MOST OF US KNOW how armwrestling works. You sit down opposite someone, grip the hand of your opponent across the table, battle it out in a test of strength and usually within 30 seconds, someone emerges victorious. Pretty simple. What most people overlook is that armwrestling is great for making social connections – and that’s part of what has made it one of Australia’s fastest growing sports.
It might sound like a stretch. Armwrestling, after all, does carry a certain ‘pub game’ image. But Phil Rasmussen, the president of Armwrestling Australia, has spent more than a decade changing that perception, and the numbers are starting to make his case for him. When he first got involved, competitive armwrestling in Australia was, by his own description, “very much underground” with “small pockets of enthusiasts, limited structure and almost no public awareness.”
Today, there are more than 30 armwrestling clubs across the country, with hundreds of competitors stepping onto the table at state and national championships.
Throughout this period of growth, a strong community has formed around armwrestling as a vehicle for connection. “Something as simple as getting people around a table, having a pull, sharing a laugh, and building that sense of camaraderie can have a real impact,” says Rasmussen.
That’s the thinking behind the GETTIN’-A-GRIP event taking place in Orange during Men’s Health Week in June. Hosted by member of parliament Phil Donato, GETTIN’-A-GRIP is an amateur armwrestling contest overseen by Rasmussen. The aim is to draw attention to men’s physical and mental health through a novel initiative featuring high-profile participants including retired professional sportsmen, Australian identities and politicians from across the political spectrum.
“The concept of the GETTIN’–A–GRIP event isn’t just about arm-wrestling – it’s a powerful message about men grabbing hold of their health, their wellbeing, and their willingness to speak up. It’s about turning a simple moment of entertaining competition into something meaningful, something lasting,” the independent NSW State MP said. “There’s a real power in men coming together, face-to-face. In that environment, barriers come down. And often, that’s where the first honest conversation begins.”
How can you get better at armwrestling?
Rasmussen is quick to point out that you don’t need to be built like a brick wall to be good at armwrestling. In fact, the biggest misconception about the sport is that brute strength trumps all. “Armwrestling is not about biceps,” he says. “It is about leverage, hand control, wrist strength and technique. The strongest guy in the gym does not automatically win. In fact, beginners are often surprised at how quickly they get beaten by someone smaller who understands positioning.”
“A good arm wrestler has strong hands and fingers, conditioned tendons, and the ability to apply pressure through very specific angles,” Rasmussen continues.
What it does require is focus. You cannot get distracted at the table or be somewhere else mentally. “You are in a one-on-one battle, under pressure, with nowhere to hide,” Rasmussen says. “Learning to stay calm, focused and present in that moment builds a kind of resilience that can carry over into everyday life.”
If you’re interested in giving it a go, Rasmussen’s advice is counterintuitive. Most beginners assume power wins. It doesn’t, or at least not alone. “The biggest shift for most people is understanding that armwrestling is closer to a tug of war than a sideways push,” he explains. “You want to keep your angle tight and apply back pressure to open your opponent up before going sideways. If you go sideways too early, you’re usually giving away your strongest position.”
Armwrestling has its eyes on an even bigger stage. The sport has a shot at Olympic and Paralympic inclusion, potentially at Brisbane 2032. Para armwrestling has recently satisfied key criteria for recognition and Rasmussen, a Brisbanite, is allowing himself to feel something close to cautious excitement. “To potentially see it reach a Paralympic or Olympic stage here would be very special,” he says.
But for all the sport’s ambition, the beauty of armwrestling is its grassroots – when a group of people in a place like Orange can come together, share a table and make some connections.
The GETTIN’-A-GRIP 2026 Men’s Health Week launch event will take place in Orange on Saturday, June 6th 2026. Find more information here.
