arm-wrestle

Throughout Santiago's expedition he reflects on his days of youth. Remembering seems to bring him strength as well as nostalgia. One such memory, on Day 3, is of a Negro from Cienfuegos who he beat at arm wrestling. It was an all-night struggle, much like his struggle with the marlin, in which he won. He had emerged victorious over “the great negro from Cienfuegos (a town in Cuba).” Apparently the people called him El Campeón, or “The Champion.” Although old and broken, the image of Santiago in his youth helps us understand his fighting spirit. Hemmingway gives us an image of a heroic mythic Santiago to attach to the man who now sits old and alone in his little skiff. Santiago’s struggle with the great negro is similar to his struggle with the great marlin. He hopes that just one more time people will call him “The Champion.”

does this display will, pride, or endurance

I think it displays all three.

under which one would you put it if you had to pick though?

I think he had pride more than the other two, that's why he remembers it so fondly.