After cementing his place in the history books as a four-time World’s Strongest Man, Brian Shaw has now turned his attention to a new challenge—arm wrestling. And at East vs West 19, part of this year’s Shaw Classic weekend, the strongman legend proved he’s not done making headlines just yet.
Shaw faced off against former powerlifter turned arm wrestler Brandon Allen in a much-anticipated super match. The showdown, held on home turf in Loveland, Colorado, marked Shaw’s second official appearance on the professional arm wrestling stage—and he delivered in dominant fashion.
The match, a best-of-five contest, got off to a fiery start. Allen took the first round, capitalising on an elbow foul from Shaw, but the tides shifted quickly. Shaw adjusted, using his sheer power and developing technique to win three straight rounds. His mix of top-rolls and explosive presses left no doubt: Brian Shaw is a force in this sport too.
Allen, who previously defeated Larry Wheels in 2023, praised Shaw’s growth, saying: “If that man showed up today that I faced eight months ago, I would have killed him. Brian has leveled up so much.”
Shaw, ever the sportsman, returned the respect: “Brandon is incredibly strong, and I knew he’d come prepared. But I’ve put in the work, and I feel like I’m only getting started.”
This win follows Shaw’s victorious debut against Eddie Hall last year at King of the Table 13, and it reinforces the notion that the strongman-turned-arm-wrestler isn’t just testing the waters—he’s here to stay.
More than a victory, Shaw’s performance at East vs West 19 is another step in a carefully considered second act. One that proves greatness doesn’t end with retirement from strongman—it simply evolves.
For fans of strength sports and arm wrestling alike, Brian Shaw’s journey is far from over. And if East vs West 19 is anything to go by, the best may be yet to come.
