CHEATING in ARMWRESTLING

[@I_Never_Lie]

Remember when Engin changed the rules so Devon couldn't use the Kingmove? Yet he still dominated without it :)) People just want to find any excuse to hate, simple because Devon was just too good for them. GOAT in my book.

[@nolimits3434]

Kingsmove is ugly if ur shoulder is under the table in a losing position that's fault it's that simple

[@adamculjak3627]

Let's be fair, Engin has been vocal about his distaste for the Kings move prior to the first time Devon ever used it in a professional match. Plus the majority of the fans are in agreement that the old Kings Move should never be brought back.

[@theenlightenedone1283]

​@@nolimits3434💯 and it hurt MMT more than Devon or someone else

[@Figment-]

Changed it because of MT.

[@kaossverige]

@@nolimits3434 ugly? ALL martial sports ARE ugly by default. What are you mumbling about? You aren't watching ballet or something FFS. I swear all of you are headless chickens 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@NathanielCummingsOfficial]

Devon you should start your own armwrestling organization

[@Danny.1110]

That would be incredible

[@batteryjuice3041]

Indeed, corporate cancelation is dangerous these days.. One day your great the other day your lost

[@viktorsos8687]

Hi! Iam 40 years old never saw armwrestling before. Few weeks ago i saw you in Brian shaw's video, and it was awesome. Now i am watching armswrestling matches exspecially yours and its so entartaining, you are the one who make me a new armswrestling fan, do your things and never change, big love from hungary!

[@PlumbingExplained]

First time I saw Devon was on ESPN when I was like 13 years old and I could tell there was something crazy special about this guy. Here we are 25 years later. So cool to see Devon hit 1 million subscribers as well as becoming something like the Ambassador of the sport. The sport of Arm wrestling never becomes what it has become today without Devon Larratt.

[@dagodigs]

Devon is the 👑 for sure and hey plumbing??? Let's gooo

[@Toproller-MCOC]

25 years later? You mean it was 25 years ago he was on ESPN? Didn't know that, what league was that?

[@jimjones4189]

Me neither 🤷🏼‍♂️​@@Toproller-MCOC

[@PlumbingExplained]

@@Toproller-MCOC I think it was WAL I dont remember but it was the first time I saw professional arm wrestling. Had to be about 25 years ago though.

[@BlindGuardian050]

why lie

[@briantoland8976]

95 percent of all the armwrestlers do exactly what you do, but everyone talks about you because of jealousy, bottom line the sport wouldn't be what it is without you, team devon always

[@user-hn9qw7ou8d]

@@briantoland8976 Brzenk had enough integrity not to do it.

[@user-hn9qw7ou8d]

@@BullyMaguire357 This is why Brzenk will always be the GOAT, Levan is the BOAT, and Devon is just the unlikable social media narcissist.

[@StudyGroup-e6g]

​@@user-hn9qw7ou8dwhy you hate levon can you explain

[@H____R]

​@@user-hn9qw7ou8dJohn is the Goat. But he lacks the courage to call out Engin about anything -- biased refereeing in favour of the east especially in the first year when there were only European refs, or Engin's dictatorial ways and the way he's trying to suppress smaller events, or even the fact that the rule set and refereeing standards are the responsibility of the promoter, not the athlete. Lost respect for John for ganging up with Engin and attacking Devon and pretending like EvW / Engin share no accountability.

[@H____R]

​@@user-hn9qw7ou8dYou didn't see the full podcast, apparently. John, Robert, Engin still placed Devon as the 2nd greatest of all time overall and the greatest puller in the 115 division.

[@elizabethhoneycutt1761]

Hey Devin, my name is Elizabeth Honeycutt and my husband got me into arm wrestling and from the beginning you have been our favorite. We have also watched your competitors channels as well. Some of which we are fans of as well. Something that I have observed as a common gripe from others even using the cheating word to describe, is the way you fight for hand position and straps. Even though we all know that's not cheating and they even do it themselves, they use that as an example of your so called cheating. I hope this helps. Although your true fans know this is just jealousy and that you don't cheat!! God bless and may he be with you in your upcoming match. Kick butt buddy!!💪

[@TorGodofThunder]

You never cheat Devon! 100% support from us here in Norway❤ Best regards Tor and Nina

[@andrewbell7579]

What gets me is EVERYONE tries to gain an advantage in the set up, but because you are the most vocal you get called out on it. Its pathetic.

[@OlegOlexiev]

Everyone doing that, but nobody glorifying that

[@gmansmiley2984]

Prudnik does it all the time

[@Justlookingaround19]

Ermes too!

[@phothewin6019]

@@OlegOlexiev So it’s ok if you’re not vocal about it? Lol

[@oleruther5268]

Then why do other peoples set ups take a minute and Devons take ten? I actually agree with what he sais in the video, he should be fouled out much more often, but I guess the revs dont dare because he is usually the biggest name on the card.

[@PG_FISHING]

People talk about cheating on the table, but they don't talk about the colossal amount of drugs some athletes be taking as "cheating"

[@BambaGanza]

It became so normal and the drug inspections are basically imaginary at this point. That is the real cheating that gets under the radar a lot.

