This Is What the World Champion in Arm Wrestling Looks Like

Mar 21, 2015 1:20 AM

Taresz

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Matthias Schlitte is a professional arm wrestler, and has a rare genetic defect, which made his right forearm bone 33% larger than his left. There is no photoshop in this picture.

Meet 27-year-old German Matthias Schlitte.

His nickname is "Hellboy" but a lot of people like to think he's the real Popeye thanks to his unit of a right arm. And he's kind of a big deal.

Matthias has a rare genetic defect, which made his right forearm bone 33% larger than his left.

At the age of 16, he decided to try out arm wrestling after his mother saw a flyer at a petrol station calling for entrants and told him to go.

He turned up to the event, held in a bar, and at first he wasn't taken seriously because of his slight 65kg frame and the fact he was, you know, just a skinny 16-year-old kid.

But fairly soon it became it obvious that Matthias had a gift, and started beating everyone.

Since then, Matthias has gone on to win 14 international championships.

You should cut back some, Quagmire

And can now be found making money from brilliant adverts like this one.
Good work, Matthias.

World Armwrestling Federation doesn't fuck around either - doping is a flat 2 year suspension and they DGAF what apologies you make.

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Just a fun fact. Not really relevant. I dug "Pulling John" though (documentary about greatest armwrestler to live so far)

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Or just a lot of http://media.giphy.com/media/Owjz8xZ6akD9S/giphy.gif

11 years ago | Likes 117 Dislikes 3

Best gif of the day +1

11 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

what on earth

11 years ago | Likes 13 Dislikes 1

Has science gone too far?

11 years ago | Likes 32 Dislikes 0

Mad science is when you realise you've gone to far, but decide to carry on anyway, just to see what happens.

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Plot Twist: He's left handed

11 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Charger anyone?

11 years ago | Likes 23 Dislikes 0

"that must be tha fella who masturbates all day long." *Ellis face*

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I didn't sign up for this shit.

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Looks like the guy from "Lady in the Water."

11 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

CHARGER!!!

11 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

Looked for this because it my first thought :D

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/11112/111120758/3140606-4770362267-Homer.jpg

11 years ago | Likes 182 Dislikes 2

Yeees I was looking for this one

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

That's the first thing I thought about this post

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

1.2.3 BANANA!

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

simpsons did it

11 years ago | Likes 16 Dislikes 0

If I saw him in the street, I would just think he jerked off constantly.

11 years ago | Likes 13 Dislikes 1

Never skip left arm day.

11 years ago | Likes 3280 Dislikes 5

*right arm

11 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 8

Aka masterbation?

11 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 3

Yes, master bath on.

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Everyone was thinking it, but you posted it. +1

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

I dunno, he reminds me of a crab, it's kinda cool looking IMO :o

11 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

11 years ago | Likes 358 Dislikes 2

never skip right arm day

11 years ago | Likes 51 Dislikes 1

11 years ago | Likes 10 Dislikes 0

Most arm exercises don't actually do all that much for arm wrestling since the angles are different... I'll let myself out.

11 years ago | Likes 53 Dislikes 2

Sounds like someone doesn't use the arm wrestling machine when they go to the gym.

11 years ago | Likes 15 Dislikes 0

Yeah iirc the majority of the muscles used in arm wrestling are actually in your shoulder/back.

11 years ago | Likes 12 Dislikes 1

It's hell on your rotator cuffs.

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

At first i thought this was an elaborate PS

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Fer serious.

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

thats his right arm dummy

11 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 38

Thank you

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

<3

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

11 years ago | Likes 16 Dislikes 0

HAHA, you don't understand......

11 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

Are you really allowed to lean way over like that? I can't believe that pro sport has more lax rules than you'd have down the pub.

11 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

Actually the rules are that you HAVE to be "less than a fist's distance from your hands at start".

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

That doesn't sound very possible at all. Your wrist is less than half a fist away from your hand!

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

When referring to the competition, can we say he's repeatedly "beat it" into submission?

11 years ago | Likes 18 Dislikes 1

SETTLE IT THE USUAL WAY!

