New Mexico Armwrestling Hall of Fame

2008 - 2010

2008 - Mike Apodaca

2009 - Michael Duenas

2010 - Willie Garley

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2011 - 2013

2008 - 2010

2011 - Chris Futhey

2012 - Philip Baca

2013 - Ed Baca

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2014 - 2016

2008 - 2010

2014 - 2016

2014 - Donna Corley

2015 - Peggy Walton

2016 - Tim Chavez

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2017-2019

2014 - 2016

2017 - Bryan Dyche

2019 - Thomas Chavez

2020 - Brian Burlem

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2020-2023

2017-2019

2020-2023

2022 - Tyler Hernandez

2023 - Will Lambert

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2024

2017-2019

2020-2023

2024 - Joey Baca

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2008 Mike Apodaca

About Mike

Started: 1985.
City/State: Los Lunas, New Mexico.
Supermatch Song: Ted Nugent "Stranglehold".
States: (7) CO, NM, CA, AZ, NV, TX, ID.
Check out Mike competing at the 1993 Yukon Jack Regionals in Albuquerque, NM........
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaQsjRwzzDI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDP1Dc7fM6Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJ1IMhZgMas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LJymDtROoI

Titles

State/Regional:

Winner of many tournaments in NM, AZ, and TX during his 15+ year career.
(NM) 13-time New Mexico State Champion (2nd All-time).
(NM) AAA Yukon Jack Regionals Albq - 3-time Champion. (record)
(NM) 1993 AAA Yukon Jack Regional Finalist.
(CO) 1996 Competed at AAA Yukon Jack Regionals (Denver).
(CA) 1996 AAA Yukon Jack Regionals (Sacramento) - 5th.
(AZ) Arizona State Champion.
(NM) 2009 NMA New Mexico Games Champion.
(CO) 2009 MHA Colorado State Finalist.
(NM) 2010 NMA Southwest Regional Finalist.

National/International:

(CA) 1993 Competed at AAA Yukon Jack International Championship.
(NV) 1994 WPAA National Championship - 1st.
(ID) 1995 Competed at the AAA National Championship.
(NV) 1996 WPAA National Championship - 2nd.
(NV) 1997 Competed at USAA National Championship.

Records/Rankings/Awards

Named the All-time Top Male Puller in New Mexico on the Armwrestling Archives website.
Multi-time New Mexico Armwrestler of the Year.
2009 NM Comeback Armwrestler of the Year.
NM All-time Team: 1990, 2000, 2010, 2020.
NM All-decade Team: 1980's, 1990's, 2000's.
Ranked #1 NM WPAA - 193#, 219#, 220+#.
Ranked #1 NM WAF - 198#, 220#, 242#, 243+#.
Ranked in the top 10 in the US. (WPAA)
8-time NM #1 Overall Champion 1993 - 2000. (2nd All-time)
Undefeated in New Mexico 7 years.
3-time AAA Yukon Jack Regional Champion (record).

Referee

United States Armwrestling Association, Mile High ArmSports, New Mexico ArmSports.

2009 Michael Duenas

About Michael

Started: 1981.
City/State: Los Lunas, New Mexico.
States: (2) NM, IL.
Check out Mike competing at the 1993 Yukon Jack Regionals in Albuquerque, NM........
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaQsjRwzzDI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDP1Dc7fM6Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJ1IMhZgMas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LJymDtROoI

Titles

State/Regional:

Winner of many tournaments in NM and IL during his 10+ year career.
(NM) 6-time WPAA NM State Champion (double class winner each year).
(NM) 2-time AAA Yukon Jack Regional Finalist.
(NM) 1994 WPAA NM State Finalist. (193#)
(NM) 1998 AAA Southern NM Regional Champion.

National/International:

WPAA National Champion.

Rankings/Records/Awards

2-time NM #1 Overall Champion (1989, 1990)
Ranked #1 in NM WPAA - 169#, 193#, 219#, 220+#.
Ranked #1 in NM WAF - 176#, 187#, 198#, 220#, 242#, 243+#. (2nd All-time).
Ranked in the top 10 in the US. (WPAA)
NM All-time Team: 1990, 2000, 2010, 2020.
NM All-decade Team: 1980's, 1990's.
NM First Round Draft Pick 1989.
Multi-time NM Armwrestler of the Year.

2010 Willie Garley (RIP)

About Willie

Started: 1984.
Location: Belen, NM.
States: (7) CO, NM, SD, CT, CA, NV, AZ.
Check out Willie competing at the 1993 Yukon Jack Regionals in Albuquerque, NM........
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaQsjRwzzDI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDP1Dc7fM6Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJ1IMhZgMas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LJymDtROoI
Willie's obituary: https://www.romerofuneralhomenm.com/obituaries/Willie-Garley/?fbclid=IwAR0TWaoVSDNXqckQi3Q1XlIdz_IC5okApdWKChofP4l52FMbzTESsfP6rUY

Titles

State/Regional:

Winner of many tournaments in NM during his 15+ year career.
(NM) Multi-time Valencia County Champion.
(NM) 7-time WPAA NM State Champion.
(NM) 1984 WPAA NM State Finalist.
(NM) 1993 AAA Yukon Jack Regional Champion.
(NM) 2015 MHA/WTA NM Games Finalist.
(NM) 2018 MHA 9/11 Memorial Run Challenge - 3rd.
(CO) 2018 CA CO State Champion.
(NM) 2018 MHA/WTA SW Regional Champion.
(NM) 2019 NMA NM State - 4th.
(NM) 2019 MHA/WTA NM Games - 3rd.
(TX) 2019 WTA West TX Regionals - 3rd.

