Standing 6 feet 3 inches and competing in the super heavyweight and heavyweight divisions, typically somewhere between 105 and 115 kilograms, Todd built the first half of his career as an explosive inside puller, someone who thrived on aggressive shoulder pressure and quick, decisive finishes. That approach changed dramatically after a series of fractures to his right arm left him physically unable to bring his elbow close to his body the way the sport’s conventional inside game demands. Rather than retire or fade into irrelevance, Todd adapted, and in doing so created what has become arguably the most controversial technique in modern arm wrestling: the King’s Move.

The King’s Move works by dropping the shoulder and hip low beneath table level while fully extending the arm and locking the pronator, allowing Todd to lean on bone structure and tendon integrity rather than raw bicep strength alone. Years of accumulated microtrauma from hard pulling left him with a genuine inability to fully straighten his elbow, turning what began as an adaptation into something closer to a structural lock, a defensive position that becomes extraordinarily difficult for opponents to break down without risking a foul themselves. The technique proved so disruptive to conventional arm-wrestling strategy that it sparked years of rules debates across major federations, ultimately forcing leagues like the World Armwrestling League (WAL) and East vs West to rewrite their regulations around how low a competitor’s shoulder could legally drop relative to the pad. Few athletes can say they changed the sport’s rulebook simply by being too difficult to beat using a single technique, but Todd managed exactly that.

That technique carried him to the very top of North American arm wrestling during the WAL era, where he captured both the Super Heavyweight and Heavyweight hammer titles, cementing his place as one of the league’s defining champions. His rivalry with Canadian legend Devon Larratt became one of the most closely followed storylines of that period, with their clashes, including a hard-fought victory for Todd at WAL 406 that claimed the right-hand heavyweight title, standing among the most-watched matches of the sport’s modern television era. Their rivalry later continued at King of the Table, keeping the Todd-Larratt dynamic alive well into a new chapter of professional arm wrestling.

Beyond his battles with Larratt, Todd’s career reads as a tour through nearly every major international powerhouse the sport has produced. Over more than two decades, he has shared the table with Russian phenom Denis Cyplenkov, Ukrainian standout Andriy Pushkar, fellow American heavyweight Jerry Cadorette, Italy’s Ermes Gasparini, Georgian puller Genadi Kvikvinia, Norway’s Lars Rørbakken, and Frank Lamparelli, among others. Facing that breadth of international styles across such a long career is itself a mark of longevity few competitors in any combat sport can match.

What makes Todd’s story particularly compelling in recent years is how he responded after enduring rough patches against Europe’s elite super-heavyweight powerhouses. Rather than accepting decline as inevitable, he underwent a significant physical transformation, trimming down into lower weight divisions around the 105 to 115 kilogram range at promotions like East vs West. That shift allowed his speed, transitions, and signature King’s Move to regain much of their original effectiveness, giving him a genuine second wind against competitors many years his junior. For a veteran well into his late forties, reinventing his diet and training approach to remain competitive at the sport’s highest level speaks to a level of discipline that extends well beyond raw talent.

Todd has also become one of arm wrestling’s most recognizable personalities away from the table. Drawing on a powerlifting background and a willingness to engage directly with fans and rivals on social media, he has leaned into psychological gamesmanship and showmanship as much as technique, helping expand the sport’s visibility to audiences who might never have otherwise tuned in. That combination of controversy, technical innovation, and personality has made him a figure impossible to ignore in any serious conversation about the sport’s modern history.

From forcing international federations to rewrite foul guidelines to reinventing himself physically deep into his career, Michael Todd’s legacy in arm wrestling extends far beyond medal counts. He remains proof that adaptability, even when born out of injury and necessity, can become a competitor’s greatest weapon, and that a single, well-executed idea can leave a permanent mark on how an entire sport is played.

Physically, Laletin is built almost unfairly for the sport. Standing somewhere between 204 and 205 centimeters, roughly six feet eight inches tall, he carries a frame that creates a jarring height and angle disparity against almost every opponent he faces. His weight has climbed to the 140 to 143 kilogram range as he has added bulk over the past few years specifically to compete with the 160 kg-plus super heavyweights who now populate the sport’s top tier. What truly sets him apart, though, are his levers: a forearm length exceeding 50 centimeters paired with a forearm girth and bicep measurement both sitting around 48 centimeters, a combination that gives him extraordinary vertical elevation at the setup along with genuine functional pulling power rather than purely aesthetic muscle. His hand span of roughly 24 centimeters and a wrist circumference close to 23 centimeters complete a physical profile that seems engineered specifically to dominate the grip battle before a match even truly begins.

