'Game of Thrones' actor Hafthór Björnsson breaks deadlifting world record

In an electric display of power, Icelandic strongman and Game of Thrones actor Hafþór (Hafthor) Björnsson broke the deadlift world record Saturday, picking up 501 kilograms (nearly 1,105 pounds) of weight.

Björnsson, who played Ser Gregor Clegane aka The Mountain on Game of Thrones, made his deadlift world record attempt on Saturday, which was broadcast live on ESPN and streamed on YouTube. The previous record was set at 500 kilograms (about 1,102 pounds) by Eddie Hall in 2016.

The record-breaking lift is incredible to watch. His form from the start to the end is spectacular and his lockout at the top is uncharacteristically stable. Many lifters would wobble when attempting a personal record, but the 31-year-old looks like a rock.

The lifting event took place in Iceland, which with its small population of just 364,000, has been operating on lighter social distancing measures than other European countries. (Gatherings of more than 20 are banned through Monday; it's unclear exactly how many attended this event, but in footage, the gym looks sparsely populated.) The country has recorded only 10 COVID-19 deaths; Iceland implemented mass testing and contact tracing early on. Before Björnsson took the stage, event commentators described the attempt as something to look forward to amid the coronavirus crisis.

Before hitting the record, Björnsson warmed up by lifting 420 kilograms (roughly 926 pounds) and 465 kilograms (approximately 1,025 pounds), which means he pulled up a grand total of 1,386 kilograms (nearly 3,056 pounds) over three rounds that day.

After breaking the world record and taking a few minutes to kiss his wife, catch his breath, and cool down, Björnsson said in an interview that he was thankful he had the opportunity to attempt this record despite everything that's going on in the world.

"Not only did I pull this incredible weight, but I also just feel great afterwards," he said, noting that he didn't get any injuries. "I believe today I could have done more but what's the point? I'm happy with this."

Björnsson also holds the world record for the elephant bar deadlift, which is the same lift but with a longer barbell, and won the World's Strongest Man competition in 2018.