Powerlifting: Defining the Number One, Key Metrics, and Leading Contenders

Who is the number one powerlifter in the world?

Defining the "number one" powerlifter in the world is a complex task, as the sport's landscape is incredibly diverse, encompassing various federations, equipment categories (raw vs. equipped), weight classes, and scoring methodologies. While no single individual holds an undisputed title, several athletes consistently demonstrate world-leading strength and dominance across different criteria.

The Nuance of "Number One" in Powerlifting

Unlike sports with a singular championship, powerlifting's decentralized nature means there isn't one definitive "world champion" title. Several factors contribute to this complexity, making a direct comparison challenging:

• Federations and Rules: Powerlifting is governed by numerous federations (e.g., IPF, USAPL, USPA, WRPF, APF, XPC), each with its own rules, equipment standards, drug testing policies, and record-keeping. A record in one federation may not be recognized in another.
• Raw vs. Equipped Lifting: This is the most significant distinction.
  • Raw (Unequipped) Powerlifting: Lifters use minimal supportive gear, typically only a belt, wrist wraps, and knee sleeves. This showcases pure muscular strength.
  • Equipped Powerlifting: Lifters utilize specialized, multi-ply suits and shirts (for squat, bench press, and deadlift) that provide significant elastic recoil and support, allowing for much heavier lifts. This requires a different technique and skill set.
• Weight Classes: Athletes compete within specific weight categories, from lighter classes (e.g., 59kg/130lb) to super heavyweights (120kg+/264lb+).
• Scoring Systems: To compare strength across different weight classes, various formulas are used:
  • Wilks Formula (and its successor, DOTS Formula): These mathematical formulas calculate a "pound-for-pound" score, allowing lighter lifters to be compared to heavier lifters based on their body weight relative to their total lift.
  • IPF GL Points: The International Powerlifting Federation's current formula for comparing lifters across weight classes and genders.

Key Metrics for Evaluation

When assessing who might be considered "number one," we typically look at a combination of these metrics:

• Absolute Total: The highest combined weight lifted across the squat, bench press, and deadlift, regardless of body weight. This often favors super heavyweights.
• Relative Strength (Pound-for-Pound): The highest Wilks, DOTS, or IPF GL Points score, indicating exceptional strength relative to body mass. This allows lighter lifters to be recognized for their incredible feats.
• World Records: Holding multiple world records across various lifts or the total in a specific category.
• Dominance and Consistency: Winning numerous national and international competitions over an extended period.
• Impact on the Sport: Influencing training methodologies, inspiring new lifters, or pushing the boundaries of human strength.

Leading Contenders for the "Number One" Title (Recent & Current)

Given the complexities, "number one" is often debated across categories. Here are some of the most prominent powerlifters who have demonstrated world-class strength and contention for such a title in recent years:

Male Raw Powerlifters

• John Haack (USA): Often considered the strongest pound-for-pound raw male powerlifter globally. Haack has consistently broken world records across multiple weight classes (e.g., 90kg/198lb and 100kg/220lb), achieving unprecedented totals and DOTS scores. His raw bench press and total strength are legendary.
• Russel Orhii (USA): A dominant force in the 83kg/183lb raw weight class, Orhii holds multiple world records and has consistently won major competitions, showcasing incredible consistency and strength.
• Jamal Browner (USA): Known for his monstrous deadlifts and impressive totals, particularly in the 110kg/242lb and 125kg/275lb raw categories.

Female Raw Powerlifters

• Amanda Lawrence (USA): Widely regarded as one of the strongest pound-for-pound raw female powerlifters in history. Competing in the 84kg/185lb class, Lawrence holds numerous world records and has consistently delivered dominant performances on the international stage.
• Prescillia Bavoil (France): A standout in the 63kg/138lb raw class, Bavoil has achieved remarkable totals and consistently holds world records, particularly in the squat and deadlift.
• Bonica Brown (USA): While also known for equipped lifting, Bonica has shown incredible raw strength, especially in the super heavyweight division, often surpassing previous female benchmarks.

Equipped Powerlifters (Male)

• Dan Bell (USA): A super heavyweight equipped lifter who has achieved some of the highest multi-ply totals in history, pushing the boundaries of absolute strength in the equipped category.
• JM Blakley (USA): Another elite multi-ply lifter, known for his incredible totals in various super heavyweight classes, demonstrating mastery of equipped lifting technique.

Equipped Powerlifters (Female)

• Bonica Brown (USA): A formidable force in the equipped super heavyweight category, Bonica has set numerous records and consistently showcases unparalleled strength in multi-ply gear.

How Powerlifting Federations Influence Rankings

The choice of federation significantly impacts who is recognized as "number one."

• IPF (International Powerlifting Federation): The largest and most globally recognized drug-tested federation. Lifters who excel here are often seen as champions within a strictly regulated environment.
• Non-Tested Federations (e.g., WRPF, USPA, APF): These federations often see higher absolute totals due to fewer restrictions on performance-enhancing substances. Records set here represent the absolute peak of human strength, with or without pharmacological assistance.

Therefore, a lifter might be "number one" in raw, drug-tested IPF competition, while another might hold the highest absolute total in a multi-ply, untested federation. Both achievements are remarkable but operate under different conditions.

The Role of Scoring Systems (Wilks, DOTS, IPF GL Points)

These formulas were developed to create a level playing field across weight classes, allowing for a "pound-for-pound" comparison.

• Wilks Formula: Historically the most popular formula, it provides a coefficient based on body weight, which is then multiplied by the lifter's total to yield a score.
• DOTS Formula (Dynamic Objective Total Score): Introduced as a successor to Wilks, DOTS aims to provide a more accurate and consistent comparison across all weight classes and genders, addressing some of the perceived biases in the Wilks formula.
• IPF GL Points: The official scoring system used by the International Powerlifting Federation, designed to be fair and equitable for all lifters within its specific rule set.

These systems are crucial for identifying athletes who demonstrate exceptional strength relative to their size, often highlighting lighter weight class lifters who might not achieve the highest absolute totals but display incredible power.

Conclusion: A Dynamic Landscape

The question of "who is the number one powerlifter in the world?" does not have a single, static answer. It's a dynamic title influenced by the criteria applied: absolute strength versus relative strength, raw versus equipped, and the specific federation's rules and drug testing policies.

Instead of a singular champion, we celebrate a pantheon of extraordinary athletes who continually push the boundaries of human strength. The sport of powerlifting thrives on this diversity, offering various avenues for athletes to achieve greatness and for fans to appreciate the incredible feats of strength displayed across its many facets. As new records are set and new talent emerges, the discussion of who stands at the pinnacle of powerlifting will forever evolve.