Colton Engelbrecht Breaks Multiple Powerlifting Records at the 2026 Nikolai Kagansky Memorial Cup
The Most. Heavy. Things. Ever! Colton Engelbrecht continues to redefine what is possible in raw powerlifting. Competing at the 2026 Nikolai Kagansky Memorial Cup in Moscow, Russia on July 11-12, Engelbrecht delivered one of the greatest performances the sport has ever seen, totaling an astonishing 1,225 kilograms (2,700.7 pounds) to set the heaviest raw total ever recorded in sanctioned powerlifting history, regardless of weight class.
The South African powerhouse also left the competition with multiple all-time records, including the heaviest raw deadlift ever performed in competition and becoming the lightest athlete to squat more than 1,000 pounds raw.
Colton Engelbrecht’s Historic Performance
Engelbrecht officially weighed in at 125.3 kilograms (276.2 pounds), just above the U125KG limit, placing him in the U140KG division. He completed seven of his nine attempts, missing only one squat and one deadlift while rewriting the record books.
Among the milestones from his performance:
- All-Time Heaviest Raw Total: 1,225 kg (2,700.7 lbs)
- First athlete in history to total both 2,600 and 2,700 pounds raw
- Lightest athlete ever to squat more than 1,000 pounds (455 kg / 1,003 lbs) in sanctioned competition
- Highest male DOTS score ever recorded: 693.75
- All-Time Heaviest Raw Deadlift: 492.5 kg (1,085.8 lbs)
Following the meet, Engelbrecht reflected on what the accomplishment meant to him.
“This is by far the most meaningful competition of my life so far. I couldn’t be happier with the results.”
Squat: Breaking the 1,000-Pound Barrier
The squat portion of the competition didn’t begin perfectly. Engelbrecht missed his second attempt at 450 kilograms but quickly regrouped and returned to successfully squat 455 kilograms (1,003.1 pounds) on his final attempt.
That lift made him the lightest competitor ever to squat over 1,000 pounds raw in an officially sanctioned powerlifting meet.
Afterward, Engelbrecht explained that equipment played a role in the missed second attempt.
“The only reason I failed my second attempt was because the competition was using the new Eleiko bar, which is probably the most whippy bar on the market.”
Squat Attempts
- 420 kg (925.9 lbs) ✅
- 450 kg (992.1 lbs) ❌
- 455 kg (1,003.1 lbs) ✅
Bench Press: Competition Personal Best
Unlike the squat, the bench press moved smoothly from start to finish. Engelbrecht completed all three attempts and capped the event with a competition personal record of 277.5 kilograms (611.8 pounds).
Bench Press Attempts
- 240 kg (529.1 lbs) ✅
- 272.5 kg (600.8 lbs) ✅
- 277.5 kg (611.8 lbs) ✅
Deadlift: A New All-Time Record
The deadlift was where Engelbrecht secured his place in powerlifting history.
He successfully pulled 492.5 kilograms (1,085.8 pounds) on his second attempt, surpassing the previous all-time raw deadlift record of 487.5 kilograms (1,074.8 pounds) set by Danny Grigsby in 2022.
With that lift, Engelbrecht also locked up the historic 2,700-pound total.
He made one final attempt at the iconic 500-kilogram (1,102-pound) barrier but was unable to complete the lift.
Reflecting afterward, Engelbrecht said:
“All I needed was the 1085 lbs for my 2700 lbs total. The 500 kg would have just been a bonus.”
Deadlift Attempts
- 450 kg (992.1 lbs) ✅
- 492.5 kg (1,085.8 lbs) ✅ — All-Time Raw Deadlift Record
- 500 kg (1,102.3 lbs) ❌
A Growing Case for Powerlifting Greatness
Engelbrecht has rapidly become one of the most dominant athletes in strength sports. His latest performance improved on his own previous all-time raw total record of 1,155 kilograms, adding an incredible 70 kilograms (154 pounds) to the mark in just a few months.
With a competition resume that now includes victories in 20 of his 21 sanctioned meets, Engelbrecht continues to build an increasingly compelling case as one of the greatest raw powerlifters the sport has ever seen. While debates over the greatest lifter of all time will always continue, his latest performance in Moscow adds another historic chapter to an already remarkable career.
Image embed via Instagram @colton_the.limit.breaker
