Arm wrestling is one of the most thrilling sports in the world. Who is the world's best arm wrestler? Read on and discover the well-built individuals who have succeeded in this incredibly tough field.
Source: Getty Images
Arm wrestling, also known as pulling, is a psychological sport that combines strength, practice and skill. Pinning the opponent's hand on the table touchpad is the ultimate goal. So, who is the world's best arm wrestler?
World's best arm wrestler
Netizens wonder, ''Who is the best arm wrestler right now?'' Several individuals have risen to become renowned arm wrestlers globally. Here's a ranked list of the world's best arm wrestlers in 2023:
10. Vitaly Laletin
- Full name: Vitaly Laletin
- Nationality: Russian
- Weight: 112kgs
- Instagram: Vitalii Laletin
Vitaly is a Russian arm wrestler who has participated in several strongman competitions, including King of the Table 5 and the AMC Arm Wrestling Tournament. In 2018, Laletin became one of the top eight arm wrestling champions, although he lost to Levan Saginashvili.
9. Levan Saginashvili
- Full name: Levan Saginashvili
- Nationality: Georgian
- Weight: 190kgs
- Instagram: Levan Saginashvili
Levan has earned the nickname ''Georgian Hulk'' due to his intimidating body size. He is the World Arm Wrestling Champion in 2023 and a six-time European Arm Wrestling Champion. Additionally, the 34-year-old won the World Cup in 2017 and the Top 8 in 2019.
8. Alexey Voyevoda
Full name: Alexey Ivanovich Voyevoda
Date of birth: May 9, 1980
Nationality: Russian
Weight: 116kgs
Alexey is a Russian professional arm wrestler, politician, and bobsledder. He is one of the world's best arm wrestler ever, having gained popularity in the early 2000s. Voyevoda is a 10-time World Arm Wrestling champion who appeared in the documentary Pulling John after his famous win against John Brzenk at the 2004 Zloty Tour.
7. Dave Chafee
- Full name: Dave Chafee
- Nationality: American
- Weight: 124.85kgs
- Instagram: Dave Chafee
Dave is known as ''Easy Money'' among his friends. He started arm wrestling in 2006 and has suffered several injuries throughout his career, including a broken arm. In 2015, Chafee won the Super Heavyweight Southern Regionals and Championships, while In 2016, he came first at the WAL Northern Regionals and second at the Championships.
6. Andriy Pushkar
- Full name: Andriy Pushkar
- Born: August 6, 1985
- Died: November 14, 2018
- Nationality: Ukrainian
Andriy Pushkar was a Ukrainian arm wrestler who won his first championship medal in 2003. Even in death, the athlete is one of the world's greatest arm wrestlers. He passed away in November 2018 in a car crash. He died together with fellow wrestler Oleg Zhokh's father.
5. Travis Bagent
Full name: Travis Bagent
Date of birth: March 10, 1976
Nationality: American
Weight: 102.1kgs
Travis is undoubtedly the best left handed arm wrestler in the world. He started pulling professionally at 15 but lost all competitions at the beginning of his career. However, things took a turn in 2000, and Bagent now boasts nine national titles, five AAA nationals, and one Mike Gould Classic in 2006. Besides arm wrestling, he is also a trainer and announcer at CrossFit.
4. Devon Larratt
- Full name: Devon Larratt
- Date of birth: April 24, 1975
- Nationality: Canadian
- Weight: 112kgs
- Instagram: Devon Larratt
Devon is one of the famous arm wrestlers who doubles up as a content creator. The athlete is also a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces and is ranked as the Number 1 arm wrestler in North America. His first international competition was in 1999, and he now boasts several titles, including the 2008 Arm Wars Super Series and the World Arm Wrestling League (AWL) in 2016.
3. Cleve Dean
Full name: Cleve Dean
Born: December 15, 1953
Died: May 10, 2011
Nationality: American
Cleve dominated the arm wrestling field in the 80s. He reigned as the World Champion Arm Wrestler for 10 consecutive years. Fans believed that his strength came from raising hogs as a child. The athlete is remembered for his larger-than-life personality and continues to be a force in the arm wrestling world despite passing away in May 2011.
2. Denis Cyplenkov
- Full name: Denis Tsyplenkov
- Date of birth: March 10, 1982
- Nationality: Ukrainian
- Weight: 144kgs
- Instagram: CyplenkovDen
Denis is a Ukrainian bodybuilder, arm wrestler, and strongman champion. He won the left-hand tournaments at the World Cup (Zloty Tur) in 2008 and 2009. In 2011, he won the Nemiroff World Cup. According to unbelievable facts.com, Denis has the biggest biceps in Russia and is also the strongest man in the country.
1. John Brzenk
- Full name: John Brzenk
- Date of birth: July 15, 1964
- Nationality: American
- Weight: 102kgs
- Instagram: John R. Brzenk
John is an American arm wrestler named the Greatest Arm Wrestler of All Time by the Guinness Book of Records. He was introduced to the sport by his father and boasts impressive titles, including the Harley Pull Titles and Over the Top World Championships.
The retired arm wrestler participated in his first tournament at 16. His first world title was the ABC Wide World of Sports in 1982. Unknown to many, Brzenk has only lost one super-match throughout his career.
Is Schoolboy the best arm wrestler in the world?
Aleksandr Beziazykov, popularly known as Schoolboy, is a Russian arm wrestler born in July 2000. The young athlete has made significant moves at his age and is already causing ripples in the industry, earning him the nickname 'Mutant' in some quarters.
Schoolboy has wrestled renowned athletes like Devon Larratt. He once took to the streets of New York, asking passers-by to battle him out. His consistency and commitment will pay off, and Aleksandr will likely soon be ruling the charts.
If you have wondered who's the best arm wrestler in the world, these stars have dominated the field over the years. Their strength, skill, and brilliance have earned them recognition and accolades and decorated their careers.
READ ALSO: Who are the tallest wrestlers in the WWE?
Sports Brief published a list of the top 10 tallest wrestlers in the WWE. These individuals are strong and muscular and are about 7 feet tall. Who are some of these individuals?
Big Cass, also known as William Morrissey, is 6 feet, 10 inches tall. Big Show was in the WWE between 1999 and 2021 and is 7 feet, 2 inches. Check out the complete list of the tallest wrestlers in the history of WWE by clicking on the link above.