That physical foundation feeds directly into a technical style that has become his calling card. Rather than fighting for a tight, conventional hook, Laletin uses his unusually long humerus and forearm to establish commanding height almost effortlessly. From there, he climbs his fingers over an opponent’s knuckles, pronates violently through sustained back pressure, and tears the opponent’s wrist open before finishing the job by driving sideways into the pad. Opponents frequently describe the sensation of facing Laletin as an immediate loss of control the moment the referee calls “Ready, Go,” as his finger containment wraps around the outer edge of their hand like a vise, peeling back their cup and leverage almost instantly. While his right arm is firmly elite by any standard, it’s his left arm that has reached a different tier entirely, with many considering it one of the most dominant left-arm weapons in the modern era of the sport.

That left-arm supremacy was on full display when Laletin captured the East vs West left-arm super heavyweight title by defeating Kazakhstan’s Artyom Morozov, a result that firmly established him at the top of one of the sport’s most competitive divisions. Since then, no storyline has captured the arm-wrestling world’s attention quite like his evolving rivalry with Canadian legend Devon Larratt. The two first clashed on the left arm, where Laletin came away with a clean, commanding win that reinforced his reputation as close to untouchable on that side. Their long-awaited right-arm rematch, however, told a different story, with Larratt producing one of the standout performances of his career to turn the tables and hand Laletin a rare right-hand defeat. Together, the two results have turned Laletin-Larratt into one of the most compelling ongoing rivalries in the sport, a genuine measuring stick for where the two titans currently stand against one another on each arm.

Beyond Larratt, Laletin’s résumé reads like a tour through the sport’s toughest styles. His matches against Dave Chaffee have showcased his ability to counter raw American side pressure with speed and timing, while his clashes with Ermes Gasparini have pitted his elevation-based leverage against one of Europe’s most technically gifted transition specialists. He has also proven capable of dismantling unorthodox approaches, handling both Kamil Jablonski’s aggressive pressing style and Michael Todd’s famously stubborn defensive King’s Move. Perhaps most memorable of all were his rounds against Georgian powerhouse Levan Saginashvili during the sport’s Top 8 era, where Laletin became one of the very few competitors ever to stop Saginashvili’s feared opening hit cold in the center of the table, a feat that alone speaks to the rare caliber of strength and technique he brings to every outing.

What makes Laletin’s story resonate so strongly with fans isn’t just the medals or the highlight-reel pins, but the persona behind them. He has built his following not through trash talk or theatrics, but through quiet, calculated dominance and an almost monk-like focus that stands in stark contrast to arm wrestling’s louder personalities. In a sport often driven by charisma and confrontation, Laletin has proven that a soft-spoken trucker from Siberia can command just as much respect simply by being nearly impossible to beat.

As the super heavyweight division continues to produce bigger, stronger, and more athletic competitors, Vitaly Laletin remains one of the clearest reminders that elite leverage and technical precision can still outduel raw size. With his rivalry against Devon Larratt still very much unresolved and his left arm remaining one of the most respected weapons in the sport, Laletin’s story continues to be one of the most compelling in modern professional arm wrestling.

From Strongman Roots to Table Domination

Born on March 10, 1982, in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, Cyplenkov didn’t start out as a puller. His athletic foundation was built in kettlebell lifting, powerlifting, and strongman competition — disciplines that shaped a physique that would later look almost engineered for arm wrestling. Standing around 186 cm (6’1″) and competing at a peak weight between 135 and 145 kg, Cyplenkov carried forearms measuring nearly 19 to 21 inches in circumference, along with a wrist span of roughly 9.5 inches and a hand girth close to 10.6 inches.

These weren’t just impressive numbers for highlight reels. On the table, that hand size gave him a genuine mechanical edge — he could often engulf an opponent’s grip entirely before the match even began, neutralizing their preferred hand position and forcing them to fight on his terms from the opening whistle.

Building a Legacy in the Sport’s Toughest Arenas

Cyplenkov made his name in the sport’s most punishing open-weight tournaments, particularly the Nemiroff World Cup (Zloty Tur) and the A1 Russian Open — competitions widely regarded as the ultimate proving grounds during the late 2000s and 2010s. He claimed titles with both arms at these events, a rare feat that speaks to how complete his skillset became once he paired his natural strength with proper technique.

His left arm, in particular, earned a reputation as one of the most dangerous weapons the sport has ever seen. Wins over accomplished pullers like Andrey Pushkar, often by lopsided scorelines, cemented that reputation years before his most famous night on the table.

