The East vs. West armwrestling series is back for its eighth edition in 2025, scheduled for May 10 in Istanbul, Turkey, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most anticipated events of the year. Following the rankings shake-up earlier this year — where Croatia’s Rino Mašić entered the left-arm top tier, replacing Ukraine’s Evgeny Prudnik due to inactivity — the stage is set for a clash of titans.
East vs. West 7 in 2023 set the tone for the series, with high-stakes supermatches that reshaped the rankings. This year, Mašić is expected to face off against Russia’s Sergey Tokarev, whose match against Dmitry Silaev in January 2025 influenced the latest rankings update. Tokarev’s aggressive top-roll technique, which relies on wrist leverage to pin opponents, will be tested against Mašić’s hook style, known for its endurance and control. XSportNews, which tracks these rankings, notes that the “pound-for-pound” list remains a showcase rather than a strict hierarchy, highlighting the sport’s depth.
The event will feature both left- and right-arm matches, with supermatches lasting up to six rounds. Istanbul’s venue, known for its electric atmosphere, will likely draw a global crowd, especially after the success of the IFA North American Championship in Vegas on March 8. That event saw fast pins and packed tables, setting a high bar for 2025. East vs. West 8 is also a qualifier for the IFA World Championships later this year, adding extra stakes.
For armwrestlers at home, Mašić and Tokarev offer valuable lessons. Mašić’s grip training — using thick bar holds to build forearm strength — is a must for anyone looking to improve their hook. Tokarev, meanwhile, emphasizes wrist curls and pronation drills to dominate in the top roll. A pro tip: practice “side pressure” drills by pressing against a wall with your arm in a match position — it builds the lateral strength needed to counter an opponent’s move.
East vs. West 8 isn’t just about the matches; it’s about the community. The event will feature fan meet-and-greets and amateur pull-offs, giving newcomers a chance to test their skills. As armwrestling grows, events like this are crucial for its visibility. Will Mašić solidify his top-tier status, or will Tokarev reclaim dominance? Fans won’t want to miss this one.
Source:
XSportNews, February 3, 2025