Powerlifting Records
Units

USA · 140 kg equipped · 51 career entries

Bob Merkh

Bob Merkh is an American powerlifter who competes in the 140 kg equipped division.

His best competition total is 1,317.7 kg (2,905 lb), set at 814 Strength Spectacular in July 2022.

Over a career spanning 47 meets between 2008 and 2026, he has set four equipped world records in squat, deadlift, and total across the 110+ and 125 kg classes.

He currently holds two of those records.

Data through

Career total progression

Bob Merkh's competition total at each meet, with markers on every meet that set a world record.

Bob Merkh's competition total across 35 meets between 2009 and 2026, peaking at 1,318 kg in 2022. 2 of those meets set a world record; 1 still stands.6001,3238001,7641,0002,2051,2002,6461,4003,087kglb2009201220152018202120242026685 kg · 2009 · International Cup & Lifetime Single Lift Nationals705 kg · 2009 · World Championships726 kg · 2013 · Raw Dawg National Championships780 kg · 2014 · North American & New Jersey State Championships812 kg · 2014 · South Jersey Rumble826 kg · 2014 · Raw Dawg National Championships828 kg · 2015 · MHP North American & New Jersey Championships844 kg · 2015 · Finals873 kg · 2015 · Raw Dawg National Championships846 kg · 2015 · Boardwalk Brawl873 kg · 2016 · PRO Finals1,080 kg · 2016 · Hot and Heavy Full Power Meet1,068 kg · 2016 · Semi-Finals1,134 kg · 2017 · Finals1,182 kg · 2017 · Hot and Heavy891 kg · 2018 · Iron Asylum1,163 kg · 2018 · Hot and Heavy900 kg · 2018 · Full Power Wars1,225 kg · 2019 · Iron Wars1,229 kg · 2019 · Iron Warfare1,202 kg · 2019 · Hot and Heavy966 kg · 2019 · Old Iron Bull Classic1,185 kg · 2019 · WPO Super Finals608 kg · 2019 · Championships1,190 kg · 2020 · WPO Semi-Finals1,232 kg · 2020 · National Championships1,263 kg · 2021 · 814 Summer Smackdown Invitational1,135 kg · 2021 · WPO Super Finals1,234 kg · 2022 · Iron Asylum1,091 kg · 2023 · Hellbent Barbell Holy Wars1,240 kg · 2024 · The Pro Cup1,270 kg · 2025 · Strength of Heroes-Pro1,098 kg · 2026 · Holy Wars III1,173 kg · 2018 · WPO Championships (world record set, later surpassed)1,318 kg · 2022 · 814 Strength Spectacular (world record still held)

Record-setting meets, in order

  1. 2018-11-11 Squat 110+ kg 512.5 kg1130 lb WPO Championships
  2. 2022-07-16 Total 125 kg 1317.7 kg2905 lb 814 Strength Spectacular Currently held
  3. 2022-07-16 Squat 125 kg 510.3 kg1125 lb 814 Strength Spectacular Currently held
  4. 2022-07-16 Deadlift 125 kg 331.1 kg730 lb 814 Strength Spectacular
View total at each meet (35 entries)
Date Meet Total Marker
2009-08-09 International Cup & Lifetime Single Lift Nationals 685.0 kg1510 lb
2009-10-17 World Championships 705.0 kg1555 lb
2013-07-27 Raw Dawg National Championships 725.8 kg1600 lb
2014-01-25 North American & New Jersey State Championships 780.2 kg1720 lb
2014-05-17 South Jersey Rumble 811.9 kg1790 lb
2014-08-16 Raw Dawg National Championships 825.5 kg1820 lb
2015-01-24 MHP North American & New Jersey Championships 827.8 kg1825 lb
2015-03-06 Finals 843.7 kg1860 lb
2015-08-15 Raw Dawg National Championships 873.2 kg1925 lb
2015-08-29 Boardwalk Brawl 846.0 kg1865 lb
2016-03-05 PRO Finals 873.2 kg1925 lb
2016-07-16 Hot and Heavy Full Power Meet 1079.5 kg2380 lb
2016-09-17 Semi-Finals 1068.2 kg2355 lb
2017-03-03 Finals 1134.0 kg2500 lb
2017-08-26 Hot and Heavy 1181.6 kg2605 lb
2018-05-19 Iron Asylum 891.3 kg1965 lb
2018-08-04 Hot and Heavy 1163.5 kg2565 lb
2018-11-11 WPO Championships 1172.5 kg2585 lb World record (surpassed)
2018-12-15 Full Power Wars 900.4 kg1985 lb
2019-04-06 Iron Wars 1224.7 kg2700 lb
2019-05-25 Iron Warfare 1229.2 kg2710 lb
2019-07-13 Hot and Heavy 1202.0 kg2650 lb
2019-09-14 Old Iron Bull Classic 966.1 kg2130 lb
2019-10-28 WPO Super Finals 1185.0 kg2613 lb
2019-12-14 Championships 607.8 kg1340 lb
2020-03-05 WPO Semi-Finals 1190.0 kg2624 lb
2020-08-08 National Championships 1231.5 kg2715 lb
2021-07-17 814 Summer Smackdown Invitational 1263.3 kg2785 lb
2021-08-21 WPO Super Finals 1135.0 kg2502 lb
2022-03-26 Iron Asylum 1233.8 kg2720 lb
2022-07-16 814 Strength Spectacular 1317.7 kg2905 lb World record (held)
2023-12-09 Hellbent Barbell Holy Wars 1090.9 kg2405 lb
2024-08-03 The Pro Cup 1240.0 kg2734 lb
2025-09-06 Strength of Heroes-Pro 1270.1 kg2800 lb
2026-02-07 Holy Wars III 1097.5 kg2420 lb

