The iron was hot, the atmosphere was electric, and the stakes were higher than ever. From August 7th to 8th, the Henrico Sports and Events Center in Glen Allen, Virginia, transformed into the epicenter of the strength sports world as Powerlifting United (PLU) hosted its highly anticipated 2026 American Pro. With a $25,000 purse on the line and an elite roster of athletes converging on the Commonwealth of Virginia, the event served as a definitive showcase of human potential, grit, and technical mastery.
The Format: From Grassroots to Global Elite
The two-day event was strategically designed to celebrate both the accessibility and the professional pinnacle of the sport. August 7th served as the "Open Day," a competitive platform that allowed any PLU member to register and test their mettle. With over 65 lifters competing across various weight classes, the Open Day acted as a testament to the growth of the sport, offering a stage for rising talent to perform in front of a live audience and a global viewership via the PLU YouTube channel.
The narrative shifted on Saturday, August 8th, for the Invitational Day. This was the main event—a curated showcase featuring 28 of the most formidable powerlifters on the planet. These athletes were not merely competing for medals; they were chasing history, world records, and a significant share of the $25,000 prize pool. The tension in the arena was palpable as every lift became a calculated risk against gravity, testing the limits of the human musculoskeletal system.
The Best Lifter Winners: Defining the Standard
In powerlifting, the "Best Lifter" award is the ultimate accolade, utilizing the DOTS formula—a calculation that normalizes performance across different body weights, genders, and ages—to determine who truly dominated the platform.
Brittany Bowles: A New Benchmark for Women
Brittany Bowles delivered a performance for the ages. Competing in the 60-kilogram (132-pound) division, Bowles displayed a rare combination of explosive power and technical perfection. Her day was defined by a 215-kilogram (474-pound) squat, a 137.5-kilogram (303-pound) bench press, and a 228.5-kilogram (504-pound) deadlift.
Her total of 581 kilograms (1,281 pounds) not only secured the gold but established a new all-time world record in her weight class. With a DOTS score of 646.109, Bowles did more than just lead the women’s field; she outperformed the male Best Lifter winner by a full point, cementing her status as the most efficient powerlifter of the weekend.
John Haack: The GOAT Conversation
For many, the name John Haack is synonymous with greatness. Stepping onto the platform in the 100-kilogram (220-pound) division, Haack faced immense pressure to perform, and he answered with a display of raw dominance. Haack concluded the day with a massive 1,044-kilogram (2,302-pound) total—a new world record.
His series of lifts—a 380-kilogram (838-pound) squat, 265-kilogram (584-pound) bench, and 399-kilogram (880-pound) deadlift—showcased his unparalleled consistency. While he attempted a staggering 420-kilogram (926-pound) final deadlift, narrowly missing the lockout, his performance was nonetheless a masterclass in modern powerlifting, solidifying his position as arguably the greatest lifter to ever step onto the platform.
Notable Athletes and Extraordinary Feats
While Bowles and Haack took home the top honors, the Invitational Day was littered with legendary performances that pushed the boundaries of what was previously thought possible.
Marina Castillo Pardo: Squat Supremacy
Representing the 67.5-kilogram class, Marina Castillo Pardo secured second overall in the Best Lifter rankings. Her standout achievement was a 227.5-kilogram (501-pound) squat, which now stands as the all-time world record for her division. By pairing this with a 105-kilogram bench and a 225-kilogram deadlift, she proved that she is a force of nature, possessing a strength-to-weight ratio that few in the world can replicate.
The Longevity of Leonetta Richardson
Powerlifting is a sport that often favors the young, yet Leonetta Richardson continues to defy the clock. With over 25 years of experience, Richardson is a pioneer who has witnessed the evolution of the sport firsthand. She proved that her competitive fire hasn’t dimmed, pulling a 232.5-kilogram (512.6-pound) deadlift, the highest of the day for her cohort, and earning the respect of every athlete in the building.
Kalil Zaky: Chasing the 1,000-Pound Milestone
Perhaps no lift elicited a louder roar from the Henrico crowd than Kalil Zaky’s deadlift. Zaky has been on a quest for the elusive 1,000-pound pull, and at this year’s American Pro, he moved significantly closer. He shattered the world record for the 110-kilogram class by deadlifting 418 kilograms (921.5 pounds). The sheer emotion displayed by Zaky upon receiving three white lights from the judges served as the emotional centerpiece of the weekend.
Christian Aquino: The Art of the Nine-for-Nine
In the hyper-competitive environment of professional powerlifting, it is common for athletes to "bomb out" or miss attempts as they chase personal records. Christian Aquino took a different approach, executing a flawless "9-for-9" performance. By successfully completing all three attempts in the squat, bench, and deadlift, he demonstrated the kind of strategic discipline that wins championships. His total of 845 kilograms (1,863 pounds) was a masterclass in consistency and focus.
Open Day: The Rising Tide
The Open Day of the American Pro was a crucial reminder that every elite athlete starts at the local level. With 65 competitors, the atmosphere was a mix of intense focus and community spirit.
In the open divisions, Catalina Pineda claimed the women’s Best Lifter award with a 447.5-kilogram total, while Aybars Gungor dominated the men’s side with a 770-kilogram total. The event also highlighted "Tested" lifters, with Biancy Eli and Tray Jones taking home honors in their respective categories. These results, all documented on LiftingCast, highlight the depth of talent currently rising through the Powerlifting United ranks.
Implications for the Future of the Sport
The 2026 American Pro was more than just a competition; it was a clear indicator of the professionalization of powerlifting. The inclusion of a significant $25,000 prize purse, combined with the high-production quality of the livestream, signals a shift toward a future where powerlifters can be compensated as professional athletes.
The record-breaking performances in Glen Allen provide a new baseline for what is expected in the sport. As athletes like Bowles and Haack continue to push the DOTS formula to its limits, the sport is attracting more eyes than ever before. The success of this event suggests that the appetite for elite-level powerlifting is growing, and organizations like PLU are perfectly positioned to capitalize on this momentum.
Furthermore, the integration of veteran legends like Richardson alongside the next generation of record-breakers like Zaky creates a unique narrative arc. Powerlifting is a sport of heritage and evolution; the 2026 American Pro served as the bridge between those two worlds. As the community looks toward the next major event on the calendar, the standard has been set: the records are meant to be broken, and the platform in Virginia has proven that the ceiling for human strength is still a long way off.
For those who missed the live action, the full archives of the competition remain available on the Powerlifting United YouTube channel, offering an opportunity to study the technique, strategy, and sheer will of the athletes who defined this historic weekend in Glen Allen.