11 years ago | Likes 81 Dislikes 0

THE USUAL WAY!!!

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

This was the first thing I thought of when I saw the first picture!

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

was expecting this be top comment, really upset it's not.

11 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Oh well...

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

SETTLE IT THE USUAL WAY!

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Looks like Quagmire did after discovering internet porn.

11 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 1

11 years ago | Likes 629 Dislikes 7

Giggity.

11 years ago | Likes 11 Dislikes 0

this is exactly what came to mind hahah!

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

knew it would be here.

11 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

That is obligatory

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

11 years ago | Likes 63 Dislikes 1

Nice.

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Noyce!

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I laughed so damn hard the first time I saw this episode xD

11 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 1

This wonderful guy should've tried arm wrestling: http://imgur.com/GSBAnWT

11 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 2

#5 looks like he's using his whole body to take that arm down, but that's not allowed right.. ?

11 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

Also I don't understand why bigger bones is such an advantage. I thought the pull for arm wrestling started at the pecs and front delts.

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I always thought they had to stay pretty much upright. Not laying down and using a different kind of leverage like this guy does.

11 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

...or Imgur science experiements, not judging.

11 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 1

But can he best @Alan, the founder of Imgur?

11 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 1

@Alan plz

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

When I turn the hat around its like a switch

11 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

"Matthias had a gift, and started beating everyone." oh god i feel SO immature but i can't stop laughing

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Anyone else notice the golfball in dudes neck?

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Maybe he is the protector http://imgur.com/PT7v21B

11 years ago | Likes 13 Dislikes 0

thank you! went to the comments for this! so sad this is so far down.

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

It made it to the front page and not a single person referenced it. I was surpised

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Yes! Lady in the Water so randomly awesome.

11 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

As cool as this is, there's no way I wouldn't try and build up that left arm to a similar size if I was that guy.

11 years ago | Likes 10 Dislikes 0

I'm sure that's never occurred to him.

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

You could definitely improve its size a good amount but I really doubt you could get even half right arm.

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Can't as every part is larger including bones. One of the reasons he wins so much is due to being a low weight class. Bulking wouldn't help.

11 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Giggity

11 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

he seems unbalanced.

11 years ago | Likes 27 Dislikes 1

pls nerf

11 years ago | Likes 29 Dislikes 1

can i upvote you like a 1000 times? please, please.

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 1

What does nerf mean

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Its when people want something figuratively turned into a nerf gun.

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

If something in a game is to *overpowered* and there's an update that makes it worse, you're nerfing it.

11 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

11 years ago | Likes 1815 Dislikes 6

commenting for later

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Thank you god I wasn't the only one who thought it.

11 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

Your username, Iunderstoodthatreference.gif

11 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 1

Fucking knew it!

11 years ago | Likes 41 Dislikes 0

Giggity giggity GIGGITY GOOOO

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Yes!!!!!

11 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

And there it is! +1 for the magnificence of this comment.

11 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

You win!

11 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

epic

11 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Gold.

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Giggidy

11 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

There it is!

11 years ago | Likes 12 Dislikes 0

Some pros have called him a cheater. Arm wrestling is classed by weight. He has the arm of a 300lbs man but fights in the 150lbs class.

11 years ago | Likes 643 Dislikes 11

Yeah, ok, but can't we just let him have this?

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 1

Can they REALLY complain after John Brzenk (~210lbs now but was ~155lb 20 years ago) dominated them all (heavyweights included) for 20 years

11 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

both my arms look like this guys right, but to be fair I'm 300 LBS and a strongman

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

So do it by weight class of the weight of the arm.

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

My thoughts exactly. doesnt seem fair at all.

11 years ago | Likes 12 Dislikes 8

Change the regulations so it classifies by arm weight then? Seems pretty simple to me.

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

it does kinda seem unfair

11 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 3

The one gif they have of him compete ing he actually loses te next 2 rounds.

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Its not cheating really, they could do it as well if they wanted.

11 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 5

you cannot build up that much muscle in only one place without gaining overall weight usually.