That night came in November 2018, at PAL Armfight #50, when Cyplenkov faced Canadian star Devon Larratt in a heavily anticipated left-hand supermatch. The result was a clean 6-0 sweep, a performance that pushed Cyplenkov’s name into mainstream sports conversation well beyond the arm wrestling community. He also holds a notable strict curl mark — reportedly 113 kg against a flat wall — a lift that hints at the tendon and bicep strength that translated so effectively into table dominance.

Tragedy, Health Struggles, and a Hard-Fought Return

Cyplenkov’s momentum was interrupted by genuine hardship. A right-hand supermatch against Andrey Pushkar never materialized after Pushkar’s untimely death in a car accident. Not long after, in 2019, Cyplenkov himself faced a serious health scare — a ruptured blood vessel near the kidney, reportedly linked to high blood pressure and the physical toll of intense training. The complications that followed forced him out of competition entirely.

His comeback, when it finally arrived, was worth the wait. In February 2023, at King of the Table 6, Cyplenkov returned to face arm wrestling icon John Brzenk and delivered a commanding 6-0 right-hand victory. Later that year, at East vs. West 10 in November 2023, he stepped up against a right-hand Devon Larratt now considered to be in career-best form. Cyplenkov came up short, losing the encounter, but the match itself proved something important: even after everything his body had endured, he could still hang with the very best the sport had to offer.

What Makes Cyplenkov’s Style Different

Cyplenkov was never simply a strongman who happened to arm wrestle. His approach on the table reflected calculated use of his physical tools:

• The Iron Hook — once he trapped an opponent in a deep hook, his side pressure and wrist thickness made escaping nearly impossible.
• Top Roll Containment — his oversized hands let him smother an opponent’s grip on the knuckles, stripping away their pronation advantage.
• Defensive Holding Power — even from a disadvantaged starting position, his tendon strength let him lock into place and simply outlast an opponent’s early burst.

Whether remembered for his freakish measurements, his rivalry with Devon Larratt, or his resilience through personal tragedy and illness, Denis Cyplenkov remains one of the defining figures in modern arm wrestling history — a reminder that raw strength, paired with real technique, can leave a mark on a sport for generations.

His journey into competitive arm wrestling wasn’t long or gradual. Spotted in a gym around the age of 19 or 20, Saginashvili made an almost immediate impact once he began competing seriously, claiming gold at the 2013 World Police and Fire Games before sweeping through both the World Armwrestling Championships and European Championships across both arms. It was an entrance that signaled exactly what was coming — a competitor who wasn’t just talented, but built differently from anyone else in the sport.

What followed was one of the most dominant stretches of dominance modern arm wrestling has ever witnessed. As Saginashvili transitioned into elite professional supermatches, he became virtually impossible to beat, running through a string of world-class pullers with clean 6-0 sweeps that left little room for debate about who the strongest man in the sport truly was. Dmitry Trubin fell 6-0 in 2018. Tim Bresnan and Vitaly Laletin were both swept 6-0 during the 2019 Top 8 events. Dave Chaffee suffered the same fate at Vendetta’s Top 8 in 2021. And in one of the most anticipated supermatches of the era, Devon Larratt himself was dismantled 6-0 at King of the Table 4 in 2022 — a result that only reinforced Saginashvili’s reputation as the sport’s most feared right-hand competitor.

If there was ever a moment that showed Saginashvili was human, it came at King of the Table 6 in 2023 against Ermes Gasparini. For the first time in years, an opponent forced Levan to exert genuine maximum effort, actually managing to stop his signature hit rather than being swept aside instantly. Saginashvili still won the match 4-2, but the final two rounds were conceded after cardiovascular fatigue and breathing difficulties forced him to step back — a rare glimpse of vulnerability from a man who had built his entire reputation on looking unstoppable.

That vulnerability turned into a genuine test of resilience when a serious wrist tendon tear sidelined him not long after. Recovery from an injury like that, especially for an athlete whose entire game depends on wrist and hand dominance, would end many careers or at least diminish them significantly. Saginashvili instead returned in April 2024 at East vs West 12 and delivered a statement performance, dismantling Devon Larratt 4-0 to claim the East vs West Super Heavyweight Championship — proof that the injury had done little to dull the physical gifts that made him great in the first place.

Part of what makes Saginashvili so difficult to beat comes down to fundamentals most opponents simply cannot match. Arm wrestling is ultimately decided at the hand and wrist, and Levan’s cupping and pronation strength are so overwhelming that opponents often find their wrist bent back and their leverage neutralized before the match has even truly begun. His specialized strength numbers back this up in staggering fashion — reports of strict bicep and wrist curls surpassing 140 kilograms sit well outside what most elite pullers, let alone recreational lifters, could ever attempt. Combined with a frame that carries minimal wasted movement, his backpressure and side pressure allow him to draw opponents directly into his own structure without ever surrendering position, effectively ending contests through sheer frame dominance alone.

