RAF Wrestling Founder: “We Will Definitely Hold a Tournament in Armenia”

The international freestyle wrestling league RAF Wrestling is planning to hold a tournament in Armenia. The organization’s founder, Chad Bronstein, revealed the plans in a conversation with journalist Rafael Kharatyan. Khalatyan exclusively shared details of the conversation with Sportaran.com.

According to Bronstein, the tournament in Armenia could take place in December 2026 or February 2027. The exact date of the event has not yet been determined.

“We are planning to come to Armenia. There is a chance that it will happen in December or February. But we will definitely come,” the RAF Wrestling founder said.

He also stated that he is holding talks with representatives of the Armenian side and working with a local team to organize the tournament.

“Remember my words: we will be in Armenia within the next four months,” Chad added during his conversation with Khalatyan.

The RAF Wrestling founder emphasized that the league positions itself as an international organization and does not restrict athletes from representing their countries or competing under their national flags.

“We can have teams from Georgia, Russia and Armenia. If someone wants to compete under the Palestinian, Armenian or any other national flag, we do not deprive them of that opportunity. This is an international league, so Armenia is one of the places we intend to visit,” he said.

Support from the Armenian community is another factor in favor of holding the tournament. Chad noted that one of RAF’s sponsors, Brio Water, also has Armenian ties. In addition, Arsen Harutyunyan competes in the league, while Arman Tsarukyan is one of its leading representatives.

Previously, one of the organization’s executives, Israel “Izzy” Marines, spoke to Rafael Khalatyan about RAF Wrestling’s interest in organizing a tournament in Armenia.

“We have all the necessary support, as well as their biggest star, Arman. It would be very interesting to organize such a tournament,” Marines said.

Therefore, RAF Wrestling’s management is already working on staging the league’s first tournament in Armenia. However, its date and venue have not yet been officially announced.

To date, RAF Wrestling has held one tournament outside its home market—in Georgia. The league’s next international event is scheduled to take place in Moscow in September.