'The Mountain' attempting to break world deadlift record

The COVID-19 pandemic isn't stopping Hafthor Bjornsson from going for the world deadlift record.

The 6-foot-9, 425-pound actor and professional strongman, known for playing "The Mountain" on HBO's "Game of Thrones," will attempt to break the record Saturday as part of the World's Ultimate Strongman Competition in his native Iceland.

Bjornsson is used to competing in front of large crowds, but due to Iceland banning gatherings of more than 20 people, that won't be the case for this event.

"It's going to be more of a challenge for me because I can say without a doubt that I perform five, maybe 10% better in a competition - the crowd gives you that adrenaline rush that you need," Bjornsson told Nikki Mascali Roarty of the New York Post. "I'm a little bit worried to do it in my gym by myself with a doctor, a referee and film crew."

The current deadlift record is 500 kg (1,102 pounds) set by Eddie "The Beast" Hall in 2016. Bjornsson will attempt to lift 501 kg.

The World's Ultimate Strongman Competition will air live Saturday at noon ET on ESPN and online at CoreSports.World.