Game of Arms (2014–2016) User Reviews

now that's a cheater **spoilers for first episode ending**

[SandOwl_ · 7/10 · 15 July 2020]

Mike Selearis vs Kenny Hughes in the showdown of the first episode.

Well, it looked clear to me that Mike Selearis cheated in the match. Deliberately slipping his hand out right before it hit the cushion.

The referee had no business reversing his decision in order to placate New Yorks losing side. Kenny won that, fair and square.

Never thought arm wrestling would interest me. This isn't a bad show. Pity they didn't continue with the second season and onwards.

It really leaves a bad taste in your mouth when you see someone cheating at sport.

It seemed to me that this Mike character was deliberately slipping his hand every time in order to use the straps. Then at the last millisecond, he slipped his hand out again before he was on the cushion losing the match to Kenny. I have no time for cheaters.

Others who were there and witnessed the match clearly believed the same as my view.

The referee made a bad call rescinding Kenny's win.

Everytime I see that Mike guy now he makes my skin crawl.

An Unexpected Bend

[mishgal7 · 9/10 · 9 March 2014]

Who knew that arm-wrestling as a legitimate, competitive sport??

I was hesitant when I saw the commercials: I wondered how AMC could possibly spin this (being a huge fan of Deadliest Catch, Walking Dead, etc) as an interesting show. Blew me away. Sure, it may be chock full of testosterone, egos, and sweat, but don't we pay to see all that in movie theaters?

This show is the first thing I've ever seen that portrays the sport of arm-wrestling in a very honest, up-front way. It doesn't just show the matches (which can last less than a second up to a few minutes, or as I discovered in an online search the longest match ever was 45 MINUTES) it shows the motives behind the matches, the unique techniques that can cause men twice the size of their opponent to lose, and the personal lives behind why these men arm wrestle.

All that, plus the way it was filmed is just... for lack of better words: really cool. Slow-mo shots of competitors crazy eyes and "game faces" - the intense, unequivocal interest of the crowd watching to see which hand hits the pad, funny cutscenes with hillbillies.

I'm eagerly anticipating each following episode. Game of Arms, you've twisted my arm. I'm hooked.

Overacted "reality" TV

[cdnguitarist · 1/10 · 26 February 2014]

I'm not a fan of reality TV, That being said, I will admit that there has been one or two shows that I have been able to tolerate, or even enjoy. However, there a 2 immediate signs that a reality TV show is terrible. First, is constant "bumpers". A "bumper" is a scene in a reality TV show, that offers a cliff hanger, conflict, or the promise that something will be revealed, after commercial break. For example I you were watching say "gold rush", right before a commercial someone digging in the ground might say "Holy crap, you guys are going to want to see this!", which would be followed by a cut to an announcer saying,"coming up on gold rush" and a 2 minutes scene (edited to look interesting) of what you are about to watch after commercial. Then, after the commercial, the show starts back up with another two minutes scene narrating and repeating what you just saw before commercial break. Finally, they would replay most of the "holy crap, you guys are gonna wanna see this!" Scene, and let you see how it ends, which is almost always much less interesting then what the show just spent the last 8 or so minutes building up, for example, in this case, it would probably be a weird rock, not the gold You were lead to believe you would be seeing. And now, the producers have successfully gotten through 8 minutes (almost 1/4 of an hour long television program) using Unusable, boring scenes and replayed material that people otherwise would not tune in to see...the formula for reality TV.

As reality TV has progressed, and this formula has been realized, producers have started simply suggesting or even telling the people in these show what to say or do. Don't get me wrong, some of the footage is real, but the majority of things shot happen first,then the producers stop the cameras, and ask for more enthusiasm (drama) out of the people in the scene,or suggest a way it could be more interesting then re-shoot.

In game of arms, there are quite a few bumpers, but they pale in comparison to its main flaw, which is also the second sign that a reality TV show is going to be terrible: people, who aren't actors, over acting.

