#UWWAwards

UWW Awards: Sadulaev, Burroughs, Otoguro Among 10 FS Wrestlers Awarded $10,000

Monday, November 29, 2021 - 10:45 By Vinay Siwach

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (November 28) -- After a forced delay of two years, United World Wrestling's end-of-year awards are back.

For the first time, wrestlers of all three styles and 30 weight categories will receive prize money with the top-ranked wrestler getting $10,000 followed by $7,000 for the second-placed wrestler and $3,000 for the third-ranked wrestler. Previously the Ranking Series award allocation went to the top three overall point-getters in each style.

Making a significant jump from the 2019 prize money, which was around $200,000, the UWW Bureau approved a generous $600,000 prize package at the beginning of the season.

The 2021 prize money combines the amount that was reserved for 2020 but was not distributed due to the impact COVID-19 had on the competition.

This season was unlike any other with Olympics and World Championships in the same year apart from the other ranking events which allowed wrestlers to collect ranking points. The point distributions are unchanged for all events except the Olympic Games, where medalists earned 20 percent more than they did for performances at the 2021 World Championships. All Tokyo Games gold medalists will get 10 additional points, silver will get 6 additional points and bronze will be awarded 3 additional points.

For the convenience of the fans, here's a breakdown of how the points are distributed.

Thomas GILMANThomas GILMAN (USA) was the top-ranked wrestler at 57kg. (Photo: UWW / Tony Rotundo)

57kg
Thomas GILMAN (USA) 86 points
Zavur UGUEV (RWF) 68 points
Ravi KUMAR (IND) 64 points

The top three wrestlers at 57kg won medals at the Tokyo Olympics. But only Thomas GILMAN (USA) participated in the World Championships in Oslo and overtook Olympic champion Zavur UGUEV (RWF) and silver medalist Ravi KUMAR (IND) to take home $10,000.

In the 2021 season, Gilman participated in only two ranking events – Olympics and Worlds – and collected 26 (15 + 3 + 8) points from Tokyo for his bronze medal and 60 (50 + 10) from Oslo for his gold medal. His combined 86 points were 18 more than Uguev and 22 more than Dahiya.

Uguev only participated in Tokyo and captured 68 points with his gold medal performance. Dahiya's silver in Tokyo gave him 44 points while his gold at the Asian Championships in April added 20 more to his account.

Abasgadzhi MAGOMEDOV (RWF)Abasgadzhi MAGOMEDOV (RWF), left, will collect the top prize while Daton FIX (USA) finished second in the race. (Photo: Kadir Caliskan)

61kg
Abasgadzhi MAGOMEDOV (RWF) 80 points
Daton FIX (USA) 40 points
Adlan ASKAROV (KAZ) 38 points

For Abasgadzhi MAGOMEDOV (RWF), winning the continental and the World titles was enough to ensure him the top spot at 61kg. His 80 points from the two events put him in the front as silver medalist in Oslo Daton FIX (USA) only had 40 points.

Magomedov got 60 points from the World Championships, adding to the 20 that he had accumulated by winning the gold at the European Championships.

"Before the World Championships, I was second and my coaches had told me that there is some ranking system for the end of the year," Magomedov said. "It's good news that I will get this big amount and I appreciate it."

The Russian champion has not thought about what he will do with the prize money but hopes to use it to buy an apartment.

"I have been saving to buy an apartment and I can add this money to the savings as well," he said.

For third place, Adlan ASKAROV (KAZ) participated in four events in the year with gold in Matteo Pellicone, silver at the Asian Championships and a fifth-place finish at the Poland Open. He could not get any points in Oslo.

He got 14 points in Rome, 16 points in Almaty and 8 points in Poland, making it 38 points for him, six more than fourth-placed Ravinder DAHIYA (IND).

Takuto OtoguroTakuto OTOGURO (JPN) finished at the top in 65kg with 88 points. (Photo: UWW / Martin Gabor)

65kg
Takuto OTOGURO (JPN) 88 points
Zagir SHAKHIEV (RWF) 80 points
Bajrang PUNIA (IND) 58 points

Olympic champion Takuto OTOGURO (JPN) and world champion Zagir SHAKHIEV (RUS) take the top two spots at the 65kg rankings while bronze medalist in Tokyo Bajrang PUNIA (IND) is third.

Before the Tokyo Games, Otoguro had 20 points for winning the gold at the Asian Championships but by winning in Tokyo, he add 68 more points and climbed up to the top spot with 88 points.

"I was aware of the ranking system but wasn't sure that I will get this prize money," Tokyo Olympic champion Otoguro said. "I am happy to win it and I will use this fund to prepare for the next tournament."

