Annual arm wrestling tournament scheduled for Aug. 22 in Pittston

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 will be the 21st annual, dating back to other venues prior to settling at Diane’s Deli, 206 S. Main St., Pittston. The event is scheduled for Aug. 22 with weigh-ins from 1:30 to 3 p.m. and competition starting at 3:30 sharp.

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

“We’ll also have a Novice Division for people in town who want to go against each other,” said Diane Simko, from Diane’s Deli.

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.

Prizes will include T-shirts, medals and plaques.

Each division will be double-elimination and an overall champion will also be determined.

Food will be served throughout the event. No one under 18 years of age will be admitted.

Adam Blannard wrestles his opponent at Diane’s Deli & Internet Cafe in the 2011 IAF State Open Arm Wrestling Championship.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_38005030.jpgAdam Blannard wrestles his opponent at Diane’s Deli & Internet Cafe in the 2011 IAF State Open Arm Wrestling Championship. Bill Tarutis File Photo | For Sunday Dispatch

Tournament director and referee Tom ‘Nitro’ Simko declares a winner.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_38005043.jpgTournament director and referee Tom ‘Nitro’ Simko declares a winner. Bill Tarutis File Photo | For Sunday Dispatch

Matt Powell is on the verge of defeating his opponent in the 2011 IAF State Open Arm Wrestling Championship last Saturday at Diane’s Deli & Internet Cafe in Pittston.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_38005024.jpgMatt Powell is on the verge of defeating his opponent in the 2011 IAF State Open Arm Wrestling Championship last Saturday at Diane’s Deli & Internet Cafe in Pittston. Bill Tarutis File Photo | For Sunday Dispatch

Lindsey Ross of Wyoming, left, Ashley DeLucca of Swoyersville, and Mia Raymond of West Wyoming cheer on the arm wrestlers.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_38005035.jpgLindsey Ross of Wyoming, left, Ashley DeLucca of Swoyersville, and Mia Raymond of West Wyoming cheer on the arm wrestlers. Bill Tarutis File Photo | For Sunday Dispatch