Igor Mazurenko, President of the Professional Armwrestling League (PAL) which organizes the tournament, said that the deadline of January 10 was set for several reasons. 

First, it is a marketing factor. A promotional campaign of a tournament must begin no later than three months before the start of the tournament in order to achieve the marketing goals set for the PAL marketing team. 

Second, by January 10, the venue of the first stage will be confirmed. To date, there are two options and the choice will be made by the date set.

Third, the possibility of participating in the tournament of athletes who signed WAL contracts - Devon Larratt, Michael Todd and Dave Chaffee - remains uncertain.

“We are negotiating with WAL and still hope for a compromise solution. After all, the participation of these athletes in the TOP 8 will be quite logical and beneficial from a marketing point of view not only for PAL, but also for WAL and the entire world armwrestling. If we fail to agree, then only Tim Bresnan will represent the USA in the Eight of the strongest if he wins the transitional match with Yevgeny Prudnik. In any case, we will move forward and in the TOP 8 there will be the names of athletes, whose dominance on the world stage does not cause doubts to anyone. ” - stated Igor Mazurenko.