[@harmankardon478]

its not cheating.. it's a level playing field

[@astwas]

Not remotely the same thing, everyone using steroids vs comparing cheating within the actual event. It's more like if an MMA fighter keeps breaking rules like grabbing an opponents gloves, kicking a downed opponents head, locking toes in the cage, or illegal knees when on the ground all while ignoring refs would be cheating. Imagine if the guy in a UFC fight yelled and told the refs to fk off, that's the kinda cheating Devon does in strap setup lmao, that's the kinda popularity privledge Devon abuses.

[@eutiger4789]

like devon popping dbol pills like candy

[@warofthevisionmainffbe7328]

Completely irrelevant

[@ll-SCOURGE-ll]

Imagine being so dominant that they have to nerf you😂😂

[@Nearthy]

Devon, you are and always will be my goat 💪🏼

[@themadist2245]

Cheating is beating the armwrestler they are rooting for.

[@Hpencer]

I am/was a huge Devon fan. He's what got me into arm wrestling. I didn't really care who other guys were beating. I cared about Devon and his matches for the most part. Devon is the one who has caused me to start being critical of him online, Devon is the one who has caused me to lose respect for him and to complain about him. Him and his wife make arm wrestling matches an unfair absolute gong show. I was embarrassed watching some of the matches, it was a clown show. The stuff he says to his opponents as "trash talk" is f'ed up and what he said to Denis is just wrong.

[@OlegOlexiev]

1001 ways of saying I'm Devon's dummest fanboy without saying that #31

[@Gooboobananas]

Boo hoo​@@OlegOlexiev

[@OlegOlexiev]

@@Gooboobananas #32

[@Gooboobananas]

@@OlegOlexiev oh look it can count

[@stevencheshire6423]

King's move . Your arm is flat out and you're under the table... You lost that alone for me ruins the match. Everything else go for it. Love it! Good luck brother

[@reecetee2815]

Devon people hate because they aren’t you keep doing what your doing your the most technical arm wrestler the sport has ever seen they just can’t work out why they can’t beat your skills only thing to call is JEALOUSY.

[@te-tg4ip]

I dont think thats the reason. If its merely his status or skills people would have attacked john brzenk too or other technical masters like ongarbaev for example. If its him winning often then they would hate levan even more. But they dont. If its just his longer levers that cause the set up chaos then why noone says this about laletin? I think its easy to just say every criticism stems from hate or jealousy. That way you dont have to actually address the issue. But sure its the refs job to enforce the rules not devons. I think he just takes advantage over the refs being very hesitent to foul him out

[@Dunnohowtodraw]

@@te-tg4ip agreed. it's exploiting the setup using longer levers. vitaly is fair in setups, he has his elbow far back and keeps his webbing even. devon will sit at the front, hide the webbing with his thumb, climb high, sometimes cover knuckle, carve in.

[@reverse2063]

​@@te-tg4ipNope,John's skill is not that good.😂It stands like 80% good.

[@te-tg4ip]

@@reverse2063 ur opinion stands like 0% good 😂

[@Hiccupocalypse]

@@te-tg4ip Yeah well put, I like watching Devon's shenanigans on the table but it's obvious he gets away with a lot of setup advantage and other armwrestlers especially ones who can't speak English properly get drowned out by Devon's commands to the refs 😂

[@chriswinslow3049]

The BEST armwrestler. Got me into the sport. A genuinely good man.

[@CeeBoodrow]

Because of Devon i am a huge armwrestling fan. My very first video on the topic was a montage of Devon beating some real incredible hulk looking dudes. What he did to Pushkar was amazing

[@ronedelgaleone6706]

I tell ya, you inspire ME to get stronger. I wish you ALL THE BEST and WINNING!!! 🙏

[@Corriemcphee]

Most people commenting on here, definitely didn't watch the show yesterday. That was a planned attack on Devon. Devon is completely right, change the rules, but change them for everyone not just him. It's refs job to be strict, but not to be overly strict on one single person. It has to be fair all around. By constantly bringing this rules / cheater crap up on public form. Only puts more pressure on the refs and Devon. He shouldn't have more stress to perform then the next competitor imo. Almost nagging the ref to be more strict on him then the other person. Telling eastern pullers his weaknesses constantly having the promotion nit pick every single time against you must be hard on the mind. Devon, your loud , your over the top, you take every advantage that is given to you. PEOPLE can't compete against your tactician ways, so they cheat and cry to the promotion because the can't win without getting help. You are the best imo Just go win

[@Hpencer]

This is happening as a result of Devon and his wife's behaviour at previous matches and Devon using political influence to intimidate and get special treatment in matches. He shouldn't be allowed to just yell and scream, insult, his wife screaming, continually delaying the start of the match and intimidating the refs because of his popularity. He did this to himself.

[@Corriemcphee]

@@Hpencer so you didn't watch the video either lol. It has nothing to do with anything you just wrote. Engin mentioned shoulder movement.... AS something to bring up. Devon is energy driven, same with Jody. But not against the rules. If you remember Ermes fouled out not Devon. And lots of examples of intentional fouls by genhadi and others... it's that cheating or using the rules to advantage. It's alright if you don't like devon, but he isn't a cheat. He is just the better puller on the table.

[@Matsuda26B]

@@Corriemcphee Don't bother answering Hpencer, he's literally been crying everywhere about Devon, he's just one of those guys who keeps spamming nonsense and hate on Devon as much as possible on any and every video. You won't change his mind, because he literally has 2 brain cells, which you can tell by his "logic".

[@Hpencer]

@@Matsuda26B this is one of the biggest exaggerations I've ever seen. I've hardly made any comments on videos. On this one, yes, I've made multiple comments. Try to find other comments I've made like this about Devon on videos and see how many there are.

[@Hpencer]

@@Matsuda26B I'm not spamming and it isn't nonsense at all. I happened to make a handful of comments on this video and I have valid points.

[@jaegerschtulmann]

*"Envy is a declaration of inferiority". Napoleon Bonaparte*

[@propopaj_armwrestling]

Haha exactly, thats why Devon envy God, and MMT will beat him in future because he have the power of Christ behind him!

[@JaelPendragon]

​@@propopaj_armwrestlingdrop the delusional imaginary friend bs buddy and go back on your meds

[@principle6261]

@@propopaj_armwrestling lmao, you think God is preferentially helping certain people win an arm wrestling match? Absolute lunacy.

[@Nobobyisclowne1975]

'Robert Welcome to the fu*kin circus buddy'. Love you Devon from India 🙏

[@reverse2063]

Without Devon, there would be no Armtwrestling.Devon evolved Armwrestling.

[@beautifullife.pailas]

Haters gonna hate… Keep winning champ, and put a little salt to those wounds

[@AIAudiobooks411]

robert baxter is such a nice guy tho, kudos to him for defending devon during that podcrast

[@JHAN1212]

The more you complain about Devon being a cheater, the more you are attacking EvW and KoTT for having bad reffing. The reality is that even if the reffing is "fixed" in the minds of Devon haters, he will still dominate most guys.

[@Complication84]

The power of the green hoodie is the cheat!

[@jonimatto1145]

I am sure that every arm wrestler in the world tries to take advantage of the opponent. Devon is not the only one. That is 100% sure.

[@vicmarr1761]

Team Larratt! One of the goats of the sport! Some of the highest if not the highest table IQ there is..keep doing what you’re doing champ! Always ready for war on that table

[@AJGames_tv]

Never change who you are Devon... Regarding cheating.. People should probably look at Genadi vs Jerry match were Genadi elbow goes on vacation... Or yourself vs Genadi.. with your phantom elbow foul and every round genadi shoulders weren't turned in... Regarding ermes crying again.. I believe he fouled out in round 1

[@mikkamaytsunemori9576]

engin puppets: When they lose. He cheated on me. Devon mindset: when devon loss (my opponent is very good than me) and accepts the defeat a lesson

[@I_Never_Lie]

Which is why I love Devon actually. He never made any excuses, ever. Haters just don't want to acknowledge it.

[@mikkamaytsunemori9576]

@@I_Never_Lie best example when he got defeated by genadi. He comes to engin and said genadi is much better than him. Great fighter

[@I_Never_Lie]

@@mikkamaytsunemori9576 Been following Devon since 2012 bro. People just don't know how down to earth this guy really is.

[@aayushmansingh4316]

💯 percent true

[@Lestergreen77]

@@I_Never_Liehe made an excuse for losing to John in 2015 stop sobbing knob clown

[@kitt5633]

Hey Devon , I've been fighting the good fight over on Reddit with the haters. You're the best man, take care and GL on your next match.

[@Troneous]

Good point Devon.

[@harjas9]

Devon we all are with you 🫡🫡. Engin’s ego will calm down soon.

[@Omnivolv]

You’re too charismatic is why. 😅 you’re a legend not only at arm wrestling but as a person to look up to. An inspiration

[@BenGatlinMusic]

Hey Dev, huge fan. Been arm wrestling off and on for about 14 years. Not an expert by any stretch of the imagination however, i have been a fan and a follower of the sport for 20 years or so and it is my "opinion" that the things that they do not like or may refer to as cheating include such things as: all the play and grab ass at the beginning yourself (and many others) do during the start and set up...the way you may put your hand on the other side of theirs as if to claim your idea of center...or grabbing their hand and pinning them before the set up and even things like the trash talk. As far as I'm concerned it has to be that right? It has to be that yeah??? Because it can't be when you both begin fighting for hand position or your grip, your webbing, your rise, whatever position you need to be in to make you feel as comfortable as you can be before the go. It can't be that right? Every arm wrestler does that. I heard John once say that "the idea is for both arm wrestlers to become as comfortable as they can before the go, unfortunately in almost every match you will not be 100% comfortable, but that is the idea" Here is the truth brother, for all those that will think im just a DL minion,...at the beginning I was not a fan, I thought you were cocky years ago and very disrespectful but, in my case, you won me over with sheer determination, will, and perseverance. The more I watched you pull the more I became a fan...and you're right it is a fucking fight... you're not there to build sand castles together. Having said all of that I love you buddy and I don't think you have done one single thing that almost every other arm wrestler on the planet does. Take you and John for instance, you both do the same things on the table except that John keeps his mouth shut about it whereas you bring along an elevated level of verbal warfare as well as physical and mental. In my opinion that is called marketing and hyping up a match or a fight. Look at boxing, bjj, MMA, and even pro wrestling LOL. They do the same thing in all of the other Giant Sports organizations around the world that are in the spotlight daily. You are the Ali of AW in my opinion. Of course John is the man too but you bring the excitement with you. I think you are perfect example of how the sport will be built... personalities! Do you sometimes cross lines in others eyes that you may offend, well sure LOL, but business is business. Keep doing what you do man and bring that belt back overseas. 🤙💪👊

[@rufussthubbins8891]

If you’re controlling the energy in the room, you’re guilty as charged

[@HenryNehring]

I think where the ''cheating'' aspect comes from is the idea that you break rules and get away with it. I personally think your job as an athletes is to get every advantage you can, including ''cheating'' and referee's job is to stop you from getting that advantage. If people feel like they got cheated in a match the blame should be on the referees or the rules, not on the athletes.

[@SumanKalita-q3o]

You my guy is gem

[@Sarku1995]

I agree

[@HenryNehring]

@@BullyMaguire357 I'm a devon fanboy but cheered when Levan won... 🤣

[@BullyMaguire357]

​@@HenryNehring Thanks for your contribution Henry🎉.

[@bsstyle123]

​@BullyMaguire357 hmmm no there are just facts...

[@Persistent_Ray]

In this case I think, cheating is mostly what they don't really understand. Now what they dont understand is how you work, the difference between sport and combat. And its good. Let them be that way. keep winning. They cant change you, they have to change themselves. You are already putting alot in this match, stay focussed.. GoodLuck Devon

[@Armbender1085]

I’ve been watching you since I was a little kid up until now and the ONLY thing I’ve ever thought was a little “cheaty” feeling is yelling at the refs and seemingly distracting them and rattling them to not focus on what’s in front of them. Now that I armwrestle consistently and have competitions under my belt, I find that like as you have said in the past it’s a fight between 2 people and if you feel taken advantage the only person you can blame is yourself. Either way those guys were just poking at you, keep head strong and focused and just know as long as YOU know your intentions and integrity, that is all that matters.

[@tigertigercrypto]

You come across so genuine. 💪💪💪

[@adrianmihai1990]

Some people think you get an unfair advantage in the setup, but that is just skillz.

[@hotguysixpacks7524]

Indeed, skill of cheating 😂

[@DayDream-RR]

@@hotguysixpacks7524Are all the refs in on it then?

[@mussab7959]

Ill root for you even if the whole worlds against you

[@aswathysony2923]

Devon - the King of all armwrestlers

[@Tahsinjarir]

devon don't cheat you got this

[@tiedye001]

Paying off the mc so you can weight in heavy is cheating, being on steroids in a tested league is cheating, punching your opponent or _very_ flagrantly fouling to cause injury is cheating. I struggle to think of anything else *on the table* that might be cheating.

[@ryandanbrook4053]

i feel like people think it’s cheating when you’re doing something to give yourself a better position.. but that’s the point of the sport and part of winning

[@m1noladea]

No... u don't start before go. In all sports everyone starts the same... u don't start ahead the line in motor sports, u don't start 3 holes in front in golf, u don't start punching before the bell rings.

[@Figment-]

Devon false starts and they allow it because retards are in abundance.

[@Mincraftia100]

@@m1noladea But if they do they get a penalty. Its the refs fault not Devons

[@LoveJaeger]

​@@Mincraftia100 exactly, and with that analogy we can also see, Devon isn't exactly throwing blows before the bell, jumping the starting line, theres technicality to it, which is what the sport is built upon. Its the referees job to decide what technicalities are acceptable, or just a more clear cut ruleset would help smooth out what is considered a 'technical fault'.

[@nsNiccer]

@@m1noladea I think a random start signal after the setup might solve the start before go problem. Then a good start is based on good reaction times, which is more skillbased and fair, just like in motor sports.

[@federalagent7334]

I think everyone can agree, Genadi won the match vs Devon by cheating. Go watch the replays of the match at .25x speed and re-watch all of the "fouls" for Devon and the lack of fouls for Genadi. It's actually so disgusting to watch back because the only real explanation for that happening was that there was corruption or match-fixing on the side of the refs. CLEAR as day false starts from Genadi, CLEAR elbow fouls from Genadi, and Devon is getting called for phantom fouls and he's just getting bullied in the set-up by Genadi and the refs.

[@Danny.1110]

The accusations against Devon for his antics is getting tragic at this point.. Devon and I would include Travis antics,personalities and all over showmanship combined with their all out winning mentality is the reason most of the casual arm wrestling fans are even following arm wrestling and became fans as a whole in the first place. Especially EvsW and other organizations. I appreciate how Devon is answering and is standing up for what he believes in the sport that he has a very big part in making popular and interesting. We appreciate you Devon and Travis !!

[@SpringBudEyes]

You're too guileful. You're too devious. They envy your talent.