11 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 2

This post reminded me so much about the Stanhope bit on sports and genetics.

11 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Trying to find that bit.

11 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

then they need to go off mass or diameter of flexed muscle. (try and make sure nobody cheats then btw)

11 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Oh this is the Pistorius leg-debate all over again. Can't wait who the armwrestler shoots tho.

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 1

so you're saying he should cut off his legs and become unstoppable? Except for stairs, of course

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Wasn't/isn't there some wrestler who doesn't have legs/all of his legs, so his insanely more muscular?

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

He'r*

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

It looks like he was using his body weight to win in that gif. I thought that was against the rules?

11 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Nope. You also use your feet, back and positioning of elbows, wrist-bending etc. It's mostly technique.

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Arm aside, #5 really looks like he's just locking his arm and putting all his body weight into it. Am I mistaken? Is that allowed?

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

That was my thought as well.

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Yes. In professional arm-wrestling you also use your feet and you mostly play with your back. Arm strength is necessary but not crucial.

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

There have been a lot of recent controversies lately over "Genetically gifted athletes." I think that it's fair, that they should compete.

11 years ago | Likes 50 Dislikes 1

I agree because aren't most amazing athletes genetically gifted in some way?

11 years ago | Likes 23 Dislikes 0

Right? Isnt being genetically gifted decent part of what makes anyone an athlete? Everyone has genes, believe it or not. Crazy, I know.

11 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 0

Sounds unfair to me

11 years ago | Likes 79 Dislikes 17

Arm wrestlers compete against same body weight, so it kinda is unfair. But hard to hate someone making the most of a "disability".

11 years ago | Likes 41 Dislikes 1

Yeah, I mean I honestly find it pretty cool he's taken something that would make him 'abnormal' and turned it into a gift.

11 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 0

I saw a kid with only one leg wrestle. Thought he'd get whooped, I was wrong. So much more muscle everywhere else.

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

My cousin wrestles and he has a prosthetic leg. It seems to be an advantage rather than a disadvantage.

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

They also have guys missing limbs in these contests(weight class). He isn't benefiting by having a weak left arm either.

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Then it needs to be classed better or these fucking guys need to not make a living off of arm wrestling. No job security, too many mutants.

11 years ago | Likes 365 Dislikes 3

Thank you Dr. Watson

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Too many mutants

11 years ago | Likes 25 Dislikes 1

Pro doesn't mean you necessarily make a living off of it. Pros in a lot of niche categories usually have real jobs.

11 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Hope summers.

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

No more mutants

11 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

Hope summers, all the mutants.

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Send in the sentinels...

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

11 years ago | Likes 91 Dislikes 0

You wouldn't want guns in y your school, so why let mutants?

11 years ago | Likes 11 Dislikes 0

You're the reason I was afraid to go to school as a child.

11 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

You're a weapon!

11 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

>too many mutants.

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Reminds me of Konishiki Yasokichi, the Hawaiian sumo wrestler. Kicked out for being too big and too not Japanese http://imgur.com/r5hanZs

11 years ago | Likes 74 Dislikes 33

Where does it says that? He is 6ft 0.5inches, and japanese-samoan from Hawaii but it seems he wasn't kicked out. He retired.

11 years ago | Likes 43 Dislikes 0

lol "too not Japanese"

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

To everyone correcting me, my source is a Maxim article I read in '99? and barely remember. But he did get a lot of hate for being foreign.

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 2

"We don't want any foreign yokozuna!" reads the headline of an article in Bungeishunju, a leading Japanese magazine.

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

"Sumo is a Japanese national treasure. A grand champion must have a special poise or dignity that is difficult even for Japanese, but ...

11 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

...impossible for a foreigner to achieve." - Kojima, who sits on the panel of sumo judges that determines yokozuna promotions

11 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

He was not kicked out, he was ōzeki for six years, then he retired. He was almost yokozuna.

11 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

Konishiki is a legend here. He's right up there with Akebono. I don't recall him getting kicked out though.

11 years ago | Likes 23 Dislikes 0

I am thinking you have no clue why he actually quit?

