THE ENHANCED GAMES, a groundbreaking athletic competition that embraces performance-enhancing methods, is set to make waves this Memorial Day weekend, commencing on May 24. This inaugural series will take place in Las Vegas and showcase 50 elite athletes competing in four diverse disciplines: swimming, track, weightlifting, and strongman. The event will also feature a concert by The Killers, adding to the excitement.
Among the highlights is a gripping one-on-one deadlift contest between two titans of strength sports, Hafthor Björnsson and Mitchell Hooper. This winner-takes-all showdown will determine who reigns as the strongest deadlifter globally, free from pharmacological constraints. The victor will not only earn bragging rights but also a remarkable cash prize of $250,000.
Björnsson, who holds the official deadlift record, first shattered the 500-kilogram barrier in 2020 during a controversial event at his home gym amid the Covid-19 pandemic. By July 2025, he further solidified his dominance by lifting 505 kilograms at a sanctioned competition, later raising the bar to an impressive 510 kilograms (1124 pounds). He has boldly announced his intention to surpass his record by aiming for a total of 515 kilograms during the Enhanced Games.
On the other hand, Hooper has made a name for himself as one of the most accomplished strongman athletes in recent years, boasting four consecutive Arnold Strongman Classic victories and two World's Strongest Man titles, including one from April this year. Although his maximum competition deadlift stands at 475 kilograms (1047 pounds), the unique nature of this competition will allow audiences to witness him in a fresh context, potentially elevating his performance.
How to Watch the Enhanced Games Deadlift Competition
Fans eager to catch the action can stream the competition live through various platforms, including Roku, YouTube, Rumble, Twitch, and Kick. The opening ceremonies are scheduled for Sunday, May 24 at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT, followed by the commencement of events at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.