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Forget everything you know about casual pub arm wrestling. Dramatically transforming the sport, the newly formed Team Arm Wrestling Federation (TAWF) is the world’s first professional, team-based arm wrestling league. 

Founded by Jason Costantini and Alex Keary through Table Monkeys Inc., TAWF replaces arm wrestling’s traditional, one-off super-matches with an electrifying, highly structured competition format built for broadcast. The action all kicks off in Toronto, as TAWF launches its pre-season showcase with a gripping, cross-province rivalry: team Toronto Smoke will face off against the Montreal Saints in a high-stakes, team-based showdown this Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Henderson Brewing Co.

More than a match, the event marks the official introduction of a league designed to bring the raw intensity and hidden strategy of arm wrestling to a major audience. “In reality, it’s a mini martial art, filled with strategy that often matters more than an athlete’s size,” says TAWF co-founder Jason Costantini. 

TAWF features both male and females athletes. Each team fields eight athletes across four weight classes, competing in an intense series of 32 matches using both left and right arms. The game introduces strategic elements like gambits and team management, allowing coaches to make dynamic substitutions and lineup calls. This format is designed to create a continuous, compelling narrative and keep the live action focused and fast-paced.

Photo: Courtesy of TAWF.

The Toronto Smoke Take the Stage

The TAWF pre-season launch event, dubbed the “Toronto vs. Montreal Showdown,” marks the first time these two Canadian rival franchises will clash.

• Who: The Toronto Smoke vs. the Montreal Saints.
• What: The first-ever TAWF pre-season team showdown, featuring an 8-vs-8 format, four rounds of competition, and full docuseries coverage. The event will also feature women’s supermatches and a Major Armwrestling Championships (MAC) open tournament.
• When: Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Where: Henderson Brewing Co. at 128A Sterling Rd., Toronto, ON.
• Tickets: General admission starts at $40.00 CAD (19+ event).

Following this showcase, TAWF will launch its official 14-week debut season in November 2026, leading up to an international playoff bracket and a major USA vs. Canada Finals. But the rivalry – and the excitement – starts now, in Toronto.