When reality TV was getting its start, I was in a family members episode of "restaurant makeover", (which is where I started to learn about reality TV). In the show, the "made over" restaurant looked amazing, in reality however, the construction was not complete and the restaurant looked in shambles. They fixed up one room and did all the shooting in there, avoiding shooting the roof, which was also unfinished

Then they invited in the diners. One by one they recorded they're reaction to the room, stopped them, and asked them to come in with "more energy". Then when they came back in, they would ask them for even more energy saying, "act like it's the coolest thing you've ever seen!" Same thing with the food. they did take after take of people trying the food, again asking for "more energy" and asking diners to act like its the best dish they'd ever eaten.Only the people who were willing to lie and say whatever the producers wanted made it in the aired episode.

Which is the essence of game of arms. These guys are already full of themselves, and now instead of someone telling them to be less dramatic, the have producers telling them to be more dramatic. What you end up with is a bunch of guys who are on TV, trying to act like someone they saw in a movie, and over acting every piece of drama from there life.

If the past is any indicator, I can pretty much guarantee that there is very little reality in game of arms.

Armwrestling is legit

[mrtrapps · 10/10 · 20 March 2014]

Assumptions are merely speculation. This is great exposure for the sport. Sure there are parts people will question or dislike. It's a step in the right direction. As far as egotistical, that's an ignorant comment. It's people being passionate about the sport they love and bringing it to the masses. Good job guys. I encourage people to research the sport and people involved on the show. Obviously things are done for the benefit of TV but these athletes are still people who genuinely care about the sport. They have a sense of pride and community because they have traveled gave it their all and bonded.

Go watch a tournament and enter novice if you feel brave.

You'll be shocked what you learn when you see the sport for what it truly is. There are many misconceptions go learn for yourself.

Big Scripted Mess

[coljam21 · 1/10 · 26 February 2014]

I didn't think AMC would put out such a horrible show. The previews looked promising. A bunch of muscle laden men talking about pride and taking home the money cause they have mouths to feed. One competitor mentioned he has 5 children. OK so I'm thinking there's some serious prize money involved. Nope, only $250 per match and $1000 prize money which is split 5 ways among the team mates. Bwhaha. What a joke. Absolultely comical. So unless his kids only eat Ramen noodles I don't know how he will be able to feed all 5 of them with such meager winnings.

The show featured the NYC team training in the basement of a member's home at 5:50 in the morning. His wife was upstairs getting the kids ready. She complained about the early hour and the team's extreme training all while sporting 2lbs of makeup and a fake tan. I guess she just woke up at 4:30 in the morning with all that war paint on.

The team in California was portrayed in an equally sad light. The star of the team had a drinking problem and did nothing to try to curb it. I guess he didn't really care if his bad habits affected his team. Then there was the preacher who talked the most smack then got his ass handed to him in 3 seconds, because just like in the movies the smack talker always goes down first. When it came to the last competitors and they conveniently were at 2 wins for each team, I switched the channel. At that point I realized that this reality show like all the others is scripted. What a mess. What a big scripted mess. I expected more from AMC.

Finally!!!!

[ckauf53 · 10/10 · 20 March 2014]

Finally armwrestling is getting the exposure that it deserves with this kick ass show! For anyone that doesn't know about the world of armwrestling, it's a VERY painful and costly sport to be a part of, that reaps little reward aside from titles and pride.

The show is intense, and emphasizes the underground nature of the sport. It's not exactly like this in the sport, but I understand what the producers are doing.

If you like BS shows like the Kardashians or Honey Boo Boo, then this show's not for you. This show has REAL people, NOT acting (I know for a fact!), with REAL issues, and REAL pain putting it on the line for not very much money. I will agree, the payouts are a joke, but the money is NOT the point. They all knew that the show was about more than money.

I'm hoping the public can watch this show with respect for these ATHLETES, just like any other sport, and the armwrestling world as a whole will benefit. This is just the first step! I haven't seen an episode yet that I didn't like.

