Hundreds gather in Winnipeg for the Canadian National Armwrestling Championships – Winnipeg

It’s the Battle of the Arms in Winnipeg during Canada Day weekend when 400 people from across the country gather for the National Armwrestling Championships.

No championships have been awarded in Edmonton since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s been a long time coming and I’m so glad Winnipeg is able to host all of Canada’s elite armwrestling athletes,” said President Ms. Josee Morneau of the Manitoba Armwrestling Association. “I know everyone has been training hard and this year’s Canadian Nationals promises to have a lot of epic battles on the table.

Alberta’s Mason Droesse has been competing since he was 11 years old. The now 18-year-old finds the sport very enriching.

“It’s a sense of accomplishment when you reach a certain level. A lot of skill and technique has to be put into it,” said Droesse. “But it’s great. it’s my sport I like that. I love it.”

Droesse is able to compete with both arms instead of just choosing one dominant side.

He says it’s always a great time to compete.

“The community is great and the sport is just great,” said Droesse.

Winnipeg hosted the championships in 2004 and 2010.

The top three medal spots in each weight class can represent Canada on the international armwrestling world championship stage at either the WAF World Championships in Antalya, Turkey or the IFA World Championships in Dieppe, France.