Lamar Cross is relishing his competitive arm-wrestling debut as he aims to take a significant step towards fulfilling professional aspirations in the sport.

Falling in love with the sport after stumbling upon arm-wrestling videos on YouTube, the 36-year-old has spent the past three years devoting himself to learning the craft, working tirelessly on building strength and improving his technique.

He is now set to put his endeavours to the test by entering his maiden show on January 13 when he flies to the United States to compete in the Strong Arm Challenge Ten event, part of the Florida Arm Wrestling Combat League.

“This will be my first competition and so it is a case of testing the waters to see what sort of level I am at and to see if all my training has paid off,” said Cross, who will be in action in the amateur 176lb division.

“A video popped up on YouTube three years ago and I was just really intrigued. I started training and from there I fell in love with the sport. I never found anything in sport that excited me like this; it’s become a real passion of mine.

“We have a small group of guys who come together and train on a professional table on island, but all the competitions are off island and so it’s time to give it a go.

“Even though it’s a step into the unknown, I’m not feeling nervous. It’s more just pure excitement and having butterflies in the stomach to go and compete for the first time.

“I feel like I’ve worked so hard and so now I’m ready for it.”

Despite his inexperience, Cross already has lofty ambitions in the sport, setting his sights on earning a coveted pro card.

While a debut victory in Florida would come as a surprise, it would be a big step to realising his aspiration, leaving the Bermudian requiring just two further triumphs at amateur level to be able to join the paid ranks.

“I really feel like this is a chance to justify all the training that I have put in over the past three years,” added Cross, who will face off against each competitor in his division on the right and left hand with defeat in both resulting in elimination.

“It’s my first competition but my ambition is clear — I want to become a pro. It is a bit like bodybuilding where you can earn a pro card by having some success in amateur competitions.

“You earn one by winning three tournaments and so this could be a real big first step. I’ve been getting myself ready for a long time. This is the perfect opportunity to see where I am at and if I am on the right track.”

As well as targeting personal glory, Cross also has ambitions of helping to raise the profile of the sport on island and encourage other Bermudians to compete.

“As a sport it’s definitely not mainstream, but it is starting to grow and gain some traction,” he said. “Hopefully, by going away and competing, I can play my part in helping to raise the profile a bit on island.

“Helping the sport to grow more in Bermuda is definitely another ambition of mine. If I can go away and make waves at a competition, then hopefully it can intrigue other people and show them that arm wrestling in Bermuda is a thing and should be taken more seriously.

“It would be really cool to get some other people into the sport on island and help build it up a bit. Especially some of the younger guys; I’d love to get them involved and show them what it is all about and show them that it could be possible to have a professional career in it.”