Bobby Thompson (born March 22, 1994) is a retired American strongman competitor known for his impressive static strength, particularly in the deadlift and log lift events. Standing at 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) and competing at around 150 kg (331 lb), Thompson rose to prominence after winning the 2019 Arnold Amateur Strongman World Championships and making multiple appearances at the World's Strongest Man (WSM). He announced his retirement from professional strongman in August 2025 following the Strongest Man on Earth contest.[1]
Thompson was born in Germany to a military family, which led to frequent moves during his childhood. His family eventually settled in Stafford County, Virginia, where he attended Mountain View High School.[2] As a youth, he played team sports but was plagued by chronic foot injuries that required surgical interventions, including bone fusions and screws in both feet. These injuries shifted his focus to powerlifting, which eventually led him to strongman.[3]
Strongman career
Thompson's strongman journey began in 2015 when he was approached at a gym to compete in a local novice contest, which he won with minimal equipment-specific training.[4] He made his professional debut at the 2019 Giants Live North American Open, finishing fourth.[4] That same year, he won the Arnold Amateur Strongman World Championships in Columbus, Ohio, clinching the title in a dramatic finish by completing 15 deadlift reps in the final event, edging out Marcus Crowder by half a point.[4] Thompson debuted at the 2020 WSM, qualifying for the finals and placing ninth overall, highlighted by the second-heaviest maximum log lift of 205 kg (452 lb) and nine reps at 350 kg (772 lb) in the deadlift.[4] He returned to WSM in 2021 (ninth place), 2023 (failed to reach finals), and 2024 (withdrew due to a foot injury).[1] Notable achievements include bronze medals at the 2022 and 2023 Arnold Strongman Classics, a win at the 2022 Beerstone contest, and an eighth-place finish at the 2024 Strongest Man on Earth.[1] Thompson's final competition was the 2025 Strongest Man on Earth, where he completed three events before withdrawing. He retired on August 18, 2025, citing the physical toll of the sport, which often limits careers to a decade or less.[1][2]
Personal records
Thompson's personal records reflect his strength in static lifts, particularly the deadlift:
Deadlift: 465 kg (1,025 lb), December 2021, Training[5]
Deadlift reps: 9 x 350 kg (772 lb), 2020, World's Strongest Man[4]
Deadlift reps (amateur): 15 reps (unspecified weight), 2019, Arnold Amateur Strongman World Championships[4]
Elephant Bar Deadlift: 420 kg (926 lb), March 2020, Arnold Sports Festival[6]
Personal life
Thompson resides in Stafford, Virginia, and studied at Germanna Community College.[7] He works in logistics and maintains an active presence on social media, sharing training insights and contest highlights.[8] Thompson has trained under Zane Angle, a former professional strongman, since 2015.[2] He has leaned down in recent years, reducing bodyweight while maintaining strength.[4]
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