Saginashvili’s presence has also extended well beyond the competition table. His rise to global recognition brought him into mainstream entertainment, most notably through a supporting role in Netflix’s action thriller Extraction 2 alongside Chris Hemsworth, where his real-world size and physicality translated seamlessly onto the screen as one of the film’s most physically dominant henchmen.

Whether the conversation turns to his rivalry with Devon Larratt, the physical toll of maintaining a super-heavyweight frame at the highest level, or his crossover into mainstream entertainment, one thing remains consistent: Levan Saginashvili continues to stand as a benchmark for what raw human strength can look like in modern arm wrestling, and every new challenger who steps up to face him understands exactly what they’re walking into.

Standing roughly 6 feet 5 inches tall and competing at a walking weight that has ranged between 240 and 280 pounds over the years, Larratt’s imposing frame was matched early on by an equally imposing will. His introduction to the sport wasn’t glamorous — it began with matches against his own grandmother, a farmworker who was convinced she was the best female puller in Alberta, and continued through rough, informal contests against oil rig workers across western Canada. Those early years, far removed from any spotlight, quietly built the foundation for everything that followed.

At 21, Larratt chose a path that few professional athletes ever take, enlisting in the Canadian Armed Forces and eventually earning a place in Joint Task Force 2 (JTF2), the country’s elite counter-terrorism unit. Over a 16-year military career spanning 1999 to 2016, he rose to the rank of Master Corporal and was deployed to Afghanistan seven times. He didn’t return from those deployments unscathed — he sustained shrapnel wounds to his hand and was shot in action — yet remarkably, he continued competing in arm wrestling throughout his time in uniform, training and pulling against fellow servicemen whenever the opportunity arose. It’s a detail that adds a layer of depth to his story that few competitive athletes can claim: a world champion forged, quite literally, on the battlefield.

His breakthrough on the international stage came in 2008, at Arm Wars “Deep Water,” when he faced John Brzenk, the man widely regarded as the greatest arm wrestler of all time. Larratt didn’t just compete with Brzenk — he dismantled him, winning 6-0 and becoming the first puller in roughly 25 years to defeat him in a supermatch. That single result reshaped the landscape of the sport overnight and vaulted Larratt to the world’s number one ranking, a position he would go on to defend and expand in the years that followed.

Between 2010 and 2012, Larratt did something almost unheard of in armwrestling: he held the number one world ranking on both arms simultaneously, defeating elite heavyweights like Travis Bagent, Tim Bresnan, and Andriy Pushkar along the way. When the World Armwrestling League (WAL) rose to prominence between 2014 and 2019, Larratt became its defining face, collecting right- and left-hand heavyweight and super-heavyweight titles and holding the prestigious WAL Legacy Hammer, a symbol of supremacy in the sport.

His rivalry with Michael Todd, built around Todd’s signature “Kings Move,” became one of the sport’s most talked-about storylines, while his history with Denis Cyplenkov added real drama to his legacy — a left-handed loss in 2018 that he answered emphatically in late 2023 with a dominant right-handed sweep. His supermatches against Georgian powerhouse Levan Saginashvili, staged at marquee events like King of the Table and East vs West, are still regarded among the sport’s most electric moments, and his victories over top-tier Europeans Ermes Gasparini and Vitaliy Laletin further cemented his status as a competitor who never stopped evolving.

Technically, Larratt’s game has always been built on more than brute strength. His mastery of the open toproll and the “Kings Move” defensive style allows him to absorb an opponent’s explosive opening hit and gradually drain their energy, while his emphasis on high hand position, extreme pronation, and precise hand-cupping control lets him manipulate opponents into biomechanically compromised positions. Add to that his reputation for sharp table IQ, calculated trash talk, and psychological gamesmanship before the referee’s call, and you get a competitor who wins matches long before the actual pull begins.

Beyond the table, Larratt’s influence on the sport’s visibility has been enormous. Through his YouTube presence and crossover collaborations with mainstream names like Shaquille O’Neal and Hafthor Björnsson, he has introduced arm wrestling to audiences who might never have otherwise paid attention to the sport. He has also played a pivotal behind-the-scenes role in the rise of promotions like East vs West and King of the Table, helping establish sustainable professional contracts that have changed the economics of arm wrestling for competitors around the world.

Alongside his wife, Jodi Larratt, herself a competitive arm wrestler, Devon continues to be a towering presence in the sport, both literally and figuratively — a soldier turned sporting icon whose story continues to inspire new generations of pullers well beyond Canada’s borders.

