One of my favorite athletes in all of armwrestling. Although I'm sure there are some matches/events I missed, it's undeniable that Richard Lupkes is a true veteran of the sport. I hope he feels well soon and may we see a lot more of him on the table still!
One of the finest gentlemen and among the very highest respected men in the sport. I've never heard a bad word spoken of him and that says a lot. It's a pleasure to call him friend.
Amazing to think that another Lupkes comeback could be a thing. It's super intriguing to see how top arm wrestlers will age and be able to compete into their senior years. Thanks for your efforts as always good sir.
This guy was an animal. Cornbread Farm boy strong built a crazy base as a boy. He was huge but also lean unlike guys of today. No one could match his side pressure. Given the "tools" and training knowledge of today, if he actually took it seriously, I do not know who could touch him. Including guys like Levan that started out much smaller than base Lupkes. They don't have his genetics. Just born in the right time period. But alas, he gave us some great matches 💪
I grew up in Worthington not far from Rich, and, he is one of the nicest people I knew in our area. Everyone I knew respected him, not for his size, but, for his kindness, work ethic, and his character. The fact that we knew the “World Arm Wrestling Champion” was completely secondary to the experience of meeting Rich Lupkes. A professional athlete who I am proud to say that I’ve met, admired, and who totally smoked me at table soccer when I was 16….. lol It says a lot about a guy who is champion, but took the 5 minutes to play a game with a skinny nerd of a kid, then give him pointers on how to improve his game. Truly a guy who is worth the accolades.
Thank you so much for the wonderful story and insight into who Lupkes is as a person. I know I might not have expressed it enough in the video but I truly believe he is one of the greats of our sport.
Cobra Rhodes said on a podcast once that Lupkes back then was he believes stronger than any of today's elite pullers. He said he did a bench press bringing the bar down to his neck with over 500lbs I believe.
Lupkes is the most genetically gifted puller ever. Very basic technique, just pure power. If he knew how to pull he would have been unbeatable. His lifts were just inhuman, never heard of anyone doing more.
Lupkes had the potential, maybe the injuries and a lack of specific training where the reasons for him not to be undisputed n1 in the world, still you recognize his name in armwrestling...gifted for sure.
I know this is a typical comment but, I'm so surprised this channel has not blown up yet, channels like this in MMA do really, really well, the new fans get to learn some history of the sport or athlete, and long time fans get a good nostalgia hit.
Typical or not, thank you for taking the time to write this. Not to throw a pitty party or anything but youtube genuinely seems to have no more interest in showing my channel to a lot of new people.
These videos are great so hopefully you continue to produce them for awhile. One question that I have is will we ever see a "The Rise of Arm Historian" video?
Love Richard Lupkes! Glad you did this episode, and I have to say: I would LOVE a video on Al Turner. Idk much about him other than he pulled in the 50’s-70’s I think? Theres not a lot of info on him afaik. Edit: also Jim & Ted Pollock, just because theyre my Dads second cousins 😂
It's a Shame he Gets Lost in terms of Greatness Richard was a BEAST and in the Sit Down I'd take him over ANYONE I Don't think he s EVER been Beaten Your the Man Richard Your the Man
Although I'm not an insider, I am a starting RU-vidr who is currently looking for inspiration. You clearly came op with an original idea and know how to capture it in catching videos. Keep it up!
Thanks man for this amazing video. There has always been some mystery behind Lupkees, similarly as with Voevoda. Strong, gentle giants. Hope he comes back once again!
I mean obviously his age has a lot to do with his injuries. But I have a theory that the lack of table time was the major contributing factor. Not having that very specific force of another human wrenching on your arm won't build you up to not be injured
Imagine if Richard had spend time and effort into learning the craft of arm wrestling, as opposed to "just" being a freak of nature in the sport. He would have been unbeatable.
Another awesome video by Da Historian 💪😎🤘Wild how Richard looks so intimidating and so big but then actually a very nice humble feller. Not many fellers his age are that big and strong. Wished there was a professional league for people 60 and over. Would be cool to see the legends like Brzenk and Richard go at it a little longer and would be more competitive rather than like a Richard vs Levan or Brzenk vs Ermes.. at a certain age it's just impossible for them to be on a Levan Ermes Devon level. But if they were in a 60s or older league it would be awesome matches for them and the fans. Richard could possibly dominate a league like that 😳😬
IMO Richard could still make a hell of a run on YT training and coaching others, anyone into arm-wrestling would sub instantly, doesn't even have to be AW'ing exclusive, just watching him lift and commentate on what he's doing would be successful, cheers.
