The Henrico Sports and Events Center in Glen Allen, Virginia, transformed into the epicenter of the strength sports world on August 7th and 8th, 2026. As the host of Powerlifting United’s (PLU) highly anticipated American Pro, the venue provided the stage for a display of raw power, tactical brilliance, and the shattering of long-standing records. With a substantial $25,000 purse on the line and the prestige of the PLU banner, the event drew not only the best athletes on the planet but also a global audience watching via livestream, eager to witness history in the making.
The Format: From Open Aspirations to Elite Invites
The American Pro was structured to celebrate both the growth of the sport and its absolute pinnacle. The opening day, designated as the "Open Day," offered an inclusive platform for any registered PLU member to compete. This session served as a testament to the thriving grassroots community of powerlifting, featuring over 65 athletes across various weight classes. It was a day of personal bests and community camaraderie, proving that while the sport is often defined by its giants, its heart lies in the dedication of every athlete who steps onto the platform.
The atmosphere shifted on Saturday, August 8th, for the Invitational Day. The elite of the elite—a curated roster of 28 of the world’s most formidable powerlifters—descended upon Glen Allen. This was not merely a competition; it was an exhibition of human capability. With the $25,000 purse creating high-stakes tension, the athletes pushed their bodies to the brink of physiological failure, chasing world records and technical perfection.
Best Lifter Winners: Defining the Gold Standard
The "Best Lifter" titles are perhaps the most coveted awards in professional powerlifting, as they utilize the DOTS formula—a complex calculation factoring in body weight, age, and weight lifted—to determine the most pound-for-pound dominant athlete.
Brittany Bowles: A Masterclass in Dominance
On the women’s side, Brittany Bowles etched her name into the history books with a performance that defied expectations. Competing in the 60-kilogram (132-pound) division, Bowles moved with a precision that bordered on clinical. She secured 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) didn’t just win her the gold; it established a new all-time world record for her weight class. With a staggering DOTS score of 646.109, Bowles did more than dominate the women’s field—she outscored the men’s winner by a full point, cementing her status as the most efficient powerlifter of the 2026 American Pro.
John Haack: The Perpetual Titan
John Haack, a name synonymous with excellence in the powerlifting community, lived up to his legendary reputation. Entering the 100-kilogram (220-pound) division, Haack showcased a level of consistency that few athletes can emulate. His performance included a colossal 380-kilogram (838-pound) squat, a 265-kilogram (584-pound) bench, and a 399-kilogram (880-pound) deadlift.
His total of 1,044 kilograms (2,302 pounds) set a new world record. While he narrowly missed a 420-kilogram (926-pound) final deadlift attempt—a lift that would have pushed the boundaries of human strength even further—his performance was a reminder of why many consider him the greatest to ever step onto the platform.
Key Performances: The Records That Rocked the Arena
Beyond the Best Lifter awards, several athletes delivered performances that sent shockwaves through the sport.
Marina Castillo Pardo: The Squat Sovereign
Competing in the 67.5-kilogram class, Marina Castillo Pardo proved that technique and power are the ultimate tandem. While she took second overall in the Best Lifter rankings, her squat was untouchable. Pardo successfully navigated a 227.5-kilogram (501-pound) lift, claiming the all-time world record for her division. When combined with her 105-kilogram bench and 225-kilogram deadlift, she finished with a total of 557.5 kilograms, proving she is a force to be reckoned with for years to come.
Leonetta Richardson: The Eternal Legend
In a sport often dominated by youth, the presence of Leonetta Richardson was a masterclass in longevity. With over 25 years of competitive experience, Richardson continues to defy the aging process. Her 232.5-kilogram (512.6-pound) deadlift was the highest of the day, serving as a poignant reminder that experience, grit, and refined mechanics are the hallmarks of a true pioneer.
Kalil Zaky: The Pursuit of the 1,000-Pound Milestone
Perhaps no athlete captured the crowd’s imagination quite like Kalil Zaky. With his sights set on the elusive 1,000-pound deadlift milestone, Zaky put on a show of pure, unadulterated strength. By pulling 418 kilograms (921.5 pounds), he set a new world record for 110-kilogram lifters. The eruption of the crowd as he secured the three white lights from the referees was one of the weekend’s highlights, underscoring the raw, visceral appeal of the deadlift.
Christian Aquino: The Precision Performer
While world records often steal the headlines, consistency remains the backbone of success. Christian Aquino distinguished himself by being the only lifter in the men’s top 10 to go "9-for-9"—successfully completing every single attempt across all three disciplines. His 845-kilogram (1,863-pound) total, bolstered by a 315-kilogram squat and deadlift, was a masterclass in strategic competition and mental fortitude.
Open Day: The Rising Tide of Talent
The Open Day provided a crucial glimpse into the future of Powerlifting United. With over 65 lifters pushing their limits, the event highlighted the depth of the PLU roster.
- Women’s Best Lifter: Catalina Pineda (60kg class) displayed immense promise with a 447.5-kilogram (986.7-pound) total.
- Men’s Best Lifter: Aybars Gungor claimed the top spot with a 770-kilogram (1,697-pound) total.
- Tested Division: Biancy Eli and Tray Jones were recognized as the Best Lifters for the tested categories, with Jones pulling an impressive 940-kilogram total, proving that clean lifting remains a competitive standard in the organization.
Implications for the Future of Powerlifting
The 2026 American Pro in Glen Allen serves as a significant milestone for Powerlifting United. By bridging the gap between open-class accessibility and high-level invitational spectacle, the organization has created a blueprint for future growth. The event demonstrated that there is a massive, global appetite for high-quality powerlifting content.
The financial incentive of the $25,000 purse—and the potential for it to grow in coming years—positions PLU as a serious player in the professionalization of strength sports. As lifters like Brittany Bowles and John Haack continue to push past perceived biological limits, the sport is evolving from a niche pursuit into a mainstream spectacle.
Furthermore, the integration of detailed analytical tools, such as the LiftingCast results platform and the comprehensive YouTube livestream archives, ensures that the legacy of these lifts will be studied and celebrated for years. For the athletes, the American Pro is no longer just a meet; it is a vital step toward professional recognition and the pursuit of a legacy that will be etched in iron.
As the dust settles in Henrico, the message is clear: the ceiling for human strength is nowhere near its limit. Powerlifting is in a golden age, and the 2026 American Pro was the proof.
