Mark Henry competed in strongman professionally from 1995 to 2002, transitioning from a successful powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting background. He won the inaugural Arnold Strongman Classic in 2002. Henry set an American deadlift record by pulling 903 lbs (410 kg) raw at the 1995 USAPL Nationals. He is known for his exceptional strength in the squat and deadlift, notably squatting 953 lbs (432 kg) in competition.