Bunbury armwrestler to represent Oceania in Las Vegas

Scott, 41, is a multiple state and national champion who recently won a Perth qualifier to earn a spot at the regional qualifier in Melbourne. 

There he took on the best armwrestlers in the Southern Hemisphere to finish first in the right arm 225 pound category.

WATCH: Ryan Scott beating an opponent in Melbourne. 

“Melbourne was a big competition with 16 high quality opponents in my category,” he said.

“I faced 10 opponents with two loses eliminating a competitor. Once it got to the top four the competition was best of three wins.

“Arnold Schwarzenegger came to watch which was cool too.”

The victory qualified Scott for the world championship finals in Las Vegas which are broadcast live on ESPN with prize money in excess of $230,000. 

WATCH: Bunbury’s Ryan Scott explaining professional armwrestling.

Scott said armwrestling is a lot more than just brute strength with more of the power coming from a wrestlers forearm, wrist and hand. 

“Often older men with working class backgrounds have developed good lower arm strength to fight with,” he said. 

“Men tend to fall out of sport as they hit their early adulthood but the average age of a world armwrestling league champion is 40.

“A lifetime of strength and conditioning can lead to improvement and some of the best in the world are even older again.” 

Alongside competing, Scott trains other competitors from across Australia and the world with high-ranking fighters regularly visiting Bunbury to train with him. 

“The best way to get good at armwrestling is to do it constantly so I try to train in bouts for two hours a time, up to five days a week,” he said. 

“I’ve got a reputation for finishing fights quickly and in the past I’ve beaten the Australian bench press record holder in a bout before too.”

After the world championships, Scott will be back in WA for the state armwrestling championships in Perth and is keen to hear from locals who might be interested in training for a first bout. 

“Anyone keen to learn what it takes to become a professional armwrestler should call me on 0411 587 769 or check out the Hands of Steel, Bunbury Armwrestling Club Facebook page.”