These Athletes Transformed And Revolutionized The Sport Of armwrestling – forever.
1. Devon “No Limits” Larratt
When you think of basketball, you think of Michael Jordan. When you think of armwrestling, you think of Devon Larratt. Devon is a Canadian-born super soldier, created by the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command. He transformed the sport with his electric presence, trash talk, strength, and cupping technique. He also pioneered the elite, towel-wrapping around dumbbells DIY equipment build. Not only is he the greatest armwrestler living today, but his abilities and personality have brought armwrestling to the main stage. Do yourself a favor and follow him online and at competitions. At 6’5″ and 285 lbs, Devon Larratt is like a tarantula infused with gamma rays. His hook armwrestling technique is both offensive and defensive – a true marvel in armwrestling. I am sure he could successfully use his cupping strength on a Silverback gorilla, especially with his newly deployed pumpkin training methodology. Also, his magnanimous persona is a joy to watch anywhere at any time.
2. Levan Saginashvili AKA The “Georgian Hulk”
A freak of nature, this powerful, mass-monster from Eastern Europe is the strongest and biggest armwrestler who has ever existed. He has bested Devon Larratt at the table, but that is a testament to Levan’s strength and not Devon’s weakness. Levan was forged in the fires of forearms. At 6’3″ and 392 lbs, he is the equivalent of armwrestling a full-grown grizzly bear. His main armwrestling technique is to snap your arm in half. He has been instrumental in spreading armwrestling across Europe and his home country of Georgia.
3. John “The Giant Crusher” Brzenk
While not the strongest who has ever battled at the table, John Brzenk is the father of armwrestling. He paved the way for all armwrestlers after him and his ability to use technique to pin individuals bigger than him revolutionized the sport. He is the inspiration for the 1987 movie, “Over the Top,” which shows Lincoln Hawk (played by Sylvester Stallone) armwrestling his way through the armwrestling championships. John Brzenk’s forearms, wrists, and tendons could support sails on old-school British naval frigates. His cupping strength rivals that of Devon Larratt’s. If I had written this blog 15 years ago, he would be #1. At 6’2″ and weighing in at 227 lbs as a USA native, John Brzenk is precisely portioned to pin anyone at an armwrestling table.
4. Denis “Chernobyl” Cyplenkov
A giant who is also a sleeper cell, Denis Cyplenkov got his nickname for his size, proportions, raw strength, and country of origin (Russia). At 6’1″ and 287 lbs, his defensive top roll is one of the greatest armwrestling techniques ever deployed at the table. His hands are like baseball gloves, which allows him to easily implement the top roll and tire his opponents. He was one of the first individuals to beat Devon Larratt as a primary strongman competitor. Unfortunately, his god-like forms of armwrestling training took a toll on his body and arms, and he has had to work through a multitude of injuries.
5. Todd “Toddzilla” Hutchings
An apt nickname for the Ohio, USA native who has forearms like Godzilla. Todd Hutchings is a mechanical engineer, and when he is not bending steel with his bare hands at work, he is bending opponents’ arms in two at the table. At 5’11” and 220 lbs, his inside pull (a variation of the hook), dislodges people’s arms from their shoulders. Devon Larratt appropriately speaks highly of Todd’s form, technique, and prowess at the table of armwrestling champions. He is at the end of this list, but he is by no means the weakest armwrestler.
Final Thoughts On The Best Armwrestlers Ever
The margins between these distinct, powerful armwrestling champions are razor thin. Each of these armwrestlers represents integral changes and developments in the sport.
However, Devon Larratt is the best there ever was and ever will be – full stop. If you think otherwise, I’ll meet you at the table. Cheers!