Standing at a staggering 6’9” (206 cm) and weighing up to 463 lbs (210 kg), Hafthor Bjornsson—commonly known as “The Mountain”—is more than just a strongman.
He’s a global icon, a record-breaking titan, and a modern legend whose feats of strength have redefined the limits of human power.
Best known for his role as Gregor Clegane in Game of Thrones, Hafþór’s real-life strength is even more jaw-dropping than his on-screen persona.
A World’s Strongest Man (2018), three-time Arnold Strongman Classic champion (2018–2020), and holder of over 100 world records, his journey from a basketball-loving teen to the strongest man on Earth is nothing short of epic.

📊 Hafthor Bjornsson Quick Facts (2025)
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson |
Hafthor Bjornsson Nickname | “The Mountain” |
Hafthor Bjornsson Height | 6’9″ (206 cm) |
Hafthor Bjornsson Weight | 397–463 lbs (180–210 kg) |
Hafthor Bjornsson Date of Birth | November 26, 1988 |
Hafthor Bjornsson Nationality | Icelandic |
Hafthor Bjornsson Profession | Strongman, Powerlifter, Actor, Entrepreneur |
Hafthor Bjornsson Residence | Reykjavík, Iceland |
Hafthor Bjornsson Social Media | Instagram: @thorbjornsson |
🏀 Early Life & Basketball Dreams: The Road Not Taken
Born in Reykjavík, Iceland, Hafthor Bjornsson moved to Kópavogur at age 11. Even as a child, his height made him stand out—but not always in the way he wanted.
He struggled in school, not due to intelligence, but because his towering frame made him self-conscious and distracted. However, he found his passion in sports.
In the 8th grade, he discovered basketball and chess—two pursuits that shaped his discipline and strategic thinking.
By his teens, Hafthor was a promising basketball player:
- Selected for the Icelandic Junior National Team (2004–2006)
- Played for Division One club Breiðablik
- Joined FSU Selfoss, but played 10 games with a broken ankle—requiring surgery
After recovery, he joined Úrvalsdeild, and was part of the Icelandic U-18 National squad for the European Championship. But fate struck again—the screw in his ankle shattered, ending his season and, ultimately, his basketball career.
At just 19 years old, his NBA dreams were over.
But from that setback, a new path emerged.
💪 The Birth of “The Mountain”: From Injury to Strongman
After his ankle injury, Hafthor turned to bodybuilding, inspired by legends like Ronnie Coleman and Dorian Yates. He began lifting weights with a new purpose.
His progress caught the eye of Magnús Ver Magnússon, a four-time World’s Strongest Man, who became his mentor. Under his guidance, Hafthor transitioned from bodybuilding to strongman training—a sport perfectly suited to his size, strength, and determination.

By 2011, he won his first Iceland’s Strongest Man title.
And from there, he began a meteoric rise through the strongman ranks.
🏆 Hafthor Bjornsson Competition History: A Legacy of Dominance
Hafthor Bjornsson’s consistency and power made him a perennial contender in every major strongman event. After years of near-misses, he finally claimed the crown in 2018.
🥇 World’s Strongest Man (WSM)
Year | Results |
---|---|
2011 | 6th |
2012 | 3rd |
2013 | 3rd |
2014 | 2nd |
2015 | 3rd |
2016 | 2nd |
2017 | 2nd |
2018 | 1st✅ |
2019 | 3rd |
2018: Hafthor finally won WSM, becoming the third Icelander to do so after Jón Páll Sigmarsson and Magnús Ver Magnússon.
🏆 Arnold Strongman Classic (ASC)

Year | Results |
---|---|
2012 | 10th |
2013 | 8th |
2014 | 5th |
2015 | 7th |
2016 | 5th |
2017 | 2nd |
2018 | 1st✅ |
2019 | 1st✅ |
2020 | 1st✅ |
2024 | 4th |
2025 | 3rd |
Historic Achievement: Hafthor is the only athlete to win WSM, ASC, and Europe’s Strongest Man in the same calendar year (2018).
🌍 Other Major Wins
- Europe’s Strongest Man: 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019
- World’s Ultimate Strongman: 2018 Champion
- World’s Strongest Viking: 2014 & 2015 Winner
- Iceland’s Strongest Man: 2024 Champion
- Rogue Invitational: 2nd (2024)
- Strongest Man on Earth: 2nd (2024)
💥 Legendary Feats: Breaking Records
Hafthor isn’t just a winner—he’s a record-breaker.
Some of his most iconic achievements:
- Deadlift 501 kg (1,104 lbs) – World Record (2020) – First human to deadlift over 1,000 lbs
- Log Lift 220 kg (485 lbs) – World Record
- Circus Dumbbell Press (105 kg / 231 lbs) – 10 reps (World Record)
- Atlas Stones: Carried 5 stones (130–200 kg) in 26.45 seconds (World Record)
- Yoke Walk: 1,049 lbs (476 kg) for 4 meters
His 2018 season remains one of the greatest in strongman history—winning WSM, ASC, and Europe’s Strongest Man in a single year.
💪 Hafthor Bjornsson Training: The Mountain’s Workout Regimen
Hafthor’s training evolved over the years—from strongman specialization to powerlifting dominance, and even boxing in preparation for his high-profile bout with Eddie Hall in 2022.