The event features a stacked lineup of some of the biggest names in professional armwrestling, alongside elite competitors from China and across Asia. Headlining the show is a highly anticipated left-arm heavyweight showdown between Ivan Matyushenko and Devon Larratt.

The card also features multiple world title fights, ranked supermatches and the highly anticipated return of legendary armwrestler John Brzenk, who faces China’s Zhao Zi Rui.

East vs West 26: Event Details

• Event: East vs West 26
• Date: September 12, 2026
• Location: Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
• Venue: Jiaxing University (Lianglin Campus) Gymnasium
• Start Time: 8:00 PM China Time
• India Time: 5:30 PM IST
• Format: International armwrestling supermatches and title fights
• PPV: US$19.99
• Tickets: Starting from US$15

Buy East vs West PPV.

EVW 26 marks the first-ever East vs West event in China, making it a landmark occasion for the promotion and for the continued international growth of professional armwrestling.

Ivan Matyushenko vs Devon Larratt

Left Arm Heavyweight

Rank #2 Ivan Matyushenko 🇷🇺 vs NR Devon Larratt 🇨🇦

The biggest matchup of EVW 26 sees Russian powerhouse Ivan Matyushenko take on Canadian superstar Devon Larratt in a left-arm heavyweight battle.

Matyushenko enters the contest ranked No. 2 and will look to establish his dominance against one of the most recognizable athletes in the sport.

Larratt, meanwhile, brings decades of elite-level experience, exceptional endurance and an ability to make tactical adjustments during a supermatch.

The contrast in styles, experience and physicality makes this one of the most anticipated left-arm matches of the year.

Matt Mask vs Leonidas Arkona

Right Arm Heavyweight

Rank #9 Matt Mask 🇨🇦 vs NR Leonidas Arkona 🇩🇪

Canadian veteran Matt Mask returns to the EVW stage to face Germany’s Leonidas Arkona.

Mask is known for his aggressive approach and explosive style, while Arkona will be looking to make a major statement against an established name in the heavyweight division.

This matchup has all the ingredients for a hard-hitting battle.

Bogdan Stoica vs Irakli Zirakashvili

Right Arm Middleweight World Title

Champion Bogdan Stoica 🇷🇴 vs Rank #3 Irakli Zirakashvili 🇬🇪

One of the night’s major championship fights sees Bogdan Stoica defend the EVW Right Arm Middleweight World Title against No. 3-ranked challenger Irakli Zirakashvili.

Stoica enters as champion, but Zirakashvili has earned his opportunity and will be determined to take the title back to Georgia.

The result could have significant implications for the EVW middleweight rankings.

John Brzenk vs Zhao Zi Rui

Right Arm Middleweight

NR John Brzenk 🇺🇸 vs Debut Zhao Zi Rui 🇨🇳

One of the most fascinating matchups on the card is the return of armwrestling legend John Brzenk.

Brzenk, considered one of the greatest competitors in the history of the sport, will face Chinese star Zhao Zi Rui.

For Zhao, competing against a global icon on home soil represents a huge opportunity. For Brzenk, the match is another chance to demonstrate that experience and technique remain among his greatest weapons.

The bout also carries enormous significance for the Chinese armwrestling scene.

Riekerd Bornman vs Filip Larsson

Right Arm Super Heavyweight

Rank #13 Riekerd Bornman 🇿🇦 vs Rank #15 Filip Larsson 🇸🇪

South Africa’s Riekerd Bornman meets Sweden’s Filip Larsson in a battle between two ranked super-heavyweights.

With both athletes already inside the EVW rankings, this contest could prove important for their positions within the division.

Artur Makarov vs Oleg Cherkasov

Right Arm Lightweight World Title

Champion Artur Makarov 🇷🇺 vs Debut Oleg Cherkasov

Artur Makarov puts his lightweight world championship on the line against Oleg Cherkasov.

Cherkasov will make his EVW debut under enormous pressure, but also with the opportunity to immediately establish himself as a major force by capturing a world title.

Makarov, meanwhile, will be looking to prove why he remains the champion.

Barbora Bajčiová vs Marta Volkova

Right Arm Openweight World Title

Champion Barbora Bajčiová 🇸🇰 vs Debut Marta Volkova 🇷🇺

The women’s openweight championship will also be contested in China.

Reigning champion Barbora Bajčiová faces Russian challenger Marta Volkova, who makes her EVW debut with a world title opportunity.

It is a fascinating champion-versus-debutant matchup and one of the most important women’s bouts on the card.

