The 2025 US Open Wrestling Championship, one of the most prestigious wrestling tournaments in the world, is in full swing this week, bringing together athletes from across the United States and beyond. Held annually in Las Vegas, this years competition promises to showcase some of the most intense matchups and rising stars in the world of wrestling. As the competition progresses, here are some of the standout stories and key takeaways from the ongoing event.
Thrilling Matchups and Upsets
As the 2025 US Open Wrestling enters its prime stages, the excitement has been palpable. The tournament features several styles, including Freestyle, GrecoRoman, and Womens Wrestling, across multiple age groupsSenior, U20, U17, and even Masters categories. Wrestlers have been battling it out in early rounds, with multiple upsets keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
In particular, the Senior Mens GrecoRoman competition has been fiercely contested. Wrestlers like Ladarion Lockett of Cowboy RTC and William Denny of Marist High School have put on a show, securing impressive victories in their weight divisions. These athletes, among others, have turned heads, advancing through the ranks and making it clear that the future of American GrecoRoman wrestling is bright.
On the Womens side, Sarah Hildebrandt, the twotime World medalist, has dominated her bracket with exceptional technique, while Adena Rojas has emerged as a surprise contender, surpassing some seasoned veterans. Her raw power and tactical approach have earned her a place in the semifinals, and shes now seen as a strong contender for a podium finish.
Rising Stars Shine Bright
One of the most exciting elements of the 2025 US Open is the emergence of young, talented athletes who are making a name for themselves. Among them is Bo Bassett, the 65 kg phenom, who has been dazzling fans with his technical prowess and rapidfire offense. The Bishop McCort High School wrestler is ranked 1 in his weight class and has been on a tear, outclassing many toptier opponents. If he continues his stellar performance, Bassett could soon be a household name in the wrestling world.
Another name to watch is Carter Chunko, ranked 8 at 57 kg, who has displayed impressive resilience and grit. Chunkos rapid rise in the rankings speaks to his refined skills and ability to perform under pressure. His road to the finals will be a journey worth following as he faces some of the best in the country.
Meanwhile, Bo Bassetts teammate, Daniel Zepeda, has also been making waves in the 65 kg division. With fierce determination and a sharp strategic mind, Zepedas style has earned him a spot in the top ranks, making him another promising future star.
Key Matches to Look Forward To
The 2025 US Open features an impressive lineup of matches that wrestling fans are eagerly anticipating. The Senior Freestyle finals, which will take place on April 26, are expected to feature some of the countrys best wrestlers, including Kollin Rath and Vince Bouzakis, both of whom have displayed exceptional technique in the earlier rounds.
Another critical matchup is the U20 Freestyle finals, where young athletes like Nathan Desmond and Aaron Seidel are vying for dominance. With the competition being fierce, its unclear who will come out on top, but one thing is certainthe future of U.S. wrestling is in safe hands with this new crop of athletes.
The Womens Division: A New Era?
Womens wrestling continues to gain momentum in the U.S., and the 2025 US Open has shown just how far the sport has come. With more female wrestlers competing at the highest levels, the womens brackets are now some of the most competitive. Wrestlers such as Maggie Raines and Victoria Anthony have been putting up dominant performances, pushing the envelope for womens wrestling.
The growing number of female athletes at the US Open reflects the significant strides womens wrestling has made, not only in the U.S. but globally. This years event has brought forward several new faces ready to challenge the established veterans, and the race for the title is more unpredictable than ever.
A Focus on GrecoRoman Wrestling
While freestyle wrestling tends to draw the most attention, the GrecoRoman events have provided plenty of action, especially on the mens side. With the legendary Kendrick Maple continuing to prove his dominance in the senior division, his ability to control the pace of matches has earned him the nickname The Master of Strategy. His tactical approach has made him one of the favorites for gold.
However, new talent is also emerging in the GrecoRoman ranks, such as Coby Merrill and Adam Waters, who have been surprising established wrestlers with their technical skills. The competition in GrecoRoman is heating up, and as always, its anyones game when the gold medal matches arrive.
The Road to Paris 2024
For many wrestlers, the 2025 US Open is more than just a national tournamentits a critical step on the path to qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics. With Olympic berths on the line, the pressure is higher than ever. Wrestlers like Thomas Gilman and Kyle Snyder, who are looking to solidify their spots in Paris, are leaving nothing to chance. These athletes are wrestling with Olympic aspirations, and their performances at the US Open will serve as a key indicator of who has what it takes to compete on the worlds biggest stage.
Conclusion
The 2025 US Open Wrestling Championship has already delivered exciting matches, fierce competition, and plenty of drama. With the tournament in full swing, the buzz surrounding the event continues to grow, especially as we head toward the final sessions. Fans can look forward to thrilling finals, emerging stars, and crucial Olympic qualification bouts. Its clear that wrestling in the U.S. is thriving, and the US Open remains the perfect stage to witness the future of the sport unfold. Whether its the veteran wrestlers solidifying their legacy or the newcomers making their mark, the 2025 US Open Wrestling is a mustwatch event for fans of the sport.