World records set

Every world record Bob Merkh has set, split into the 2 he still holds and the 2 since broken.

Still held2

  • Total 125 kg Unlimited men: 1,317.69 kg (2,905 lb) at 814 Strength Spectacular, 2022
  • Squat 125 kg Unlimited men: 510.29 kg (1,125 lb) at 814 Strength Spectacular, 2022

Since surpassed2

  • Squat 110+ kg Multi-ply men: 512.5 kg (1,130 lb) at WPO Championships, 2018
  • Deadlift 125 kg Unlimited men: 331.12 kg (730 lb) at 814 Strength Spectacular, 2022

Career, by the numbers

Bob Merkh's career in aggregate: total tonnage moved, the climb from first total to best, and the split across the three lifts.

Total moved

40.3 tonnes

Every squat, bench and deadlift made across 47 competition entries, added up.

The climb

+633 kg1395 lb

From 685 kg1510 lb to 1318 kg2905 lb, a 92% rise on the first total on file.

Peak DOTS

751

Top 1% of all men on file

Archetype

Squatter

Split 42 / 28 / 30 (squat / bench / deadlift), 4.9 points above the typical split.

On the platform

42% third attempts made

14 of 33 third attempts converted, with 0 perfect 9-for-9 days out of 5. Heaviest made third: Squat515 kg1136 lb.

Biggest jump

+582 kg1284 lb

Between two meets, up to 1190 kg2624 lb at WPO Semi-Finals.

Footprint

18 years

3 federations, 1 country, 6 weight classes.

28% of entries lifted raw. 9% drug-tested. 3 bomb-outs on file. Best year: 2022.

Same numbers, for any lifter on file. Open the Profile Explorer

Meet history

All 51 sanctioned and unsanctioned entries on file, most recent first.