11 years ago | Likes 26 Dislikes 0

I am thinking (hoping?) His username might explain this a little...

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I think that wasn't a question.

11 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 2

I think it's just to show you how he talks? With a little inflection at the end? Now maybe you raise your voice a little when you read this?

11 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 0

I get that. I'm fighting a losing battle and there's the sense that we should allow these changes to form, for reasons like this.

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

With an upward inflection like this? Where everything is a question? And stewies voice goes higher?

11 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

He wasn't kicked out you racist motherfucker

11 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 1

Less cheating, more literally following the rules. What stops everyone else doing the same thing other than lack of talent/dedication?

11 years ago | Likes 10 Dislikes 5

The lack of a genetic deformity that causes one arm to be super huge? Maybe that?

11 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 3

That is his natural talent. It is unfair to exclude anyone for their natural physical advantage. Why discriminate by genes?

11 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 2

People with genetics to be super tall aren't excluded from basketball, nor any other competition, why here?

11 years ago | Likes 12 Dislikes 2

If basketball was played in "height classes" like other sports have weight classes, then it would be unfair to let someone in a shorter

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 2

FYI: it's very good to separate by weight class otherwise there's no subjectivity of how much of a genetic advantage is "too much".

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 1

Nor are boxers with genetically longer arms excluded. Weight class is weight class.

11 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 1

(2) height class who had a genetic condition that let him expand his body at will to become 8 feet tall. And that would not be a "talent"

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 2

Your natural physical attributes ARE your talents.

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 1

the biology, his bones are literally bigger than theirs in his arm.

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Which is his natural talent, excluding him for being naturally better would make the competition a sham.

11 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 1

oh no don't get me wrong, he has every right to be there. just maybe not in that weight category. his arm is part of his weight after all.

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 1

But his weight... puts him in that category. You measure his WHOLE weight and he IS in that category.

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Did you miss the bit about him having a genetic defect?

11 years ago | Likes 16 Dislikes 3

And Usain Bolt has a genetic defect that makes him a fast son of a bitch, that's how sports work.

11 years ago | Likes 11 Dislikes 0

*that is how genetics works

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

"talent". It's not a defect here if it's beneficial. Excluding people for their genes... uhh... that may end badly.

11 years ago | Likes 11 Dislikes 5

You missed the point. You are saying that anyone can achieve that arm in his weight class, and they can't without his condition.

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 2

No that is NOT what competitions are about. It's not a fucking lottery where "anyone can win" it's that the BEST man should win.

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 1

It also isn't a talent or hard work.

11 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 3

Michael Phelps is a master swimmer in part because he has MASSIVE paddle hands/feet (genes) and part because he works hard.

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

How do you know he hasn't done any training. If it's not individual talent, why can't you do it?

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 2

That's not his fault.

11 years ago | Likes 21 Dislikes 7

That is irrelevant. I don't agree or disagree, but whether or not it is his fault his arm is like that is irrelevant.

11 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 3

not really. some people are naturally better at sports than others, I don't see how this is any different.

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 7

It is either against the rules and deemed unfair or its not. The fact that he either choose or did not choose this is, in fact, irrelevant.

11 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

yes and it is not unfair. that is the point

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 3

"arm wrestling"

11 years ago | Likes 921 Dislikes 8

Olympic class fapper

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

So that's what the kids are calling it these days.

11 years ago | Likes 69 Dislikes 0

"Genetic defect."

11 years ago | Likes 60 Dislikes 0

more like penis wrestling.

11 years ago | Likes 25 Dislikes 0

his dick must look like a 3 month-old toothpaste tube

11 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 0

http://imgur.com/Fw2GQlR

11 years ago | Likes 18 Dislikes 1

Why do you not have more upvotes

11 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I was at -2 at some point haha

11 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

"Snake tackling"

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

he's wrestling something

11 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I always thought it was cheating when you lean with your body weight to pin your opponent.

11 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

it is cheating. everything he does is illegal in serious competition. He's 100% sideshow attraction.

11 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0