National/International:

(CA) 1993 Competed at the AAA Yukon Jack International Championship.
(CT) 1994 Competed at the AAA Nationals.
(SD) 1996 USWA National Wristwrestling Champion. (1st/3rd)
(NV) 1997 Competed at the USAA Nationals.
(CO) 1998 USWA National Wristwrestling Championship - 4th.

Records/Rankings/Awards

NM All-time Team (1990, 2000, 2010)
NM All-decade Team (1980's, 1990's)
Ranked #1 NM WPAA (169#)
Ranked #1 NM WAF (154#, 165#, 176#).
Awarded Recognition of Achievement Award from the State of New Mexico.
Multi-time NM Armwrestler of the Year.

Promoting

AAA NM State Director 1993-1998.
Head referee New Mexico 19?? - 19??.
Promoted in NM 19?? - 19??

More about Willie

Most memorable match/tourney: Representing NM at the Yukon Jack International Championships in San Francisco, CA.
Toughest opponent: Allen Fisher.
Favorite technique: Top Roll.
First tourney and how did you place: 1984 NM State Championships - 2nd place.
Special thanks - With deep appreciation to my family, sponsors, and friends.

Willie Garley started his Armwrestling career in 1984 and became one of the best featherweight/lightweight pullers in New Mexico history. During his career he competed against the best and beat the best and represented New Mexico at several National Championships in the USAA, AAA and USWA winning the 1996 USWA National Championship where he was awarded the Recognition of Achievement award by the state of New Mexico. He won many titles including seven WPAA New Mexico State Championships and the 1993 Yukon Jack Regional title where he represented New Mexico at the Yukon Jack international Championship in San Francisco, CA. Willie promoted and refereed for many years in New Mexico as the state director of the AAA and ran the Valencia County Championships throughout the 1990's that became a battleground for top pullers in the state. Armwrestling was Willie's life and he taught his children Daniel, Melissa, Nick and Cameron how to Armwrestle and the four of them became champions in their own right. Willie passed away in 2021. He had the respect and gratitude of all the pullers for his accomplishments and contributions to New Mexico Armwrestling. His legacy will live on through his children and grandchildren. Rest in Peace Willie Garley, the pride of Belen!

2011 Chris Futhey (RIP)

About Chris

Nickname: "Master of the Futhey Flop".
Started: 1996-2009.
Location: Pie Town, NM.
Supermatch Song: AC/DC "Back in Black".
States: (7) CA, NV, VA, NM, ID, NM, CO.
Countries: (4) USA, India, Russia, Mexico.
Chris' HOF/tribute vide curtesy of Flash Graphics.................https://www.facebook.com/watch/?ref=search&v=604447829993&external_log_id=2d2989b2-4471-44aa-8e38-622c7a22f3a2&q=corey%20miller%20hall%20of%20fame

Titles

State/Regional:

(CA) 2-time Yukon Jack Regional Champion.
97' (CA) CA State Champion.
98', 99', 01' (CA) CA State Finalist.
99’, 00' (CA) Patterson Apricot Fiesta Finalist.
99' (NV) Reno Reunion Finalist.
00', 02' (CA) CA State - 3rd.
00', 02' (NV) Reno Reunion Finalist.
01’ (NV) Reno Reunion Pro/Am Champion.
01' (NV) Silver State Games Champion.
02' (NV) Hollister Rally - 3rd.
03’ NV) Reno Reunion Pro/Am – 3rd.
07', 08' (NM) NM Games Champion.
07', 08' (NM) NM State Champion.
08' (NM) Blackie's Challenge Overall Champion.
08’ (CO) CO State Champion.
08’ (NM) Fuddrucker’s Pro/Am Champion.
09’ (NM) NM Games Finalist.
09' (NM) Sturgis Bound Rally Overall Champion.
09’ (NM) Southwest Regional Champion.

National/International:

96' (NV) USAA National Championship - 4th.
97' (VA) Competed at AAA National Championship.
97' (India) Competed at WAF World Championships.
97' (Russia) Golden Bear International Championship - 5th.
97’ (ID) AAA Main Event International Championship - 3rd.
98' (CA) World Wristwrestling Finalist.
98’ (NV) USAA National Championship– 3rd/3rd.
99’ (NV) USAA National Championship – 4th/4th.
99' (CA) World Wristwrestling Finalist.
00' (CA) World Wristwrestling Champion.
00’ (NV) USAA National Championship – 3rd.
01' (CA) World Wristwrestling - 3rd.
01' (NV) USAA National Championship - 3rd.
02’ (CA) World Wrsitwrestling Finalist.
03' (NV) USAA National Championship - 4th.

Supermatch/Megamatch/Round Robin:

08' (CO) Colorado State Supermatch Champion. 3-0 (Russell Stark)

Records/Rankings/Awards

Ranked #1 in NM (220#, 242#, 243+#)
NM #1 Overall Champion (2007, 2008, 2009)
Ranked top 10 in the US. (Pin Arm Rankings)
Ranked top 10 in North America. (Pin Arm Rankings)
2007 New Mexico First Round Draft Pick.
NM All-time Team (2010, 2020,)
NM All-decade Team (2000's)

More about Chris

Chris Futhey passed away on December 19, 2009 from a heart attack suffered during an armwrestling practice in Albuquerque on the same floor where he won many titles and trained Team NM as the Team Captain. Chris was 50 years old and was planning on pulling at the USAF Nationals in the Grand Masters class where we were all confident that he would qualify and represent the US at the WAF World's in NV. Chris was one of the best pullers in California before moving to New Mexico and was a dominant force in the state and region. He spent a lot of time training the pullers and raising everyone's level to his own which was one of the main reasons for the success of New Mexico Armwrestling. He was a brilliant technician and a great teacher and extremely well liked and respected by pullers all over the country. You could hear his laugh across the room and a lot of people would come to practice just to train with him. He had catchers mitts for hands with the texture of 800 grit sandpaper that he used to rip apart phone books and rep out #3 Captain of Crush grippers. He was more than a friend to all of us.....he was family......and we are all going to miss him and his laid back, fun-loving personality a lot. He is survived by his wife Heather and his daughters Stephanie and Lauren, who live in California. He died doing what he loved to do and what he was the best at doing in the company of his friends who cared about him and respected him more than he will ever know. Rest In Peace Chris Futhey, "The Master of the Futhey Flop"

2012 Philip Baca

About Phil

Started: 1985.
Location: Belen, NM.
Supermatch Song: Hank Williams Jr. 'Country boys can survive.'
States: (5) NM, CO, AZ, NV, ID.
Phil winning the 1994 WPAA NM State Championship......
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bkV6miVK3M

Titles

State/Regional:

Winner of many tournaments in NM during his 15+ year career.
(NM) Multi-time Valencia County Champion.
(NM) 14-time WPAA NM State Champion (record).
(NM) 1993 AAA Yukon Jack Regional Finalist.
(NM) 1994 WPAA NM State Champion. (169#)

National/International:

(NV) 1995 WPAA National Championship - (1st) 169#
(ID) 1995 AAA National Championship - (5th) 154#
(NV) 1996 USAA National Championship - (2nd/3rd). 150#

Records/Rankings/Awards

NM All-time Team (1990, 2000, 2010.)
NM All-decade Team (1980's, 1990's, 2000's)
2008 NM Comeback AW of the Year.
Ranked #1 NM WPAA (169#)
Ranked #1 NM WAF (154#, 165#, 176#).
Multi-time NM Armwrestler of the Year.
Ranked in the top 10 in the US. (WPAA)
14-time NM State Champion (record).

2013 ED Baca

About Ed

Started: 1985.
Location: Belen, NM.
States: (5) NM, CO, NV, ID, TX.
Supermatch Song: Hank Williams Jr. 'Country boys can survive.'
Check out Ed competing at the 1993 Yukon Jack Regionals in Albuquerque, NM........
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaQsjRwzzDI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDP1Dc7fM6Y
Ed winning the 1994 WPAA NM State Championship......
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bkV6miVK3M

Titles

State/Regional:

Winner of many tournaments in NM during his 15+ year career.
(NM) Multi-time Valencia County Champion.
(NM) 12-time WPAA NM State Champion. (3rd All-time).
(NM) 1993 Yukon Jack Regional Finalist.
(NM) 1994 WPAA NM State Champion. (144#)
(NM) 1998 AAA Southern New Mexico Regional Champion.
(CO) 2009 MHA Colorado State Finalist.

National/International:

(NM) WPAA National Championship - (1st) 145#
(ID) 1995 AAA National Championship - (3rd) 132#

Records/Rankings/Awards

Ranked in the top 10 in the US. (WPAA)
NM All-time Team (1990, 2000, 2010, 2020.)
NM All-decade Team (1980's, 1990's, 2000's)
Ranked #1 NM WPAA (145#)
Ranked #1 NM WAF (132#, 143#, 154#).
Multi-time NM Armwrestler of the Year.
2009 NM Comeback Armwrestler of the Year.

2014 Donna Corley

About Donna

Started: 1989.
Location: Albuquerque, NM.
States: (2) NM,CA.
Donna competing at the 1993 Yukon Jack Regionals in Albuquerque, NM.......
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LJymDtROoI
Donna winning the 1992 WPAA National Championship.......
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVTBfb-w_XM
Donna winning the 1991 WPAA National Championship.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0b45jOlYrVU
Donna competing at the 1990 WPAA National Championship......
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0b45jOlYrVU

Titles

State/Regional:

Winner of many tournaments in New Mexico in her 7 year career.
1989 WPAA NM State Champion.
1990 WPAA NM State Champion.
1991 WPAA NM State Champion.
1992 WPAA NM State Champion.
1993 WPAA NM State Champion.
1993 AAA Yukon Jack Regional Champion.
1994 AAA Yukon Jack Regional Champion.
1994 WPAA NM State Champion.
2018 MHA/WTA New Mexico Games Finalist.

National/International:

1989 WPAA National Finalist (NM).
1990 WPAA National Finalist (NM).
1991 WPAA National Champion (NM).
1992 WPAA National Champion (NM).
1993 Competed at the Yukon International Championship (CA).
1994 Competed at the Yukon International Championship (CA).

Records/Rankings/Awards

The Most Dominant Woman in New Mexico Armwrestling history.
New Mexico Armwrestler of the Year 91', 92'.
Undefeated NM 6 years (record) 89', 90', 91', 92', 93', 94''.
NM #1 Overall Champion 6 years (2nd All-time) 89', 90', 91', 92', 93', 94''.
Ranked #1 NM WPAA (Women's Open) 89', 90', 91', 92', 93', 94''.
Ranked #1 NM WAF (Women's Open) 89', 90', 91', 92', 93', 94''.
Ranked in the top 10 in the US. (WPAA)
NM All-time Team (1990, 2000, 2010, 2020.)
NM All-decade Team (1990's)
2018 NM Comeback Armwrestler of the Year.