Rustam Babaev vs Eldar Bubenko

Left Arm Middleweight

Rank #4 Rustam Babaev 🇺🇦 vs NR Eldar Bubenko

Veteran Ukrainian star Rustam Babaev takes on Eldar Bubenko in a left-arm middleweight clash.

Babaev’s No. 4 ranking makes him the favorite on paper, but Bubenko has the opportunity to cause an upset and immediately elevate his position within the EVW division.

Fia Reisek vs Yrysty Orazkhan

Right Arm Lightweight World Title

Champion Fia Reisek 🇸🇪 vs Debut Yrysty Orazkhan 🇰🇿

Another women’s world championship will be contested when Fia Reisek defends her right-arm lightweight title against Kazakhstan’s Yrysty Orazkhan.

Orazkhan makes her EVW debut with the biggest opportunity of her career, while Reisek will be determined to retain her championship.

Joseph Meranto vs Valen Low

Right Arm Featherweight

Rank #2 Joseph Meranto 🇺🇸 vs NR Valen Low 🇸🇬

American Joseph Meranto, ranked No. 2, takes on Singapore’s Valen Low in a right-arm featherweight matchup.

Meranto comes into the bout with a significant ranking advantage, but Low has the opportunity to deliver one of the biggest upsets of the night.

Mercieca vs Tanapat

Right Arm Welterweight

Debut Mercieca 🇲🇹 vs Debut Tanapat 🇹🇭

Malta and Thailand collide as Mercieca takes on Tanapat.

Both athletes are making their EVW debuts, making this one of the card’s most unpredictable matchups.

Nicholas vs Lovei

Right Arm Featherweight

Debut Nicholas 🇵🇭 vs Debut Lovei 🇷🇴

The international action continues with Nicholas representing the Philippines against Romania’s Lovei.

Both competitors enter without an EVW ranking, giving each athlete the chance to make an immediate impression on one of the world’s biggest armwrestling stages.

Liepins vs Rui

Right Arm Welterweight

NR Liepins 🇱🇻 vs Debut Rui 🇨🇳

Latvia’s Liepins faces Chinese debutant Rui in another international battle.

The matchup is particularly interesting for the home audience, with Rui representing China’s growing presence in professional armwrestling.

Zhuo vs Jolly

Right Arm Lightweight

Rank #16 Zhuo 🇨🇳 vs Debut Jolly 🇲🇾

Chinese competitor Zhuo, ranked No. 16, takes on Malaysian debutant Jolly.

The contest adds another East-versus-West-style international matchup to an already globally diverse card.

King of the Table Tournament Finalists

The EVW 26 card also features a slot for the King of the Table Tournament finalists.

At the time of the announced card, both competitors are listed as TBD, meaning fans could still be in for a major surprise when the finalists are revealed.

A Truly Global EVW 26 Card

One of the biggest strengths of EVW 26 is its international diversity.

Athletes from Russia, Canada, Germany, Romania, Georgia, the United States, China, South Africa, Sweden, Slovakia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Singapore, Malta, Thailand, the Philippines and Malaysia are represented across the card.

That international lineup perfectly reflects the philosophy behind East vs West: bringing the world’s best armwrestlers together for elite head-to-head competition.

The decision to stage EVW in China for the first time is also significant. China has a rapidly developing armwrestling community and an enormous potential audience for the sport.

Why You Should Watch East vs West 26

EVW 26 has several storylines that make it impossible to overlook.

Ivan Matyushenko vs Devon Larratt headlines the event with a heavyweight left-arm battle between two hugely experienced competitors.

John Brzenk vs Zhao Zi Rui provides a fascinating generational and international matchup, putting one of armwrestling’s greatest legends against a Chinese star on his home turf.

Three separate women’s and men’s world title fights add championship stakes throughout the card, while numerous ranked athletes have the opportunity to climb the EVW rankings.

And with the event taking place in China for the first time, EVW 26 could become an important moment in the continued globalization of professional armwrestling.

How to Watch EVW 26

East vs West 26 takes place on Saturday, September 12, 2026, in Jiaxing, China.

The event is scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM China Standard Time, which is 5:30 PM Indian Standard Time.

Fans who cannot attend the event in person can watch the action through the event’s official PPV broadcast.

Final Word

East vs West 26 is shaping up to be one of the biggest armwrestling events of 2026.

From Matyushenko vs Larratt and Mask vs Arkona to Brzenk vs Zhao Zi Rui and multiple world championship bouts, the card offers an impressive mix of legendary names, ranked contenders, rising stars and international newcomers.

More importantly, EVW 26 represents a major milestone as East vs West arrives in China for the first time.

