Brian Shaw isn’t easing into arm wrestling. In fact, he’s made it very clear he wants to be at the top of the sport.
Therefore, it should come as no surprise that he’s throwing himself straight into the deep end — and brought in one of the most respected names in the sport to make sure he’s ready.
With his highly anticipated showdown against Leonidas Arona at East vs West 23 on April 18th in Germany fast approaching, the former World’s Strongest Man has stepped things up in a big way.
And that next step comes in the form of Ermes Gasparini.
A four-time world champion and multiple-time European champion, Gasparini — known as one of the most powerful pullers in the sport — has travelled to Shaw’s base in Colorado for an intense training block.
For Shaw, it’s exactly the kind of environment he needs. “An exciting week coming up right now because Ermes Gasparini is coming into town,” Shaw told viewers. “Ermes is actually on a plane right now headed here, which is exciting.”
This isn’t just a casual collaboration either.
Across two videos shared on his YouTube channel, ShawStrength, fans got a full look at what preparation at this level actually involves — and it’s far more than just time on the table.
From mountain hikes to meals out, podcast appearances to gym sessions inside Shaw’s enormous private home gym, their time together blended lifestyle, learning, and elite-level preparation.
But make no mistake — everything is building toward one thing. As Shaw declared: “The arm wrestling table is where things need to show up.”
That focus is clear the moment the two step into the gym.
Gasparini wasted no time getting hands-on, breaking down footage, analysing technique, and offering real-time adjustments as Shaw continues adapting to a completely different sport since retiring from strongman.
On the table, the sessions are intense.
Shaw is visibly tested as they lock up, with Gasparini guiding him through positioning, pressure, and timing — all while forcing him into uncomfortable positions that demand quick adaptation.
And physically, Shaw knows he was not coming into this phase at 100% after some intense training sessions prior. “I’m not gonna be fresh,” he said, “and with somebody like Ermes, it would be awesome to be completely fresh, but I am not that, and that’s totally fine.”
That honesty has been a consistent theme in Shaw’s transition from strongman to arm wrestling. This isn’t about relying on past strength — it’s about building something new.
“I’m definitely feeling it and trying to do what I can in the weight room to move the needle forward on the arm wrestling table,” he said.
And that shift is already impacting how he trains, as he revealed: “I’ve been putting in so much work here that it is affecting my normal training. I definitely backed off with the weights, which is totally fine.”
Instead of chasing numbers in the gym, the focus is now far more specific — strength that translates directly to the table.
Still, there are signs of progress. “I’ve been recovering much quicker… just becoming more robust,” he told fans. “If I would have done what I have done six months ago, I would have been not touching anything at this point.”
That progression matters — especially with the clock ticking toward April.
And Shaw knew he was learning from one of the best. “Next level with the work is gonna be really, really awesome,” he said prior to Ermes’ arrival. “Looking forward to the knowledge that I will gain.”
For fans, the collaboration has only added to the anticipation.
Comments flooded in under the videos, with many praising Shaw’s commitment — and others stunned by the physical presence of Gasparini himself. “Brian, you make me proud to be an American,” one person commented.
“Great stuff Brian. Keep putting in the work. Your match is the one I’m most excited for, added another, with a third commenting: “Ermes is such a good dude. Thanks for coming and helping brian! Stay tight and Brian and know we are all behind you!”
“Loving this content,” wrote a fourth. “Crazy to see guys that can even push you in terms of strength.”
There’s a clear sense of momentum building.
Shaw has already proven he can dominate in one strength sport. Now, with elite guidance, relentless training, and a willingness to start from scratch, he’s aiming to do it again — this time on the arm wrestling table.
And with Gasparini in his corner, that learning curve just got a lot steeper.
Featured image credit: YouTube/SHAWSTRENGTH (Screenshots)
