Liu Weiqiang didn’t just lift weights — he lifted the world’s expectations of human strength with one finger.
The 29-year-old strongman from Zhangjiakou, China, recently set a jaw-dropping new Guinness World Record by deadlifting 144.72 kilograms (319.05 pounds) using only the middle finger of his left hand.
While giants like Hafthor “Thor” Bjornsson wow crowds with 500+kg conventional deadlifts, Weiqiang carved a niche of his own by accomplishing one of the most extreme grip strength feats ever recorded — a lift so unique that even seasoned lifters wince just thinking about it.
See the lift below!
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A Feat of Pain, Precision, and Pure Finger Strength
Though the lift took place on February 2, 2025, it was only recently verified by Guinness World Records in late July.
To set the record, Liu attached six heavy plates — four 25kg and two 20kg — to a bar secured with a carabiner and thick fitness cable. That carabiner was then gripped by a single finger. With his left middle finger wrapped tightly around the loop, Liu assumed a narrow stance, braced his core, and initiated the lift.
It took nearly 10 seconds for Liu to fully control and stabilize the load, which is roughly the weight of a black bear, a washer-dryer combo, or even a baby grand piano.
Spectators watched in tense silence as his face contorted in pain — then broke into awe when Liu completed the lockout and lowered the weight under control.
Surpassing a Longstanding Record
Liu’s lift surpassed the previous record by over 6 kilograms (13.2 pounds), dethroning Egmond Molina of Aruba, who held the previous best.
To ensure fairness and authenticity, every component of the contraption was weighed, verified by witnesses, and documented as per Guinness World Records’ strict protocols.
But for Liu, the accomplishment isn’t just about bragging rights. It’s part of a much bigger story — one marked by years of quiet discipline, self-mastery, and a deep love for fitness.
From Humble Beginnings to World Record Dominance
“When I first started with fitness, online resources were scarce, and it was difficult to find guidance from fellow enthusiasts,” Liu said in an interview. “Therefore, I simply wanted to share my training process on social media.”
That honest start eventually transformed Liu into one of the most prolific record-holders in strength sports today.
In 2023 alone, he set eight new world records, including:
- Heaviest Weighted Pull-Up – 146.64 kg (323.28 lbs)
- Heaviest Tricep Dip – 191.94 kg (423.15 lbs)
- Heaviest Ring Muscle-Up – 44.2 kg added weight
- Most Ring Dips in 1 Minute with a 60 lb Pack – 51 reps
- Most Pull-Ups in 1 Minute with an 80 lb Pack – 28 reps
- Most Knuckle Push-Ups in 1 Minute with an 80 lb Pack – 72 reps
Each one of these feats requires not just brute strength, but exceptional tendon resilience, grip, joint integrity, and pain tolerance.
All While Holding Down a Regular Job
Despite being in peak condition, Liu’s path hasn’t been a straight line of glory.
“Since starting my job, I’ve had less time for fitness, and I’ve felt a bit slack. However, after proving myself through these records, I find fitness to be relaxing and enjoyable,” he shared.
This makes his achievements even more astounding. Unlike full-time athletes with unlimited training hours, Liu balances career, life, and lifting — proving that elite performance is still possible without unlimited resources.
His training approach emphasizes controlled overload, precision technique, and a strong mental game.
Training Like Liu: Is One-Finger Deadlifting Possible for You?
Let’s be clear: don’t try this at home.
Deadlifting hundreds of pounds with one finger is extremely dangerous for the untrained. Tendons, ligaments, and finger joints are fragile under such pressure — and one bad rep could mean permanent injury.
That said, Liu’s achievements offer some key lessons for any aspiring strength athlete:
1. Grip Strength is a Game Changer
Elite lifters know that when your grip fails, the lift ends. Liu’s training likely includes a mix of:
- Fingerboard hangs
- Fat bar work
- Heavy carries
- Thick grip pull-ups
2. Progressive Overload Applies to Everything
You don’t start with 140kg. Liu probably spent years conditioning his hands and fingers, gradually increasing load while monitoring for signs of strain or injury.
3. Discipline Over Spotlight
Despite his fame, Liu remains grounded. He rarely seeks attention, instead letting his actions speak. “If I were to go back 12 years, my middle school self could never have imagined that I would be setting world records,” he once joked.
4. Strength Comes in All Forms
Whether it’s a traditional deadlift, a one-arm chin-up, or a middle-finger lift, Liu reminds us that strength isn’t one-dimensional. It’s physical, mental, and emotional.
What’s Next for Liu Weiqiang?
With more than a dozen records under his belt and a growing global fanbase, it’s likely that Liu isn’t done pushing the limits.
His social media is filled with training tips, Q&As, and encouragement for followers. He reminds his audience that improvement is about consistency over intensity, and that even small wins add up.
Given his versatility and hunger for challenge, expect to see even more unconventional feats from this modern-day titan.
Final Thoughts
In an era of gym theatrics and social media stunts, Liu Weiqiang’s one-finger deadlift is more than a viral moment — it’s a symbol of what focused, patient strength-building can achieve.
He didn’t do it for fame. He did it for growth.
And that makes this lift more than a record.
It makes it a reminder that even the smallest part of us — a single finger — can do incredible things when the rest of us believes it’s possible.
