East VS West 16 Results: A Controversial Armwrestling Supermatch Tournament

The East VS West 16 Armwrestling SuperMatch Tournament was a landmark event that took place in Tbilisi, Georgia, bringing together some of the most formidable arm wrestlers from the Eastern and Western hemispheres.

This tournament was not just a display of physical strength and technique but also a battleground for regional pride and personal rivalries.

Held in the Tbilisi Sports Palace, the event was live-streamed, drawing thousands of viewers worldwide. The atmosphere was electric, with fans from both sides cheering loudly, creating an intense environment. It was a sold out event with fans from all across the world together both digitally and physically. While the livestream was mostly a success, there were a few upsets and referee calls that may have changed everything.

Supermatches Results:

Stoyan Golemanov vs Vasily Dautashvili: 3-1

Stoyan Golemanov from Bulgaria secured a 3-1 victory over Vasily Dautashvili from Georgia. Golemanov's strategy involved a strong top roll, which he executed particularly well in the decisive match.

Bacho Saginashvili vs Brad Grundy: 3-0

Bacho Saginashvili, known as "the Georgian Hulk," completely dominated the match, winning 3-0 against Brad Grundy from Canada. His use of a devastating hook was a spectacle to behold.

Serhii Kalinichenko vs Frank Lamparelli: 3-0

Serhii Kalinichenko from Ukraine swept Frank Lamparelli from the USA with a 3-0 score, showcasing superior hand control and pressure.

David Dadikyan vs Alex Kurdecha: 3-0

David Dadikyan from Armenia clinched a 3-0 win over Alex Kurdecha from Poland, leveraging his exceptional wrist strength and endurance.

Fia Reisek vs Malin Bergström: 4-0

In the women's match, Fia Reisek from Germany outclassed Malin Bergström from Sweden 4-0, using a combination of speed and power.

Oleg Zhokh vs Daniel Procopciuc: 4-0

Oleg Zhokh from Ukraine was unbeatable against Daniel Procopciuc from Romania, securing a 4-0 win with his renowned inside top roll technique.

Oleg Petrenko vs Betkili Oniani: 4-0

Another Ukrainian, Oleg Petrenko, dominated Betkili Oniani from Georgia, winning 4-0. His ability to quickly adapt to his opponent's style was key.

Ermes Gasparini vs Michael Todd: 3-0

The match between "Monster" Michael Todd from the USA and Ermes Gasparini from Italy ended with Gasparini's 3-0 upset. This match was marked by Gasparini's effective counter to Todd's aggressive style.

Todd Hutchings vs Irakli Zirakashvili: 4-2

Todd Hutchings from the USA took on Irakli Zirakashvili from Georgia in a nail-biter, winning 4-2. The match was a back-and-forth affair, with Hutchings pulling through with sheer determination.

Devon Larratt vs Genadi Kvikvinia: 4-1

Devon Larratt from Canada gave a masterclass in arm wrestling, defeating Genadi Kvikvinia from Georgia 4-1. Larratt's tactical use of both top roll and hook was pivotal, especially in the closing matches.

Vitaly Laletin vs Artyom Morozov: 4-2

Vitaly Laletin from Russia edged out Artyom Morozov from Belarus 4-2. Laletin's physical conditioning and strategic patience were crucial in this marathon match.

Controversies and Highlights:

Referee Calls:

The tournament saw significant controversy over referee decisions, particularly in matches like Todd vs. Gasparini, where calls of fouls or slips were hotly debated. Social media was flooded with fan reactions, some demanding a review system for future events.

Michael Todd vs. Ermes Gasparini:

The unexpected outcome here led to intense discussions regarding the referee's judgment on a slip by Todd, which many argued was not a slip but a strategic move.

Devon Larratt's Performance:

Larratt's match against Kvikvinia was not just a physical battle but also a psychological one. Post-match interviews revealed Larratt's preparation involved studying Kvikvinia's past matches extensively.

Community Reactions:

On platforms like Reddit and arm wrestling forums, there were threads dissecting every move, from the technical aspects to the emotional reactions of the competitors. The community's passion was evident in the detailed analyses and memes that followed.

Tournament Outcomes:

East vs. West: The final tally left both the East and West with 2 wins each, symbolizing the close competition and global respect for arm wrestling talent.

Supporting Armwrestling:

The tournament concluded with an appeal to buy the event's recording to support the arm wrestling community. This not only aids in funding but also in archiving the sport's history.

Upcoming Events:

Crucible Armwrestling: With the launch of cruciblearmwrestling.com teased at the event, there's much speculation on new tournaments, possibly with improved facilities or rule sets to address the controversies seen here.

Conclusion:

East vs West 16 was a testament to the sport's growth, showcasing not just strength but strategy, sportsmanship, and community passion. While controversies over refereeing were significant, they also sparked discussions on how to improve the sport's integrity. The event's memorable moments, from Larratt's tactical victories to unexpected outcomes like Gasparini's win, will keep the arm wrestling community engaged as they look forward to the next chapter in this evolving sport.

Love Armwrestling,

The Crucible Armwrestling Team