20 Sumo Wrestlers You Should Know

20 Sumo Wrestlers You Should Know

To many people, sumo wrestlers are nothing more than gigantic humans wearing diapers. In reality, sumo wrestling is a highly respected sport that features some incredibly talented athletes. It’s a full-contact sport that requires a high level of training and intense discipline. 

Sumo wrestling originated in Japan and continues to play a major role in Japanese culture. It’s Japan’s national sport and is currently the only country that has professional sumo wrestlers. Sumo wrestlers live a strict, highly-regimented lifestyle that’s dictated by heavy traditions. 

The sport is governed by the International Sumo Federation for amateurs and the Japan Sumo Association for professionals. Each year, there are six Grand Sumo tournaments (honbasho) and six divisions – makuuchi, jūryō, makushita, sandanme, jonidan, and jonokuchi. 

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Who Are the Greatest Sumo Wrestlers of All-Time?

20 Sumo Wrestlers You Should Know
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Sumo wrestling originated in Japan and dates back to prehistoric times, evidenced by rituals depicted in wall paintings. The sport was first mentioned in a Kojiki manuscript in the year 712. Back then, sumo wrestlers faced off in a match to determine possession of Japanese islands. 

By 1884, sumo wrestling saw an increase in popularity thanks to a tournament organized by Emperor Meiji. The sport has continued to grow and evolve over the past 140 years, but many of the traditions, rules, and customs remain – including the mawashi (belt) that they wear.

Over the years, several sumo wrestlers have earned global recognition for their dedication to the sport. They’re known as some of the greatest sumo wrestlers to ever walk this planet and should be celebrated as such. With that said, let’s meet some of these talented sumo wrestlers!

**For the sake of this articles, we are only including sumo wrestlers that achieved the yokozuna rank (highest rank), which means Raiden Tameemon is not included**

20. Tamanishiki San’emon

Tamanishiki San’emon was a professional sumo wrestler from Kōchi, Japan. He made his debut in 1919 and was named the sport’s 32nd yokozuna in 1932 up until his sudden death in 1938. He won nine top division championships and might’ve achieved more if not for his death.

He finished his career with a Makuuchi record of 308-92-17 as a member of the Nishonoseki stable. He eventually became the stable’s head coach while he was still active in the ring, which is a testament to how important he was to the sumo wrestling community at the time. 

19. Harumafuji Kōhei

Harumafuji Kōhei was a professional sumo wrestler from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolian People’s Republic. He made his debut in 2001 and was named the sport’s 70th yokozuna in 2012 up until his retirement in 2012. He won nine top division championships as a non-Japanese wrestler. 

Kōhei finished his Makuuchi career with a record of 712-373-85 as a member of the Ajigawa stable (now known as the Isegahama stable). Before being named a yokozuna, he earned a Gold Star (Kinboshi) when he defeated Asashōryū Akinori, the sport’s 68th yokozuna. 

18. Kitanofuji Katsuaki

Kitanofuji Katsuaki was a professional sumo wrestler from Hokkaidō, Japan. He made his debut in 1957 and was named the sport’s 52nd yokozuna in 1970 up until his retirement in 1974. He’s one of just 18 pro sumo wrestlers with at least 10 career top division championships. 

Katsuaki finished his Makuuchi career with a record of 592-294-62 as a member of the Dewanoumi and Kokonoe stables. After retiring in 1974, he served as the head coach of the Kokonoe stable from 1977-1992 and is currently a commentator in the sumo community. 

17. Wakanohana Kanji I

Wakanohana Kanji I was a professional sumo wrestler from Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, Japan. He made his debut in 1946 and was named the sport’s 45th yokozuna in 1958 up until his retirement in 1962. He finished his illustrious career with 10 top division championships. 

Also known as the ‘Devil of the Dohyō,’ Wakanohana had a career record of 593-253-70 as a member of the Nishonoseki and Hanakago stables. He earned a total of six Gold Stars in his career, defeating the likes of Haguroyama twice, Chiyonoyama twice, and Azumafuji twice. 