Punia was in the second spot but decided to skip the '21 Worlds and Shakhiev, who won gold in Oslo, leapfrogged him for the second spot. The RWF wrestler got 60 points from Oslo, adding to the 20 he was awarded for winning the senior European Championships.

Punia earned 14 points for his gold medal at the Matteo Pellicone in March before a silver medal at the Asian Championships gave him 18 more. His total reached 58 when he won the bronze at the Olympics given him 26 points.

Magomedmurad GHADZIEVMagomedmurad GADZHIEV (POL), blue, won the world title at 70kg and finished top while Ernazar AKMATALIEV (KGZ) finished second. (Photo: UWW / Martin Gabor)

70kg
Magomedmurad GADZHIEV (POL) 60 points
Alec PANTALEO (USA) 46 points
Ernazar AKMATALIEV (KGZ) 40 points

Alec PANTALEO (USA) was the runaway leader in the 70kg rankings but his absence from the World Championships in Oslo hindered his chances of winning the grand amount of $10,000.

Before Oslo, the USA wrestler had accumulated 46 points by winning the gold medal at Matteo Pellicone (14 points), Pan Am Championships (18 points) and Poland Open (14 points). But he failed to make the USA team for Oslo after suffering an injury against Ryan DEAKIN (USA) in the team trials, stopping from adding any more points.

That gave the gold medal in Oslo a clear path to take the top spot and Magomedmurad GADZHIEV (POL) was up for it. He won a historic gold medal for Poland in Oslo and collected 60 points to push the American wrestler to the second position.

Rising star Ernazar AKMATALIEV (KGZ) will collect the $3000 for finishing third, thanks to his silver medal-winning performance at the Worlds which gave him 40 points.

Kyle DAKEKyle DAKE (USA) finished at the top in 74kg. (Photo: UWW / Tony Rotundo)

74kg
Kyle DAKE (USA) 106 points
Zaurbek SIDAKOV (RWF) 68 points
Frank CHAMIZO (ITA) 66 points

Kyle DAKE (USA) is one of three top rankers across 10 freestyle weight classes who managed to accumulate more than 100 points in series. He took the top spot at 74kg after winning the gold medal at the World Championships, bronze at the Olympics and a senior Pan Am title.

The three-time world champion had only 28 points from the Olympics as he finished with a bronze medal and 18 for the Pan Am gold medal. But he got 60 points for the gold medal at the World Championships which helped him move ahead of Olympic champion Zaurbek SIDAKOV (RWF) and Frank CHAMIZO (ITA).

"I'll have to check with my wife and see what we have to buy," Dake said after winning the gold in Oslo.

Sidakov, who skipped the Worlds Championships, got 50 points for his gold medal in Tokyo plus an additional 8 points as the number of participants was between 10 and 20. Ten more points were added as the UWW Bureau had approved that Tokyo Olympic medalists will earn 20 percent more points than the Worlds medalists (only for 2021).

Chamizo did not win a medal at the Olympics and later skipped the World Championships but still finished third in the rankings, thanks for his active participation in the first half of the year.

In Tokyo, Chamizo finished fifth and collected 18 points which were in addition to 16 he got at the Matteo Pellicone in March, another 18 for the bronze medal at the Europen Championships and 14 points for silver at the Poland Open. He finished with 66 points.

Had Tajmuraz SALKAZANOV (SVK) won the gold medal in Oslo instead of silver, he would have gone past both Chamizo and Sidakov but the European champion could only manage 62 points to finish fourth.

Jordan BurroughsJordan BURROUGHS (USA), left, won the gold at 79kg in Oslo to climb to the top of the rankings. (Photo: UWW / Martin Gabor)

79kg
Jordan BURROUGHS (USA) 60 points
Nika KENTCHADZE (GEO) 41 points
Mohamad NOKHODILARIMI (IRI) 40 points

If Jordan BURROUGHS (USA)'s absence from the 74kg rankings left the wrestling fans surprised, it is because he wrestled at 79kg internationally for the first time in his career. And he took the top spot instantly.

Winning his fifth world title in Oslo, Burroughs once again assured his fans that he is far from finished. His gold medal gave him 60 points and $10,000 in winnings.

Mohamad NOKHODILARIMI (IRI) was second to Burroughs in Oslo but his 40 points were one less than bronze medalist Nika KENTCHADZE (GEO)'s 41 points.

The Georgian wrestler won a bronze medal at the European Championships which gave him 16 points and he added 25 more in Oslo to climb up to the second spot.

Junior world champion Nokhoilarimi's silver was worth 40 points, enough to get him a third spot and $3000.

David TAYLOR USADavid TAYLOR (USA), red, finished first, two points ahead of Hassan YAZDANI (IRI), blue, in the rankings. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan)

86kg
David TAYLOR (USA) 126 points
Hassan YAZDANI (IRI) 124 points
Artur NAIFONOV (RWF) 71 points

David TAYLOR (USA) and Hassan YAZDANI (IRI) took their rivalry to the next level with a bout of the tournament at the Olympics and then a sensational comeback from Yazdani in Oslo. They were neck-to-neck in the rankings but it was Taylor who edged Yazdani by two points to be the top-ranked wrestler in the weight class with 126 points as his rival finished with 124 points.

Yazdani led mid-year as his gold at Asian Championships gave him 20 points while Taylor's Pan Am title was worth only 18 points. But at the Olympics, Taylor defeated Yazdani with a late takedown and the gold gave him 68 points while Yazdani got 44 points.

The medals were reversed in Oslo as Yazdani took home a gold and 50 points and the silver for Taylor fetched him 40 points.

Artur NAIFONOV (RWF), who has been in the shadow of Yazdani and Taylor at 86kg, finished third with 71 points with most, 26, coming through his bronze medal at the Olympics. He had 20 points from the gold medal at the European Championships and added 25 more through his bronze in Oslo.

Kamran GHASEMPOURKamran GHASEMPOUR (IRI), left, defeated Magomed KURBANOV (RWF) in the 92kg final to claim the top rank. (Photo: UWW / Tony Rotundo)

92kg
Kamran GHASEMPOUR (IRI) 76 points
Magomed KURBANOV (RWF) 58 points
Osman NURMAGOMEDOV (AZE) 39 points

Kamran GHASEMPOUR (IRI) and Magomed KURBANOV (RWF) came to the World Championships with gold medals at the Asian and European Championships respectively.

Kurbanov led the ranking with 20 points to Ghasempour's 18 but then positions were interchanged in Oslo when the Iranian wrestler won the gold medal by defeating Kurbanov at 92kg. The Asian champion collected 58 points from Oslo while Kurbanov managed only 38 for his silver medal.

The young star and U23 world champion Osman NURMAGOMEDOV (AZE) finished third in the ranking with 39 points, thanks to his bronze medal finish which gave him 23 points. He also had 16 points from the bronze medal finish at the European Championships.

Abdulrashid SADULAEVAbdulrashid SADULAEV (RWF), red, had 128 points against Kyle SNYDER (USA)'s 102 at 97kg. (Photo: UWW / Tony Rotundo)

97kg
Abdulrashid SADULAEV (RWF) 128 points
Kyle SNYDER (USA) 102 points
Alisher YERGALI (KAZ) 68 points

Abdulrashid SADULAEV (RWF) is undefeated at the Olympics. He has gold medals at the last three World Championships and fittingly, he claimed the most ranking points in the 2021 season.

With 128 points in just two tournaments, Sadulaev locked up the top position at 97kg against his arch-rival Kyle SNYDER (USA) who managed only 102 points in three tournaments.

The two met in the Olympics and World Championships finals and Sadulaev came out on top both times which proved to be the difference between the two fighters.

Sadulaev defeated Snyder 6-3 at the Olympics and collected 68 points for the gold medal. He then added 60 more points with another gold in Oslo.

Snyder had 18 points from his Pan Am gold before the Olympics where he got 44 points for his silver medal. He added 40 more from the silver in Oslo to sit at 102 points.

Alisher YERGALI (KAZ) managed to finish third in the ranking with 68 points which he collected over five tournaments. He began with the Matteo Pellicone and finished with a bronze medal which opened his account with 10 points. He added 18 more with a silver medal finish at the Asian Championships and 12 more with another bronze medal finish at the Poland Open.

He failed to medal at the Olympics or the Worlds Championships but finished seventh and 10th to claim 16 and 12 points respectively.

Geno Petriashvili Amir ZAREGeno PETRIASHVILI (GEO), red, and Amir ZARE (IRI) both finished with 98 points but the former's Tokyo Olympic silver held more weightage than the latter's bronze. (Photo: UWW / Kadir Caliskan) 

125kg
Geno PETRIASHVILI (GEO) 98 points
Amir ZARE (IRI) 98 points
Gable STEVESON (USA) 78 points

Olympic and World Championships silver medalist Geno PETRIASHVILI (GEO) finished the ranking series with 98 points. Olympic bronze and world champion Amir ZARE (IRI) finished the ranking series with 98 points.

There was little to separate the two but in the end, Petriashvili's silver at the Olympics was given more weightage than Zare's bronze in Tokyo.

The Georgian former world champion began the year with a bronze medal at the European Championships giving him 16 points. Tokyo silver added 44 points and the medal in Oslo added another 38 points to his tally.

Zare's path began at the Poland Open where he won the gold and collected 14 points for the win. He then traveled to Tokyo and came back with a bronze medal and 26 points. But he got a big boost to his ranking when he won the gold in Oslo, giving him 58 points for the win.

