Devon Larratt vs. Leonidas Arkona (Super Heavyweight +115 kg, Left Arm): The Showdown of Experience vs. Power

Devon Larratt: The Face of Modern Armwrestling

 For most armwrestling fans, Devon Larratt needs no introduction. The Canadian has been a dominant force in the sport for over 30 years. He’s not just a champion; he’s a storyteller, a tactician, and a showman who’s captured the imagination of fans around the world. From holding two WAL Legacy Hammers at once to becoming the oldest heavyweight world champion, Larratt’s list of accomplishments is as long as it is impressive. Even though many fans might consider John Brzenk the GOAT (Greatest of All Time), Devon’s accolades and ability to reinvent himself make him one of the most exciting figures in the sport.

Most recently, Devon made headlines by dismantling Ermes Gasparini at East vs West 9, cementing his status as a force to be reckoned with. His pedigree, both on the right and left arms, is second to none.

But, as Devon himself has admitted, his left arm may not be in the same shape as his right. After dedicating so much of his training to the right arm, the left has taken a backseat.

Leonidas Arkona: The Powerlifter’s Armwrestling Ascent

 Leonidas Arkona, on the other hand, represents the new wave of strength athletes transitioning into armwrestling. Known for his incredible powerlifting feats, Arkona has already made waves in the armwrestling scene with some notable victories. His victories over well-known figures like Larry Wheels and Aleksandr “Schoolboy” Beziazykov have turned heads, and he even gave John Brzenk a serious challenge on the right arm.

While Leonidas is undeniably talented and strong, comparing his career to Devon’s is, frankly, a bit premature. Devon is a titan of the sport, while Leonidas is still carving his niche. However, Arkona is no pushover. He’s young, hungry, and has shown he can hang with top competitors. With his left arm being his stronger side, this match could prove more competitive than people expect.

Can Leonidas Pull a Miracle?

 On paper, the odds heavily favor Devon Larratt, and for good reason. Larratt’s wealth of experience, versatility, and table IQ are in a league of their own. To think that Leonidas could topple him may seem outlandish to most armwrestling fans. After all, Devon’s opponents include world champions and legends of the sport, while Leonidas is still fighting for recognition in the armwrestling world.

But it would be a mistake to dismiss Arkona outright. Yes, he’s still somewhat unproven, but he has demonstrated raw power and an ability to learn quickly. His match against John Brzenk was especially impressive, even though Brzenk was far from his prime. What makes this intriguing is that Leonidas will be facing Devon’s left arm, which, by Devon’s admission, hasn’t been given the attention it once received. It’s clear that Larratt has been focused on training his right arm in recent years, so his left may not be as dominant as it was when he was at his peak.

For Arkona, this presents an opportunity. If he can leverage his strength and target any potential weaknesses in Devon’s left arm, he could create an upset. A victory over Devon, even with a less dominant arm, would be a massive leap forward in Leonidas’ career, potentially catapulting him into the upper echelon of the sport.

Where Could the Winner Land in the Rankings?

Rankings in armwrestling are always a hot topic of debate, and left-arm rankings are even more contentious. Devon Larratt is currently sitting at 13th on the left-arm world rankings, just behind Ermes Gasparini. The current ranking system is straightforward: beat the higher-ranked competitor, and you take their spot.

So, what happens if Leonidas wins? He takes Devon’s spot in the rankings, shooting up to the 13th position. It would be a monumental leap for someone who’s still so new to professional armwrestling, placing him among some of the sport’s elite left-arm competitors.

And if Devon wins? Well, not much changes. A victory over Leonidas wouldn’t propel him any higher in the rankings since Arkona isn’t currently ranked at Devon’s level. However, it would serve as a reminder that even if Devon’s left arm isn’t what it used to be, he’s still more than capable of handling the new generation.

Technical Breakdown: Power vs. Tactics

One of the most exciting aspects of this matchup is the contrast in styles. Leonidas Arkona is a power athlete, plain and simple. He’s one of the strongest competitors out there, with personal records in the bench press that few in the armwrestling world can touch. His raw power makes him a threat to anyone on the table, but armwrestling is about more than just brute strength.

Devon Larratt is one of the most versatile armwrestlers in the world: He can flop press, execute the King’s Move, top roll, and outthink nearly any opponent. His endurance is legendary, allowing him to wear down even the strongest of opponents over the course of a match. Add in his decades of experience, and Devon knows how to counter almost any move his opponent makes.

If Leonidas tries to go for a fast, explosive hit—something akin to a flop press—he risks losing his wrist, as many others have when facing Devon. Kamil Jablonski tried something similar during his match with Devon in the Arm Wars series, only to be outmaneuvered. If the match goes to the straps, the likelihood of Leonidas winning decreases drastically. Once in the straps, Devon can fully deploy his arsenal of techniques, wearing down Leonidas and taking control of the match.

While Arkona’s strength could lead to an early pin if he catches Devon off guard, the more likely scenario involves Larratt using his superior technique and endurance to take the victory.

A Must-Watch Showdown for Fans

 As we approach King of the Table 12, the excitement for this match continues to grow. Devon Larratt’s loyal fanbase will undoubtedly be tuning in, eager to see if their hero can still dominate on the left arm. Meanwhile, Leonidas Arkona’s supporters hope to witness the powerlifter pull off a career-defining upset. Whether it’s Devon’s unmatched experience or Leonidas’ raw power that prevails, this is a match every armwrestling fan will want to see.

Remember to grab your PPV at armwrestlingmatches.com and witness this clash of strength and strategy unfold live!