Arm wrestling's Raging Bull

[gumpy-3 · 9/10 · 19 March 2014]

The thing that immediately strikes you is just how slick this show is. I had zero expectations going in, thinking this would just be your average reality show like Pawn Stars or whatever, but this is clearly on another level. From the camera work to the sound to the editing, you can obviously tell that they took their time to get this right. This show is so polished, it's downright meticulous. Game of Arms manages to hit notes that are normally reserved for HBO Sports documentaries.

Of course, it's not all about the great production design, there's also the "pullers" themselves. Thankfully, they happen to be a more diverse and interesting group of people than one would probably guess. They come from all walks of life and are really quite likable. It's easy to root for any of them. If they were all just a bunch of one-dimensional Jersey Shore rejects then trust me, I wouldn't even bother writing this. No, these are regular guys who just happen to share the same incredibly intense hobby - or "lifestyle" as one puts it. Their life stories are compelling and they seem fun to be around in general. That's more than I can say for most people on television.

The matches themselves are riveting. Sure, the refs could be better and the prize amounts are too small, but whatever. The way the show leads up to the matches, and the way the matches themselves are presented more than makes up for those minor, easily addressable concerns. Instead of the predictable, clinical environment of a UFC cage or a boxing ring, they stage these fights within intimate, real world locations with fellow teammates and family members within arm's reach. Everything's shot on hand-held from within the crowd, including a slew of remarkably well-framed slow motion footage. As a result, the fight scenes are as good as they can possibly be - I really mean that. If Over the Top was the Rocky IV of arm wrestling, then Game of Arms is its Raging Bull.

This show is surprisingly good.

Loved Game of Arms

[newbury-812-760173 · 10/10 · 2 March 2014]

Loved the show and hope to see many more episodes!!! Looking forward to Travis Bageant and Andrew Rhodes. Solaris was a trip to watch - what a freak!!! Great for TV.

Loved the speed on Kenny - big boy can move.

Alan Fisher - time to hang it up buddy - I don't think you have 25 WAF titles so perhaps a little exaggerating on the world titles?

Not sure why the $1k is tied into the storyline - I think we should just all be honest and state at this point in the sport it's for bragging rights, and not much more!

And for anyone who doesn't think Solaris's training is "reality" - dream on. That's the old school training for arm wrestlers - and it couldn't get any more accurate than that!!! Thanks AMC!!!

A Surprising, Yet Welcomed Addiiton to AMC

[fwyook · 8/10 · 13 March 2014]

AMC's new realty show, "Game of Arms", presents the world of professional arm-wrestling. Episodes cover the lives, training regimens and backgrounds of arm-wrestlers on one of two teams. The show leads up to a competition between the two featured teams, where each of five 'pullers' face off for a cash prize of $1000 (perhaps not substantial, but realize that a lot of these guys are endorsed).

The first team to win 3 out of the 5 available rounds wins the competition. During each round, two pullers 'lock up', and the first to win 3 out of the 5 available points wins the round. The entire competition is enforced and judged by a referee (who, e.g., might determine when a 'slip' occurs, which accordingly would require the pullers to 'strap up').

"Arms" does a good job of conveying the 'feel' of a growing (sub-?)culture. AMC's choice to create a show like Game of Arms was perhaps inspired by the highly recommended documentary, "Pulling John" (2009). "John" accomplished for arm-wrestling what "Pumping Iron" (1977) did for body-building--just replace Schwarzenegger with Brzenk (and if you haven't seen either, watch both).

"Arms" is not without its flaws. It's a scripted "realty" TV show willing to skew just enough truths to make it more interesting without making it too incredible. For instance, many of the back-stories seem embellished, if not exaggerated (indeed, Nick Zinna probably isn't the 'farm boy' the show makes him out to be). Teams are likely 'stacked' in such a way so as to produce 5 rounds every competition (coincidence?). What's more, the competitions are evidently a bit informal, and do not even accommodate considerations of weight-class (a 300+ pound puller has faced someone less than 200 lbs...).

