Vitaly Laletin: Arm Wrestling Champion

Vitaly Laletin has been one of the world’s best arm wrestlers for the last decade. Winning numerous championships and beating the best in the sport of arm wrestling.

Here’s a breakdown of the career of The Siberian Giant Vitaly. Detailing the highlights of his career, along with going over his style and unique training.

Vitaly Laletin’s Early Career 

Vitaly Laletin began his early twenties as he began lifting and working with top Russian coaches. At first, Vitaly only weighed in at 80 kgs and was a bit small to compete in the super heavyweight division.

But arm wrestling experts saw that Laletin had immense potential to grow into a high-level arm wrestler. He would start getting recognized for his potential at the beginning of his career in 2010 and 2011.

He was a skinny yet incredibly tall athlete that knew how to control the grip and hit his top roll. Laletin would make his international debut in 2011 at the European championship.

At only 22, he showed the technical skill of a veteran but still lacked the experience. Through his ups and downs and continuing his training, Vitaly would build both more muscle and skill.

After eight years of working his way up the ranks, Laletin would fill out. Gaining 50 kgs and becoming the Russian Giant that he’s known as today.

Vitaly Laletin’s Career Highlights 

No arm wrestling expert was surprised at the evolution of Vitaly Laletin, who would go on to be a top athlete. Here are some of Vitaly Laletin’s career highlights.

Vitaly Laletin vs. Andrey Pushkar: Zloty Tur 2016

One of the biggest matches in Vitaly’s career occurred at Zloity Tur 2016. Taking a leap into the elite class as he faced multi-time champion Andrey Pushkar in the finals.

Pushkar came into the match undefeated and would remain undefeated. Beating Vitaly in the finals after a solid performance by the young Russian.

AMC 2023

Vitaly recently had one of the best performances of his career just this year. He competed at the AMC Championship to face the toughest competitors from Europe to Russia.

In the early rounds, Laletin would blow throw the competition. Once he got to the finals, he would be in for a battle.

He would win the first rounds and then lose the second round to go to a third and deciding round. Vitaly and his opponent were exhausted from their match, and neither was willing to give in.

But Vitaly was able to gain top control and finally take his opponent over.

Laletin Pins 110 Arm Wrestlers

At a recent arm wrestling expo in Russia, Vitaly would take part in the event. He would take on 110-arm wrestlers in 30 minutes.

Giving fans the chance to feel his power and meet the champion athlete. Laletin would have fun at the event and give the fans a memorable experience.

Vitaly Laletin’s Rivalries Laletin 

Vitaly has had some tough rivalries over his decade in the sport of arm wrestling. Here’s a breakdown of some of Laletin’s rivalries and the most notable matches between these opponents.

Dave Chaffee

In 2019, Laleting went against arm wrestling champion Dave Chaffee for the first time at King of the Table. Their match would become one of the most exciting matches of the year.

During the first of six rounds, the referee would have to bring in the strap was brought in after a false start. Chaffee would win the first round by starting strong and hitting the top roll on Laletin.

Dave would also win the second round but gassed himself out, which gave Vitaly an opening—easily pinning Chaffee in the third and fourth rounds after controlling the gripping and hand positioning.

By round 5, Vitaly showed that he had better conditioning than his opponent. But the veteran Chaffee would bounce back in the sixth round to tie it up in a long battle. Tying up the match and forcing a 7th round.

The veteran would find some extra strength and pin the Russian champion in one of the best arm wrestling matches ever.

Levan Saginashvili

Levan Saginashvili is probably the toughest opponent that Vitaly has faced in his career. The most high-profile match the two had was the opening round of the 2019 Top 8 Tournament.

Arm wrestling legend Denis Cyplenkov was in attendance and was intently watching this match. 

This would be a rare match where Laletin would come out on the losing end. The strength of the Georgian Hulk was too much for the Russian champion.

Vitaly Laletin: Guinness Record Holder 

For a period of time, Vitaly was the Guinness world record holder for the world’s strongest grip. He clocked in a force of 159.3 kg on an official measuring device. His record stood until World’s Strongest Man champion, Brian Shaw, broke his record with a 162.4 kg grip.

Vitaly Laletin’s Style 

Vitaly Laletin is considered to have the best top-roll technique of any active arm wrestler.  His incredible grip strength, mixed with his height advantage, makes his top-roll quite effective.

Being able to control the pad and force his opponent to lose the grip, fight, and hand positioning battle. He is also a master of elbow positioning and often likes to pull his opponent off-base as he attacks their hand.

Vitaly Laletin’s Training

Laletin has one of the most intense and unique training regiments of any elite arm wrestler. Much of his training is focused on grip training and coordination, along with his technical training.

Being the former record holder for grip strength, Laletin can bend grippers and metal pipes. He can also reverse curl a 10 kg sledgehammer to his nose and fully extend it out.

The only real weakness in Vitaly’s game is when he goes against incredibly strong opponents that bull rush. This includes the Georgian Hulk Levan Saginashvili, that used this approach against Laletin.

Vitaly Laletin’s Personal Life

When Vitaly isn’t competing in the world’s biggest arm wrestling events, he returns to his normal life. He has been working as a truck driver for years, which has supported his family and arm wrestling training.

Vitaly enjoys the job and likes that it gives him the time that he needs to train for big events.

What’s Next For Vitaly Laletin?

Vitaly Laletin has been one of the top arm wrestlers in the world for the last decade. He shows no sign of slowing down and could be entering the prime of his career. We’ll definitely see Laletin continue facing the top arm wrestlers in the world and competing for championships.