16. Tochinishiki Kiyotaka

Tochinishiki Kiyotaka was a professional sumo wrestler from Tokyo, Japan. He made his debut in 1939 and was the sport’s 44th yokozuna in 1954 – four years before Wakanohana – up until his retirement in 1960. Like Wakanohana, Tochinishiki had 10 top division championships.

Tochinishiki finished his Makuuchi career with a record of 513-203-44 as a member of the Kasugano stable. He earned one Gold Star for his defeat of Azumafuji Kin’ichi. Tochinishiki served as head coach of the Kasugano stable, as well as head of the Japan Sumo Association. 

15. Tsunenohana Kan’ichi

Tsunenohana Kan’ichi was a professional sumo wrestler from Okayama, Japan. He made his debut in 1910 and was named the sport’s 31st yokozuna in 1924 up until his retirement in 1930. He finished his career with 10 top division championships, including three consecutive in 1927.

Kan’ichi finished his Makuuchi career with a 221-58-66 record as a member of the Dewanoumi stable. His retirement came as a surprise, especially since he was at the height of his powers. He served as head coach of Dewanoumi and chairman of the Japan Sumo Association. 

14. Ōkido Moriemon

Ōkido Moriemon was a professional sumo wrestler from Hyōgo, Japan. He made his debut in 1899 and was named the sport’s 23rd yokozuna in 1912 up until his retirement in 1914. He finished his Makuuchi career with a 143-20-22 record and 10 top division championships

Moriemon would have achieved much more as a professional sumo wrestler, but he suffered from a cerebral hemorrhage that led to his retirement in 1914. Between 1908 and 1909, he recorded 28 consecutive wins. He died on November 7, 1930 at the age of 52 years old. 

13. Inazuma Raigorō

Inazuma Raigorō was a professional sumo wrestler from Awazaki, Hitachi Province, Japan. He made his debut in 1821 and was named the sport’s seventh yokozuna in 1830 up until his retirement in 1839. He finished his professional career with 10 top division championships. 

Raigorō had a Makuuchi record of 130-13-73 as a member of the Sadogatake stable. He was 6-foot-2 and 313 pounds and died on March 19, 1877. He is one of the sport’s earliest stars and had a career winning percentage of 90.9% – a rarity that not many have ever achieved. 

12. Akebono Tarō

Akebono Tarō was a professional sumo wrestler from Waimānalo, Hawaii, United States. He was born Chadwick Haheo Rowan and made his debut in 1988. He was the sport’s 64th yokozuna – and first American-born wrestler to do so – in 1993 up until his retirement in 2001. 

Akebono finished his career with a 654–232–181 record as a member of the Azumazeki stable. He earned four Gold Stars in his career, defeating the likes of Hokutoumi Nobuyoshi, Ōnokuni Yasushi, and Asahifuji Seiya (twice). He won 11 top division championships in his career. 

11. Tachiyama Mineemon

Tachiyama Mineemon was a professional sumo wrestler from Toyama, Japan. He made his debut in 1900 and was named the sport’s 22nd yokozuna in 1911 up until his retirement in 1918. He finished his career with nine official top division championships, as well as two unofficial. 

Mineemon, also known as Azumazeki, had a career Makuuchi record of 195-27-73. He had intense strength and pristine skill, which was on full display between 1909 and 1916 when he won 99 out of 100 matches (not including draws). He was a member of the Tomozuna stable.

10. Musashimaru Kōyō

Musashimaru Kōyō was a professional sumo wrestler from American Samoa. He made his debut in 1989 and was named the sport’s 67th yokozuna in 1999 up until his retirement in 2003. He finished his career with 12 top division championships, one of just 10 wrestlers to do so.