Steveson, who stunned the wrestling world by winning gold in Tokyo, finished in third with 68 points, all collected at the Olympics. He also won continental gold at the Pan-American Championships.

The ranking events for the 2022 season will begin with Matteo Pellicone in Rome, Italy from February 3-6 and continue to Yasar Dogu in Istanbul, Turkey from February 24-27 before rolling into the continental championships.

For more events, please log on to uww.org/events

#WrestleSamokov

U20 World Wrestling Championships 2025 Preview

Thursday, August 14, 2025 - 08:11 By Vinay Siwach

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SAMOKOV, Bulgaria (August 13) -- A quick stat: Of the 30 gold medalists from last year's World U20 Championships, 13 will compete at the senior World Championships in Zagreb, a testament to the event's importance. This year's competition in Samokov, Bulgaria, from August 17 to 24, will undoubtedly introduce the next generation of wrestling stars.

DOWNLOAD THE FULL PREVIEW HERE

The eight-day event will feature 650 wrestlers: 233 in Freestyle, 231 in Greco-Roman, and 186 in Women's Wrestling. A significant number, 186 wrestlers, are returning from last year's competition. In Freestyle, 11 medalists are back, including one champion. Greco-Roman has 10 returning medalists, with three champions, while Women's Wrestling boasts 17 returning medalists and three defending champions.

Marcus BLAZE (USA)Marcus BLAZE (USA) is a returning bronze medalist at 61kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

FREESTYLE

Last year, the United States had an incredible run, with nine of its 10 wrestlers winning a medal. This year, the U.S. is aiming to defend its team title for the first time. The team includes four returning medalists: Marcus BLAZE (61kg), PJ DUKE (70kg), Ladrion LOCKETT (74kg), and Justin RADEMACHER (97kg).

Iran will likely be its main challenger, looking to reclaim the team title they last won in 2023. However, the U.S. team is motivated, particularly after it recently stunned Iran to defend its team title at the U17 Worlds. Other major challengers include Georgia, Azerbaijan, India, and UWW wrestlers, many of whom are continental champions.

One of the returning medalists and a strong favorite for gold is Marcus BLAZE (USA). His only loss last year was to Masanosuke ONO (JPN), and he's now looking to add a world U20 title to his U17 one.

He won't be without competition, however. Ahora KHATERI (IRI), a 2023 world U17 champ, is also looking to add a U20 gold to his resume in his first event. Khateri wrestled at the Zagreb Open this year and finished fifth. The field is further bolstered by European U20 champion Sargis BEGOYAN (ARM), silver medalist Adlan SAITIEV (UWW), Asian U20 champion Askat TOKTOMATOV (KGZ) and Allan ORALBEK (KAZ).

Ladrion LOCKETT (USA)Ladrion LOCKETT (USA) will look to upgrade his silver to gold at 74kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

Ladrion LOCKETT (USA), a silver medalist last year, is a strong contender for gold. His aggressive style and high pace will be key against opponents who often can't handle his intensity. His biggest challenge will come from European U23 champion Ismail Khaniev (UWW), European U20 champion Manuel Wagin (GER), and returning bronze medalist Aghanazar Novruzov (AZE).

Lockett defeated Novruzov in the semifinals last year, but the latter recently added a senior European bronze to his resume and could cause an upset. The field also includes Asian U20 champion Mahdi Mamivand (IRI) and European U20 silver Raul Caso (ITA), who will be at his fourth U20 Worlds.

PJ DUKE (USA), who earned a spot on the U.S. senior team for Zagreb, is now looking to upgrade his bronze medal to gold this year. Wrestling at 70kg, Duke has been in phenomenal form, memorably pinning Yianni DIAKOMIHALIS (USA) to make the senior team. A classic U.S.-Iran battle is expected in this weight class, as he'll face 2022 world U17 champion Ebrahim ELAHI (IRI), who recently won the Asian U20 gold medal. Elahi was also at the Zagreb Open but finished fifth.

While some weight classes feature clear favorites, others are wide open. The competition at 79kg is a prime example. The only returning champion is Alp Arsalan BEGENJOV (TKM), who made history as Turkmenistan's first-ever world U20 champion. However, he's had mixed results since then, including a loss to CHANDERMOHAN (IND) and a pin by AMIT (IND).

This opens the door for a host of contenders. Mahdi YOUSEFI (IRI), who lost his first bout to Begenjov last year, has since had a phenomenal run, winning a senior Asia gold, a world U23 title, and a silver at the Zagreb Open.

