The Henrico Sports and Events Center in Glen Allen, Virginia, transformed into the epicenter of the global strength community this past August 7th and 8th. The 2026 Powerlifting United (PLU) American Pro delivered a masterclass in human performance, serving as a high-stakes proving ground for the strongest athletes on the planet. With $25,000 in prize money on the line and the prestige of the PLU platform at stake, the event was defined by record-breaking totals, technical mastery, and the relentless pursuit of human potential.
The two-day spectacle was bifurcated into an accessible “Open Day” and a high-octane “Invitational Day.” While the first day allowed a wide breadth of PLU members to test their mettle, the second day shifted the focus to an elite cohort of 28 of the world’s most formidable powerlifters.
The Chronology of Strength
Day One: The Open Showcase
On August 7th, the atmosphere in Glen Allen was electric as over 65 lifters from across the country converged to compete. The “Open Day” was more than just a preliminary; it was a testament to the growth of the sport. The competition featured a diverse range of weight classes and experience levels, providing a massive stage for up-and-coming talent to make their mark.
The day concluded with the crowning of several champions. Catalina Pineda stood out on the women’s side, securing the Best Lifter award with a total of 447.5 kilograms (986.7 pounds) in the 60-kilogram division. Among the men, Aybars Gungor dominated the platform, walking away with a total of 770 kilograms (1,697 pounds). In the “Tested” division—where athletes are subject to rigorous anti-doping protocols—Biancy Eli (441.5 kg total) and Tray Jones (940 kg total) took top honors, proving that discipline remains the cornerstone of elite powerlifting.
Day Two: The Invitational Elite
By the morning of August 8th, the intensity in the Henrico Sports and Events Center had reached a fever pitch. The Invitational Day featured 28 lifters hand-selected for their world-class credentials. The format was simple: nine attempts to prove one’s supremacy in the squat, bench press, and deadlift. As the day unfolded, the crowd witnessed a series of historic performances that forced the officiating team to re-verify the record books.
Best Lifter Winners: A Study in Dominance
The "Best Lifter" title at the American Pro is determined by the DOTS score—a complex coefficient that factors in gender, body weight, age, and the raw weight lifted to ensure a fair comparison across different categories. This year, the competition for the top spot was fierce, ultimately yielding two of the most impressive displays in the history of the sport.
Brittany Bowles: The Statistical Titan
Brittany Bowles delivered what many are calling the performance of the year. Competing in the 60-kilogram (132-pound) division, Bowles moved weight that defied biological expectations. Her day consisted of a 215-kilogram (474-pound) squat, a 137.5-kilogram (303-pound) bench press, and a 228.5-kilogram (504-pound) deadlift.
This performance culminated in a 581-kilogram (1,281-pound) total, establishing a new all-time world record for her weight class. With a DOTS score of 646.109, Bowles did not merely win the women’s division; she outperformed the male Best Lifter winner by a full point, cementing her status as the pound-for-pound queen of the platform.
John Haack: The Perpetual Record Breaker
In the men’s division, the name John Haack is synonymous with greatness. Widely regarded by fans and fellow athletes alike as one of the greatest powerlifters in history, Haack entered the 100-kilogram (220-pound) class with clear intentions.
Haack’s performance was nothing short of legendary: a 380-kilogram (838-pound) squat, a 265-kilogram (584-pound) bench press, and a 399-kilogram (880-pound) deadlift. His total of 1,044 kilograms (2,302 pounds) set a new world record. While he missed a daring 420-kilogram (926-pound) final deadlift attempt—coming just shy of the lockout—his sheer capacity for heavy lifting left the crowd in awe of his physical durability.
Notable Athletes and Extraordinary Lifts
Beyond the Best Lifter winners, the Invitational Day provided several “highlight reel” moments that will be discussed for years to come.
Marina Castillo Pardo and the Squat Masterclass
Representing the 67.5-kilogram class, Marina Castillo Pardo took second in the Best Lifter rankings, but her performance in the squat was unrivaled among the women. Pardo successfully navigated a 227.5-kilogram (501-pound) lift, setting a new all-time world record for her division. When paired with her 105-kilogram bench and 225-kilogram deadlift, Pardo finished with a total of 557.5 kilograms, proving she is a force to be reckoned with in the light-heavyweight categories.
The Longevity of Leonetta Richardson
Powerlifting is often viewed as a young person’s game, but veteran Leonetta Richardson challenged that narrative. A pioneer in the sport with over 25 years of experience, Richardson continues to perform at the highest level. Her 232.5-kilogram (512.6-pound) deadlift was the highest of the day for the women, a testament to her technical refinement and undying passion for the barbell.
The Quest for 1,000: Kalil Zaky
Perhaps the most visceral moment of the event occurred during the men’s deadlift session. Kalil Zaky, currently on a quest to join the elite group of lifters who have pulled 1,000 pounds, moved the audience to a roar. By pulling 418 kilograms (921.5 pounds), Zaky set a new world record for the 110-kilogram class. His exuberant celebration at the lockout, followed by three white lights from the referees, served as a reminder of the raw, emotional weight of professional powerlifting.
Christian Aquino: The Model of Consistency
In a sport where “going for broke” often results in missed attempts and failed totals, Christian Aquino demonstrated the value of tactical intelligence. As the only lifter in the men’s top 10 to successfully complete all nine attempts, Aquino’s 9-for-9 performance was a masterclass in consistency. His total of 845 kilograms (1,863 pounds)—comprising a 315-kg squat, 215-kg bench, and 315-kg deadlift—highlights the importance of reliability at the professional level.
Implications for the Future of Powerlifting
The 2026 American Pro has significant implications for the trajectory of Powerlifting United and the sport at large. The sheer caliber of the athletes, combined with the professional production value and the high-stakes prize purse, indicates that powerlifting is rapidly transitioning from a niche strength hobby to a mainstream spectator sport.
The success of the livestream—with replays now available on the PLU YouTube channel—ensures that these records will live on in digital archives, inspiring a new generation of lifters. Furthermore, the performance of the “Tested” division winners on the Open Day signals a continued commitment to a clean, fair sport.
For the athletes, the American Pro served as a measuring stick. With the records set by Bowles and Haack, the bar has been raised significantly. The next cycle of training for these competitors will undoubtedly be focused on eclipsing these new thresholds. As we look toward future PLU events, the landscape is clear: the era of "impossible" lifts is over, and the era of the human machine has truly begun.
For those interested in reviewing the technical data, the full results of all lifters are currently cataloged on LiftingCast. The standard set in Glen Allen, VA, is now the benchmark by which all future American Pro events will be judged. As the dust settles on the Henrico Sports and Events Center, one thing remains certain: the pursuit of the total continues.
