Powerlifting America Nationals: Atlanta
Atwood’s move to 83kg, Borenstein’s clutch win, and a 93kg field that won’t quit
Powerlifting America Nationals, April 3-6, 2025, in Atlanta, got things hot, especially in 83kg and 93kg. Huge lifts and fierce rivalries drove a showing of raw strength—and Taylor Atwood’s moving up from 74kg to 83kg introduced a wildcard madness to the equation. Here’s what happened.
83kg: Borenstein vs Atwood
The 83kg class was a battlefield. Taylor Atwood, a legend in the 74kg division, tried out the heavier weight for the first time with a massive 876kg total—317.5kg squat, 216kg bench, and personal record 342.5kg deadlift. That pull had everyone in the stands buzzing, showing he’s doing tremendous things with the extra weight. But the kicker: Joe Borenstein edged him out with a 900kg total, taking gold in a photo finish finish. Atwood’s second place finish was no letdown. It’s a bold foray into a loaded division, and looks like he’s just getting started.
93kg: Heavy Hitters Dominate
The 93kg class was equally brutal. Early indications (up to April 8, 2025) tally above 880kg, squats and deadlifts that shook the platform. Jonathan Cayco made the class tough. It’s a talent meat grinder, and Nationals demonstrated why 93kg is one of the most fun classes to watch around right now.
Taylor Atwood: 74kg King turned 83kg Contender
Atwood’s story gets top billing. He ruled the 74kg class for several years: three IPF Worlds, a 790.5kg total at the 2019 Worlds, and an 838.5kg (11x bodyweight) Nationals in 2021. But all that weight going down to 74kg hurt, racking up injuries. In 2024, he bulked back up to 83kg, testing the waters at the Scary Strong 3 meet with an 830kg total and that 342.5kg deadlift. Nationals 2025 was his breakout meet, and 876kg showed he’s not just adapting, he’s aiming for the high life. At 36, Atwood is reinventing himself, and 83kg is even more lethal.
The Takeaway
Nationals 2025 was not just about lifts; it was about evolution. The 83kg and 93kg classes revealed powerlifting’s depth—bigger totals, tougher fields, and the likes of Atwood pushing the boundaries. His move to 83kg is a return in new skin, trading the sweat of weight cuts for a chance at new glory. Borenstein and the 93kg monsters just raised the stakes.