[@wchamp170]

If nobody were calling you out for cheating, calling you a jerk, blah blah blah that would mean that you were nobody. They call you out because they are jealous and you are the top of the heap whether anybody wants to admit it or not

[@NorwegianKnifeDude]

Since you're asking; here are my 2 cents about this. I think the big difference is this: *Trying to get a fair grip vs. trying to get advantage* 🤔 The rules and referees are imperfect, but they seem to be an attempt to make things fair. Therefore, when athletes push as hard as they can against the rules and referees, and try to stretch as far as they can within the rules; not for what even they know would be a fair/equal grip, but to get as much as an advantage as they can-some would regard that as cheating. Because this aspect is not about how well you can armwrestle, but rather how much you can tire out the referees and your opponent psychologically. To quote what you've said to Brian Shaw to this argument's advantage; that is about "trickery and abuse of the referees"insted of actual armwrestling😅 Also, when people exploit the elbow fouls to get a restart, when they clearly would have lost the round, also leaves a bit of a bitter taste. I don't think anybody's arguing that you(or others that "use" their free fouls for example) are somehow breaking the rules. We'll probably never have a rule-set that can safe-guard against all unfair advantage. It'll probably always depend on the good-will of the athletes to some degree. When the athletes try to use any wiggle-room within those rule-sets to get advantage instead, I think some will regard that as "cheating". That's my impression of this topic for what it's worth. I like you either way though, Devon!😁😁👍

[@stonecirclestrongman7181]

Devon, so glad this all came up. I had a brief couple years in the sport but quickly became less interested due to all the irregularities it poses. Manipulating the setup, manipulating the refs through intimidation, manipulating any variable is FAIR GAME as the sport is currently set IF the referees end up saying go. The art of warfare says such is the way of victory. Whatever it takes. And I get that. All arm wrestlers are on the same ruleset. It’s on each to learn the art. And that art contains this ability: to manipulate, to feint, to take every conceivable advantage wherever it is presented. It is geurilla warfare. Not formal battle lines. And I think this is the confusion. When you step to an arm wrestling table to WIN, you must have this mentality. You must attempt to go a micro-second before the ref says ready. You must establish a winning hand position and add back pressure a split second before being allowed. This is the art of war people. And yes, I abandoned the sport because of it. I got hustled a few times and was uncomfortable hustling back. So I think many of us are like this. Ultimately, it’s on the refs. If they don’t catch or call it, then your skill was to the point of mastery. And true masters are one with their art. Nothing to be called cheating. Others are just unwilling to go that far and refs are also not at the level to catch the tricks.

[@dancox819]

To answer your question, I suppose it would count as cheating if the athlete were to "pay off" the referee and/or the promoter(s). For armwrestling, I can't think of any other ways. Some may say drugs, but I don't know

[@SaiyanJin85]

I can’t talk about techniques and stuff like that but John really hit a nerve on that podcast, didn’t he prince devon? Food for thought

[@bradbutler]

Preach Devon! I love the fouling out comparison! Was Georgi "Cheating" when he fouled to get restart after restart instead of just arm wrestling like you challenged him to??? Did Ermes "cheat" against Vitaly when he continued to foul to tire Vitaly out and eventually win???? All this is such ridiculous nonsense. Please, just BEAT this youngin' and get that 3rd 👑!!!!!! let's F'N Go!!!!

[@pierroulechou]

Cheating = gain unfair advantage against the rules, Having an advantage within the rules is not cheating, its just being smarter

[@allanbrunelle]

People think that it's cheating when Devon wins in the setup. They fail to realize that the setup is a huge part of armwrestling. Its not cheating it's a trained skill.

[@holyman2875]

Your matches with Dave Chaffey have been the most interesting to me. The one where you're under the table and calling him big boy is epic and brought me to watching the sport. As someone completely fresh to the sport, it totally looked like what you did was cheating... but I noticed the referee's in other matches saying it was completely legal and therefore part of the sport, and that made the sport more interesting than just "who has the strongest arm". Dave and you are great to watch.

[@BMO_Creative]

Definition of Cheat: Act dishonestly or unfairly in order to gain an advantage, especially in a game or examination. BUT another definition: avoid (something undesirable) by luck or skill. So, people can say you cheated just because you won... you cheated them out of the win. LOL

[@mcfarvo]

John Brzenk was Armwrestling from ~1982 to ~2015. Devon Larratt is Armwrestling now. Despite the other great athletes and promoters, it is the Greatest one that carries the torch for the sport.

[@backpackly]

Feels like the start of a split. Unfortunate Devon is driving a further wedge with John, because if he did the opposite then they could take the whole sport with them to their own league. The real King’s Move.

[@H____R]

I think John is the one who has sadly ganged up with Engin and is driving the wedge. He never calls Engin out for his dictatorial ways, nor did he ever address the biased refereeing against the West in the first year of EvW. And even now, he's unwilling to place any accountability on Engin or EvW for the rules / refereeing standards... Just targeted Devon as Engin's sidekick.

[@bodamian_bg]

I personally am 51 years young now and can tell, that You R the winner every time, because of Your willpower, physical shape & The Right Set Of Mind. So - Luv, Respect & Positive vibes - back to You, Devon Larratt from Sofia/BG, and Soul Brothers from all around the world!💪🏻🏆🤩❗

[@laztavus]

I don’t call it cheating I call it crying, as in they’re just crying

[@phothewin6019]