In Makuuchi matches, Kōyō retired with a 706-267-115 record. In addition to his 12 top division championships, he also had one championship in Jūryō, Sandanme, and Jonokuchi. He was a member of the Musashigawa stable and founded his own stable under the same name. 

9. Futabayama Sadaji 

Futabayama Sadaji was a professional sumo wrestler from Usa, Oita, Japan. He made his debut in 1927 and was named the sport’s 35th yokozuna in 1937 up until his retirement in 1945. He’s tied with Kōyō with 12 top division championships under the elder name Tokitsukaze. 

Futabayama finished his professional career with a 345-113-33 record as a member of the Tatsunami stable. He earned one Gold Star in his storied career after defeating Musashiyama Takeshi. He holds the record for most consecutive victories with 69 between 1936 and 1939.

8. Wajima Hiroshi

Wajima Hiroshi was a professional sumo wrestler from Ishikawa, Japan. He made his debut in 1970 and was named the sport’s 54th yokozuna in 1973 up until his retirement in 1981. He’s one of just eight yokozuna wrestlers with at least 14 top division championships in their career. 

Hiroshi is also the only yokozuna in sumo wrestling history to have a college degree, which he earned at Nihon University. He finished his professional career with a 673–234–85 record as a member of the Hanakago stable, which he also served as a head coach between 1981-1985.

7. Tanikaze Kajinosuke

Tanikaze Kajinosuke was a professional sumo wrestler from Miyagi District, Mutsu Province, Japan. He made his debut in 1769 at the age of 19 and was named the sport’s fourth yokozuna in 1789 up until his sudden death in 1795. He had 21 unofficial top division championships. 

Kajinosuke finished his professional career with a 258-14-112 record as a member of the Isenoumi stable. Before Futabayama broke it, Kajinosuke held the record for most consecutive victories with 63 between 1977 and 1986. Futabayama broke the record with 69 in 1939. 

6. Takanohana Kōji

Takanohana Kōji was a professional sumo wrestler from Suginami, Tokyo, Japan. He made his debut in 1988 and was named the sport’s 65th yokozuna in 1994 up until his retirement in 2003. He finished his career with 22 top division championships, the sixth-most in sumo history. 

Kōji had a 701-217-201 career Makuuchi record as a member of the Fujishima and Futagoyama stables. His father ran the Futagoyama stable up until Kōji took over in 2004, changing the name to the Takanohana stable. His father and brother were also successful sumo wrestlers. 

5. Kitanoumi Toshimitsu

Kitanoumi Toshimitsu was a professional sumo wrestler from Hokkaido, Japan. He made his debut in 1967 and was named the sport’s 55th yokozuna in 1974 up until his retirement in 1985. He finished his career with 24 top division championships, the fifth-most in sumo history. 

Toshimitsu had an incredible 951-350-107 professional record and 804-247-107 Makuuchi record as a member of the Mihogaseki stable. He was just 13 years old when he began his pro career and was the youngest sumo wrestler to be named a yokozuna at just 21 years old. 

4. Asashōryū Akinori

Asashōryū Akinori was a professional sumo wrestler from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolian People’s Republic. He made his debut in 1999 and was named the sport’s 68th yokozuna in 2003 up until his retirement in 2010. His 25 top division championships currently ranks fourth all-time. 

Akinori finished his professional career with a Makuuchi record of 596-153-76 as a member of the Takasago stable. He earned one Gold Star for his defeat of Musashimaru Kōyō and also earned three Outstanding Performance and three Fighting Spirit special prizes in his career. 

3. Chiyonofuji Mitsugu

Chiyonofuji Mitsugu was a professional sumo wrestler from Fukushima, Hokkaido, Japan. He made his debut in 1970 and was named the sport’s 58th yokozuna in 1981 until his retirement in 1991. His 31 top division championships currently ranks third in sumo wrestling history. 

