Since stepping away from competition in 2023, four-time World’s Strongest Man (WSM) Brian Shaw has embraced his new role as a strongman promoter and has even ventured into arm wrestling.
Shaw revealed an addition to the Shaw Classic: an arm wrestling contest to determine the “Strongest Arm on Earth.” This event features a match between two renowned former strongman competitors, Eddie Hall versus Robert Oberst.
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Arm Wrestling at The Shaw Classic
The arm wrestling event at the Shaw Classic, which features the Strongest Man on Earth (SMoE) competition, will feature five men’s weight categories and three women’s weight categories from Aug. 15-17, 2025, at the Blue Arena in Loveland, CO.
The Shaw Classic Expo is free to all and features many vendors. The tournament includes provisions for a huge expected turnout. The Shaw Classic organizers must ensure the tournament runs smoothly and stays on schedule so a participant limit is in place.
There’s a right arm and a left arm in each category. It will be limited to 24 per class per arm.
—Brian Shaw
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Strongest Arm on Earth — 3 Supermatches
We run the Strongest Man on Earth at the Shaw Classic. What are we calling our supermatch tournament?
—Brian Shaw
Shaw accomplished everything he wanted in strongman and wants to give back to the strength sports that made him.
My first supermatch was fitting at the Shaw Classic to give back to the arm wrestling community. We’re building it up.
—Brian Shaw
Shaw announced three supermatches with efforts underway to confirm additional matchups. The action kicks off with Eddie Hall, who is fully dedicated to his arm wrestling training.
Hall will face Oberst, a fellow strongman. “He’s very excited about this,” Shaw shared. “There will be some fireworks between those two. I can only imagine what will get said in the buildup to the supermatch.”
Shaw is thrilled to highlight two of the most accomplished women in arm wrestling: Sarah Backman and Gabriela Vasconcelos. Backman is a renowned in the sport — an 11-time world champion. Vasconcelos has 32 world titles; one of the most decorated athletes in arm wrestling history. Their supermatch will be left-handed.
The third highly anticipated supermatch features Shaw versus Brandon Allen — a powerlifting powerhouse with formidable strength. Allen defeated Larry Wheels at the King of the Table tournament.
Contest registration opens on April 4, 2025. For more information about the Shaw Classic’s arm wrestling tournament, visit the official Shaw Classic website.
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Featured image: @shawstrength on Instagram