What’s considered “cheating” can be sort of arbitrary in armwrestling. When people talk about you “cheating”, they’re mainly talking about the setup and the kingsmove. In regards to the setup, I think this can really get nebulous. People talk about fairness, but unless the 2 pullers are identical twins with the exact same everything, no setup can truly be perfectly, equally, “fair”. For example, people talk about the webbing in your match with Ermes. “Devon’s hand and lever are bigger and taller, his webbing was X when it should have been Y! He cheated!” If they want to talk about “fairness”, how is it “fair” for Devon to be penalized for having the naturally longer hand/lever? Why should Ermes be catered to for things out of Devon’s control? Why does Ermes get freebies? What other sport takes away the natural advantage of one athlete and gives more rope to the other athlete just because they were shorter/smaller? Can you imagine a jump ball in basketball when the ref tells the taller player that he’s not allowed to jump as high because the other player is shorter? That’s absurd, right? And you brought up a great point with “Is it ‘cheating’ if there are 2 refs watching?” For one, if you get away with something, that’s a ref problem, not a “you” problem. You’re not the one reffing the match, so people should blame the refs, not you. And two, not being better in the setup is a skill issue. It is the responsibility of each athlete to procure their own desired position in the setup. The playing field is “fair” in that both athletes are allowed to try and get as much advantage as possible. People act like you’re the only one who tries to get advantage in the setup. People act like you’re the only one who ”gets away with things” in the setup. Which just isn’t true. Their favorite pullers get away with things too, but they obviously turn a blind eye because they only want to call it out when it’s you getting a good setup. The double standards are absurd.

[@OlegOlexiev]

@@phothewin6019 about Ermes match it works from same for other side: why Ermes was punished for having naturally shorter forearms, yeah it's referees fault in the end of the day, but glorifying cheating is not the best thing to do

[@bobopaleo]

now delete all that and write, Devon moves in refs grip 1-2 seconds before the go every single time

[@phothewin6019]

@@bobopaleo So do others. Others load too. Others start early too. You better call out everybody and not just Devon lol. Also, blame the refs. It’s their responsibility to call these things out and stop them.

[@phothewin6019]

@@OlegOlexiev No, Ermes isn’t getting any advantage taken away from him like Devon. The refs take away from Devon and give to Ermes if you want a “fair” webbing. You missed the point of my armwrestling and basketball examples. And it’s not glorifying “cHeAtInG”, it’s just telling it how it is.

[@OlegOlexiev]

@@phothewin6019 it's basic aw rule that level of webbing must be same. Devon was way higher. They forced Vitaliy to drop his riser against Ermes to make webbing more even, but they didn't do that to Devon.

[@alchmag1297]

The arm wrestling world needs Devon weather it likes it or not.

[@jordanmetcalf9496]

Scammers also get mad if you dont let them scam you. Those who get mad that you arent losing enough will often call you a cheater 😂

[@charlesgress4752]

Devon, zero such thing as a fair set up, very rarely, these amateurs have no clue, set up is everything, you are a master technician, you are an amazing force, they don't understand the warrior mentality. F them. you are tied for my favorite of all time.

[@eliasparker5113]

Gonna have to fire up your own promotion brother. Go bigger than the rest of em with your own rule set, it’d be rad.

[@provingastrology4471]

IMO John and Travis both like to feel a certain way in the set up, but when Devon denies them that, they think he must be cheating.

[@Randy_Reacts]

It's just like Kenny Rogers once said - "You gotta know when to pronate. Know when to supinate. Know when to King's Move. And know when to hook."

[@ajedrez914]

Hi Devon! When will you be making training videos with Brian Shaw again? He seems to have already made a lot of progress since last time and it would be great to see him train harder with you now that he has more experience and at the same time teach him how to do the top roll well that he still lacks and how to correctly use all of his body weight to have advantage.

[@vegangreen1269]

Engin was very unprofessional. He’s the promoter, even if he feels he’s right, he should have talked to Devon off camera about it. Everyone is scared to call him out too because either he’ll ban armwrestlers from his events or block users on social media.

[@nacrosomes7249]

Engin never called you a cheater. He said why do so many competitors claim your a cheater.

[@PreDaToReLeaSeD]

I told engin he broke your heart with what he was saying with john in the last call, he deleted my comments, just remember that you cant reach the top of any sport without people being jealous of your success, what they say about you should make you stronger, the logic of saying you cheated after the refs judge you as fairly have beaten the opponent proves they are just envious of your ability to persevere and win. the peers of the sport you love have their faults too, not everyone can be perfect, dont let their words affect you.

[@PreDaToReLeaSeD]

lol the chicken was too scared to address my points and muted all my messages on his videos, this is what i wrote on his last video as a reponse to cheating allegations top comment "it cant be cheating if the refs deem you the winner, its the simple point coming from Devon, if you then want to say the refs let you win when you cheated then they are incompetent, its simple, they are just hating on Devon for persevering and pushing for his success"

[@williebrown8581]

he’s a drunk angry turk

[@Leomo470]

Devon is passionate and charamsatic ❤ and skillfull , doesn't need to cheat

[@chrispyott4083]

Seems like most other pullers are willing to concede a bit in the setup to get the match started and have a bit of integrity with that. Whereas Devon will scream (his wife too) and not give anything up and only fight for the best possible advantage. So to meet him at that level is exhausting and there’s no specific foul to give. And for the sake of getting it going the refs and his opponent will just let him have the advantage rather than drag it out forever. And he feels that’s part of the “fight” while it seems others just want to win after the go and that’s more important to them

[@Justlookingaround19]

Have you not watched ermes?. He has been very vocal about his grip he has even reveived warnings for moving in the setup during referees grip.When the athletes know they are getting screwed over by the referee they wont stand there and just take it unless its a really one sided match.