Mitsugu finished his Makuuchi career with a 807-253-155 record as a member of the Kokonoe stable. He earned three Gold Stars in his career by defeating Mienoumi Tsuyoshi twice and Wakanohana Kanji II once. Between 1981 and 1988, he won the Kyushu eight straight times. 

2. Taihō Kōki

Taihō Kōki was a professional sumo wrestler from Shikuka, Karafuto, Empire of Japan. He made his debut in 1956 and was named the sport’s 48th yokozuna in 1961 until his retirement in 1971. His 32 top division championships currently ranks second in sumo wrestling history. 

Kōki finished his Makuuchi career with a 746-144-136 record and professional career with a 872-182-136 record as a member of the Nishonoseki stable. He won at least one championship each year of his top division career. He also had one Gold Star for defeating Asashio Tarō III. 

1. Hakuhō Shō

Hakuhō Shō was a professional sumo wrestler from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolian People’s Republic. He made his debut in 2001 and was named the sport’s 69th yokozuna in 2007 up until his retirement in 2021. He holds the record for longest tenure as a yokozuna (14 years). 

Shō also holds records for most top division wins, most career wins, and most top division championships. He finished his career with a 1093-199-253 record in Makuuchi matches, a 1187-247-253 pro record, and 45 top division championships – 13 more than the next wrestler.

Who Are the Best Sumo Wrestlers in 2022?

Sumo wrestling might not be as popular of a sport today as it once was, but that doesn’t mean the sport is dead. In fact, it’s far from it. The sport has a ton of fans, especially in Japan, and the top wrestlers are just as popular to their fanbase as celebrities are in the United States. 

Today, there is only one active yokozuna, the highest rank in sumo wrestling, and his name is Terunofuji Haruo. He was the 73rd yokozuna in sumo wrestling history, putting his name among some of the best sumo wrestlers of all-time. He has won six top division championships. 

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Other sumo wrestlers that are worth mentioning at the beginning of 2022 include Takakeishō Mitsunobu and Shōdai Naoya, both of whom are Ōzeki ranks. We should also mention Takanoshō Nobuaki and Mitakeumi Hisashi, both of whom are Sekiwake ranks. 

Arm Wrestling: Who’s the Best At It?

Let’s talk about arm wrestling – you know, that thing we all used to do with our friends and siblings when we were younger. Many historians estimate that arm wrestling dates back as far as ancient Egypt, evidenced by hieroglyphics found at an ancient cemetery called Beni Hasan.

Although there’s no way of knowing how or why arm wrestling was used back then, it’s interesting to think that we’re doing the same thing to this day. Despite all the other forms of entertainment – such as boxing, the WWE, the UFC – arm wrestling still has its prominence. 

Today, millions of people partake in arm wrestling for fun and thousands are known to compete professionally around the world. It might not be as popular as other sports, but it’s globally recognized and has a loyal following that help it continue to grow in popularity every year. 

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Who Are the Best Arm Wrestling Competitors in 2022?

Arm Wrestling: Who’s the Best At It?
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Competitive arm wrestling dates back to 1952 when Bill Soberanes invented the sport in Gilardi’s saloon. What started out as a Petaluma, CA tradition turned into a global sensation thanks to Dave Devoto’s help. By 1969, they had a contract with ABC’s Wide World of Sports.

Arm wrestling experienced a lot of growth in the 1990s, despite their partnership with ABC coming to an end in the mid-1980s. Although it’s not as popular today, it’s still enjoyed by many and will likely return to prominence as people find new ways to broadcast and follow it. 

Today, there are two main professional arm wrestling leagues – the North American World Armwrestling League (WAL) and the European Professional Armwrestling League (PAL). That’s where you’re going to find the best of the best when it comes to arm wrestling champions. 

Speaking of the best of the best, let’s take a look at some of the greatest arm wrestlers in the world today!

20. Arif Ertem

Arif Ertem is a Turkish arm wrestler out of Istanbul. He began arm wrestling in 2009 when he was introduced to the sport through several competitors at a gym he frequented. Two years later he was competing in the Junior National Championship, taking fourth place with both arms. 

He has consistently improved through the years and won the men’s right 110+ kg World Armwrestling Championship in 2019 and 2021 – making him the defending back-to-back world champion. He has faced off against some of the greatest to ever do it and always holds his own.

19. Genadi Kvikvinia

Speaking of back-to-back World Armwrestling Championship winners, Genadi Kvikvinia is a Georgian arm wrestler that won it back in 2015 and 2016 – both of which with his right hand at 110+ kg. He continues to compete to this day and is always looking for ways to improve. 

Kvikvinia weighs 304 pounds with a forearm measuring 17.72 inches and biceps measuring 20.87 inches. He is currently ranked 13th in right handed arm wrestlers, according to X Sport News. He has no problem competing against the best in the world and won’t back down. 

18. Ivan Matyushenko

Ivan Matyushenko is a Russian arm wrestler that’s currently ranked 13th in the world with the left arm, according to X Sport News. He started arm wrestling in 1999 and has consistently been among the best in the world for much of the 2010s – even now into the 2020s. 

He’s a three-time WAF World Championship winner, while also placing in the top-three a total of nine times. He also won the 2019 EAF European Championships with both arms and has won three European titles in his career. He’s a veteran, but he still arm wrestles like a young stud. 

17. Alizhan Muratov

Alizhan Muratov is a Kazakhstani arm wrestler that’s currently ranked 12th in the world with the left arm. He competed for his home country at the 2017 Arm-wrestling World Cup and was part of a 26-man team. He took first place in his competition and his team took second overall. 

In 2018, Muratov was named the middleweight champion of the Arm-wrestling World Cup with the left arm. He did so by beating Patrik Berg, Zaza Okrotsvaridze, Mykhailo Opaets, Tom Holland, and Vladimir Mouorov (twice). He also placed fourth with the right arm that year. 

16. Georgy Dzeranov

Speaking of Kazakhstani arm wrestlers, Georgy Dzeranov is also a professional arm wrestler out of Kazakhstan. He enjoyed a great deal of success between 2016 and 2019, in which he won six World Armwrestling Federation world titles – including four consecutive with his left arm.

One of the greatest 100 kg and 110 kg arm wrestlers of all-time, Dzeranov has been attached to the sport since he was a child. He credits most of his success to his training, which largely involves free weight and strength training. He also dedicates himself to technique training. 

15. Grigorii Liashchuk

Grigorii Liashchuk is a Russian professional arm wrestler that’s currently ranked 10th in the world with the right arm, according to X Sport News. He had a lot of success at the Zloty Tur Arm Wrestling World Cup in 2018, in which he placed third with the left and first with the right.

En route to his first place finish, Liashchuk defeated Fedor Schneider, Petr Kychuk, Sergei Patrikeev, Dmitry Silaev, and Ferit Osmanli (twice). He won six times with his left hand, but lost twice en route to a third place finish. He also placed fourth at the 2019 Russian Armwrestling Championship

14. Kody ‘Spur’ Merritt

Kody ‘Spur’ Merritt is an American professional arm wrestler that’s currently ranked 10th in the world with the left arm, according to X Sport News. He has enjoyed a lot of success at the United States Armwrestling Federation (USAF) Unified Nationals over the past few years. 

Merritt won the 2018 USAF Masters Men’s Right 100+ kg and Masters Men’s Left 100+ kg. In 2019, he won the USAF Masters Men’s Right 100+ kg, Men’s Left 110+ kg, and Masters Men’s Left 100+ kg. He also placed third in the 2019 USAF Men’s Right 110+ kg and has a daughter that competes.

13. Tim Bresnan

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Tim Bresnan is an American professional arm wrestler that’s currently ranked ninth in the world with the right arm, according to X Sport News. Also known as ‘Big Dog,’ Bresnan stands 195 cm tall and weighs 290 pounds. His forearms measure 48.26 cm and biceps measure 53.34 cm. 