Date Meet Class BW Eq Squat Bench Deadlift Total DOTS Place
2026-02-07 IPA · Holy Wars III 110 109.4 kg241 lb Multi-ply 500.0 kg1103 lb 320.0 kg706 lb 277.5 kg612 lb 1097.5 kg2420 lb 651.45 3
2025-09-06 IPA · Strength of Heroes-Pro 140 125.2 kg276 lb Unlimited 480.8 kg1060 lb 501.2 kg1105 lb 288.0 kg635 lb 1270.1 kg2800 lb 719.47 1
2024-08-03 SPF · The Pro Cup 140 125.9 kg278 lb Unlimited 490.0 kg1081 lb 472.5 kg1042 lb 277.5 kg612 lb 1240.0 kg2734 lb 701.19 1
View full meet history (51 entries)
Date Meet Class BW Eq Squat Bench Deadlift Total DOTS Place
2024-07-20 IPA · F8 Bench Invitational (bench only) 140 127.6 kg282 lb Unlimited — 455.9 kg1005 lb — 455.9 kg1005 lb 256.68 1
2024-07-20 IPA · F8 Bench Invitational (bench only) 140 127.6 kg282 lb Single-ply — 283.5 kg625 lb — 283.5 kg625 lb 159.63 2
2023-12-09 IPA · Hellbent Barbell Holy Wars 125 123.5 kg272 lb Multi-ply 455.9 kg1005 lb 362.9 kg800 lb 272.2 kg600 lb 1090.9 kg2405 lb 620.70 2
2022-12-03 XPS · Tom Brown Memorial (bench only) 125 123.9 kg273 lb Unlimited — 498.9 kg1100 lb — 498.9 kg1100 lb 283.56 1
2022-11-06 WPC · WPO Super Finals 125 120.3 kg265 lb Multi-ply — — — — DQ
2022-09-24 XPS · F8 NorthEast Bench Invitational (bench only) 125 121.5 kg268 lb Unlimited — 478.5 kg1055 lb — 478.5 kg1055 lb 273.73 1
2022-07-16 IPA · 814 Strength Spectacular 125 122.9 kg271 lb Unlimited 510.3 kg1125 lb 476.3 kg1050 lb 331.1 kg730 lb 1317.7 kg2905 lb 750.82 1
2022-05-14 IPA · World Championships & Baddest Bencher (bench only) 125 125.0 kg276 lb Unlimited — 455.0 kg1003 lb — 455.0 kg1003 lb 257.87 1
2022-05-14 IPA · World Championships & Baddest Bencher (bench only) 125 125.0 kg276 lb Unlimited — 455.0 kg1003 lb — 455.0 kg1003 lb 257.87 2
2022-03-26 XPS · Iron Asylum 125 124.0 kg274 lb Multi-ply 528.4 kg1165 lb 378.8 kg835 lb 326.6 kg720 lb 1233.8 kg2720 lb 701.01 1
2021-10-23 RPS · Central Florida PHG Throwdown III (bench only) 125 122.9 kg271 lb Multi-ply — — — — DQ
2021-08-21 WPC · WPO Super Finals 125 123.3 kg272 lb Multi-ply 477.5 kg1053 lb 345.0 kg761 lb 312.5 kg689 lb 1135.0 kg2502 lb 646.00 5
2021-07-17 MM · 814 Summer Smackdown Invitational 125 123.2 kg272 lb Unlimited 487.6 kg1075 lb 453.6 kg1000 lb 322.1 kg710 lb 1263.3 kg2785 lb 719.37 1
2021-06-19 MM · Nationals (bench only) 125 124.6 kg275 lb Unlimited — 410.5 kg905 lb — 410.5 kg905 lb 232.91 1
2020-10-28 WPC · WPO Super Finals 125 121.3 kg268 lb Multi-ply 485.0 kg1069 lb — — — DQ
2020-08-08 MM · National Championships 125 123.5 kg272 lb Multi-ply 514.8 kg1135 lb 371.9 kg820 lb 344.7 kg760 lb 1231.5 kg2715 lb 700.70 1
2020-03-05 WPC · WPO Semi-Finals 125 124.6 kg275 lb Multi-ply 502.5 kg1108 lb 347.5 kg766 lb 340.0 kg750 lb 1190.0 kg2624 lb 675.12 3
2019-12-14 MM · Championships 140 128.4 kg283 lb Multi-ply 526.2 kg1160 lb 20.4 kg45 lb 61.2 kg135 lb 607.8 kg1340 lb 341.64 3
2019-10-28 WPC · WPO Super Finals 125 120.7 kg266 lb Multi-ply 515.0 kg1136 lb 345.0 kg761 lb 325.0 kg717 lb 1185.0 kg2613 lb 679.24 2
2019-09-14 MM · Old Iron Bull Classic 125 122.5 kg270 lb Multi-ply 458.1 kg1010 lb 142.9 kg315 lb 365.1 kg805 lb 966.1 kg2130 lb 551.16 1
2019-07-13 XPS · Hot and Heavy 125 123.3 kg272 lb Multi-ply 501.2 kg1105 lb 356.1 kg785 lb 344.7 kg760 lb 1202.0 kg2650 lb 684.25 1
2019-05-25 MM · Iron Warfare 125 121.6 kg268 lb Multi-ply 521.6 kg1150 lb 347.0 kg765 lb 360.6 kg795 lb 1229.2 kg2710 lb 702.96 1
2019-04-06 MM · Iron Wars 125 122.7 kg271 lb Multi-ply 517.1 kg1140 lb 367.4 kg810 lb 340.2 kg750 lb 1224.7 kg2700 lb 698.24 1
2018-12-15 MM · Full Power Wars 125 120.4 kg266 lb Multi-ply 476.3 kg1050 lb 61.2 kg135 lb 362.9 kg800 lb 900.4 kg1985 lb 516.48 2
