Nel, who hails from Nelspruit, competed in the over-95kg category at the event, which was held at TW Agterplaas, at Prince George Park.
His win didn’t come as too much of a surprise, with the man from Mpumalanga easily packing the biggest biceps in the competition.
His wife, Yorinda, won the women’s crown, defeating Therese Fourie.
Watch: Hanco Nel (left) easing his way to the crown.
The under 95kg was won by Ludwig Schnettler, but not before he was given a run for his money by his 16-year-old younger brother, Nico, who embarrassed a few grown men on the night.
The tournament was an official competition held under the banner of the South African Arm Wrestling Federation.
Watch: Yorinda Nel (right), wife of overall winner Hanco, won the women’s crown.
Tournament organiser and Rocksburg Arm Wrestling Club’s Francois Bezuidenhout said: “It was a great success. There were enough in attendance and I expect more spectators at future events.
“I feel it was a success for a club like us, which only started a little while back, and we can only go from strength to strength.
“We’re striving to be the biggest and strongest club.”
Costa Carastavrakis, from one of the tournament’s major sponsors, RocoMamas, commented: “RocoMamas Boksburg is determined to put arm-wrestling on the map. It’s a growing sport. The fact that people came from Nelspruit and Witbank to compete, makes us very proud. Congratulations to the winners!
“We are proud to sponsor this challenge and excited for the next one later this year.”
The contest also included competitors from Pretoria and Secunda.
The South African Championships are scheduled to take place at the same venue on November 4.
The MC for the evening was Karate Kallie star, Petrus Harmse.
Anyone interested in joining the sport may contact Bezuidenhout on 064 753 6525.
– @SabeloBoksburg
