Ray Williams

No one puts on a show quite like Ray Williams. Since bursting onto the powerlifting scene in 2013—squatting 905 LBS in just his second-ever meet—Ray has risen from relative obscurity to undisputed legend status in the sport.

Known by fans as “Ray Ray” or “Optimus Prime,” the Alabama native has earned five straight IPF Classic Raw World Championships in the Superheavyweight division, as well as four consecutive titles at the Arnold Pro American in Columbus, where he’s become a true fan favorite. In 2018, Ray delivered a jaw-dropping 1,069 LB raw squat at the Arnold. The following year, he broke his own record with a 1,080 LB (490 KG) lift and added a 545 LB bench to notch a career-best 2,452 LB (1,112 KG) total—one of the heaviest raw totals in history.

Despite his dominance on the platform, Ray’s journey has been anything but easy. From a challenging upbringing in Alabama to forging his path through football, fatherhood, and strength sports, he’s long relied on inner belief and relentless work ethic. A junior college football coach by trade and a mentor by nature, Ray brings an infectious mix of humility, charisma, and raw power to everything he does.

As a Rogue athlete, Ray Williams represents the heart of powerlifting: fierce, resilient, and proud of every pound earned.