But if you can overlook the show's shortcomings - and there are only a few - you'll find that there's a lot to appreciate about 'Arms'.

First, a lot of it *is* real--the dedication, the struggles, and the strategies--indeed, much of the show appears to be untainted.

Second, the show is presented in an entertaining way. Though the episodes are a bit formulaic, the narration, the sound editing, and the cut sequences are well-executed. Indeed, between the slow motion shots of the roaring, sweating, rippling bulk, and even bleeding, not to mention two 'head-butting' males vying for domination, one begins to wonder if 'Arms' is really a nature show...

Third, to be perfectly frank, the show also makes me want to arm-wrestle, or at least start lifting weights. This effect is likely by design. The show is kind of inspiring (think: Rocky training montages). Arm-wrestling is not only an American past-time, but also recognized and highly respected in other countries around the world (e.g., the Russian government will even award money to prevailing competitors). It's okay to engender enthusiasm for the sport because it's a fun sport. And if you need inspiration to hit the gym more, try getting through an episode without feeling compelled to hit the floor and start doing some push-ups.

Lastly, and ultimately, the show features people. A lot of them have commitments and obligations outside their passion for the sport, whether family or a day-job or another hobby. Some arm-wrestle because they want to, while others, because they need to. The show feels personal. You get to know these guys on an individual, human level because the show, despite some of the fluff, includes all kinds of details: personal reflection, insight, lessons learned and motivation gained. This practice tends to make the show, to me at least, all the more enjoyable.

Notwithstanding some of the creative liberties taken by the writers and producers of the show, 'Arms' is a brave choice by a successful network that will leave most viewers moderately entertained, if not totally pumped. Give it a try, and you might be surprised.

B+

Not Fake!

[iowacajunboy · 10/10 · 27 March 2014]

I will admit that I personally know some of the people on the show. So if that sways my opinion, oh well. I am just wanting to say that this show is not fake. Its about real people, living real lives. I am glad that AMC is showing real "reality". Some of the shows I see on TV are so fake that I wont even take the time to name them. The people on this show are not millionaires and they probably never will be. The rewards are not going to make them rich. They still have jobs and families and friends. They would be doing this stuff even if the cameras were not there. Thats what makes a great reality TV show. This show is not scripted. They show everything, the good and the bad. Thats why its called reality.

Very exciting show

[onefastermonte85 · 10/10 · 26 March 2014]

Game of arms is a energized show about the world of arm wrestling. After watching one show you realize real arm wrestling is not what we all do at bars while were drunk. Its a legitimate sport that involves extensive training, and repetitive technique training.

I would recommend this show to anyone interested in anything athletic. Also the story lines portrayed are real people with real problems, emotions, and struggles. I can't stop watching this show each week. It seems like each show gets more intense.

I think this show is a big hit, and I can't wait to hear about a season 2. I think AMC got things right when they developed this show.

Most entertaining sports reality show ever!

[David-dubrava · 10/10 · 27 March 2014]

Game of Arms is a unique reality show chalk full of colorful characters. The passion of these men for their sport is tremendous and inspiring! It's amazing to see a school teacher, a farmer, a mason or a chef glamorized for competing in a sport they love. The close knit ties between arm wrestlers reminds me of the same community feel I witnessed in the Pumping Iron documentary filmed in the 70's. like the sport of bodybuilding, the sport of arm wrestling has flown below the radar. I thank AMC and the producers of the show for showing the world what the sport of competitive arm wrestling is all about.

