FAQ

What does 98% refer to?

The term “98%” symbolizes the majority of armwrestlers who are not at the elite level. This encompasses everyone from beginners to seasoned professionals. While we don’t claim to represent every non-elite puller, we aim to highlight their significant contributions to the sport. We are the 98% of the sport out there grinding to achieve that next level.

How did 98% Armwrestling start?

98% Armwrestling originated from a humorous social media video by Ryan Grondin, showcasing his “training” with stretch bands. The video went viral, gaining attention from prominent armwrestlers like Devon Larratt and Levan Saginashvili. This sparked the idea of forming an organization for non-elite pullers, which Grondin discussed with Paul Linn, Josh Vinikoor, and others.

At Zack Lee’s "Shit Talkers 3" tournament on February 20, 2021, in Somerset, Pennsylvania, chants of “98! 98!” echoed during matches. From this momentum, the organization was born, hosting its first tournament, Protest 1, on May 15, 2021, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

What activities does 98% Armwrestling oversee?

  1. Tournaments:

    • WinterBlast: Our flagship event, held annually in March in the Philadelphia area. In 2024, it became the largest U.S. tournament with 585 entries. The 2025 WinterBlast will take place on March 21-22 at the Valley Forge Casino and Resort.
    • Other key events include the Battle at Antietam (Maryland), Shawn Lattimer New Jersey State Championship, and Domestic Disturbance (Pennsylvania).
    • We collaborate with other promoters for events like the Maryland State Championships and War at the Shore and Arnold Classic Qualifiers.

  2. Merchandise: Offering a growing line of training equipment (handles, straps) and branded apparel (shirts, hats, etc.).

  3. Promoter Support: Assisting event organizers in sourcing reliable and affordable equipment and sportswear suppliers. Also promoting their events.

What podcasts does 98% Armwrestling produce?

  • FTG Friday Night: A lively weekly podcast discussing all things armwrestling and beyond. It airs every Friday at 8:30 PM ET and often features guests from around the globe. Listeners can join live discussions or participate via text chat.
  • Getting Around with the Professor: A monthly 10-15 minute video covering upcoming armwrestling events in the Northeastern U.S., accompanied by a comprehensive event list.
  • What’s Next 4 You?: Hosted by Ryan Grondin and Mikey Oliva (PROGEAR Armwrestling), this podcast interviews a mix of armwrestling personalities.
  • Armwrestling Science: Featuring interviews with pullers, nutritionists, and strength trainers. Featuring the science behind Armwrestling. All podcasts are available on the 98% YouTube channel.

Where can I find 98% Armwrestling on social media?

We have a main Facebook group called, 98% Armwrestling Community, and a Facebook page, 98% Armwrestling. We are on Instagram, Tiktok and Youtube under 98 Armwrestling, and we have a group in every state on Facebook searchable by typing 98 Armwrestling (then your state). Many countries as well.