Leandro ARAUJO (BRA) is also looking to change the color of his medal. Araujo won bronze last year and silver at the Pan-Am U20 Championships. He'll be challenged by the wrestler who beat him in that final, William HENCKEL (USA), a potential gold medalist himself. Also in the mix are European U20 champ Davit TCHETCHELASHVILI (GEO), silver medalist Muradkhan OMAROV (AZE) and returning fifth-placers Said SAIDULOV (UWW) and Amit.

Another Iran wrestler who has improved significantly is Abolfazl RAHMANI (IRI). After winning bronze last year, he's gone on to secure gold medals at senior and U20 Asians. While not a clear favorite, a gold medal in Samokov is definitely within his reach. European U20 champion Dachi PAPINASHVILI (GEO) and silver medalist Ahmet YAGAN (TUR), a returning bronze medalist himself, will be among those hoping to deny Rahmani.

European U20 champion Konstantine PETRIASHVILI (GEO), the younger brother of Olympic champion Geno, will be looking to add another world title to his name.
Having finished eighth last year, Petriashvili will be keen on finishing on the podium this year at 97kg. But he'll face a stiff challenge from Erfan ALIZADEH (IRI), the U20 Asian champ. Alizadeh's experience on the senior circuit, where he earned a silver at the Muhamet Malo Ranking Series, could be key to navigating Petriashvili's attacks. Also in the mix is Justin RADEMACHER (USA), a returning bronze medalist who is determined to claim the gold he missed last year.

Both Ashab DADAEV (FRA) and Magomedgadzhi MAGOMEDOV (UWW) lost to Petriashvili at the European U20s in close bouts. They will look to change the result they end up meeting the Georgian in Samokov.

Kamil KURUGLIYEV (KAZ)Kamil KURUGLIYEV (KAZ) is a returning bronze medalist at 92kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Amirreza Aliasgari)

At 92kg, returning bronze medalists Anar JAFARLI (AZE) and Kamil KURUGLIYEV (KAZ) are ready to compete. Kurugliyev, a 2023 world U20 champ at 97kg and a 2022 world U17 champion, has moved down a weight class. While Jafarli lacks Kurugliyev's resume, he is a gold medal threat, having defeated the returning Connor MIRASOLA (USA) for bronze last year.

European U20 and U23 silver medalist Musza ARSUNKAEV (HUN) is also a factor, capable of upsets with a strong record that includes a 2022 world U17 silver medal. He recently finished fifth at the Budapest Ranking Series.

The 125kg class is set to be a battle of redemption and first-time glory. Yusif DURSUNOV (AZE), a former world U17 champion, is determined to claim a U20 title after a disappointing eighth-place finish last year, a goal bolstered by his recent European U20 silver.

His path to gold could be blocked by Inal GAGLOEV (UWW), the European U20 gold medalist who is stepping onto the world stage for the first time. The competition also features Pan-Am U20 champion Cole MIRASOLA (USA) and Asian U20 champion Yedige KASSIMBEK (KAZ). For Kassimbek, the stakes are high; he has lost two U17 world finals, including one to Dursunov, and is now hungry for his first major gold.

Amal DZHANDUBAEV (UWW)Amal DZHANDUBAEV (UWW) is the favorite to win gold at 65kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

The 65kg weight class has a strong favorite: Amal DZHANDUBAEV (UWW). He won both the European U20 and U23 Championships with seemingly little trouble.

Yet, there will be challenges at the world level, which include European U20 silver medalist Viktor BOROHAN (UKR) and former Euro U20 champ Abdullah TOPRAK (TUR). Both of them have already suffered a defeat to Dzhandubaev but can step up on the day. The field also includes Pan-Am U20 champion Luke STANICH (USA), Aliasghar TATHASHTIKEH (IRI), who is making his international debut, and Omurbek ASAN UULU (KGZ), a 2024 world U17 champ who won bronze at the Asian U20s.

Vasif BAGHIROV (AZE)Vasif BAGHIROV (AZE) is a two-time former world U17 champion. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Jake Kirkman)

Can former world U17 champion Vasif BAGHIROV (AZE) add a U20 title? The European U20 champion’s path to gold won't be easy, as he'll face Nika ZANGALADZE (GEO), the only wrestler to truly test him in Italy. The U.S. is pinning its hopes on Anthony KNOX (USA), who is making his international debut.

Meanwhile, Iran has a strong contender in Arshia HADDADI (IRI), a bronze medalist at both the Asian U20 and 2022 World U17 Championships. Also challenging for gold is Rin SAKAMOTO (JPN), who has been training in the U.S. at Oklahoma State University.

 Sakura ONISHI (JPN)Sakura ONISHI (JPN) is a senior Asian champion at 59kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

WOMEN'S WRESTLING

The statistic about in the first paragraph of this preview primarily highlights the strength of Women's Wrestling as seven champions from last year will be at the senior World Championships later in September.