2018-11-11 WPC · WPO Championships 110+ 120.6 kg266 lb Multi-ply 512.5 kg1130 lb 330.0 kg728 lb 330.0 kg728 lb 1172.5 kg2585 lb 672.26 2
2018-08-04 XPS · Hot and Heavy 125 125.0 kg276 lb Multi-ply 460.4 kg1015 lb 362.9 kg800 lb 340.2 kg750 lb 1163.5 kg2565 lb 659.40 1
2018-05-19 XPS · Iron Asylum 125 116.6 kg257 lb Wraps (raw) 367.4 kg810 lb 206.4 kg455 lb 317.5 kg700 lb 891.3 kg1965 lb 516.95 3
2017-09-23 MM · Old Iron Bull (bench only) 125 119.8 kg264 lb Multi-ply — 351.5 kg775 lb — 351.5 kg775 lb 202.03 1
2017-08-26 XPS · Hot and Heavy 125 121.2 kg267 lb Multi-ply 510.3 kg1125 lb 344.7 kg760 lb 326.6 kg720 lb 1181.6 kg2605 lb 676.38 1
2017-03-03 XPC · Finals (bench only) 125 124.4 kg274 lb Multi-ply — 340.0 kg750 lb — 340.0 kg750 lb 193.00 1
2017-03-03 XPC · Finals 125 122.6 kg270 lb Multi-ply 471.7 kg1040 lb 349.3 kg770 lb 313.0 kg690 lb 1134.0 kg2500 lb 646.75 1
2016-11-05 XPS · Beasts of New York Full Power Meet (deadlift only) 125 122.7 kg271 lb Multi-ply — — 328.9 kg725 lb 328.9 kg725 lb 187.47 1
2016-09-17 XPC · Semi-Finals 125 121.9 kg269 lb Multi-ply 417.3 kg920 lb 347.0 kg765 lb 303.9 kg670 lb 1068.2 kg2355 lb 610.26 1
2016-07-16 XPS · Hot and Heavy Full Power Meet 125 123.9 kg273 lb Multi-ply 433.2 kg955 lb 328.9 kg725 lb 317.5 kg700 lb 1079.5 kg2380 lb 613.53 1
2016-03-05 XPC · PRO Finals 110 109.6 kg242 lb Wraps (raw) 353.8 kg780 lb 222.3 kg490 lb 297.1 kg655 lb 873.2 kg1925 lb 517.88 10
2015-08-29 XPC · Boardwalk Brawl 100 99.9 kg220 lb Wraps (raw) 351.5 kg775 lb 206.4 kg455 lb 288.0 kg635 lb 846.0 kg1865 lb 520.97 1
2015-08-15 RPS · Raw Dawg National Championships 110 109.8 kg242 lb Wraps (raw) 365.1 kg805 lb 220.0 kg485 lb 288.0 kg635 lb 873.2 kg1925 lb 517.56 1
2015-05-16 RPS · Jersey Rumble 110 108.0 kg238 lb Multi-ply 408.2 kg900 lb — — — DQ
2015-03-06 XPC · Finals 90+ 99.9 kg220 lb Wraps (raw) 331.1 kg730 lb 220.0 kg485 lb 292.6 kg645 lb 843.7 kg1860 lb 519.57 2
2015-01-24 RPS · MHP North American & New Jersey Championships 100 100.0 kg221 lb Wraps (raw) 340.2 kg750 lb 210.9 kg465 lb 276.7 kg610 lb 827.8 kg1825 lb 509.60 1
2014-08-16 RPS · Raw Dawg National Championships 100 99.9 kg220 lb Wraps (raw) 317.5 kg700 lb 215.5 kg475 lb 292.6 kg645 lb 825.5 kg1820 lb 508.40 1
2014-05-17 RPS · South Jersey Rumble 100 100.0 kg221 lb Wraps (raw) 308.4 kg680 lb 204.1 kg450 lb 299.4 kg660 lb 811.9 kg1790 lb 499.82 1
2014-01-25 RPS · North American & New Jersey State Championships 100 99.8 kg220 lb Wraps (raw) 285.8 kg630 lb 210.9 kg465 lb 283.5 kg625 lb 780.2 kg1720 lb 480.65 1
2013-07-27 RPS · Raw Dawg National Championships 100 97.9 kg216 lb Wraps (raw) 254.0 kg560 lb 199.6 kg440 lb 272.2 kg600 lb 725.8 kg1600 lb 450.92 1
2009-10-17 WNPF · World Championships (bench only) 110 110.0 kg243 lb Raw (raw) — 192.5 kg425 lb — 192.5 kg425 lb 114.01 1
2009-10-17 WNPF · World Championships 110 110.0 kg243 lb Wraps (raw) 252.5 kg557 lb 192.5 kg425 lb 260.0 kg573 lb 705.0 kg1555 lb 417.55 2
2009-08-09 WNPF · International Cup & Lifetime Single Lift Nationals 110 110.0 kg243 lb Wraps (raw) 250.0 kg551 lb 190.0 kg419 lb 245.0 kg540 lb 685.0 kg1510 lb 405.70 1
2008-03-22 USAPL · New Jersey State Championships (bench only) 125 119.4 kg263 lb Single-ply — 215.0 kg474 lb — 215.0 kg474 lb 123.68 1

Testing profile

Category Meets Most recent meet
Tested 3 WNPF · World Championships (bench only) (2009-10-17)
Untested 44 IPA · Holy Wars III (2026-02-07)

Bob Merkh competes almost exclusively in untested competition, 44 of his 47 meets.

His five most recent meets have all been untested.

Related