The Original Armwrestling Popeye With The Most Insane Arms
Yes, that photo is real. Jeff Dabe is the real-life Wreck-It Ralph. The man was built for armwrestling. Interestingly enough, he claims his arm size is not due to a genetic defect or gigantism. Jeff Dabe is simply a man molded for the sport!
Jeff Dabe Stats:
Nickname: Popeye, Anaconda, Wreck-It Ralph
Age: 62
Height: 5’9″ (175.26 cm)
Weight: 250 lbs (113.4 kg)
Place of Origin: Stacy, Minnesota
Occupation: Heavy-Machine Operator, Farmer Hobbyist
Arch Nemesis: Gloves
Jeff Dabe’s Bicep, Forearm, Hand, Wrist, Finger Size
The lad has dinner plates for hands…
Bicep Size Measurements: 20″ (51 cm)
Hand Size Measurements: 12″ circumference around the palm (30.4 cm)
Forearm Size: 19 inches in circumference (48.26 cm)
*Jeff Dabe gets a special section devoted to his finger and wrist size because they led to his recognition in the sport!*
Finger Size: His middle finger is 4.78″ in circumference (12.14 cm)
Wrist Size: 12 inches in circumference (1 foot or 30.48 cm)
Jeff Dabe Technique And Style
Jeff Dabe has been armwrestling for decades. While his body was practically designed for armwrestling, he competed more as a side hobby. While he has unprecedented size and strength, it seems he never had the time to truly develop his unique technique—however, his favorite technique is the armwrestling hook. While he is certainly a top-puller in his hometown state of Minnesota, it can be safe to say that most armwrestling professionals would likely beat him. When he does armwrestle, he uses his immense hand and arm size to get a leg up on the competition.
Jeff Dabe: A Quick Bio
Jeff Dabe, AKA Popeye, has been armwrestling on and off since 1981. His insane arm and hand size have made him an iconic figure in the sport. While it looks like his size is due to some kind of rare, genetic defect, it is really just the way he is built!
Jeff Dabe is semi-retired at this point, and you rarely see the Minnesota native actively competing. He is known to be a gentle giant with friends and competitors noting him as, “one of the most humble and friendly people you will ever meet.” He resides in the land of 10,000 lakes with his wife Gina Dabe and his three kids.
You can find the 62-year-old armwrestling legend working on his farm, tending to the assortment of animals that roam his property!
Summarized Armwrestling Record
Jeff Dabe Armwrestling Statistics
Right Arm Statistics
| Year | Points | Titles | W-L Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 0 | 0 | 0-0 |
| Career | 0 | 0 | 0-0 |
Left Arm Statistics
| Year | Points | Titles | W-L Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1352 | 0 | 0-0 |
| Career | 1352 | 0 | 11-6 |
Career Highlights
- Finalist in the 2014 World Armwrestling League (WAL)
- 3rd place in the 2015 WAL Northern Region for left-hand
- Finalist in the 2015 WAL Championships
- Uses the “hook” technique
- Nicknames: “Popeye” and “Anaconda”
- Rivals: Chop Bertrand, Robert Topie
Match Records
| Event | Match Type | Date | Competitors | Result | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Best of 5 · left arm | 2023 | Jason Costantini | Loss | 1-3 |
| 2016 Northern Regionals | Best of 5 · left arm | May 21, 2016 | Multiple Opponents | 3 Wins, 2 Losses | Weight class: 225+ lbs |
Match History (2016)
| Match Against | Result | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Kevin Arbuckle | Win | 225+ (102.1kg) |
| Eric Opitz | Loss | 225+ (102.1kg) |
| Roger Cunningham | Win | 225+ (102.1kg) |
| Marc Guay | Win | 225+ (102.1kg) |
| Shawn Lattimer | Loss | 225+ (102.1kg) |