First Posted: 8/7/2013

Arm Wrestling Guru Tom “Nitro” Simko of Harding and business owner Diane Simko of Pittston, will once again, host the 19th annual Arms of Steel Arm Wrestling Championship in conjunction with the 2013 Pittston Tomato Festival.

The tournament will be held at Diane’s Deli & Internet Cafe located at 206 South Main Street Pittston on Saturday, August 17. Weigh-ins are from 1:30 p.m. to 3p.m. Start time is 3:30 p.m. sharp.

The stand-up-style double-elimination tournament for the first time ever will feature custom made medals for first, second, and third place winners and cash to those who take first in each weight class. Every first place winner will also receive a custom made Arms of Steel T-shirt. Classes are available to both men and women.

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Simko, who is known simply as “Nitro” to those in the arm wrestling community, said the sport of arm wrestling is gaining much attention and is being funded in bigger and better ways than ever before.

“This tournament is sanctioned by the International Arm Wrestling Federation (IAF) where teams from each state can compete for a team plaque,” Nitro said. “Our Pennsylvania team which originated at Diane’s Deli, took second place at nationals in Hartford Connecticut.”

One competitor to look out for this year is professional national champion Leiraun “Black Ice” Baldwin of Scranton.

Practices are held every Saturday at Diane’s Deli & Internet Cafe where Nitro gives free demonstrations. New team member are always welcome to join with no experience necessary. Diane Simko said it’s quite a sight to see.

“One week we had over 40 people crowded around the arm wrestling table yelling for who they wanted to win,” Simko said. “People usually come in for either my wings, Cajun jambalaya, or pizza and get interested in what these men and women are so excited about.”

After the tournament, their will be a single elimination overall event called “King of the Hill” where each competitor who placed in the top three right-handed division in each weight class can compete for a plaque that declares them the overall champion of the event. King of the Hill is free of charge.

Nitro said this tournament would not be possible if it were not for the sponsors who support this event every year. New to the list is Old Mill Pine in West Pittston.

“I would like to thank every business that supports our event each year and believes in the sport of arm wrestling,” Nitro said.

Other Sponsors include: Diane’s Deli & Internet Cafe, Hoof n’ Paw & Jeans, (Dallas) DeMinico Chiropractic Offices, (Pittston and Shavertown), Toyota Scion of Scranton, Ransom Quarry, (Olyphant), Attorney Joseph Novak, (Forty Fort), Wilkes-Barre Scranton Ken Pollock Auto Group – Volvo, Bonner Chevrolet, (Kingston), Mobile Glass Services, (Pittston), Affordable Appliance Repair (362-4764).