Long-awaited ORAWA ARMWRESTLING CHALLENGE crossed best players’ arms. It turned out that previous advertisement of the event and accompanying movies promoting it - attracted names from the international arena. Among the audience such players as Khadaev and Kasan could be seen. The biggest surprise of the tournaments, in which competitors, who came there that day, did not want to believe, was the presence of the world armwrestling stars Andrey Pushkar from Ukraine! Small "leak" about the arrival of the Master, which came out a week before the competitions he could cause, that several leading players
decided not to participate in competitions.

The whole competition took place on 17th September 2011 in the House of Culture in Jablonka, and the elimination of all categories, which were supposed to determine finalists for the evening galas, which started at 14.00.

6.00 p.m. – a sound of five long trumpets gathering on a stage, sound that has accompanied Orava for several decades. Probably no one would have done it better, than the founders of a Small Podhale - the Haniaczyks. Then everyone that came could watch the movie promoting competition, which accompanied the event on the Internet. A few minutes later the grand opening of the tournament conducted by the mayor of Jablonka commune Mr Anthony Karlak and special guests World Champions Sniezana Babayev from the Ukraine and Lubomir Jagnesek from Slovakia took place.

Amateurs struggled at the table as the first ones, without division into weight classes. Zdzislaw Grochal from Skrzypneturned out to be unbeatable and easily defeated all opponents. Adam Gasienica from Wysoka ranked second and the third was Tomasz Grzelak from KS Pierwszy. Despite less experience of the players duels were spectacular and a at very high level.

Professional players could be seen in next classes. In the -75 kg calass Adriana Klapec from Tytan Jaworzno dominated.  The current Polish Champion – Dawid Groch from Wiking Nisko ranked right behind him. The lowest place on the podium won the hosts’ contestant Pawel Kabat.

Class -95 kg was an example of a really fierce rivalry which was dominated by players of the strongest club in Poland - TYTAN Jaworzno! After difficult and spectacular qualifications Natan Kajdas turned out to be the best. The second place on the podium belonged to Wojciech Pietak, and the one who finished the rivalry as the third was an experienced Dariusz Muszczak. The most thrilling duel in this category Szewczyk and Tomasz Mariusz Grochowski can boast of. After disruptions, fouls, referees’ set their duel seemed to be a Vendetta consisted of few rounds.

In the subsequent fights the stage belonged to representatives of local entrepreneurs and government employees. VIP class, as it’s the one described here, was won by a representative of the CHYZBET company Grzegorz Scislowicz. Roman Kwiatkowski, from the KOLTON company won the second place.  Stanislaw Biel from the POLANSKI company ranked right behind them.

The most awaited event of the day was the OPEN PRESTIGE rivalry. We all asked ourselves - is there anyone who can threaten a strongman from Ukraine that day? Will our players be able to hold Andrey’s hand at least for a while? We did not have to wait long for an answer.  After a few fights a huge predominance of the World Champion has already been seen. Without any problems he won the first part of the ORAWA AC and entered into possession of beautiful Orava belt. Well prepared Jerzy Kwiatkowski from Zakopane finished up the rivalry on the second place. It has to be admitted that after a short break in starts Grzegorz, returned in a grand style. Right behind them, on the third place of the podium ranked a very fast and strong player of TYTAN Jaworzno Wojciech Pietak. The fight, which we can be distinguished in this category is a confrontation of 130-pound Casimir Fita with a well known Dariusz Muszczak. The"Murderous" course of the duel, won by Fita, had reflected on the later struggles of these players.

For dessert, after an awards ceremony strength test of two masters: Jagnesakiem and Pushkar could be seen at the table. Both players showed great strength and determination. All concerned got a foretaste of what is awaiting us at this year's Professionals’ World Cup - NEMIROFF World Cup.

This full of excitement and spectacular event sparked a huge satisfaction among community authorities. A dynamic process and its high sports level impressed all the guests. And what’s the most important, the struggle finished without any injuries. In each category were attractive prize money, beautiful trophies and medals in the shape of the logo of the event and diplomas to win. However, I think, that most precious of all players was the opportunity to commune with names such as Pushkar, Babayev, Jagnesak or Khadaev.

The next edition is only a matter of time and fixing the date. But we can already invite you to a unique ORAWA ARMWRESTLING CHALLENGE 2012! SEE YOU!

Huge thanks for sponsors, originators, those who involved in the efficient organization and the course of the competition. Special thanks are also directed at VFD Jablonka, who watched over the security and medical security of the participants of the event.

Jakub Janczy