Sakura ONISHI (JPN) and Sowaka UCHIDA (JPN) will represent Japan and the Zhang twins, Yu and Jin, will challenge for China. Christelle RODRIGUEZ (USA), Iryna BONDAR (UKR) and Jyoti BERWAL (IND), all gold medalists from Pontevedra, will also be in Zagreb.

Now back in Samokov, both Uchida and Onishi will be wrestling for their second straight world U20 gold medal at 57kg and 59kg respectively.

Since her 2024 title, Onishi has won gold medals at Asian Championships and Muhamet Malo Ranking Series. She is also a world U17 champ and silver medalist from 2023 and 2022 respectively.

Onishi will have her hands full with Hiunai HURBANOVA (AZE), who is undefeated this year with European U20, U23 and Zagreb Open golds under her belt. NEHA (IND), a 57kg bronze medalist from last year, moves up to 59kg, bringing with her a recent silver from the Budapest Ranking Series and gold from the Mongolia Open. Marta HETMANAVA (UWW) and Aubre KRAZER (USA) are also strong contenders for a podium finish.

Unlike her teammate Onishi, Uchida is coming into the competition with a spotless international record. She would like to like that record and it seems that little will trouble her in Samokov.

Some formidable wrestlers include Pan-Am U20 champion Agnia KRAKOVSKA (CAN), Asian U20 champion TAPSYA (IND), European U20 champion Felicitas DOMAJEVA (NOR), and silver medalist Tindra DALMYR (SWE). A later dropout due to injury was Alina FILIPOVYCH (UKR), a senior European medalist and former world U20 champion. 

Apart from these two, Japan's line-up includes 2022 world U20 champ Ayano MORO (JPN) at 76kg, 2023 world U17 champs Rinka OGAWA (JPN) at 50kg and Natsumi MASUDA (JPN) at 53kg, So TSUTSUI (JPN) was a 57kg silver medalist at the 2024 world U17 championships, 2023 world and Asia champion Ray HOSHINO (JPN) at 68kg and 2024 Asian U20 champ at 65kg Momoko KITADE (JPN).

At 76kg, the favorite to win gold is Ayano MORO (JPN), the 2022 world U20 champion. This weight class promises to be one of the most hotly contested, as Moro will renew her rivalry with PRIYA (IND), who she had defeated to win the title in 2022. The Indian wrestler, who won the U20 title in 2023, recently won silver at the Budapest Ranking Series and gold at Asian U23s and is a two-time world U17 champion.

The division is further stacked with returning bronze medalists Naomi SIMON (USA) and Elmira YASIN (TUR), as well as European U20 champion Nadiia SOKOLOVSKA (UKR) and silver medalist Diana TITOVA (UWW).

Audrey JIMENEZ (USA)Audrey JIMENEZ (USA) is a two-time world U20 silver medalist. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kostadin Andonov)

Ogawa will have her task cut out at 50kg as two-time world U20 silver medalist Audrey JIMENEZ (USA), who is hungry to finally claim a gold medal after two losses in the finals. Jimenez's impressive resume also includes a senior Pan-Am title and 2023 World U23 silver medal. Na HU (CHN), a 2024 world U17 champion, will aim to keep the 50kg title with China, following Yu ZHANG's (CHN) victory last year.

For Masuda at 53kg, the challenge may be tougher. Her weight class includes European U20 bronze medalist Sevval CAYIR (TUR), Asian U20 champ SAARIKA (IND), European U20 champ Anastasiia POLSKA (UKR) and European U20 champ at 50kg Kseniya KOSTSENICH (UWW).

In the highly competitive 55kg weight class, several talented wrestlers are vying for the top spot. Leading the charge is returning silver medalist Khaliun BYAMBASUREN (MGL), who brings a wealth of experience from her training in Japan.

She will face stiff competition from returning bronze medalist and European U23 champion Tuba DEMIR (TUR), Asian U20 and U23 champion REENA (IND), who also secured World U23 and U20 bronze medals in 2023, European U20 champion Gerda TEREK (HUN) and the 2024 Pan-Am U20 champion Everest LEYDECKER (USA). 

With such a deep pool of talented wrestlers, So TSUTSUI (JPN) will face a challenging path to the gold medal, especially against rivals like Byambasuren.

Hoshino, the 2023 world U20 champion, is one of the favorites at 68kg. She is in a deep field with Ayse ERKAN (TUR), a returning silver medalist and European U20 bronze winner and Oleksandra RYBAK (UKR), a strong contender with European U23 bronze and 2024 World U17 silver medals.

