Austin Perkins has pushed the boundaries of what is possible in raw powerlifting. Competing in the 74-kilogram class, he not only claimed gold at the 2024 IPF Classic World Championships, but also rewrote the record books, setting new benchmarks for the squat and total.
Unmatched Dominance on the Platform
Perkins arrived at the global stage with expectations, but his performance far exceeded them. In 2024, he locked out a raw squat of 311 kg at his bodyweight near 73 kg—setting an open-division world record. That same competition saw him bench 200 kg and deadlift 325 kg, for a total of 836 kg, another world record in the 74-kg class.
His trajectory did not stop there. In early 2025, he extended those numbers, squatting 323 kg and delivering a total around 843 kg—numbers that few envisioned possible in this weight category.
Behind the Numbers: What It Means for the Sport
Raw lifting in the 74-kg division has long been a proving ground for elite strength athletes. To dominate it as Perkins has done calls for exceptional technique, deep strength reserves and mental fortitude. A raw squat of over 300 kg at that bodyweight demands near-flawless form and intense focus. A total approaching or exceeding 840 kg places him in a rarefied tier of lifters across all weight classes.
For the sport, Perkins’s achievement raises the bar. Other competitors will now measure themselves against his lifts. Coaches and athletes will pore over his training, technique and meet execution for insights. The records he set become not just numbers in a ledger but new standards of what raw lifting can accomplish.
Training and Technique: Keys to the Breakthrough
Several elements helped Perkins outperform expectations. First, his squat technique: despite the massive load he handled, he consistently reached full depth and lock-out across attempts. His bench press approach brought calm under the platform’s lights, and his deadlift showcased speed and efficient setup even under fatigue.
His preparation combined volume, specificity and peaking phases tailored to the major championships. The training camp prior to the World Championships featured heavy triples, timed rest intervals, simulated meet runs and technical drills. Recovery, nutrition and mental rehearsal played integral roles.
Competition Strategy: How Perkins Executed
His competition plan demonstrated forethought. He opened attempts with safe lifts to secure a standing total, then increased weights strategically to chase records. At the squat rack, he climbed steadily until the 311 kg attempt in 2024, then 323 kg in 2025. He avoided unnecessary misses and wasted energy. His bench followed a similar pattern—consistent numbers leading into 200 kg. With deadlift, he preserved energy for a peak total attempt.
Mental preparation was equally critical. Under the spotlight of a world stage, handling pressure and maintaining focus during each lift becomes a distinguishing factor. Perkins proved resilient and calm throughout.
Impact Beyond the Platform
Perkins’s record-setting performance has ripple effects. For younger athletes, it offers inspiration and proof that raw strength can reach higher levels than many assumed. For coaches, his methods provide a case study in periodization, technical mastery and weight-category optimization. For the sport’s governing bodies, his lifts provoke discussion around testing standards, eligibility, category benchmarks and the evolution of records.
What Comes Next
While Perkins now holds the records, observant fans and athletes note that his 2025 performance—though extraordinary—was still very near his best training lifts. That hints at potential for further gains. Many will monitor his next competitive outing to see whether he adjusts his attempts, changes weight classes or pursues new challenges.