Through his career, Bresnan has enjoyed rivalries with two of the greatest to ever do it – Alexey Voyevoda and Rustam Babayev. He defeated Voyevoda in 2015, but lost to Babayev in 2018. He has won multiple world championships and national championships since turning pro. 

12. Sergey Yurchenko

Sergey Yurchenko is a Russian professional arm wrestler out of Primorsky Krai that currently ranks ninth in the world with the left arm, according to X Sport News. In 2015, Yurchenko placed third in the Senior Men Left +95 kg at the A1 Russian Open World Armwrestling Grand Prix

Yurchenko’s current ranking is largely due to him defeating Georgy Dzeranov at LOTOSHINO 2020. He ended up finishing in second place in Senior Men Left 100+ kg that year behind Artyom Morozov. He also placed third in the Senior Men Right 100+ kg at LOTOSHINO 2020.

11. Ermes Gasparini

Ermes Gasparini is an Italian professional arm wrestler and perhaps one of the most talented arm wrestlers to ever come out of Italy. He is most known for defeating Michael Todd, one of the greatest arm wrestlers of all-time, twice – something not many arm wrestlers can say today.

Gasparini is a four-time World Champion and has won several European Championships in his career. He has earned the nickname ‘The Gladiator,’ prefers the toproll technique, and has a legendary rivalry with Marcio Barboza. He seems to show out against the best competition.

10. Artem Taynov

Artem Taynov is a Russian professional arm wrestler that’s currently ranked eighth in the world with the left arm. His career hit a bit of a rough patch in the early 2010s and was hit by a lot of injuries by 2014. He continues to fight hard and remains among the very best in the world. 

Taynov placed first in the Senior Men 90 kg at the 2021 WORLDARM with his left arm. Between 2010 and 2015, he won three WAF world titles, two EAF European titles, an AI Russian Open title, and three consecutive Nemiroff titles in 2011, 2012, and 2013. He has been dominant.

9. Yordan Tsonev

Yordan Tsonev, also known as Jordan Tsonev, is a Bulgarian professional arm wrestler that’s currently ranked seventh in the world with the left arm, according to X Sport News. He has consistently performed well at the World Armwrestling Federation World Championships

At the 2019 WAF championships, Tsonev took home first place in the Senior Men 100 kg Left and second place in the Senior Men 100 kg Right. Between 2010-2018, he placed second with the left arm a total of three times and third place with the right arm a total of three times. 

8. Alex Kurdecha

Alex Kurdecha is a Polish professional arm wrestler that’s one of the best arm wrestlers today – both with his right and left arms. According to X Sport News, he currently ranks sixth in the world with the right and left arms – only four other men are listed in the top ten with both arms. 

Kurdecha has done it all in the world of sports. Apart from arm wrestling, he has pursued careers in american football, swimming, weightlifting, and much more. He even once set a local record in throwing F1 grenades. He currently works for Polski Związek Motorowy in Poland. 

7. Artyom Morozov

Artyom Morozov was very close to joining Kurdecha in the top ten of both left and right arms. The professional arm wrestler from Kazakhstan currently ranks fifth in the world with the left arm, but also ranks 11th in the world with the right arm, according to X Sport News’ rankings. 

Morozov recently won first place in the Senior Men Left 100+ kg at LOTOSHINO 2020 with 25 points – the next closest was Sergey Yurchenko with 17 points. Morozov finished third in the Senior Men Left Open that year and second place in the Senior Men Right 100+ kg. 

6. Dave Chaffee

Dave Chaffee, also known as ‘Easy Money,’ is an American professional arm wrestler that’s currently ranked fifth in the world with the right arm. Through the years, he has enjoyed several high-profile rivalries, including with Michael Todd, Devon Larratt, and Dmitry Trubin. 