The field also includes Pan-Am U20 champion Eduarda BATISTA (BRA), returning bronze medalist SRISHTI (IND), and Asian U20 champion Gulnura TASHTANBEKOVA (KGZ). A new face, 2025 world U17 champion Wenjin QIU (CHN), aims for her second world title in three weeks.

At 65kg, Beyza AKKUS (TUR), who is returning silver medalist and European U20 champion, is a favorite for the gold. But she’ll have to get past Momoko KITADE (JPN), a 2024 Asian U20 champion. Both Margarita SALNAZARIAN (UWW) and Zaixue RUI (CHN), who were bronze medalists last year, are also strong contenders.

At 72kg, all eyes will be on Jasmine ROBINSON (USA), the defending champion who dominated last year's event. She's a strong favorite to win gold again. However, Yuqi LIU (CHN), the silver medalist, is focused on revenge.

KAJAL (IND), the Asian U20 champion, brings impressive credentials, including silver medals at the World and Asian U17 events this year. Another name to watch is Kristina BRATCHIKOVA (UWW), a European U23 champion who finished fifth last year.

At 62kg, European U20 champion Ruzanna MAMMADOVA (AZE) will look to win a medal after finishing fifth last year at 59kg. But she will have to go past Asian U20 champ ANJLI (IND), who also won silver at World U23 Championships last year and Pan-Am U20 champ Annika FINES (CAN).

Abolfazl FATHITAZANGI (IRI)Abolfazl FATHITAZANGI (IRI) is a returning silver medalist at 130kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

GRECO-ROMAN

Iran has won five straight team titles in Greco-Roman at the World U20 Championships. But winning the sixth will be challenging. While Iran’s line-up in 2024 was incredible, this year's does not guarantee the same.

The team, however, is still a strong contender, but countries like Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkiye, and Ukraine have their top wrestlers, and a few top UWW wrestlers are also in.

Leading the charge for Iran is Abolfazl FATHITAZANGI (IRI), a returning silver medalist at 130kg. After winning his second Asian U20 gold this year, he's the top contender for gold. Last year, he was stunned in the final by Laszlo DARABOS (HUN), who isn't competing this year. Instead, Koppany LASZLO (HUN) -- a bronze medalist from Budapest Ranking Series -- will take his place.

Other notable names include last year's world and European U17 champion Ivan YANKOVSKYI (UKR), who is making his U20 debut against wrestlers like European U20 silver medalist Ali ILIASOV (UWW) and former world U17 champion Saba PURTSELADZE (GEO). Two-time former world U17 champion Cemal BAKIR (TUR) is also in the mix, looking for his first major U20 success after placing seventh at last year's U20 Worlds and eighth at this year's European U20 Championships.

Payam AHMADI (IRI)Payam AHMADI (IRI) is one of the favorites to win gold medal at 55kg. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Kadir Caliskan)

Iran's gold medal hopes extend to Asian U20 champion Payam AHMADI (IRI), a 2023 world champion at 48kg, and now the front-runner at 55kg.

His biggest challenger is two-time former world U17 champion Turan DASHDAMIROV (AZE), who suffered his first-ever continental loss, taking silver at the European U20 Championships recently. The wrestler who handed him that defeat was Ivan SOLOMIN (UWW), who will be a formidable opponent in Samokov.

Also in the mix is Koba KARUMIDZE (GEO), a European U20 bronze and U23 silver medalist. Having lost to Dashdamirov three times already, he's eager for revenge and a shot at the gold. A dark horse to watch is Anil MOR (IND), who has shown significant improvement this year, winning gold at the Mongolian Open and bronze in Budapest. He had finished 10th last year in Pontevedra.

Zaur BESLEKOEV (UWW)Zaur BESLEKOEV (UWW), world U20 champ at 72kg, will be wrestling at 77kg in Samokov. (Photo: United World Wrestling / Jake Kirkman)

In a different weight class this year, Ahoura BOUVEIRI PIANI (IRI) returns for Iran. After finishing 16th at 72kg last year, he moved up to 77kg. This will be his third World U20s, and he's aiming for his first medal. It'll be a tough challenge, however, as the weight class includes returning world 72kg champion, Zaur BESLEKOEV (UWW), who was also a world U17 champion in 2023.

Another former world U17 champion, Anri PUTKARADZE (GEO), won the European U20 gold, and is a strong contender for the world title. He's known for his formidable par terre defense and a successful gut-wrench.

The list of contenders also includes European U20 silver medalist Davud MAMMADOV (AZE), who lost to Putkaradze in the 2024 world U17 final but has senior-level experience. Asian U23 champion Akzhan YKYLASSOV (KAZ) is also a notable entry in this stacked weight class.

