The Beast from Belgrade

Thunder rolled through the Lakitelek arena this past weekend, but it wasn't weather—it was Živorad "Žika" Marković arriving to claim his throne. The Serbian powerhouse, a 15-time world champion with a resume thicker than a phone book, stepped onto the platform at the WRPF World Cup Series Hungary 2026 and reminded the world why he is the king of the bench. From May 29 to 31, nearly 600 athletes from 20 nations gathered at the Hungarikum Liget complex, hoping to challenge the giants. Marković didn't just compete; he conquered.

Heavy Metal Destiny

The atmosphere was electric, thick with chalk dust and adrenaline. Marković approached the bar with the calm of a man walking to the bank. First attempt: 190 kilograms. Clean. Crisp. Locked out. The crowd roared, but he wasn't done. Second attempt: 200 kilograms. The bar bent, his face reddened, but the weight moved. Success. The third attempt at 220 kilograms ended in a disqualification due to bar contact, but who cares? The damage was done. The gold was secured. He didn't just win; he earned a special gold plaque for his performance, a testament to sheer dominance.

Respect and Reign

Beyond the iron, the organization was flawless. Marković, also serving as the president of the WRPF Serbia federation, praised the Hungarian hosts for their professionalism. "Precise scheduling, top-tier technical support, and fair judging," he noted. Food, drink, and hospitality were provided for all participants, creating an environment where athletes could focus solely on the lift. For Marković, this gold in Hungary isn't just another medal; it's fuel. With 15 world titles already in the bag, the Serbian legend shows no signs of slowing down. The bar keeps rising, and so does he.