The world of armwrestling is still talking about the last World Cup’ events. However, there is a new project on the horizon, and it’s being slowly revealed on the Internet. TOP 16 is supposed to be the most spectacular event in the world’s armwrestling. And whom better to speak on the perspectives of this event, than its participants?

Denis, little is known about TOP 16, but many are willing to compete. What is the phenomenon of this project, in your opinion?

The great system. The best will win in an armfight, in the draw, with one opponent in each round. It’s all clear! It’s very kind of the organizers to have been able to give each contestant an offer they just couldn’t refuse. For some it’s their time to shine, for some it’s the money, for some it’s the fame. Each will get what they want, everything is possible with TOP 16.

Why did you agree to enter the TOP 16? Is it the novelty of it, or the mystery?

Only the best will be there, and I’m glad to find myself amongst them. But there are still some details to work on. This will be a time – consuming tournament, so the organizers should get everything ready in the right time. The contestants also have some organizing of their own to do, even before the tournament starts.

Entering a mysterious enterprise is risky – do you like risk?

There is some risk involved, for sure. With a draw like this you can get the top opponents in the world and get scared (laughs). You can get injured, but I try not to think about it. My hand still hurts feom Nemiroff, but I hope all will be well.

What do you expect from entering the TOP 16?

I will put up my best fight and try to get as far as possible. The opposition is very tough, but I’m ready and I hope to show my best side.

Is entering the TOP 16 distinguishing to you? A chance to advance in the world of armwrestling?

It most definitely is. It’s everyone’s dream to take on the best. I’m very happy that thanks to my achievements I have a chance to be a part of something so huge and prestigious.

If not TOP 16, then what?

For now, I think A-1 is in the lead. In my opinion, this is the best tournament at the moment. It’s the most fair and honest one. But the TOP 16 is a strong pretender to the title of the king of tournaments. Let’s not speculate, though, let’s just see how the situation develops.

We have published the list of potential contestants for the TOP 16. Who would you say is missing, and who should not be on it?

There are many names on the list that I don’t know, but if they got there, they must be dangerous. The missing names are the disqualified: Liliev, Babayev and Trubin. What I can’t understand is  - where are Richard Lupkes, Michael Todd, John Brzenk and Travis Badgent?

Knowing the list of the opponents – how do you think you’ll fare amongst them?

The most dangerous are: Chaffee, Voyevoda, Pushkar and Larratt. But it would be wrong to underestimate the others. I cannot take any stand on the subject of myself. First, I’m going to fight, the end score will show the truth.

There are a lot of rumors concerning TOP 16 floating around the Internet. What did you hear about it?

I know every detail of the project, I cannot wait for it to start. TOP 16 is the BOMB! Now it just needs to be set off.

Is TOP 16 going to witness the great return of A.Voyevoda? Do you think he’ll manage to stand up to the top armwrestlers?

I’ll be to the point: he can do anything, he’s very strong and dangerous.

TOP 16 has no weight categories, it’s a sort of an OPEN tournament. Do you think it’s a fair way to choose the strongest fighter?

Nobody is being dragged into this project, it’s everyone’s own decision. So, since one’s agreed to it, one should be prepared for anything. It’s only fair.

Artur Grigorian © Gra