Georgia brings more podium threats, including European U20 champions Aleksandre RUSITASHVILI (GEO) at 72kg and Luka KOCHALIDZE (GEO) at 87kg. Rusitashvili will face a familiar field at 72kg, led by his European rival, Gaspar TERTERYAN (ARM), a returning ninth from 67kg and 2024 Euro U20s silver medalist.

This weight class is a major focus for Greece, whose best medal hope is former world U17 champion Arionas KOLITSOPOULOS (GRE). He'll be challenged by Ahmadreza MOHAMADIAN (IRI), who is making his U20 debut and seeking revenge after losing to Kolitsopoulos in the 2023 world U17 final.

Other contenders for gold include returning 67kg silver medalist Yussuf ASHRAPOV (KAZ), former world U17 champion Joel ADAMS (USA), and Asian U20 champion Ahmad KODIROV (UZB).

For Kochalidze, repeating his results at 87kg from Euros may be tough, as the weight class features recently crowned world U17 champion, Amirsam MOHAMMADI (IRI).

The competition is further intensified by strong gold medal contenders, including Asian U20 champion and returning bronze medalist Temirlan TURDAKYN (KAZ) and European U20 silver medalist Abdurakhman ABDULKADYROV (UWW).

The 67kg weight class is shaping up to be one of the toughest in Samokov. Erzu ZAKRIEV (UWW), the returning world 63kg champion, is the favorite to claim his second title. Last year, Zakriev was dominant, his only real test coming from Anri KHOZREVANIDZE (GEO) in the semifinals.

Khozrevanidze, who is also moving up to 67kg, won bronze at the European U20s and was the U23 champion. He will be looking to avenge his loss to Zakriev and win gold. Also in the mix is returning silver medalist Otto BLACK (USA). After competing at the senior level in Budapest and Zagreb without medaling, he'll face a new set of challenges with Zakriev and Khozrevanidze now in his weight class.

Zhantoro MIRZALIEV (KGZ), the Asian U20 champion and 2023 world U20 silver medalist, is back with gold on his mind. Vladyslav POKOTYLO (UKR), European U20 silver medalist, and Fayozbek ESHMIRZAEV (UZB), Asian U20 silver medalist, are also strong favorites to reach the podium.

The 60kg weight class is stacked and leading the pack is European U20 champion Aykhan JAVADOV (AZE). He aims to add a world U20 gold to the U17 title he won last year. He will face a familiar rival in senior European bronze medalist Vakhtang LOLUA (GEO), whom Javadov defeated in last year's European U20 final.

Returning bronze medalist Papik DZHAVADIAN (UWW), a Euro U23 bronze medalist, is also a serious contender for gold. Other top names include Isaiah CORTEZ (USA), a 55kg silver last year who has moved up in weight, and Adam SILVERIN (SWE), a European U20 silver medalist hoping to improve on last year's 12th-place finish to earn Sweden its first world U20 medal since 2021.

Former world U17 champion SURAJ (IND) will make his U20 debut and his recent success makes him one of India's strongest medal hopes.

At 97kg, finalists from last year, Darius KIEFER (GER) and Yehor YAKUSHENKO (UKR), are set to resume their rivalry. Yakushenko is the defending champion, having defeated Kiefer 6-4 in the final last year in addition to beating the German wrestler in the European final as well.

However, Kiefer has already avenged his loss at the European level, defeating Yakushenko to win gold at this year. He is now focused on reversing his world U20 loss.

The field also includes strong contenders like Gor AYVAZYAN (GEO), who won a world U20 silver and European title in 2023 and a world U17 gold in 2022. He finished 12th at the U20 Euros but is a proven threat. Iran's Hadi SEYDI AVENDI (IRI), the Asian U20 champion, also has the talent to go all the way.

The 63kg weight class could be Uzbekistan's chance for gold. Following its recent success at U17 level, Uzbekistan will hope to continue the trend at the U20 Worlds. Senior Asian champion Aytjan KHALMAKHANOV (UZB) is aiming to win Uzbekistan's first U20 Greco-Roman world title since 2011.

Standing in his way are several top contenders: European U20 champion Igor PUNCHENKO (UWW), silver medalist Tural AHMADOV (AZE), and Asian U20 champion Emirlan DUISHENALIEV (KGZ).

The 82kg weight class can witness former world U17 champion Taizo YOSHIDA (JPN) win gold. He returns as a bronze medalist from last year, is the 2024 senior Asian champion. The field also has Anri DAVITADZE (GEO), whom Yoshida defeated for the bronze in Pontevedra last year.

The top challengers are Asian U20 champion Dias SEITKALIYEV (KAZ) and European U20 champion Mikhail SHKARIN (UWW), who is also a 2024 world U17 champion. Yoshida has a history with Shkarin, having defeated him in a thrilling 8-6 final at the 2023 World U17 Championships.