The International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) hosted the 2025 World Open Classic Powerlifting Championships from 8–15 June, drawing 387 elite athletes from 60 nations to the city of Chemnitz. With a growing global footprint, this year’s event saw a significant increase in participation compared to the 318 athletes in 2024.
The competition took place in a vibrant atmosphere, with full crowds and an enthusiastic local audience adding energy to the championship’s world-class performances.
A notable highlight was the participation of six Special Olympics athletes, who competed with passion and determination—reinforcing the inclusive values shared across the AIMS family.



The event delivered an impressive 47 new world records, including a historic achievement by Australia’s Natalie Laalaai, who set a new benchmark with a 285.5kg deadlift—the heaviest ever performed by a woman in IPF history, whether classic or equipped. Another standout moment came from Agata Siko of Poland, who achieved the highest ever GL (Goodlift) score recorded in the federation’s history, reaching an extraordinary 133.37 points. The GL formula enables comparison of athletes across different weight categories, underscoring the exceptional nature of her performance. Team USA delivered dominant performances in both men’s and women’s divisions. On the men’s side, they secured the team title and occupied the top three GL scores:
- Austin Perkins – 123.85 GL points
- Joe Borenstein – 123.32 GL points
- Anthony McNaughton – 121.06 GL points
While the USA women’s team also claimed the top team award, the highest-ranked female lifters came from a diverse group of nations:
- Agata Siko (Poland) – 133.37 GL points
- Brittany Schlater (Canada) – 124.75 GL points
- Carola Garra (Italy) – 124.46 GL points
The championship served as a platform for seasoned champions to defend their titles while also welcoming the rise of new talents, including several junior athletes making their mark on the international stage. The next edition of the IPF Classic World Championships is scheduled for 13–26 June 2026 in Dubai.
The AIMS family extends congratulations to the IPF and all participating athletes for their remarkable achievements and continued commitment to excellence.