More about Donna

"Before Armwrestling I played basketball for Eastern NM University on full scholarship, and before that I was a sprinter for Duke City Dashers and Albuquerque Track Club, AAU where I set many records and was on a relay team where we set a worlds record for the 440 relay in California Coliseum in 1969. A serious injury stopped that career at the age of 14. I took a chance at b-ball after being told I could no longer play sports. I got that degree and never looked back. I competed with Cheryl Miller, the MaGhee twins, and Ann Donovan....great talent. I held my own, which only showed me I could compete with the best. I started Armwrestling in 1989. At the time I was working as a importer/exporter for a computer software company. My first tournament I lost in the WPAA finals in New Mexico. My opponent beat me again the following year in the finals. After that I was trained by Mike Apodaca and the New Mexico team and learned the proper technique and never lost again in New Mexico. My most memorable match was my 3rd year pulling against the same opponent where I beat her to win the title. I ran 2-3 miles and lifted weights every day to train. My favorite technique was over the top. After competing, I worked at Green Valley Ranch Casino in Henderson, NV. for 8 years. I am now retired and enjoy puzzles and gardening in my free time. I have great memories of my time in the sport of Armwrestling and would like to give special thanks to Mike Apodaca and Willie Garley."

2015 Peggy Walton

About Peggy

Started: 199?.
Location: Albuquerque, NM.
States: NM, AZ.

Titles

State/Regional:

Winner of many tournaments in her 10 + year career.
Multi-time WPAA New Mexico State Champion.
Multi-time Valencia County Champion.
2006 NMA Sneakerz Challenge Champion.
2007 NMA New Mexico State Champion.

National/International:

2022 AUSA National Championship - 2nd.

Records/Rankings/Awards

Multi-time New Mexico #1 Overall Champion.
Ranked #1 NM WPAA - 143#, 144+#.
Ranked #1 NM WAF - 143#, 144+#.
Ranked in the top 10 in the US (AUSA)
NM All-time Team (2000, 2010,2020.)
NM All-decade Team (1990's, 2000's)

2016 Tim Chavez

About Tim

Started: 1985.
Location: Belen, NM.
States: (4) NM, AZ, MO, CO.

Titles

State/Regional:

Winner of many tournaments in NM during his 20+ year career.
(NM) 12-time WPAA New Mexico State Finalist.
(NM) 6-time WPAA New Mexico State Champion.
(NM) 1988 NM Champion.
(NM) 1991 NM MDA Challenge Champion.
(NM) 1992 NM Champion.
(NM) 199? AAA Yukon Jack Regional Championship - 3rd.
(NM) 2007 NMA New Mexico State Championship - 3rd.
(NM) 2007 NMA New Mexico Games Champion.
(CO) 2007 MHA Mountain State Regional Finalist.
(AZ) 2007 USAA Southwest Regional Championship - 3rd.
(NM) 2008 Fuddruckers Pro/Am Championship - 3rd.
(NM) 2009 USAA/NMA New Mexico State Finalist.
(NM) 2009 NMA New Mexico Games - 3rd.
(NM) 2010 NMA Fat Sats Champion.

National:

(AZ) 2005 AUSA National Champion.
(MO) 2007 USAF National Championship - 5th.

Supermatches/Megamatches/Round Robin:

(NM) 2011 New Mexico State Megamatch Finalist.
(NM) 2016 New Mexico Games Supermatch Champion.

Records/Rankings/Awards

NM All-time Team (1990, 2000, 2010.)
NM All-decade Team (1980's, 1990's, 2000's)
Ranked #1 NM WPAA (145#)
Ranked #1 NM WAF (143#, 154#)
Ranked in the top 10 in the US (AUSA)
2005 NM Armwrestler of the Year.

2017 Bryan Dyche

About Bryan

Started: 1990.
City/State: Albuquerque, New Mexico.
States: (2) NM, AZ.

Titles

State/Regional:

Winner of many tournaments in NM during his 17 year career.
(NM) 1993 WPAA NM State Finalist.
(NM) 1994 WPAA NM State Finalist. (219#)
(NM) 1995 WPAA NM State Champion.
(NM) 1996 WPAA NM State Champion.
(NM) 1997 WPAA NM State Finalist.
(NM) 1997 Corner Pocket Champion.
(NM) 1998 Sneakerz Battle of the Arms Champion.
(NM) 2000 WPAA NM State Champion.
(NM) 2001 WPAA NM State Champion.
(NM) 2003 WPAA NM State Champion.
(NM) 2004 WPAA NM State Champion.
(NM) 2006 NMA Sneakerz Challenge Right Overall Champion.
(NM) 2007 NMA NM State Finalist.
(NM) 2007 NMA NM Games – 3rd.
(NM) 2008 NMA NM State – 3rd.
(NM) 2008 WPAA NM State Champion.
(NM) 2009 WPAA NM State Champion.

National/International:

(AZ) 2004 AUSA National - 2nd.

Records/Rankings/Awards

9-time NM State Champion. (5th All-time)
3-time Valencia County Champion.
Ranked #1 NM WPAA 220+#.
Ranked #1 NM WAF 243+#.
Ranked #1 NM Overall Champion – 6 years (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006). 3rd All-time.
Ranked in the top 10 in the US (AUSA)
NM All-time Team - 2000, 2010, 2020.
NM All-decade Team - 1990's, 2000's.
NM Armwrestler of the Year - 2004, 2006.

2019 Thomas Chavez

About Tom

Started: 1991.
City/State: Belen, New Mexico.
States: (4) NM, CO, AZ, NV.
Check out Tom's HOF speech and HOF announcement......
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2081485928617479&set=pcb.3347126848634565&type=3&theater&ifg=1
https://www.facebook.com/steve.hernandez.7587/videos/pcb.2076353745797364/10205758013065177/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/rebecca.chavez.758/videos/2399930006734285/

Titles

State/Regional:

Winner of many tournaments in NM during his 20+ year career.
(NM) 1996 New Mexico State Champion (155#)
(NM)1997 Valencia County Champion. (145#/165#)
(NM)1997 Misty’s Bar & Grill Champion. (145#/165#)
(NM)1997 T & M Corner Pocket I Champion.
(NM)1997 T & M Corner Pocket II Champion.
(NM)1998 Battle of the Arms Sneakerz Champion.
(NM) 1998 WPAA New Mexico State Champion. (145#)
(NM)1999 WPAA New Mexico State Champion. (145#)
(NM) 2000 T & M Arm Blasters Champion. (147#/168#/200#)
(NM)2001 WPAA New Mexico State Champion. (169#)
(NM) 2006 NMA Sneakerz Champion. (176#)
(CO) 2006 MHA Colorado State - 3rd. (154#)
(CO) 2007 MHA Mountain State Regionals - 3rd. (154#)
(NM)2007 NMA New Mexico Games - 3rd. (154#)
(NM) 2008 NMA Fuddrucker's Pro/Am Finalist. (165#)
(NM) 2008 NMA Rio Abajo Days Finalist. (176#)
(NM) 2008 NMA New Mexico Games - 3rd. (176#)
(NM) 2008 NMA New Mexico State - Finalist. (165#)
(CO) 2009 USAA Sturgis Bound Rally Finalist. (154#)
(NM) 2009 NMA Rio Abajo Days Finalist. (176#)
(NM) 2009 USAA/NMA New Mexico State Finalist. (154#)
(NM)2010 NMA New Mexico Games Champion. (176#)
(NM) 2010 NMA Rio Abajo Days Champion. (176#)
(NM)2010 NMA Southwest Regionals - 3rd. (176#)

National/International:

(NV) 1997 USAA National Championship - 4th. (132#)
(NV) 1998 WPAA National Champion. (145#)

Records/Rankings/Awards

11-time WPAA/NMA New Mexico State Finalist.
5-time WPAA New Mexico State Champion.
6-time Valencia County Champion.
NM All-time Team: 2000, 2010.
NM All-decade Team: 1990's.
Ranked #1 WPAA - 145#.
Ranked #1 WAF - 132#, 154#, 176#.
Ranked in the top 10 in the US. (WPAA).

2020 Brian Burlem

About Brian

Nickname: "Hawaiian Brian".
Started: 1987.
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico.
States: (5) NM, CO, CA, HI, AZ.
Brian's HOF announcement on Facebook......
https://www.facebook.com/armtoarmcombat/photos/a.1600398443582637/2794491100840026
Check out Brian competing at the 1993 Yukon Jack Regionals in Abq, NM.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaQsjRwzzDI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDP1Dc7fM6Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJ1IMhZgMas
Check out Brian competing in Hawaii 2024......
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhJsqr9e2wY

Titles

Local/Pro:

Winner of many tournaments in NM and HI during his 25+ year career.
Multi-time HI Fast Eddies Champion.
1988 Royal Hawaii Champion.
1990 Misty’s Hideaway Champion. (191+#)
1993 Sundance Saloon Finalist.
1997 2ndAnnual Corner Pocket Finalist.
1998 Valencia County Finalist. (200#)
2000 T&M Arm Blaster’s Champion. (191+#)
2007 NMA NM Games Finalist (242#)
2007 MHA Southern CO Champion. (243+#)
2008 NMA Fuddrucker’s Pro/Am Finalist. (242#)
2008 NMA Rio Abajo Days Finalist. (242#)
2008 NMA NM Games Finalist. (242#)
2008 NMA Blackie’s Finalist. (242#)
2009 NMA NM Games Champion. (242#)
2010 NMA NM Games Finalist. (242#)
2011 NMA NM Games Finalist. (242#)
2016 MHA/WTA NM Games Champion. (220#)
2017 MHA/WTA NM Games - 3rd. (220#)
2023 NMAA NM Games Champion. (220#)

State/Regional:

1987 HI State Finalist. (150#)
1988 HI State Champion. (150#)
1990 HI State Champion. (165#)
1993 AAA Yukon Jack Regional Bar Champion Albq. (Open)
1993 WPAA NM State Champion. (169#)
1996 WPAA NM State Finalist. (220+#)
1996 AAA Yukon Jack Regionals Denver. (199+#)
1997 WPAA NM State Finalist. (219+#)
1998 AAA NM State Champion (198#)
2003 WPAA NM State Finalist (220+#)
2005 WPAA NM State Finalist (220+#)
2007 WPAA NM State Finalist. (219+#)
2008 NMA NM State – 3rd. (242#)
2009 NMA SW Regional Champion. (242#)
2009 NMA/USAA NM State – 5th. (242#)
2010 NMA/USAA NM State Finalist. (220#)
2010 NMA SW Regional Finalist. (242#)
2011 NMA SW Regionals – 5th. (198#)
2011 NMA/USAA NM State Champion. (220#)
2012 USAA NM State Finalist. (220#)
2013 NMA SW Regionals Finalist. (242#)
2017 HI State Finalist. (220#)
2021 WTA SW Regionals - 3rd. (242#)
2023 NMAA NM State Finalist. (220#)
2024 NMAA SW Regional Finalist. (220#)
2024 NMAA NM State - 3rd. (220#)
2024 TRA HI Shaka's Armwrestling Challenge Champion. (220#)
2024 CA CO State - 3rd. (230#)
2024 NMAA NM Games Champion. (199+#)

National/International:

1993 – IFAW North American Championship – 5th.

Records/Rankings/Awards

3-time Valencia County Champion.
4-time HI State Champion.
10-time WPAA/NMA/USAA/AAA NM State Finalist.
2010 MHA Points Champion.
New Mexico All-time Team: 2000, 2010.
New Mexico All-decade Team: 1990’s, 2000’s, 2010’s.
Ranked #1 WAF - 220#, 242#.
1992 New Mexico First Round Draft Pick.
Longest active puller in New Mexico history. (1992-present)

More about Brian

Favorite training technique?: Lifting weights, Captain of Crush grippers, tension bands.
Favorite technique?: Hook/Shoulder Roll.
First tournament and how did you place?: 1987 Windward Mall in Hawaii. I was 17 years old. I went 2 and out but I was hooked! My goal was to beat the guys who beat me and be the best in the state in my weight class.
Most memorable match?: Colorado was our biggest rival and getting wins on some of their best pullers like Clay, Simpson, Kaufman, Perrin, Tanner, Lewis, Hamby and Warren was something I am proud of. It was a war every time Colorado was in town!
Tournament you are most proud of?: 1988 HI State. This was my first state title and I got revenge on Tommy Agena, Gordon Ladau and Charles Okazaki who were the top guys in the state in my weight class at the time.
Toughest opponent?: There were so many tough opponents over the years but the back and forth battles with Ben Skellington (HI), Pat Chavez (NM) and Bryan Dyche (NM) were the ones I remember the most.
Hobbies?: Working on the Jeep, hiking, racquetball, mountain biking, camping.
Occupation?: Welder for the Department of Transportation in New Mexico.
Before Armwrestling (Sports, activities, etc...)?: Boogie boarding, surfing, fishing, football. I preferred Armwrestling over football because at the end of the day there was no one to blame but myself if I lost.
Biggest Armwrestling accomplishment?: I think the thing I am most proud of in my career is pulling every weight class in NM from the lightweight to the heavyweight divisions and beating a lot of the top guys in each class and also pulling for as long as I have at a high level. NM had so many great Armwrestler's through the years and it was cool to be able to compete against them.
Best advice?: Neil Bell who was the AAA Director of Hawaii when I first started competing always encouraged me to pull up in weight classes and pull bigger/stronger Armwrestler's. He said it would make me a better puller and he was right! My only regret is not traveling to more out of state tournaments and getting the chance to meet more Armwrestlers around the country. Now that my son is competing we are planning on traveling to more tournaments.
Strength feats?: 450# bench press, closed #3 Captain of Crush gripper, 90# hammer curls.
Anything else you would like to say?: I want to thank Neil Bell, Jeff Ames, Chris Futhey(RIP) and all the guys I have trained with and competed against that have helped me better myself in the sport!

2022 Tyler Hernandez (RIP)

About Tyler

Started: 2009
Location: Rio Rancho, NM.
States: (6) NM, CO, MT, NV, TX, AZ.
Tyler's HOF ceremony on Facebook...…https://www.facebook.com/100006935672549/videos/pcb.3213580465549778/494083439221600
Tyler's obituary.......https://www.frenchfunerals.com/obituary/Tyler-Hernandez
Tyler competing at the 2009 NM Games...…..https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wIt-LkVoNY&t=344s
Tyler competing at the 2016 NM Games...........https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1736047040017776

Titles

Local Titles:

(NM) 2009 USAA Sturgis Bound Belen Champion.
(NM) 2009 NMA NM Games Champion.
(NM) 2009 NMA Rio Abajo Days Champion.
(NM) 2010 NMA NM Games Overall Champion.
(CO) 2010 MHA Durango Shootout Champion.
(NM) 2013 MHA/WTA NM Games Overall Champion.
(TX) 2016 WTA Battle of the Bistro Champion.
(NM) 2016 MHA/WTA NM Games Overall Champion.

State Titles:

(NM) 2009 AUSA NM State Champion.
(CO) 2009 MHA CO State Champion.
(CO) 2010 MHA CO State Overall Champion.
(NM) 2010 NMA NM State Overall Champion.
(NM) 2010 AUSA NM State Champion.
(NM) 2011 NMA NM State Champion.
(NM) 2014 NMA NM State Champion.
(AZ) 2015 WAL AZ State Champion.

Regional Titles:

(NM) 2009 NMA SW Regional Champion.
(TX) 2010 TXA West TX Regional Overall Champion.
(NM) 2010 NMA SW Regional Overall Champion.
(CO) 2011 MHA Mountain States Regional Champion.
(CO) 2012 MHA Mountain States Regionals Finalist.
(NM) 2012 NMA SW Regional Overall Champion.
(TX) 2013 WTA West TX Regional Overall Champion.

National Titles:

(MT) 2010 USAF National Championship - 1st/1st (Teen's), 2nd (Women's).
(NM) 2011 USAA National Championship - 1st/1st (Teen's), 1st/2nd (Women's Pro), 1st (Women's Amateur)

World Titles:

(NV/USA) 2010 WAF World Championship - 4th/5th (teen's), 6th/8th (women's).

Records/Rankings/Awards

2009 New Mexico Rookie of the Year.
2010 MHA Points Champion.
2011 New Mexico Armwrestler of the Year.
2016 New Mexico Games Athlete of the Year.
2016 National Games Athlete of the Year Finalist.
Ranked #1 New Mexico WAF - 121#, 132#, 143#, 144+#.
NM All-decade Team – 2010’s.
NM All-time Team – 2020.
NM #1 Overall Champion 7 years (record) - 10', 11',12', 13', 14', 15', 16'.
Ranked in the top 10 in the US (In the Hook Rankings)
Named the All-time Top Women’s Puller in New Mexico on the Armwrestling Archives website.
2-time National Champion. (USAA)
4-time Teen's National Champion. (USAA/USAF)

More about Tyler

Tyler Paige Hernandez was born October 13,1995 in El Paso, TX to Steve & Christy Hernandez. She grew up in Albuquerque with her brother Christopher and her sister Jordan and excelled at bmx racing, basketball, track, barrel racing and even did some modeling and acting. Tyler was first introduced to the sport of Armwrestling in 2009 at the age of 13. She won her very first tournament at the Sturgis Bound Rally Armwrestling Championships in Belen and went on to win every local, state, regional and national tournament she entered over the next 7 years in 5 different states except for one that she finished 2nd behind 4-time world Champion Margie Ciaccio. 2010 was Tyler's breakout year as she won her first National Championship in the teens division and shocked the room by defeating a former national champion to finish 2nd in the women's division. Later that year Tyler represented New Mexico and Team USA at the WAF World Championships where she finished 4th in the teens division and 6th in the women's division. She ended the year with her first of 7 record #1 Overall titles as the #1 ranked female Armwrestler in New Mexico. At the time, Tyler was the youngest puller in NM history to win the #1 Overall title and the record she broke had been held by Donna Corley for 19 years. The following year Tyler won the USAA National Championship in multiple divisions and won the 2011 New Mexico Armwrestler of the Year award. Tyler was ranked #1 in 4 different divisions and was also ranked in the top 10 in the US on the In the Hook Rankings website. She was the 2009 Rookie of the Year and was named to the 2010 New Mexico All-decade Team and the New Mexico All-time Team. In 2016 Tyler was awarded the New Mexico Games Athlete of the Year award and missed receiving the National Games Athlete of the Year by one vote. Perhaps the best compliment to Tyler's incredible career was when the Armwrestling Archives website named her the "All-time Top Women’s Puller in New Mexico history".

We lost Tyler on October 17, 2020. Just 4 days after her 25th birthday. The news of her passing devastated the Armwrestling community. We all loved Tyler and we were so proud of her accomplishments on and off the table. She was our friend and our little sister. We watched her grow up from a young girl competing in the teens division to an ambitious young woman serving our country in the National Guard and working as a border patrol agent. Tyler was also studying at the University of New Mexico and had aspirations of going into law enforcement. On the table she was extremely competitive, tenacious, and driven to be a champion with impressive power, speed and technique. Off the table Tyler was fun loving and playful with a smile that lit up the room. She had a big heart and loved her family and her extended-Armwrestling-family and we miss her every day.

2023 Will Lambert

About Will

Nickname: "Will Power".
Started: 2006.
Location: Santa Fe, NM.
States: (12) AZ, CA, CO, FL, ID, IN, LA, MT, NM, NV, TX, UT.
Countries: (3) USA, Canada, Lithuania.
Will competing in the 2011 New Mexico Games Supermatch......
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JYbQn178nM
Will competing at the 2022 Utah Stucki Farms Championship.......
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvqlFrSVr7s
Will competing at the 2023 Utah Fitcon Battle of Arms...…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZR5Qj8cZK4
Will competing at the 2023 Utah Fitcon Battle of Arms Overall...…
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/cfThcYNNvHg
Will HOF announcement on Facebook......
https://www.facebook.com/100001358978506/videos/pcb.6185504858171419/1008823117140373
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10160471032388405&set=pcb.10160471035543405

Titles

Local/Pro Titles:

(LA) 2007 BSA State Fair of Louisiana Finalist. (165#)
(NM) 2009 USAA Sturgis Bound Rally Finalist. (154#)
(TX) 2009 USAA Ronnie Coleman Classic Champion.
(LA) 2009 BSA State Fair of Louisiana Finalist. (165#)
(NM) 2010 NMA NM Games Champion. (154#)
(TX) 2010 USAA Ronnie Coleman Classic Champion.
(NM) 2013 NMA NM Games Champion. (154#/176#)
(NM) 2015 NMA NM Games Champion.
(AZ) 2016 USAA Europa Pro/Am Champion.
(NM) 2017 Rockwell Open Finalist. (165#)
(UT) 2022 USAA John Brzenk Cup - 3rd (176#)
(UT) 2022 SUA Stucki Farms Pro/Am Champion. (176#)
(UT) 2023 SUA Fitcon Battle of Arms Overall Champion. (176#)
(ID) 2024 Call to Arms Champion. (198#)

State/Regional Titles:

(AZ) 2007 USAA Southwest Regionals - 4th.
(NM) 2008 NMA NM State Champion. (154#)
(CO) 2008 MHA CO State - 4th. (154#)
(NM) 2009 NMA/USAA NM State - 3rd. (154#)
(NM) 2009 AUSA NM State Champion. (169#)
(NM) 2010 NMA Southwest Regional Champion. (154#)
(NM) 2010 NMA/USAA NM State Champion. (154#)
(NM) 2011 NMA NM State Champion. (154#/165#)
(NM) 2012 NMA Southwest Regional Champion. (154#)
(FL) 2012 AAA FL State - 3rd. (176#)
(NM) 2013 NMA Mountain States Regional Champion. (154#)
(NM) 2013 NMA Southwest Regional Champion. (176#/198#)
(NM) 2015 NMA NM State Finalist. (150#)
(TX) 2015 WTA West TX Regional Overall Champion.
(CA) 2016 NAP CA State Finalist.
(TX) 2022 WTA West TX Regional Champion. (176#)
(NM) 2023 NMAA NM State Finalist. (176#)
(NM) 2024 NMAA NM State - 3rd. (176#)

National/International Titles:** 2 X National Champion (USAF)

(NV) 2008 USAA National Amateur Championship - 2nd.
(NV) 2009 USAA National Amateur Championship - 2nd/2nd.
(MT) 2010 USAF National Championship - 3rd. (143#)
(IN) 2012 AAA National Championship - 2nd. (154#)
(Canada) 2012 Mike Gould Classic - 4th. (154#)
(CA) 2014 UAL 8 International Championship - 4th. (150#)
(NV) 2014 USAF National Championship - 1st/1st. (143#)

World Titles:

(Lithuania) 2014 WAF World Championship - 12th/21st (143#).

Supermatch/Megamatch/Round Robin:

(NM) 2011 NM Games Supermatch Champion. (Bryce Glick 4-0) 160#
(NM) 2016 NM Games Supermatch Draw. (Ben Bledsoe 2-2) 165#

Records/Rankings/Awards

2007 New Mexico Rookie of the Year.
2014 New Mexico Armwrestler of the Year.
2022 New Mexico Comeback Armwrestler of the Year.
NM All-decade Team – 2010’s.
NM All-time Team – 2020.
Ranked #1 New Mexico WAF - 143#, 154#, 165#, 176#.
Ranked in the top 10 in the US (In the Hook Rankings)
Ranked in the top 10 in North America (In the Hook Rankings)
Ranked #11 on the AERS Elo Armwrestling Rating System. (176#)

2024 Joey Baca

About Joey

Nickname: "Pure Adrenaline".
Started: 2006.
Location: Albuquerque, NM.
Supermatch song: "NWO Wolfpack"
States: (6) AZ, CO, NM, OR, UT, MD. .
Joey competing at the 2015 New Mexico State Championship......https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZhk724-7hY
Joey competing at the 2013 New Mexico State Championship ......https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XT-hrOmt1Ds
Joey competing at the 2008 New Mexico State Championship......https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qjE3Bx-SHY
Joey HOF announcement on Facebook......
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=293846390472175&set=pcb.293847163805431

Titles

State/Regional Titles:

(NM) 2006 NMA Sneakerz Sports Bar Challenge - 4th. (176#)
(NM) 2007 NMA New Mexico State Champion. (176#)
(NM) 2007 AUSA New Mexico State Champion. (169#)
(CO) 2007 MHA Colorado State Champion. (198#)
(CO) 2007 MHA Challenger's Sports Bar Challenge - 2nd. (176#)
(NM) 2007 NMA New Mexico Games Champion. (176#/198#)
(NM) 2008 NMA New Mexico State Champion. (165#)
(NM) 2008 AUSA New Mexico State Champion. (169#)
(NM) 2008 NMA New Mexico Games Champion. (176#)
(NM) 2008 NMA Blackie's Bar & Grill Challenge - 2nd. (176#)
(NM) 2008 NMA Fuddrucker's Pro/Am Champion. (176#)
(NM) 2009 NMA Southwest Regional Championship - 2nd. (176#)
(NM) 2009 AUSA New Mexico State Champion. (169#)
(NM) 2010 NMA Southwest Regional Champion. (176#)
(NM) 2010 NMA New Mexico Games Champion. (198#)
(NM) 2010 NMA Fat Sats Challenge Champion. (198#)
(NM) 2011 NMA Southwest Regional Left Overall Champion. (198#, 199+#)
(NM) 2011 NMA Rio Abajo Days Pro/Am Left Overall Champion. (198#,242#)
(NM) 2011 NMA New Mexico Games Championship - 2nd.(198#)
(NM) 2012 NMA New Mexico State Champion. (220#, 242#)
(NM) 2012 NMA Southwest Regional Left Overall Champion. (242#, 243+#)
(NM) 2013 NMA New Mexico State Right/Left Overall Champion. (198#, 242#, 243+#)
(NM) 2013 NMA Southwest Regional Championship - 2nd. (242#, 243+#)
(NM) 2015 NMA New Mexico State Championship - 2nd. (205#)
(NM) 2017 NMA New Mexico Games Champion. (220#)
(MD) 2019 NAL Maryland Championship - 2nd. (243+#)
(NM) 2024 NMAA New Mexico State Championship - 2nd. (220#)
(NM) 2024 NMAA New Mexico Games Champion. (242#)

National/International Titles:

(UT) 2008 Competed at the USAF National Armwrestling Championship.

Supermatch/Megamatch/Round Robin:

(NM) 2008 New Mexico Games Supermatch Champion. (Phil Baca 3-0) 176#
(NM) 2008 New Mexico State Supermatch Champion. (Jess Simpson 3-0) 165#
(NM) 2009 New Mexico Games Supermatch. (Shane McLaughlin draw 3-3) 176#
(CO) 2010 World Police & Fire Supermatch. (Jae T Hamilton draw 3-3) 176#
(NM) 2010 New Mexico State Megamatch - 2nd. (190#)
(NM) 2013 New Mexico Games Challenge Match (Andrew Pavlik draw) 198#
(NM) 2017 New Mexico Games Supermatch. (Ronnie Morales draw) 220#

Records/Rankings/Awards

2006 New Mexico Rookie of the Year.
New Mexico All-decade Team - 2000's, 2010's.
New Mexico All-time Team - 2010, 2020.
Ranked #1 New Mexico WAF - 165#, 176#, 198#, 220#, 242#, 243+#.
Ranked #1 New Mexico WPAA - 169#.
New Mexico #1 Overall Champion - 2011, 2012, 2013.
7-time NM State Champion.

Referee

United States Armwrestling Association, New Mexico ArmSports, Mile High ArmSports, West Texas ArmSports.

More About Joey

First tournament and how did you place? 2006 NMA Sneakerz Armwrestling Challenge - 4th place.
What weight classes did you pull? 165#, 176#, 187#, 198#, 220#.
What do you do for a living? Construction Foreman.
Before Armwrestling? (Sports, activities, etc....?) Football.
Most Memorable Match? Defeating Corey Miller to win the 2012 NMA Southwest Regional Overall Title.
Tournament win/Accomplishment you are most proud of? Being ranked #1 in NM as the Right & Left #1 Overall Champion.
Toughest Opponent? Lachlin Adair.
Favorite technique? Toproll/Post.
How do you train for Armwrestling? Weight lifting, static holds.
Favorite training technique? Wrist curls.
Best advice? Train hard, whatever it takes.
Coach/Mentor or anyone you would like to thank? Jeff Ames, Team New Mexico.