Arm Wrestling

💪 What Is Arm Wrestling?

Arm wrestling is a combat sport where two opponents face off, placing one arm on a table with elbows anchored, and attempt to pin the other’s hand to the pad.

It’s a mix of:

  • Raw strength

  • Explosive speed

  • Refined technique

  • Mental warfare

And trust me — the best arm wrestlers aren’t always the biggest ones.

🧠 Core Techniques

1. Top Roll

  • Goal: Attack the opponent’s hand and fingers.

  • Uses wrist control and pronation (rotating hand outward).

  • Good against stronger but slower opponents.

2. Hook

  • Pulls the opponent inward using the biceps and shoulder.

  • Favors brute strength and inside power.

  • Used by beasts like Denis Cyplenkov.

3. Press

  • More rare — an explosive push using body weight and triceps.

  • Often seen when one competitor is dominant or wants a quick pin.

4. Kings Move

  • Controversial. Defensive, low-angle move that uses full arm extension.

  • Popularized by Michael Todd — hard to beat, but criticized by purists.

🔥 Key Muscles Involved

Arm wrestling isn’t just about biceps:

  • Forearms (flexors, pronators)

  • Biceps & brachialis

  • Shoulders

  • Lats and back

  • Wrist & hand grip strength

  • Tendons (stronger tendons = more arm wrestling longevity)

🏆 Competitive Scene

Big Leagues:

  • World Armwrestling League (WAL) – U.S.-based, flashy, crowd-focused

  • East vs West – Modern-day dream matchups

  • King of the Table (KOTT) – Elite-level showdowns in Dubai

  • PAL / Top 8 – Eastern Europe powerhouse league

  • WAF – Official amateur/pro federation worldwide

Match Format:

  • Supermatches: Best of 6 rounds (first to 4 wins)

  • Tournament-style: Brackets with weight classes

  • Competitions are held for left and right arms.

🌍 Famous Arm Wrestlers

NameKnown For
John Brzenk 🇺🇸All-time GOAT, unbeatable for decades
Devon Larratt 🇨🇦Charismatic, strategic, special forces background
Levan Saginashvili 🇬🇪Undefeated modern monster, insane size
Denis Cyplenkov 🇷🇺Freaky strength, huge arms, beloved powerhouse
Vitaly Laletin 🇷🇺Long arms, deadly top-roll
Michael Todd 🇺🇸Known for the controversial "King’s Move"
Schoolboy (Aleksandr Beziazykov) 🇷🇺Young prodigy with viral fame

🧪 Training for Arm Wrestling

Training is a science. Pros train:

  • Forearm and grip using fat grips, grippers, and wrist curls

  • Table time — sparring and technical drills

  • Tendon strength — slow, controlled reps and holds

  • Recovery — very important, especially for tendons and elbows

⚠️ Injuries

Common injuries:

  • Elbow tendinitis

  • Bicep tears

  • "Snapped arm" (humerus fracture from bad technique or too much force)

Technique > Strength — always.

🎮 Bonus: Arm Wrestling in Pop Culture

  • "Over the Top" (1987) — Sylvester Stallone classic

  • YouTubers like Larry Wheels brought it back into the spotlight

  • Viral matches of Schoolboy vs bodybuilders are everywhere

  • Arm wrestling booths even show up at fairs and gyms

🎯 Summary

Arm wrestling is: ✅ A legitimate global sport
✅ A test of mind, muscle, and strategy
✅ Full of legends and hype rivalries
✅ A deep rabbit hole for fans and athletes alike