The debate over who truly deserves the title of the strongest human ever isn’t just alive – it’s constantly evolving.
And with Hafþór Björnsson recently pushing the boundaries yet again with a staggering 510kg deadlift, Mitchell Hooper has stepped in to reignite the conversation with a definitive—and controversial—top five list.
This isn’t about accolades. It’s not about who dominated strongman competitions or who built the most decorated résumé. Hooper draws a clear line in the sand: this is about one thing only—who can move the most weight from A to B.
“Now, to define the strongest person of all time, I think it’s the person who can move the most weight. Very important,” he said.
That distinction shapes everything that follows. And as expected, it leads to some surprising inclusions—and omissions.
Before diving into the top five, Hooper acknowledges two names that narrowly miss out.
Brian Shaw is first, a legend of the sport whose all-round dominance is unquestioned. But in this specific conversation, peak strength is the deciding factor – and Hooper believes others edge him there.
Then comes Paul Anderson, a historical powerhouse whose mythical lifts have long been debated. Hooper doesn’t dismiss him entirely, but admits scepticism: “They don’t all pass the sniff test.”
With that, the list begins.
At number five sits Dave Hoff – a name that might divide opinion instantly. His 2,921lb multiply powerlifting total stands as the highest ever recorded, and Hooper doesn’t shy away from the controversy surrounding equipped lifting.
Hooper said: “Regardless, it’s hard to create a top five list of all time without the dude who has lifted the most weight in powerlifting under any conditions.”
Hoff’s numbers are staggering: a 1,273lb squat, a bench press exceeding 1,000lb, and an 816lb deadlift. Even factoring in equipment assistance, the sheer volume of weight moved earns him a place. Still, Hooper is clear on why he doesn’t climb higher—the nature of powerlifting limits the scope, with no requirement for overhead strength or real-world movement.
Next up at number four is Žydrūnas Savickas, widely regarded as the greatest strongman of all time.
His achievements are almost unmatched: four World’s Strongest Man titles, multiple Arnold Strongman Classic wins, and an astonishing 84 international victories. His lifts read like a highlight reel of strength history, including a 228kg log press and a 215kg axle press world record.
Hooper doesn’t hold back in his praise, calling his overhead ability the best ever. But there’s one sticking point—deadlift.
“The only thing that Z loses out on is his deadlifts,” he said.
In a list defined by total weight moved, that gap proves decisive.
At number three is one of the most intriguing inclusions: Colton Engelbrecht.
Still relatively early in his career, Engelbrecht has already produced numbers that force his way into the conversation. A 2,645lb raw total, featuring a 1,036lb squat and deadlift in the same meet, puts him in rare territory.
Hooper said: “He’s the only person to ever squat and deadlift over 1,000 lbs in the same meet.”
Hooper also highlights his versatility, pointing to heavy conventional lifts despite primarily competing in sumo. The debate over lifting styles remains, but the output is undeniable.
At number two, the man who sparked the discussion in the first place – Björnsson.
A 510kg deadlift world record headlines a résumé packed with elite performances across multiple disciplines. From log presses to awkward object lifts, his strength translates beyond the barbell.
“The reason that he’s above Zadrunis is because he can deadlift so much more,” Hooper explained.
Hooper places significant value on that margin, especially in such a foundational lift. Combined with his ability to perform across strongman’s unpredictable challenges, it cements his place near the top.
But there is one name Hooper believes stands alone.
At number one is Eddie Hall.
Not the most decorated. Not the most consistent. But, in Hooper’s eyes, the most brutally powerful at his peak.
“…he is the person that I would pick at his prime to shift something from A to B if it needed to be done,” he said.
Hall’s legendary 500kg deadlift remains a defining moment in strength sports history—not just for the number, but for how far beyond the previous record it went.
Hooper said: “I don’t believe that’s ever going to be replicated.”
Add to that a 216kg axle press world record, a 280kg bench press, and jaw-dropping training feats, and Hooper sees a level of raw output that no one else quite matches.
There are weaknesses—endurance, grip, speed—but they don’t factor into this equation.
“If strong man was just who could deadlift the most, who could press the most, who could squat the most on aggregate, Eddie Hall has to be that guy,” Hooper said.
It’s a list built on a singular definition of strength, and Hooper knows it won’t please everyone.
Featured image credit: Mitchell Hooper / YouTube
