Arm wrestling takes center stage during annual Pittston Tomato Festival

PITTSTON – Diane’s Deli & Internet Café has played its own part in the Pittston Tomato Festival for each of the past 13 years.

The deli has hosted the Arms of Steel Arm Wrestling Championship during that time, each year on the Saturday of the Tomato Festival. This year’s event was the 21st annual, dating back to other venues prior to settling at Diane’s Deli, 206 S. Main St., Pittston. The event took place on Saturday, Aug. 22.

Competition was divided by men and women and into multiple weight classes as well as right-hand and left-hand divisions.

Professional arm wrestling Tom “Nitro” Simko, who coaches a team of arm wrestlers based out of Diane’s Deli, created the event and organizes it each year, helping to draw professional competitors. Simko, of Harding, is a veteran of international competitions in the sport.

Referee Chris Ratchford goes over rules while Mike Major and Mike Surplus demonstrate the correct way to arm wrestle at the Arms of Steel Arm Wrestling Championship during the Pittston Tomato Festival.

http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_psd083015wrestling1.jpg.optimal.jpgReferee Chris Ratchford goes over rules while Mike Major and Mike Surplus demonstrate the correct way to arm wrestle at the Arms of Steel Arm Wrestling Championship during the Pittston Tomato Festival. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader

Brothers Will and Kyle Dawson warm up before competing in the Arms of Steel Arm Wrestling Championship during the Pittston Tomato Festival.

http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_psd083015wrestling2.jpg.optimal.jpgBrothers Will and Kyle Dawson warm up before competing in the Arms of Steel Arm Wrestling Championship during the Pittston Tomato Festival. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader

Tom ‘Nitro’ Simko reads names of the next players to compete in the Arms of Steel Arm Wrestling Championship during the Pittston Tomato Festival.

http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_psd083015wrestling3.jpg.optimal.jpgTom ‘Nitro’ Simko reads names of the next players to compete in the Arms of Steel Arm Wrestling Championship during the Pittston Tomato Festival. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader

A crowd of spectators watch as arm wrestlers compete at Diane’s Deli and Internet Cafe in Pittston during the Tomato Festival.

http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_psd083015wrestling4.jpg.optimal.jpgA crowd of spectators watch as arm wrestlers compete at Diane’s Deli and Internet Cafe in Pittston during the Tomato Festival. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader

Jeremy Rose and Sam Meyer arm wrestle at the 21st annual Arms of Steel Arm Wrestling Championship.

http://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_psd083015wrestling5.jpg.optimal.jpgJeremy Rose and Sam Meyer arm wrestle at the 21st annual Arms of Steel Arm Wrestling Championship. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader