On November 22, 2025, the Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites lit up with culture, community, and generosity at the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation’s Fortune Ball.
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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.
The TIFF premiere of Christy brought strong attention to the Princess of Wales Theatre, with Sydney Sweeney leading the red carpet for the film’s debut. This gallery focuses on her arrival and key on‑carpet moments from the evening, highlighting one of the most talked‑about appearances during TIFF’s 50th edition.
Photos by Nick Lee
Saturday, September 6, saw director Rian Johnson and his stellar ensemble soar into the Princess of Wales Theatre for the world premiere of Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. TIFF audiences erupted in cheers as Johnson bellowed “Can I get an ‘Amen?’” to kick off the screening, setting a rapturous tone for the night.
Johnson has teased a darker edge to this third Benoit Blanc adventure. Speaking to Deadline, he explained that “themes of guilt, mystery, morality, and fallible humanity all feel right at home in a church, with a man of God in the center of the mix,” nodding to Edgar Allan Poe as inspiration for the film’s gothic atmosphere.
After the lights went down, the packed house gave the all-star cast—Daniel Craig, Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Kerry Washington, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Andrew Scott, Daryl McCormack, and Cailee Spaeny—a standing ovation during the Q&A. Craig reflected on the trilogy’s evolution: “Like most things in this business it’s a constant surprise. We made it with no ambition whatsoever. Just let’s do the best movie we can. And it became something, and then here we are.”
With a limited theatrical release on November 26 and a Netflix bow on December 12, Wake Up Dead Man is already generating buzz as TIFF’s most talked-about whodunit. According to Variety, audiences are counting down the days to see how Benoit Blanc untangles his most perilous—and pious—mystery yet.
Mila Kunis
Jeremy Renner
Photos by Nick Lee
The ‘unofficial’ end of summer is upon us—but August in Toronto is going out with a bang. The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is back from August 15th to September 1st, bringing good vibes, outrageous food, and entertainment for all ages.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, foodie, or just in it for the vibes, here’s what’s new at the 2025 CNE:
Dinner in the Sky
Aug 15 – Sept 1
Strap in for a once-in-a-lifetime dining adventure—150 feet above the ground with sweeping 360° views of Toronto and the fairgrounds. In this intimate “Chef’s Table” experience, 22 guests enjoy gourmet courses prepared and served right in front of them.
The CNE is the first festival in Canada to offer this internationally popular attraction, seen in Dubai, Tokyo, and Punta Cana. Multiple “flights” take off daily from Stanley Barracks (near Hotel X), with options ranging from afternoon tea to sunset dinners and nighttime cocktails under the Midway’s neon glow.
Packages start at $110 per person (includes CNE admission).
CNE Coffee Party Presented by Nabob
Sun, Aug 24, 10 am – 12 pm
Calling all coffee lovers! Nabob is hosting the CNE’s first-ever coffee party—complete with a live DJ, bottomless mimosas, donut giveaways, and free coffee. The perfect way to kick off your Sunday and chase away the Sunday Scaries.
Evolution: Aerial Balloon Show
Aug 15 – Sept 1 | Multiple Daily Shows
A breathtaking cirque performance centered around a massive aerial balloon, Evolution tells the story of the CNE through the decades—from the Roaring 1920s to today—with daring acrobatics, mesmerizing visuals, and live music.
Mythos
Aug 15 – Sept 1 | Every 45 Minutes
Step inside an immersive storytelling experience that celebrates cultural legends from around the world. This anthology—created by artists with authentic ties to the stories—brings to life:
The Great Race (China)
Oshun (Nigeria)
Sky Woman (Haudenosaunee, Canada)
2025 Foods
The 2025 CNE food lineup is bigger, bolder, and butterier than ever, with over 30 new creations that push the boundaries of sweet, savoury, and downright surprising. Butter takes centre stage with indulgences like butter ice cream, butter tart funnel cakes, and even a butter burger, alongside quirky sips like butter soda and TikTok-famous dirty sodas. Food mashups are everywhere—think chicken nugget–stuffed cookies, kimchi dumpling sundaes, hashbrown ice cream sandwiches, churro pizzas, and sushi corn dogs. For the adventurous, there’s deep-fried frozen watermelon, lobster ice cream, pickle boats topped with everything from smoked meat to s’mores, and a two-foot-long hot dog.
Savoury lovers won’t be left out, with over-the-top creations like butter chicken birria tacos, smash burger tacos, Chicago mix popcorn chicken tenders, poutine dumplings, and deep-fried pizza on a stick. And for those chasing Instagram-worthy treats, expect rainbow empanadas, glitter teas, and heart-shaped funnel cakes to light up your feed. Whether you’re here for the outrageous, the comforting, or the totally unexpected, the CNE’s 146th year is promising a flavour-packed, camera-ready feast you won’t forget.
As CNE’s newest CEO, Mark Holland said best, “The CNE is so much more than a fair. It is an exhibition of art and culture, and frankly and adventure. WHen you come here you never know what you may be able to find.”
In its 146th year, the CNE is proving once again that it’s more than just a fair, it’s Toronto’s ultimate summer send-off, where you come for the fun and leave with stories and snacks you’ll be talking about until next August.
For more information:
210 Princes’ Blvd.
http://www.theex.com/
Instagram: @letsgototheex
Facebook: /TheEx
