
Armwrestling is a sport that welcomes athletes of all skill levels, from those just starting to seasoned professionals competing on the world stage. To ensure fair competition and appropriate matchups, tournaments categorize competitors into different divisions based on experience, skill level, and competition history.
This guide defines the criteria for Novice, Amateur, and Open/Pro armwrestlers, helping competitors understand where they belong based on their training, strength, and achievements. It also clarifies the distinction between Open and Pro Classes, highlighting the role of prize money and sponsorships in high-level events, including Pro Invitationals.
Additionally, we address key considerations such as ranking systems, event director discretion, and special cases like returning athletes or arm dominance differences. Whether you’re new to the sport or striving to compete at the highest level, understanding these classifications will help you navigate armwrestling tournaments and progress in the sport.
NOVICE (Beginner Level)
- Experience: Less than 1 year of consistent armwrestling training.
- Competition History: No prior competition experience or limited to 1-2 local events.
- Preferred Skill Level: Basic knowledge of techniques (toproll, hook, press) but lacks competition experience.
- Strength Level: Beginner to intermediate strength level; primarily for those new to structured strength training specific to armwrestling.
- Eligibility: Anyone who has not won a NOVICE division or placed top 3 in an AMATEUR event.
- Restrictions: Once a competitor wins a NOVICE class, they must move up to AMATEUR.
AMATEUR (Intermediate Level)
- Experience: 1-3 years of training in armwrestling, including structured practice with a team or other experienced pullers.
- Competition History: Participated in multiple tournaments (local/regional) with some competitive success.
- Preferred Skill Level: Developing solid fundamental techniques and beginning to use strategy effectively.
- Strength Level: Dedicated strength training and conditioning for armwrestling.
- Eligibility: Beginner to intermediate strength level. Competitors who have won NOVICE class events or have shown competitive ability but have not consistently won an AMATEUR class or placed top 3 in an OPEN/PRO division.
- Restrictions:
- Winning an AMATEUR class or placing top 3 in multiple AMATEUR tournaments requires moving up to OPEN/PRO.
- Anyone who has won an OPEN/PRO class must not return to AMATEUR.
- Anyone with a top 10 ranking in their class/division must compete in OPEN/PRO classes.
OPEN / PRO (Advanced Level)
- Experience: 3+ years of structured armwrestling training and high-level competition experience.
- Competition History: Has won multiple AMATEUR classes. Regularly competes at regional, national, or international tournaments.
- Preferred Skill Level: Mastery of various techniques and a deep understanding of match strategy and endurance.
- Strength Level: Advanced to elite strength level; specialized training in endurance, tendon strength, and grip.
- Eligibility: Competitors who have won multiple AMATEUR events, placed in the top 3 in OPEN/PRO divisions, or competed in national/international events.
- Restrictions: Once in this category, they cannot compete in NOVICE or AMATEUR brackets unless explicitly allowed by event rules.
OPEN vs. PRO
An Open Class and a Pro Class are typically considered the same skill level. However, there are key differences in prize structure and incentives:
- Open Class: May or may not offer prize money, or the prize pool may be determined based on the number of participants. Open Class events are open to all competitors who meet the qualification criteria but do not necessarily guarantee financial rewards.
- Pro Class: Guarantees prize money and, in some cases, offers additional incentives for professionals to enter. These events are designed for high-level competitors who have demonstrated consistent success in armwrestling.
Pro Invitational
A Pro Invitational is an exclusive event where all professional athletes have been invited with perks such as free entry, travel stipends, or other incentives. These events often feature larger guaranteed prize pools and are typically made possible through sponsorships.
Additional Considerations
- Cross-Checking Rankings: Some organizations maintain ranking lists. If a competitor is ranked in an OPEN/PRO category, they should not be allowed to enter AMATEUR or NOVICE brackets.
- Self-Assessment & Event Directors: Some events allow athletes to enter their preferred division but may move them based on past performance or perceived skill level.
- Special Cases (Returning Athletes): Competitors returning from injury or a long hiatus may be allowed to enter a lower category if approved by event organizers. It is possible for an athlete to be considered PRO in one arm and a lower level in the other.
The True Mark of an Armwrestler
Understanding the different competition levels in armwrestling is essential for both competitors and event organizers to maintain fairness and integrity in the sport. Whether you’re a Novice just starting out, an Amateur building experience, or an Open/Pro competitor striving for elite performance, knowing where you belong ensures you’re competing against athletes of similar skill and strength levels.
But to be considered a true armwrestler, you must go beyond training and practice—you must step onto the competition stage. Anyone can armwrestle, but armwrestlers compete. They put themselves to the test, facing any challenge that comes their way without fear of losing. Entering a tournament isn’t just about winning; it’s about embracing the sport, growing from every match, and proving your dedication. Those who only put their arm on the table in matches they know they can win are not what the community needs. The heart of armwrestling lies in its competitors—those willing to take on all challengers, win or lose.
As you advance in the sport, your success will dictate when it’s time to move up. Winning in the Novice class signals readiness for Amateur competition, and consistent success at the Amateur level means stepping into the Open/Pro ranks. For those at the highest level, Open and Pro Classes offer competitive opportunities, with Pro Invitationals providing the pinnacle of prize money and prestige.
No matter where you start, armwrestling is a sport of continuous growth. Stay dedicated, train hard, and compete with integrity—because the true mark of an armwrestler isn’t just strength; it’s the willingness to test it against the best.
References:
- International Federation of Armwrestling (IFA). Official Armwrestling Competition Rules & Categories. www.ifaworldcup.com
- United States Armwrestling Association (USAA). Tournament Rules and Classifications. www.usarmwrestling.com
- Professional Armwrestling League (PAL). Pro-Level Armwrestling Events & Prize Money Structure. www.palarmsport.com
- World Armwrestling League (WAL). Competition Rules and Classifications. www.walunderground.com
- National Armwrestling League (NAL). Ranking Systems & Competitor Classifications. www.nationalarmwrestling.com
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