Stake pulling technique - GIF

[BuffaloJohn]

The hitch generates some twist, like we'd do wriggling almost anything like pliers on a nail. Not convinced epic force is generated by a 4' prybar, without some kind of pad under fulcrum to keep from penetrating that soil under his foot.

He used a clove hitch on the bar - a knot that is guaranteed to rotate with little force.

And, your observation on the ground end of the bar is another indication that very little force was applied.