With the world’s best armwrestlers converging on Jiaxing, all eyes will be on the table on September 12.

China is ready. The table is set. East vs West 26 is here.

Larratt, the 44-year-old Canadian trailblazer, redefined armwrestling with his endurance-driven style—toproll mastery, side pressure defense, and marathon matches that gas foes out. His resume boasts WAL wins and upsets over Levan Saginashvili (right arm), but left-arm critiques linger after pronation struggles. Laletin, 36 and Russian wrecking ball, counters with freakish reach (longer lever) and raw back strength, shattering pronation records at 85kg recently. No prior head-to-head, but simulations pit Laletin’s hook aggression against Larratt’s defensive wizardry.

Style Evolution Breakdown

Laletin’s power evolution shines: once hook-dominant, he’s added devastating pronation, criticizing Larratt for past “ducks.” Larratt’s legacy? Unmatched experience—surviving Cyplenkov, Gasparini—now refined with tactical setups. Expect Laletin hunting quick pins via lever advantage; Larratt countering with rising attacks and fatigue warfare.​

Don’t sleep on the Right Arm Light Heavyweight World Title: Ukraine’s Oleg Petrenko vs. USA’s Todd “Toddzilla” Hutchings. Petrenko, a stretching specialist, dismantled foes with angle control; Hutchings thrives in neutral with pronation torque and side pressure. Experts like John Brzenk favor Hutchings in stalls, but Petrenko’s evolution—physical upgrades—makes it 50/50. Petrenko neutralizes pronation? He wins; else, Hutchings dominates.​​

Other fireworks: Serhii Kalinichenko vs. Yordan Tsonev (heavyweight right), Fia Reisek vs. Brigitta Ivánfi (women’s lightweight right). For Indian strength fans eyeing Pro Panja, this East-West divide mirrors global shifts—Eastern power rising against Western savvy.​

Vienna’s table awaits history: Laletin’s levers crushing Larratt’s lore, or Devon’s grit prevailing? Stream it live; armwrestling’s elite hour beckons.

Event Schedule:

• Date: March 29, 2025​

• Time: 12:00 PM Local Texas Time

• Venue: Esports Stadium Arlington, 1200 Ballpark Way, Arlington, TX 76011.

Press Conference:

A live press conference will precede the main event on March 28, 2025, at the same time.

Devon Larratt vs Corey West Full Card

1. Devon Larratt vs. Corey West
   Category: Left Arm Superheavyweight​

2. John Brzenk vs. Yoshinobu Kanai
   Category: Right Arm Light Heavyweight

3. Dave Chaffee vs. Georgi Tsvetkov
   Category: Right Arm Superheavyweight​

4. Janis Amolins vs. Mindaugas Tarasaitis
   Category: Right Arm Lightweight​

5. Sarah Bäckman vs. Jocelyne Brisson
   Category: Right Arm Open Weight​

6. Matt Mask vs. Kydyrgali Ongarbaev
   Category: Right Arm Light Heavyweight​

7. Kody Merritt vs. Evgeny Prudnik
   Category: Left Arm Superheavyweight

8. Craig Tullier vs. John Therrien
   Category: Right Arm Welterweight​

9. Hunter Noffz vs. Valen Low
   Category: Right Arm Lightweight

10. Cody Wood vs. Joseph Meranto
    Category: Right Arm Lightweight

11. Andrei Sharkevich vs. Arsen Khachatryan
    Category: Left Arm Light Heavyweight

12. Hunter Noffz vs. Mindaugas Tarasaitis
    Category: Left Arm Lightweight

Tournament Details:

In conjunction with the main event, the East vs West 17 Open Armwrestling Tournament will take place on March 28, 2025, at the Hilton Arlington.

• Weigh-Ins and Registration:

  • Thursday Early Weigh-ins: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

  • Friday: 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM​

  • Entry Fee: $40 per arm/class. A second arm/class is free with proof of purchase of an EvW17 event ticket.

Weight Classes:

• Men’s Open and Amateur (Right and Left Arms):
  154 lbs, 171 lbs, 187 lbs, 209 lbs, 231 lbs, 253 lbs, 253+ lbs​

• Masters (Right and Left Arms):
  187 lbs, 231 lbs, 231+ lbs

• Women’s Open (Right and Left Arms):
  154 lbs, 155+ lbs

Custom awards will be presented by elite athletes at the conclusion of the main event on Saturday. Open class finals are scheduled for Saturday, March 29, at the Esports Stadium prior to the main event.