🔹 Strongman Training (Peak Years: 2014–2020)
His routine was built around compound lifts, event-specific practice, and brutal volume.
Warm-Up (Back & Shoulders)
- Wide-Grip Cable Lat Pulldowns
- Seated Dumbbell Presses
- Standing Cable External Rotations
Overhead Pressing (Log & Axle)
- Overhead Log Press Warm-Up: 137–357 lbs (62–162 kg)
- Overhead Log Press Work Set: 375 lbs (170 kg) for multiple reps
- Axle Press: Up to 348 lbs (158 kg)
- Dumbbell Overhead Press: Up to 231 lbs (105 kg)
Squat & Lower Body
- Safety Bar Squat: Up to 732 lbs (332 kg)
- Final set: 524 lbs (242 kg) for 8 reps
- Yoke Carry: Progressed from 423 lbs (192 kg) to a monstrous 1,049 lbs (476 kg) for 4 meters
- Farmer’s Walk: Carried 243 lbs (110 kg) per hand for 20+ meters
Grip & Static Holds
- Static Hold: 331 lbs (150 kg) for time
- Used thick bars, pinch blocks, and grippers to build crushing grip strength
Accessory Work
- Cable Triceps Pushdowns
- Chest-Supported Rows
- Cable Face Pulls (lying down)
- Core circuits and mobility drills
“I train like a beast because I compete like a beast.”
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🍽️ Hafthor Bjornsson Diet Plan: Fueling the 460-Pound Giant
To maintain his size and power, Hafthor consumed up to 10,000–12,000 calories per day during peak training.
His diet was high in protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats, with a focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods.
Sample Daily Diet (Competition Prep)
Meal | Food |
---|---|
Meal 1 (Breakfast) | 10 eggs, 300g oats, 2 bananas, 1 liter milk |
Meal 2 | 500g chicken, 500g rice, vegetables |
Meal 3 (Pre-Workout) | 200g protein shake, 200g bread, peanut butter |
Meal 4 (Post-Workout) | 300g steak, 600g potatoes, broccoli |
Meal 5 | 500g fish, 500g pasta, olive oil |
Meal 6 (Before Bed) | Cottage cheese, nuts, berries, protein shake |

Daily Macros (Approx.)
- Protein: 500–600g
- Carbs: 1,200–1,500g
- Fats: 200–250g
Supplements
- Whey & Casein Protein
- Creatine Monohydrate
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Vitamin D3 + K2
- Electrolytes
- Multivitamin
“You can’t build a castle without bricks. My food is my foundation.”
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🥊 Beyond Strongman: Powerlifting and Boxing
After retiring from strongman in 2020, Hafthor shifted focus to powerlifting, where he set multiple records, including the 501 kg deadlift.
Then, in 2022, he made global headlines by facing Eddie Hall—the man who once held the 1,100 lb deadlift record—in a professional boxing match.
The fight, held in Dubai, was a brutal 8-round war—and Hafþór won by unanimous decision, proving that size, strength, and heart can overcome even the odds.
🌍 Life After Competition: Business, Family & Legacy
Today, Hafthor Bjornsson is:
- A father of three
- Married to Kelsey Henson, a fitness model
- Founder of Björnsson’s Brew, an Icelandic craft beer brand
- Owner of a gym and training facility in Iceland
- Active on social media, inspiring millions
He continues to promote fitness, discipline, and mental toughness—not just through strength, but through storytelling, coaching, and entrepreneurship.

🔥 Final Thoughts: The Mountain Will Never Fall
Hafthor Bjornsson’s legacy is secure.
He’s not just the strongest man of his era—he’s one of the greatest strongmen of all time.
From a broken ankle to breaking world records, from basketball dreams to global fame, his journey proves that resilience, hard work, and belief can move mountains—literally.
And while he may no longer compete for the World’s Strongest Man title…
The Mountain still stands tall.