The International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) once again demonstrated its strength and global appeal at The World Games 2025, held from August 7 to 17 in Chengdu, China. The competition brought together the world’s best powerlifters in both Classic and Equipped divisions, contested across four weight categories: Light, Middle, Heavy, and SuperHeavy.
Fifty-three athletes (28 women and 25 men) represented their nations on the platform, with overall rankings determined by the IPF GL formula, ensuring fair comparisons across all weight classes. The event received significant media attention worldwide and welcomed many distinguished guests, underlining the growing profile of powerlifting within the international sporting community.
Top overall performers
- Classic Champions: Tiffany Chapon (France), Jurins Kengamu (UK)
- Equipped Champions: Kostiantyn Musiienko (Ukraine), Taylor Lachapelle (USA)
The men’s Classic divisions produced thrilling performances and record-breaking lifts:
- Lightweight: Joseph Jordan took gold with a 720kg total (IPF GL: 112.46), ahead of Kyota Ushiyama (717.5kg) and Clifton Pho (700.5kg), who also set a new deadlift world record of 318kg.
- Middleweight: Jurins Kengamu emerged as overall Best Male (Classic) with an impressive 872.5kg total (IPF GL: 120.9). He was joined on the podium by Enahoro Asein (817.5kg) and Kjell Egil Bakkelund (775kg).
- Heavyweight: Anatolii Novopysmennyi claimed gold with 937.5kg (IPF GL: 119.41), followed by Emil Norling (922.5kg) and Christian Ayandokun (892.5kg).
Reflecting on the success of the competition, IPF President Sigurjón Pétursson stated:
“The 2025 World Games proved once again that powerlifting is not just a test of raw strength, but a global celebration of athleticism, strategy, and mental grit. Our champions in Chengdu have raised the standard for excellence in the sport, and we are proud to see powerlifting shine on the world stage.”
Full results, including women’s categories and equipped divisions, are available on the official websites of the IPF and The World Games.
