The GripDeck family is growing, and we’re excited to welcome two athletes who bring competitive experience, passion, and a strong connection to the armwrestling community: Kevin Palko and Shawna “The Vice Grip” Wagner.
From championship wins to helping others discover the sport, both partners have stories worth sharing. We’re proud to have them alongside us as we continue building GripDeck and creating tools with input from the athletes who use them.
Kevin Palko: Championship Experience Meets Product Collaboration
A 2023 Arnold Classic Armwrestling Champion and two-time National Armwrestling Champion, Kevin Palko knows what it takes to compete. As a coach with Cleveland Armwrestling, he also helps other athletes develop their skills and grow their understanding of the sport.
That combination of competing and coaching makes Kevin an exciting partner for GripDeck. He understands training from both sides: putting in the work himself and helping others make progress.
Our partnership has already led to something we’re excited to share: the Palko Power Handle, created by Kevin in collaboration with GripDeck. Bringing an experienced armwrestler into the development process gives us an opportunity to connect our product ideas with firsthand training experience.
We’re proud to put Kevin’s name on this collaboration and welcome him to the GripDeck team.
Shawna “The Vice Grip” Wagner: A Chance Encounter Turned Into a Passion
Shawna Wagner’s introduction to armwrestling began with an unexpected invitation.
During a chance conversation at a bar, she met someone involved with an armwrestling team in Appleton. He mentioned that the team wanted more women to join and invited her to practice. She showed up, gave it a try, and was hooked.
About four years into the sport, Shawna is part of the Lucky Ones Ladies Arm Wrestling Team out of Appleton, Wisconsin. Alongside her professional role as Vice President of Certification Services, she has built a place for herself in competitive armwrestling.
Her journey has also taken her to the international stage. At the 2026 IFA World Armwrestling Championships in Japan, Shawna earned third place in the senior women’s left-hand +78 kg division, an incredible milestone in a story that started with a single invitation to practice.
As a Wisconsin business, we’re especially excited to welcome an athlete with roots in our home state.
Growing Together at GripDeck
Kevin and Shawna bring different experiences to the table, but both share a commitment to armwrestling and its community. Kevin brings championship experience, coaching knowledge, and a product collaboration already underway. Shawna brings a powerful story of discovering the sport, finding her team, and competing internationally.
We’re excited to support both athletes and share more of their journeys with you.
Join us in welcoming Kevin Palko and Shawna “The Vice Grip” Wagner to the GripDeck family!
Explore our training tools at GripDeckGripTools.com.