Chaffee stands 6’2’’ and weighs 275 pounds, according to the World Armwrestling League. He began arm wrestling in 2006 and hails from Erie, Pennsylvania – where he works as a corrections officer at the Erie County Prison. He lives a simple, routine-oriented life. 

5. Michael Todd

Michael Todd has enjoyed an illustrious and decorated arm wrestling career that not many can compare to. He began arm wrestling in high school thanks to his father, who introduced him to the sport. He turned pro at the turn of the century after winning his first national title in 2020. 

Through his career, Todd has won 18 world titles and 34 national titles. They call him ‘The Monster, a nickname that has stuck with him as he continues to dominate the sport. He has enjoyed several high-profile rivalries, including Devon Larratt, Dmitry Trubin, and Dave Chaffee.

4. Krasimir Kostadinov

Krasimir Kostadinov is a Bulgarian professional arm wrestler that’s currently ranked fourth in the world with the left arm and seventh in the world with the right arm. He began arm wrestling at a very young age, entered his first contest in 2017, and has been devoted to the sport ever since. 

Kostadinov can get the job done with both arms. He has won multiple European and World championships in his career, but wants to achieve even more. At the 2019 Zloty Tur, Kostadinov won first place in both Senior Men Right and Left 105+ kg. He defeated Kurdecha at the 2020 VENDETTA United Stars

3. Devon Larratt

Devon Larratt, also known as ‘No Limits,’ is a Canadian professional arm wrestler that’s currently ranked third in the world for both right and left arms, according to X Sport News. He’s a former member of the Canadian Special Forces, which helped him succeed in arm wrestling. 

He began arm wrestling as a teenager and entered his first international competition in 1999. He has battled against some of the top names in arm wrestling, defeating Michael Todd, John Brzenk, Dave Chaffee, Todd Hutchings, Jerry Cadorette, and Ron Bath all in the past four years.

2. Vitaly Laletin

Vitaly Laletin is a Russian professional arm wrestler that’s currently ranked second in the world with both left and right arms, according to X Sport News. He’s a big guy, standing 6’7’’ tall and weighing 302 pounds – though his arms look smaller than most of his competitors today.

Laletin is a five-time Russian champion, seven-time European champion, and seven-time World champion. He is known as a legend in the sport and has found success with both arms – something not all arm wrestlers can do. Even today, Laletin continues to dominate the sport. 

1. Levan Saginashvili

Levan Saginashvili, also known as the ‘Georgian Hulk,’ is a professional arm wrestler fighting out of Georgia. He’s the greatest arm wrestler of his generation and has dominated the sport over the past 10 years. He stands 6’4’’ and weighs 370 pounds – a behemoth of a person.

Over the past decade, Saginashvili has won seven WAF titles, six European titles, the 2017 World Cup, and the 2019 Top 8. He had an impressive 2018 with first place finishes at the EuroArm, the World Armwrestling Championship, and the Vendetta All Stars #50. He’s currently ranked No. 1 in the world with both the left and right arms. 

Who Are the Best Arm Wrestlers of All-Time?

The best arm wrestlers in the world might not receive as much attention or praise as other athletes – such as those that play football (soccer). With that said, they’re still revered by fans of the sport and have a loyal following that give them a taste of that celebrity status we’re all after. 

With 2022 upon us, let’s not forget about the legendary names in the arm wrestling community that helped pave the way for those listed above. Names like John Brzenk, Cleve Dean, Travis Bagent, Gary Goodridge, Andriy Pushkar, Denis Cyplenkov, and Alexey Voyevoda

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Other names worth mentioning among the all-time greats include Virgil Arciero, Ruslan Babayev, Rustam Babyev, Ron Bath, Marcio Barboza, Kevin Bongard, Bill Brzenk, Jerry Cadorette, Genaddy Fadzinov, Allen Fisher, Michael Todd, and Cvetan Gashevski.

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