Andrey, how are you feeling?

Great, very warlike.

You seldom watch tournaments as a spectator only. What are your thoughts on the World Championship from a spectator’s point of view?

I liked it a lot! Very high level event, a huge show right from the starting ceremony. I can’t think of any downsides.

It’s no secret that the World Cup is a great event in the world of armwrestling. You could be described as the professional world’s great professional. What has changed since the first time you approached the table?

Many things, of course. First time I came to Nemiroff in Warsaw in 2005. Since then, everything has changed, from the organizer to the prizes. Back then the highest prize was 500 dollars. Nowadays a professional contestant can earn a living just by competing. There’s a lot more possibilities.

How is the situation with youth in our sport – are there many new talents?

Time goes by. There’s a lot of new faces, all of them strong, like Oleg Zhoh. His fights are sure to be interesting.

John Brzenk is not coming. Do you think the World Cup will be less interesting because of that? Which fights are a must-see for you?

Of course John Brzenk is very important to armwrestling, especially for the Nemiroff World Cup, but his absence will do no harm to the event’s level. Nemiroff is the World Cup, the level of all fights is incredible. It’s worth watching from the start to the end.

What are your feelings on your start? Are you ready?

(Laughs) My feelings are great! I’m ready to take the first place.

Do you have anything to say to your opponents?

Better be prepared! See you on Nemiroff.

Artur Grigorjan