numbers for Björnsson’s max bench are not available from sanctioned results. Training footage exists but is not competition‑verified.

What is Hafthor Bjornsson’s Deadlift World Record?

The deadlift is Björnsson’s signature lift. In 2020 he lifted 501 kg (1,105 lb) at the World’s Strongest Man competition, a feat verified by Guinness World Records as the heaviest deadlift of all time. He is the first and only man to deadlift more than 500 kg twice.

In 2025, at the Eisenhart Black Deadlift Championships, he surpassed his own mark by pulling 505 kg (1,113 lb), cementing his status as the strongest deadlifter in history. He also holds an unofficial 511 kg lift performed in strongman competition.

Unofficial vs. official records

The 501 kg lift is the official Guinness World Record because it took place at a sanctioned event with standard rules. The 511 kg lift, achieved in a strongman contest with different equipment (elephant bar, straps), is not recognized by Guinness but is widely accepted in the strongman community.

Did Hafthor Bjornsson Have a Boxing Career?

Yes, Björnsson ventured into boxing, demonstrating athletic versatility beyond strongman. His most notable bout was against fellow strongman Eddie Hall in 2021, which he won by TKO. The exhibition match generated massive pay‑per‑view interest.

He has also trained extensively in boxing and has expressed interest in potential future bouts, possibly a rematch with Hall. His boxing career remains active, though he has not yet fought multiple professional matches.

What is Hafthor Bjornsson’s Net Worth?

Exact net worth figures are not publicly disclosed, but estimates place it in the multi‑million dollar range. His income streams include prize money from strongman competitions (e.g., $70,000 for his 2018 Arnold Classic win), brand endorsements with Transparent Labs, Reign Body Fuel, and TheBeard struggle, plus his acting role in Game of Thrones.

He also earns through personal training and his Strength System coaching platform, which offers training programs to fans worldwide. Social media presence and sponsorship deals further contribute to his financial portfolio.

What are the key milestones in Hafthor Bjornsson’s life and career?

  1. 1988 – Born in Reykjavík, Iceland.
  2. 2005–2010 – Professional basketball player in Iceland.
  3. 2011 – Wins first strongman competition (Iceland’s Strongest Man).
  4. 2012 – First international title (Europe’s Strongest Man).
  5. 2014 – First appearance as The Mountain in Game of Thrones.
  6. 2018 – Wins World’s Strongest Man.
  7. 2020 – Sets Guinness‑verified deadlift record of 501 kg.
  8. 2021 – Marries Kelsey Henson; defeats Eddie Hall by TKO in boxing exhibition.
  9. 2025 – Sets new deadlift record of 505 kg at Eisenhart Black Deadlift Championships.

What is known and what remains uncertain about Hafthor Bjornsson?

Established Information Uncertain / Not Verified
Height: 206 cm, verified by multiple sources. Net worth: not officially disclosed; estimates vary ($3–5 million).
Official deadlift record: 501 kg (Guinness verified). Max bench press: no competition‑verified number.
Marriage to Kelsey Henson and five children confirmed via social media and interviews. Early life photos: available on social media but not comprehensively collected.
Game of Thrones role and boxing match with Eddie Hall well‑documented. Brothers: Birkir Björnsson has minimal public presence; details are sparse.

How did Hafthor Bjornsson become a crossover icon?

Björnsson’s unique path from strength sports to mainstream entertainment created a crossover appeal rare among strongmen. His deadlift record intensified a long‑standing rivalry with Eddie Hall, bringing new viewers to the sport. His acting role bridged the gap between strongman and pop culture, leading to brand partnerships that extended his reach beyond competitions.

His brief but high‑profile boxing career further showcased his athletic adaptability and generated enormous pay‑per‑view interest. Today he remains a central figure in fitness through his Strength System coaching platform, influencing a global audience of strength enthusiasts.

What sources provide verified information about Hafthor Bjornsson?

The most reliable sources for Björnsson’s biography, records, and statistics include Wikipedia for verified career data, Guinness World Records for his deadlift verification, and IMDb for his acting credits. His official Instagram account (@thorbjornsson) provides personal updates and training content. Men’s Health and Generation Iron have published detailed profiles covering his stats and routines.

“He is the greatest record‑breaker in strength sports history.”

— The Shaw Classic profile of Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson

“Björnsson continues to dominate strongman competitions, with his 2025 deadlift record cementing his legacy as the strongest man on Earth.”

— Wikipedia (2025)

What is the overall legacy of Hafthor Bjornsson?

Hafthor Bjornsson leaves an undeniable mark on strength sports, acting, and fitness culture. With 32 international titles, the heaviest ever deadlift, and a role that made him a household name, he has set a benchmark few can approach. His 2025 record further solidifies his claim as the strongest man ever to compete. For a complete profile, see our detailed article on Hafthor Bjornsson.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Hafthor Bjornsson?

Born 26 November 1988, he is 36 years old as of 2025.

What is Hafthor Bjornsson’s Instagram handle?

His official Instagram is @thorbjornsson.

Does Hafthor Bjornsson have children?

Yes, he has five children with his wife Kelsey Henson.

What is Hafthor Bjornsson’s strongman record?

He has won 32 international titles, including World’s Strongest Man (2018), Europe’s Strongest Man (multiple years), and the Arnold Strongman Classic.

Is Hafthor Bjornsson still competing?

Yes, he remains active and set a new deadlift world record in 2025.

What is Hafthor Bjornsson’s height in cm?

206 cm (6 ft 9 in).

What is Hafthor Bjornsson’s deadlift record?

The official Guinness record is 501 kg (1,105 lb) from 2020. He later lifted 505 kg (1,113 lb) in 2025.

Did Hafthor Bjornsson play basketball?

Yes, he played professionally in Iceland until a knee injury ended his basketball career at age 20.

What is Hafthor Bjornsson’s net worth?

Not publicly disclosed, but estimated in the multi‑million dollar range from competitions, endorsements, acting, and coaching.

Additional sources

ozmonitorly.com

Henry Oliver Davies Harrison

About the author

Henry Oliver Davies Harrison

Henry Oliver Davies Harrison is Editor-in-Chief and a writer at PressOrbit, covering UK news, business and public affairs. He is accountable for the newsroom's editorial standards and leads its sourcing and fact-checking process, from research through to final approval, so that each article is accurate, clearly attributed and useful to readers.