World No. 1 arm wrestler goes undefeated in Scarborough tournament

In a call to arms of some of Ontario’s best arm wrestlers, The Loaded Dog pub in Scarborough witnessed world No. 1 Devon “No Limits” Larratt dominate in all four classes he entered in the Golden Horseshoe Armwrestling Championships, remaining unbeaten throughout.


Devon (No Limits) Larratt taking on Big Rick Heidebrecht in the 2012 Golden Horseshoe Armwrestling Championships Mens Right Pro Overall 199+ category at The Loaded Dog.

Larratt, who represents the team Ottawa High Hookers, triumphed in the men’s right- and left-hand super heavyweight class, the men’s left pro overall open, and the men’s right pro overall 199+ lbs. category Saturday, winning $200 from the latter two categories.

The B.C. native beat Rick Heidebrecht in the right pro overall final after yelling out “can opener” on his way to pinning Heidebrecht after a tense opening lock. The “can opener,” Larratt later explained, was a transition skill move that involves “hooking” the opponent’s hand over the top and “rolling” them inside toward a pin.

Heidebrecht, a two-time Canadian champion, came second to Larratt in all the same weight classes, earning a total of $100.

“Ontario arm wrestling is real Mecca for the sport and [the level] is always high.”

— Devon Laratt

The event was held at The Loaded Dog pub for the first time, which opened in October last year, and will host the more prestigious Mike Gould Classic at the end of March.

Larratt, the world No. 1 since 2008, called the event “great,” adding the high level of competition in Ontario was still evident even for a relatively small tournament.

“Ontario arm wrestling is real Mecca for the sport and [the level] is always high,” he said. “Just at this small local tournament you got world champion guys and guys who have won national titles so the level of competition is good.”

Another major contender of the day, Shea “The Swamp Thingy” Dickie walked away with victories in five separate weight classes.

He won in the men’s right- and left-hand in the 155-176 and 177-198 weight classes and the men’s right pro overall 0-198 lbs., pocketing $100 for his efforts.


Devon (No Limits) Larratt taking on Big Rick Heidebrecht in the 2012 Golden Horseshoe Armwrestling Championships Mens Left Pro Overall 199+ category at The Loaded Dog.

The Canadian puller-of-the-year, who found the level of competition “quite easy,” said he saw the tournament as preparation for the upcoming event.

“I’m looking forward to the Mike Gould Classic. There should be a lot more competition for me with higher calibre arm wrestlers and bigger money,” Dickie said.

He came fifth in the men’s left pro overall open behind Heidebrecht and Larratt.

Mike Gould, a 17-time Canadian Champion and two-time World Champion, and the tournament promoter, said he was happy with the turnout despite a number of competing events happening across Ontario in the last few months.

“It really worked out great. The staff and management and everyone supported the event really well,” he said. “The event in March is going to be a huge success, for sure.”

Asked to weigh up Larratt’s future in the arm wrestling scene, Gould said that his class is unmatchable.

“Honestly, I don’t think anyone can beat him. He’s proven himself,” Gould said. “He’s the man.”

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By: Akihiko Tse
Posted: Feb 28 2012 7:28 pm
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