The Greatest Arm Wrestlers of All-Time
The Greatest Arm Wrestlers in History
Arm wrestling is an intense and brutal battle of strength and will.
There have been many famous arm wrestlers who lay claim to being the greatest to lock hands.
But who are the 7 best arm wrestlers of all-time? Read on to find out more about these famous names in the world of arm wrestling.
Devon Larratt, one of the greatest arm wrestlers of all-time
Arm wrestling has been around for centuries, with its roots tracing back to ancient Egypt and other ancient civilizations.
As a matter of fact, the sport was depicted in cave drawings in France that date back over 15,000 years.
It's also mentioned in Homer's "Iliad," which was written around 700 BCE.
In the US specifically, the sport was popularised during the 20th century, with the first official World Arm Wrestling Championship held in 1962 in Petaluma, California.
Since then, the sport has truly evolved into a global phenomenon and it has even featured in popular culture, including movies like "Over the Top" starring Sylvester Stallone.
Various competitions are held all over the world, and many countries and their citizens love to boast about their own national teams.
Many talented athletes are also rising their way to the top of the sport.
In this article, let’s take a closer look at the greatest arm wrestlers of all-time and whether you agree which one can lay claim to be the best arm wrestler ever.
1. John Brzenk: The Legend
Career Highlight Stats
24 World Championship titles
11 consecutive titles from 1997 to 2007
14-time World Arm Wrestling Championship winner
Perhaps the most famous arm-wrestler. John Brzenk is seen as the original and enduring champion of arm wrestling for good reason.
During his career, Brzenk won an incredible 24 world championship titles, including the prestigious World Arm Wrestling Championship 14 times.
He also dominated at the Arnold Classic Arm-wrestling Challenge, winning 11 consecutive titles from 1997 to 2007.
More so, he became the only arm wrestler to get his name in the Guinness Book of World Records, where he was recognised as the greatest arm wrestler in history.
Brzenk’s beginnings were humble, as he began competing in local tournaments in the early 1980s.
However, his talent was clear almost instantly- and he quickly gained recognition as a formidable opponent.
Throughout his career, Brzenk not only made history in the sport but also inspired countless athletes with his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication.
This helped to increase the popularity of arm wrestling.
When it comes to his gameplay, Brzenk’s success has often been attributed to his remarkable technique and unique style of arm wrestling, which emphasised speed and technique over brute strength.
He was known for his ability to adapt to his opponent's strengths and weaknesses, using his quick reflexes and lightning-fast movements to gain the upper hand.
Brzenk officially retired from competitive arm wrestling in 2015; nonetheless, he remains an irreplaceable and important figure in the sport.
2. Denis Cyplenkov: The Strongest
Career Highlight Stats
He started wrestling at 14 years old
He holds the world record for strict curl at 113kg
24-inch biceps (circumference)
Russians are famous for bare strength, so it is not surprising that the person considered to be one of the greatest arm wrestlers of all-time is a Russian – Denis Cyplenkov.
Cyplenkov began his journey in wrestling at the age of 14 and his talent brought him quick recognition.
His technique and strength allowed him to win multiple World Championships titles and he consistently ranks among the top competitors in the sport.
His style and techniques led him to push the limits of strength and he inspired others to push their limits too.
Denis is also widely known due to his recognisable physique, specifically his massive biceps, which measure 24 inches in circumference.
All in all, he appeared to be one of the most well-rounded arm wrestlers. He easily became a popular figure in the arm wrestling community and he has been admired for his dedication to the sport.
3. Travis Bagent: The Entertainer
Career Highlight Stats
25 National Arm Wrestling titles
30+ years experience
If Russians dominate due to bare strength, Americans dominate with power and entertainment.
Travis Bagent is an American arm wrestler who is known for his specific style of arm wrestling. It puts emphasis on aggressiveness, power and entertainment.
With over 30 years of experience in the sport, and numerous national and international arm wrestling championships under his belt, Travis rightfully wins his spot on our list.
In arm wrestling circles, he is known for his signature move, the "top roll," which involves using his hand and wrist to leverage his opponent's hand backwards.
His techniques make arm wrestling matches interesting, yet his trash talk and antics during matches are what bring additional excitement and entertainment value to his fights.
His bubbly, larger-than-life personality also made him a popular figure in the sport of arm wrestling and it has helped to bring more attention and exposure to the sport.
Bagent is featured in various media outlets, including ESPN and the documentary "Pulling John."