The characters on Game of Arms are tremendous for a reality show. My favorite is the school teacher Mike from queens. He trains hard and seems focused on his goals. I love the fact that he works with kids and try's to instill a positive winning attitude with his team. It seems like Mike is willing to take on all competition regardless of size. He is a cross between rocky, vin diesel and mr. Cotter. Cobra is also great! His hand motion actually resembles a cobra when he arm wrestles. All in all, I have to give this show a 10 out of 10. Amc did it again! I hope to see the boys from Game of Arms form a dream team and take on the world!

Respect is the bottom line...

[mwdrock1 · 10/10 · 27 March 2014]

This show is great! It does have a little dramatic side that seems to be a put on, but to those that have never been around this sport and seen the state of mind these guys get into before they lock horns...I'll tell you they get really intense even in training. I've read some reviews about the money being waged...For most of these guys it's not about the money it's about taking the other guys arm and removing it if at all possible and when it's over, win or loose, shaking his hand and maybe even a hug. It's a "RESPECT" thing, who's the better man today is the bottom line.

I know some of the cast and how they train, It would shock a few of the negative reviewers.

I respect each and everyone of the cast in this show and would love to see more of the arm wrestling sport exposed in more seasons and even a championship series later.

AMC keep up the good work and to the MEN of Game of Arms I really enjoy the show!

A different sport and a different look on it

[capsaveaho · 10/10 · 23 April 2014]

The average person looking at the sport of arm wrestling probably views it as something done when barbaric men get drunk at a bar or truck stop - I think we have Stallone's "Over the Top" movie to thank for this. MMA fighting, boxing, and football are all more ruthless than this!

Armwrestling is indeed a sport. Discipline, training, mental and physical toughness as well as technique are all involved to be successful...just like any other sport. You don't go to the gym and bang the biceps and forearms for three hours a day and think you're going to pull arms with the best of them! You don't need to be a hulking behemoth to be successful...Evan Fritsche, Allen Fisher, and Cobra Rhodes prove this! You also don't need a manual labor job like many will think.

This show pries into the sport of arm wrestling and into the lives of the people that live it! Some of the people that succeed in the sport came from nothing or have nothing. But they have the sport and the other people apart of it and that's what keeps their fire burning. Striving to become the best in the sport is what it's all about. People make sacrifices daily in an attempt to be the best...sleeping in cars, quitting jobs, walking away from families and friends. So for people completely oblivious to arm wrestling to say, "This isn't a sport" or "this TV show is dumb" is plain ignorant and disrespectful to those that have a lot invested in it. The people in this TV show all have a dream and it's no different than those individuals that jump on a Greyhound Bus and travel to California, hoping to land an acting gig or music contract.

Please continue on with several more seasons and get John Brzenk and Devon Laratt on!!!

Great show guys !

[Leonluislynch · 10/10 · 30 March 2014]

This show is Awesome. I like the details of how arm wrestlers workout. I definitely enjoy the action, energy and intensity of the show. I hope to see competitions at the international level as well. It will be great if AMC makes a talk show about arm wrestling just as Talking Dead, were they would go into the history of arm wrestling then and now and give details of arm wrestling world wide if possible. Furthermore, I am glad that AMC put the spotlight on arm wrestling, it is finally getting out of the underground arena. I love the guys on the show and how it goes into their personal lives. I'm particularly a fan of the NY Team "Arms Control". I watch and hope that they will every tournament. The show is very well presented, the producers have done a really great job by always leaving us in suspense during every show. Keep up the great work!

Allen Fisher is the WAL Champion

[stealthbusiness · 10/10 · 17 June 2014]

World Arm Wrestling Champion, Allen Fisher, just annihilated anyone one who dared to step up to the arm wrestling table at the WAL (World Armwrestling League) tournament. The event was held at the House of Blues in Vegas. Check out www.WALunderground.com for some pictures and videos of the battles. For those who showed up the experience was off the charts! The crowds were screaming in excitement! The battles between the competitors was super intense! So many who were expected to win were defeated, even the champions stars on AMC's Game of Arms.

Check out the profiles of of the Game of Arms athletes on www.GameOfArms.com