Ticket Information:

Tickets for East vs West 17 are available for purchase through the Dallas Sports Commission. Fans worldwide can also access the event via pay-per-view through the official East vs West Armwrestling website.​

Conclusion:

East vs West 17 promises to be a landmark event in the world of armwrestling, bringing together legendary figures and rising stars for a series of thrilling matches. Whether attending in person or watching remotely, fans can expect a showcase of unparalleled strength, technique, and sportsmanship.

Devon Larratt vs. Genadi Kvikvinia

In a highly anticipated rematch, Canada’s Devon Larratt faced Georgia’s own Genadi Kvikvinia. Their previous encounter in April 2023 saw Kvikvinia emerge victorious, leading Larratt to seek redemption on Kvikvinia’s home turf. Demonstrating superior technique and endurance, Larratt secured a decisive 4-1 victory, evening the score between these two titans of the sport.

East vs West 16: Devon Larratt vs Genadi Kvikvinia pic.twitter.com/7YIMBTI2Z8

— ÇЯΛZY ÇΉΣMYƧƬ (@TheCrazyChemyst) February 15, 2025

Artyom Morozov vs. Vitaly Laletin

The Super Heavyweight Left Arm World Title match featured Kazakhstan’s Artyom Morozov against Russia’s Vitaly Laletin. Morozov, boasting an impressive 7-0 record in East vs West events, faced perhaps his most formidable opponent yet. In a display of raw power and strategic prowess, Morozov managed to outmaneuver Laletin, retaining his undefeated streak with a 3-2 win.

Oleg Petrenko vs. Betkili Oniani

Ukraine’s Oleg Petrenko took on Georgia’s Betkili Oniani in a left-hand middleweight bout. Both athletes, known for their explosive strength, engaged in a grueling match that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. Ultimately, Petrenko’s relentless drive earned him a 4-3 victory, showcasing his resilience and tactical acumen.

Fia Reisek vs. Malin Bergström

In the women’s 70kg division, Sweden’s Fia Reisek defended her East vs West Championship title against compatriot Malin Bergström. Reisek’s experience and technical skill were evident as she controlled the match, securing a 4-1 win and reaffirming her dominance in the category.

Oleg Zhokh vs. Daniel Procopciuc

The left-hand welterweight clash between Ukraine’s Oleg Zhokh and Moldova’s Daniel Procopciuc was a testament to endurance and technique. Zhokh, renowned for his unorthodox style, managed to counter Procopciuc’s aggressive approach, emerging victorious with a 4-2 scoreline.

Bacho Saginashvili vs. Brad Grundy

Georgia’s rising star, Bacho Saginashvili, faced off against the UK’s Brad Grundy in a heavyweight showdown. Saginashvili, eager to bounce back from a previous defeat, showcased improved strategy and strength, overpowering Grundy with a 3-1 victory and delighting the home crowd.

East vs West 16 not only highlighted the exceptional talent within the armwrestling community but also underscored the sport’s growing global appeal. The event’s success in Tbilisi further cements East vs West’s reputation as a premier platform for showcasing elite armwrestling prowess.

Main Event: Devon Larratt vs. David Dadikyan

Devon Larratt, a seasoned arm wrestler and former heavyweight champion, is making his comeback. After a clean sweep defeat against Levan Saginashvili in East vs West 12, Larratt has decided to shed a few pounds. His goal? To compete in either the U115KG (U253LB) or U105KG (U231LB) weight classes. Larratt’s determination and experience make him a force to be reckoned with, and fans eagerly await his clash with David Dadikyan.

The East vs West 13 card features several other intriguing matchups

1. Jerry Cadorette vs. Vitaly Laletin: A best-of-five showdown in the right arm category.
2. Todd Hutchings vs. Krasimir Kostadinov: Another right-arm battle that promises intensity.
3. Barbora Bajciova vs. Egle Vaitkute: A fierce contest in the right arm division.
4. Adam Wawrzynski vs. Vladimir Maiorov: A clash of strength and technique.
5. Artem Taranenko vs. Toms Rozits: A right-arm duel to watch out for.
6. Ayane Takenaka vs. Dimitrina Petrova: A battle of determination and skill.

These matchups, along with others on the card, will keep arm wrestling enthusiasts on the edge of their seats. Whether it’s raw power, strategy, or endurance, East vs West 13 promises it all.

As the arm wrestling community eagerly awaits the event, Devon Larratt’s comeback adds an extra layer of excitement. Will he reclaim his heavyweight glory, or will new contenders rise to the occasion? One thing is certain: Istanbul will witness arm wrestling at its finest, and fans won’t want to miss a moment of the action.

Read More- When Will Devon Larratt Fight Levan Saginashvili Next? Will the Match Happen?