[@matterickson503]

Exactly! The match would never start if someone was equally at the pathetic level of Devon when it comes to the setup. Devon needs to be issued fouls for this bs. In any other legit sport you can not sit and yell and complain at the refs constantly without being ejected like in mlb or without some sort of repercussion

[@Sofadage]

be yourself. thats who we love

[@jakasyaref]

Thats not cheat. Devon just too strong !

[@buckenfuzz]

I fully support Devons position. John laid it out the other day and that is where the confusion is. What Devon considers "fighting" others consider cheating. Its a philisophical disagreement about what constitues a "fair" arm wrestling match.

[@LinusParker]

Let it Break

[@vainglorious5578]

Since they accused you of cheating, are they saying that you didn't deserve your wins? Literally crybabies!!

[@cdnsrt4892]

I do NOT think it's cheating to use your advantages in the setup in order to have a better position before the go. For instance, you generally have the longer forearm and drive your hand high, with your elbow at the front of the pad. Shorter guys have to reach to you, which makes the webbing uneven. But that's NOT cheating in my opinion. Speaking of other pullers, tons of those guys "cheat" in their own way, either cupping or turning in before the go, hitting before the go, bringing their shoulder in (or out for that matter) before the go, going over the knuckle etc. Even in the match, intentionally pushing your opponent's elbow off the back of the pad is cheating. The point is, if you don't cheat, your opponent will. If you play the 'nice guy' and allow your opponent to 'feel good' about the match (as John put it), you end up like Matt Mask vs Prudnik. As for the direction of the sport, it can go either way. Either both guys fight for a fair grip and the rules allow for this type of 'fight' before the go, OR the guys expect some neutral position, where there is NO fighting before the go and the rules become super strict. To decide, I think you would have to look at other combat or physical contact sports and see how contests are initiated. In wrestling, there's the referee's position where the wrestlers are in physical contact before the 'go'. I am not an expert in wrestling, but I don't see many huge violations, or "fouls" there, though, I may be wrong. On the other hand, in hockey, face off's have rules, but you sometimes see people "cheat", where a player will start rotating before the puck is dropped, or a winger is moving before the puck drops. Then again, hockey is full of 'cheating'. (slashes, cross checks, hooks, etc) If the ref doesn't catch it, it's fair game.

[@oleruther5268]

I remember the matches from 2011 against Travis, Lupkes, Bresnan and others where Devon did not need to push his webbing up and load into peoples fingers five seconds before the go to win. Back then I would be proud of and happy for Devon after a win, his recent ones always leave a sour taste.

[@Mike-n6u9t]

The people that say that you're cheating like Travis are just jealous

[@D2ezbmu]

First off, you’re awesome Devon. Been watching you for over a decade. As for the cheating I think it’s a few things. First is the set up. People don’t like how you fight tooth and nail for every advantage in the set up. Second is the language. Sometimes I do feel you go a bit overboard on both of those things but overall it’s not even remotely cheating. It’s getting the edge in a competition. Third is the kings move. Personally I think if your shoulder is even or under the table it’s absurd. You do this sometimes but not much (Dave Chaffee WAL comes to mind). Micheal is the MASTER of this and has been doing it FOR YEARS, which is why I have no respect for it (where ya goin buddy?). But he’s beyond egregious with it. As for anything else it’s up to the refs, plain and simple. Look at Morozov last match, he elbowed like every single round. Regardless… good luck on the cut and keep bein you duder. Cheers.

[@Despond]

Jealousy, pressure, clout and/or spite will lead many people to try tarnish a reputation. Both pullers are fighting under the same refs and rules. Trying to gain as much positions and advantage without getting a foul is by definition a tactic, if it's cheating/illegal then the referee should call it if they don't then that's a referee issue not a puller.. A lot of big pullers will hop on the bandwagon to try throw shade on Devon because he is main spotlight in this sport. What is worse is when refs try put him in a disadvantage because of his levers. It's extremely unprofessional for people representing an organization to go on a podcast and say such things, they need to word it better.

[@MonizRebelo]

Do what you do best. WIN!!!!

[@saltedllama2759]

When people, fans in particular, accuse you of cheating, it's because of a few things: 1. You won and they didn't want you to. 2. You beat the guy they were rooting for. 3. They believe the rules are the same at a professional table as they are in a grade school cafeteria. In their eyes, Devon winning = cheating. It's like how people who hate everything believe that someone expressing opinions they disagree with is hate speech. It's illogical, disconnected from the facts, and nothing more than entitled crybabyism.

[@xxfreedomxx9479]

Facts

[@QuietToproll]

@@saltedllama2759 they why Devon is the only arm wrestler that arm wrestlers say that they feel cheated? They don’t complain about other arm wrestlers but Devon. Theres a pattern. They want a fair game but Devon doesn’t allow it. They shouldn’t have to stoop to fighting constantly in the setup etc. Maybe because they’re all WAF guys and it was all fair games over there.

[@federalagent7334]

Yup. Classic thing too when they know that they're cheating and still lose. If they're cheating and lose, then it must mean that you're cheating too because you beat them. I'd run into this all the time in video games. I'd be beating some kids so badly and they'd call me a cheater, just for them to suddenly start rage-hacking against me when I wasn't even cheating in the first place.

