Empire State Golden Arm Tournament

Build up those muscles, because the 33rd Annual Empire State Golden Arm Tournament is right around the corner.
The New York Arm Wrestling Association will be holding the 33rd Annual Empire State Golden Arm Tournament of Champions on Thursday, November 18. The event will be held at the Port Authority Bus Terminal’s North Wing/Main Concourse at 625 8th Avenue, New York.
“The Empire State Golden Arm Tournament of Champions is New York City’s oldest and most prestigious sought-after title,” said Gene Camp, founder and president of the New York Arm Wrestling Association (NYAWA). “This event is a culmination of the 33rd anniversary season, and it is going to be very exciting to watch because the event is loaded with top talent from all over the tri-state area and far beyond.”
There is a no charge to spectators who wish to watch this sport. There is a public entry fee of $25, and a $35 fee for professionals, plus a free T-shirt for the first 50 entrants. There are 13 weight class categories designed for both men and women, and contestants are urged to register early.
Cash prizes of $100 and a four-inch, half-pound medallion are awarded to pros who receive first place in their respective weight class. Amateur winners will not receive cash prizes and may only receive medallion awards. The competitors may participate in both the right hand and left hand matches and additional bonus cash prizes are awarded to the individual who can earn first place in both the left and right hand bouts. The winner of the left hand and right hand matches will receive $200 separately, plus an additional $200 for winning both – as well as the honor of being named Empire State Most Valuable Player.
The Empire State Championship is the final event of the New York Golden Arm Series. Among those expected to compete locally are New York Firefighter Mike Ayello from Deer Park, Long Island, who upset the 27-time National Champion Mike Selearis from Elmhurst at the Queensboro Arm Wrestling Championships in September.
Ayello was named the 2010 Empire State Arm Wrestler of the Year and is originally from Whitestone.
Queens Champion Mirline Berrouet from South Ozone Park is one of the favorites in the Women’s Open Category. Others expected to participate are 10-Time Canadian Champion and the city’s current Queen of Arms, Josee Morneau from Winnipeg, Canada and World Champion Travis Bagent from West Virginia in the pro categories.
For people interested in competing, Jason Vale, former World champion has a meeting every Thursday night at 8:15 p.m. The meetings are held at 82-50 235th Street in Bellerose.
For additional information call Gene Camp at 718-544-4592 or visit the NYAWA web site at www.nycarms.com.