Cone's "last ride" continues with the demolition of the world championship!

When we first wrote at the end of the summer that Czech bench press legend Vlastimil Kužel had announced his "last ride", many expected a spectacular, but nonetheless final farewell to his career. After triumphing at the European Cup and setting a world record of 265 kg, it was clear that Vlasta wasn't just going to wave goodbye. Now, after his performance at the GPC World Championships in Brazil, we have to rethink our words. This is not the last ride. This is the triumphant campaign of a king who goes for everything.

Brazil humbled: absolute domination and a new world record

The GPC World Championships, held in Balneario Camboriú, Brazil, were the setting for another incredible chapter in Cone's story. Vlasta, who weighed 117.3 kg the day before the competition, entered the Masters M2 125 kg category with a clear goal - to dominate. And he succeeded.

As he described it, his plan was uncompromising:

• The 240 kg base attempt was, in his words, "light as a feather".
• With his second attempt at 255 kg he not only confirmed his sovereignty, but also set a new world record in his category!
• His third attempt at an astronomical 270 kg was a close call, but as he admitted, the long pauses between attempts and the late hour took their toll.

Even so, the final tally was absolutely devastating for all the competition. From Brazil Vlastimil Kužel takes away a collection that speaks for itself:

• 1st place in the Masters category up to 125 kg
• Absolute winner of the Masters category
• Winner of Winners (winner across all categories)
• Highest valid performance of the whole competition

The gesture of a champion: Giving in to a confidant

There was an extra reason behind his Masters start that only underscores his greatness not only as an athlete but also as a mentor.

"I decided to compete in the Masters because my mentee David Bartosik went in the Open, and I didn't want us to compete," Kužel explained his decision.

A gesture that shows he is not only concerned about his own glory, but also about the future of the sport he loves so much.

The end of his career? Now it's Olympia's turn!

And if you think that this triumph is the end of his "last ride", you are mistaken. Vlasta has no plans to slow down, quite the opposite. His South American campaign is just beginning.

"Now the next challenge awaits me - the IPL World Championships 2025 in Buenos Aires (2.11.), where I can nominate myself for Mr. Olympia Pro Powerlifting 2026! And finally the GPA World Championships 2025 in Corrientes (16.11.)," he revealed his plans.

So the goal is clear. What started as an announced end to his career has turned into an assault on the world's most prestigious podiums. Vlastimil Kužel is in the form of his life and his journey is definitely not over. One thing is for sure: we will be there and we will keep our fingers crossed. Because this ride has already made history.