4. Alexey Voevoda: The Unquestionable Talent
Career Highlight Stats
He won the 2013 and 2014 World Armwrestling Championship
Zloty Tur 2004 cup winner
Featured in the documentary “Pulling John”
Real talent knows no bounds, and Alexey proves that!
His story is incredible, as he was actually an Olympic bobsledder who, after his retirement, turned to arm wrestling and quickly won the hearts of the crowd.
His personal desire to continue competing at the highest level of sports after retiring from bobsledding, combined with his natural talent and pure determination, helped him quickly evolve into a dominant force.
He is widely recognised as one of the top arm wrestlers in the world.
Alexey Voevoda competed as an arm wrestler for several years before retiring from the sport in 2017.
During his time as an arm wrestler, he achieved great success and won the 2013 and 2014 World Armwrestling Championships, as well as several World Cups and National Championships.
His story and gameplay prove the importance of showcasing strength and technique in arm wrestling, as well as the power of devotion and discipline.
5. Devon Larratt: The Powerful Competitor
Career Highlight Stats
Left and Right-Arm World Arm Wrestling League Heavyweight Champion
5-time Ontario Championship winner
2019 World Arm Wrestling League 501 winner
Friendly and easy-going, Devon Larratt is another example of why looks can be deceiving.
The Canadian arm wrestler is nothing short of legendary!
He has proved time and time again that behind his friendly smile lies a fierce competitor.
Larratt has won numerous world championship titles across multiple weight classes and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest arm wrestlers of all-time.
He has won multiple World Arm Wrestling Championships, one of the most prestigious arm wrestling events in the world.
Furthermore, he has also competed in arm wrestling events all over the world, including in Europe, Asia and North America.
He has faced off against some of the top arm wrestlers in the world while consistently coming out on top.
Even when it seems he may go down, he always manages to pull some strength and win with a dramatic comeback that leaves the audience speechless and on the edge of their seat until the very last moment.
All of these reasons make him one of the most popular, adored and widely-recognised arm wrestlers of all-time.
Additionally, Larratt was instrumental in developing new training methods and techniques, helping to push the boundaries of what is possible in the sport of arm wrestling.
6. Audrey Pushkar: The Explosive Powerhouse
Career Highlight Stats
14 World Championship titles
2003 heavyweight arm wrestling division winner
Audrey Pushkar was another arm wrestling champion who came from Ukraine and took the arm wrestling world by storm.
Unfortunately, he passed away in 2018 when he was just 32 years old and this loss was felt deeply by the arm wrestling community.
Despite his untimely passing, Pushkar's legacy in the sport of arm wrestling lives on.
He is remembered as one of the greatest competitors of all-time and a true legend in the sport.
When he first started his career as a young teen rookie in the early 2000s, he established himself as one of the top competitors in the sport, a name to be looked out for.
His explosive power made him a formidable opponent; combined with his ability to adapt to different styles and techniques and learn quickly, he easily became a champion.
Throughout his short but significant career, he made a true legacy for himself, as he won a total of 14 World Championship titles.
This makes him one of the most successful arm wrestlers of all-time.
7. Todd Hutchings: The Perseverance & Endurance King
Career Highlight Stats
2019 World Arm Wrestling Championship winner
He started arm wrestling at 35 years old
Known as the “Endurance King”
The American hustle life is no joke, but if you manage to overcome your obstacles, you can achieve anything - and Todd Hutchings is proof of that.
Known for his perseverance and dedication, Todd Hutchings has the ultimate rags-to-riches story.
He got into the sport in his early twenties while working as a bouncer.
Despite working full-time as a corrections officer, he continued to train and compete at a high level, eventually becoming one of the greatest arm wrestlers in the US.
Todd became known for his perseverance and dedication to the sport. He spent many hours not just playing, but also studying the sport.
His technical expertise is one of his greatest strengths, as well as his defensive and counter-attacking style.
This often includes wearing down opponents with his endurance and strategic approach to the sport. This is what got him the name “Endurance King.”
He has won multiple national and international titles throughout his career, including the World Arm Wrestling Championship in 2019.
Todd has used his hard-earned knowledge in his own battles, and also to teach and mentor other young arm wrestlers.
Which of these Famous Arm Wrestlers is the Greatest of All-Time?
These 7 notable arm wrestlers are just a few of the many greats who have inspired us with their incredible talent, dedication and sportsmanship.
They have made significant contributions to the sport of arm wrestling, both in terms of championship wins and through their unique techniques and styles.
Their stories are a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance and a passion for the sport.
Whether retired or still competing, the legacies of these great arm wrestlers will continue to inspire us inside and outside the arm wrestling community for years to come!