[@Zenzuu]

Hey Devon, John doesn’t really mean to accuse you of anything. He said so himself in the live video after you left that every now and then he likes get under your skin in a jokey way. It’s all harmless and John having a laugh that’s all. Please don’t think John is salty or anything with you. He even said that at this point you’ll beat him, even in his 2006 prime. John really respects and acknowledges you as a great character and athlete.

[@grahamm4814]

He's not a cheater, hes just way smarter than the other armwrestlers that it looks that way

[@bobopaleo]

moving in refs grip every single time before the go. What happens if that is fouled from now on... Devon can't load his full back pressure before the go and everyone will flash him. Just look any of his tough matches, 1-2 seconds before the go, takes a step, upperbody moves and he is already directing fight towards his king's move. That is a foul that is never called

[@leodiazprohat]

​@@bobopaleoyou can move your body in refs grip. It's the arm that u cant move

[@grahamm4814]

@@bobopaleo You sound like a georgian nut sniffer

[@jeffsmith5700]

Its a fight... Avoid the fouls as best we can but we're on the table to FIGHT!!

[@dagodigs]

Devon your a king in this game... Your royalty no matter how you cut it.. the guy who is a partner of East vs West said it the other day on engins podcast bottom line you got cry babies... And your arm length and hand size makes it hard for guys to feel normal against you and when you combine your attributes with a natural victim personality opponent they want to cry!!! Let's go win a historical title and make the haters cry themselves to sleep 😂😂😂😂😭😭😭💪💪💪💪💪

[@dagodigs]

Devon! Listen to Jimi Jameson burning heart! While training I just heard it and it's represents this match perfectly it's the rocky 4 song when he goes to Russia! That song gives me chills💪

[@xmightx1]

It doesn't matter. There are two refs. A very good Arm Wrestler told me "Always cheat as much as you can to gain advantage without getting caught" You either get called, or you don't.

[@argsgsgsgnngndg9894]

You can't cheat in armwrestling with two refs. It's your job as the athlete to take any advantage you can to win and it's the refs job to make sure you don't break the rules, not yours. Accusing armwrestlers of cheating is the wrong way of saying the refs are bad.

[@user-hn9qw7ou8d]

@@argsgsgsgnngndg9894 You can if the refs won’t call fouls on your cheating because you’re the main draw in the pay-per-view and the league can’t afford to piss off a bunch of fans who paid to see a match.

[@michaelseacer]

Let’s throw 10 refs in there … his haters will still accuse of of cheating!

[@user-hn9qw7ou8d]

@@michaelseacer It’s not the number of refs. It’s the fact that refs won’t call fouls on Devon because he’s the golden goose. Devon brings in the most viewers because of his social media followership, and because of this, KOTT and EVW can’t afford to foul him out and piss off the fans who paid to see a match. Devon knows this, so he cheats in the setup and gets away with it.

[@michaelseacer]

@@user-hn9qw7ou8d HUH?! He was called foul on the Gennadi match! What are you talking about?!

[@michaelseacer]

@@user-hn9qw7ou8d By your logic, if the refs don’t wanna piss off devon, why not just foul out his opponents repeatedly and Devon would never need to do all his set up trickery. I fail to see your logic here. 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@tomuchmaybe364]

just started watching arm-wrestling, and tell ya what, When Devon gets a goat hair away from being put down then works it all the way back and slams the other guys hand through the table. That's what gets my skin crinkly in excitement. ABSALUTLEY INCREDIBLE!

[@tallpaulhutchensjr.]

Every sport on the planet fight for everything, definitely not cheating. I think Brzenk was just trying to get ya riled up... I'd hope anyways lol

[@nickd.7267]

Don't be kind to the people who simply aren't table smart Devon. Please don't ever be kind.

[@Rui_Miguel_]

To me a cheater is someone that uses steroids and stuff like that and i dont know why that is a taboo in the comunity i also would like this issue was much more clear to understand to everyone. Stay massive 💪

[@jcastro1841]

@Rui_Miguel_ cheating would be using steroids in a "clean" or tested federation where everyone thinks everyone is natural. I personally live steroids in sports lol. Makes it all more fun. But yeah. No roid users in the clean feds. That's just scummy.

[@SabatSch95]

I mean, if that's cheating, then clearly Devon is a cheater. He's implied he was taking extensive cycles during his SHW tear last two years... I hope what he's taking is conservative, but even now, he's still taking high dosages of TRT at the very least. I do think Devon takes less than most of the top pullers tho.

[@alfredsartwell5659]

@@SabatSch95 if Devon was blasted out on roids, he would be 325 pounds, or more. Regardless, you should not have to damage your body permanently to be able to compete.

[@deeeeeeps]

Cheating definition - 1. act dishonestly or unfairly in order to gain an advantage, especially in a game or examination.

[@NITROUSnBIASPLYS]

Engin needs to let someone else run the show. Hes never liked Devon because hes vocal. Hopefully the future brings armwrestling to another level in sport. Team Saskatchewan here 🇨🇦

[@Grant-vk6zo]

Engin loves Devon because he brings eyes and ppv buyers with him. It's why they get him involved even if not on the card. This drama here is the same thing. No bad press.